PRACTICAL ENGLISH

  Meaning: The phrase  ‘On the Same Page’ means to be thinking in a similar fashion, to have the same amount of knowledge, or to have the same kind of understanding about a situation as others do. everyone in agreement multiple people having the same understanding having the same information or knowledge thinking in the same way Origin: The origin of the phrase is unclear. It is sometimes attributed to singing in a choir, where all the singers had to be on the same page. It is also possible to have originated in classes and meetings, where everyone had to be reading the same page to understand what was being discussed. The first written reference in this exact form is from 1979, but the phrase probably existed before that too.  Example of Use:  Before we make any decisions today, I’d like to make sure that everyone is on the same page . We’re all on the same page . You and I are on the same page . It sounds like we are on the same page! More Example Sentences: Let u...

Meaning:   T o have a hard time choosing or deciding between two options or possibilities. Explanation : The verb tear literally means to pull something apart forcefully. Metaphorically, when we say that we are torn between something and something we are saying that we cannot decide between two options or choices , or that it is very difficult to choose. You feel torn when you really want two things, but can only choose one. Example: "I am torn between starting my own company and working at a corporation." Similar Expressions I can’t decide whether to start my own company or work at a corporation. Half of me wants to start my own company, but the other half of me wants to work for a corporation. When do we use it? We use this strong expression to show that a person is having a very hard time deciding or choosing between two things. Example Sentences I am torn between getting married and staying single. She is torn between moving to a different city for her dream job and st...

"Add fuel to the fire" Meaning:  An action, whether verbal or physical that makes a bad situation even worse. If you add fuel to the fire, you do something to make a bad situation even worse. Related words: aggravate , worsen  Usage: This phrase is used by people to describe a situation when matter is been made worse deliberately by somebody. Example Sentences His parents were already angry when he flunked the class. When they saw him drunk, it only added fuel to the fire.  Whenever we have a heated argument, no one would stoop down and the silent treatment between us only added fuel to the fire. They had been arguing for weeks and their refusal to apologize only added fuel to the fire. When Billy's angry, don't say anything. You'd just be adding fuel to the fire. Shouting at a crying child just adds fuel to the fire. Wait for John to calm down before you explain. Otherwise you'll just be adding fuel to the fire. Please don't talk to him when he's in a...

Phrase: "I don't buy it." Meaning This expression means to not believe something. It's another way of saying "I don't believe it." Usage We use this idiom to show that we do not believe something. It is appropriate to use this idiom any time we do not believe a story, excuse, or something else. Example Dialogs A) Mark said that his new girlfriend is a supermodel. B) I don’t buy it. A) Henry said that he saw a UFO last night. B) I don’t buy it. A) The report says that cows are the main cause of global warming. B) I don’t buy that report. It is also common to use this in the present continuous form. A) Mary said her father invented the smartphone. B) I am not buying that. We can emphasize this expression adding “for a second/minute”. A) This medicine can cure cancer. B) I am not buying that for a second. A) She said she is famous in her hometown. B) I don’t buy that for a second. She is a liar. Example Sentences You may think that he's an hones...

  "Taking sides" Meaning To agree with or support one person or cause against another or others in a dispute, conflict, or contest. If you take sides or take someone's side in an argument or war, you support one of the sides against the other. Related words: support, favor Example Sentences "I do not want to take sides in this matter" My mother never took sides when my brother and I argued. We cannot take sides in a civil war.  See? You're taking his side again. She refuses to take sides on the issue. There is no credibility. They are blatantly taking sides. Can the media still claim it is not taking sides for the presidency? What the government cannot do is take sides in religious matters. The peacekeeping troops must never take sides in the conflict. Both the Syrian and Egyptian parties appealed to Rome for help, but the Senate refused to take sides. The US says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, but has sent military ships and pla...

1. "Just name it" Meaning/Usage : Used to express that you are offering to do or give anything the other person asks. It's a  shortened way of saying, "tell me anything you want or need." A. "There is so much to get done today."  B. "I will help you with whatever you need. Just name it!" Example Sentences:  "I will help you with whatever you need, just name it. "  "We can do whatever you want, just name it ."  " Just name it and we can do it." Other Common Sentences "Anything you need." "Tell me what you need and I'll do it." 2. "You name it" Meaning/Usage :  You say you name it , usually after or before a list, to indicate that you are talking about a very wide range of things or there are many things to choose from. Example Sentences: Pickled cucumbers, jam, pickled berries, tomatoes; you name it , they've got it. Gin, vodka, whiskey, beer - you name it, I've got it...

Phrase: "It serves you right" Meaning:   Expressing that justice happened because the person got what they deserved.  If you say it serves someone right when something unpleasant happens to them, you mean that it is their own fault and you have no sympathy for them. This is usually said when something bad happens to someone who continually did something bad. Used to say that someone who has behaved badly deserves a particular punishment, problem, etc. Example Dialog 1 A.   "Can you believe Kim got fired from work?" B.   " Serves her right . She was always late or calling in sick." A.   "I guess you're right, but I hope she finds a new job . " B.   "Me too." Example Dialog 2 A: "I heard his wife is divorcing him."  B: "It serves him right after the way he's treated her." Example Dialog 3 A: "Oh my God! I've got the worst hangover ever!"  B: " Serves you right! I told you not to drink so muc...