Slang 15

1. a blessing in disguise – (noun) something that seems bad but is actually good

I moved to Japan in 1989 to make some money fast, and it was a blessing in disguise because I learned I loved teaching ESL.

2. beat around the bush – (verb) speaking indirectly instead of just saying what you want to say

I have to go soon, so please stop beating around the bush. What exactly do you want me to do for you?

3. can’t stand something – (verb) to dislike something [usually followed by a gerund or pronoun]

I can’t stand having to do homework on Sunday, so I try to get it done Friday afternoon.

I can’t stand him. Every time I see him he insults me.

4. check out – (verb)go look at something or do something

You should check out the free Friday concerts at the De Young. They can be really good. The new season starts on June 2.

5. Don't sweat it. – (expression) Don’t worry about it.

A: I’m so sorry. When I borrowed your car, I accidently scratched it.

B: Don’t sweat it. There were a lot of scratches on my car already.

6. easier said than done – (adjective) used for something that is easy to say, but hard to actually do

Before I moved to the US, I thought I would be a fluent English speaker within the first two years. Well, let me tell you that becoming fluent is easier said than done.

7.Get out of town.– (expression) I don't believe you. [used when you are surprised by someone’s news]

You got an A in your Finance class? Get out of town.You said that you did horribly on the final test.

8. get over it– (verb) forget about somethingor at least don’t get upset about a bad thing that has happened to you in the past

I know that failing the entrance exam was disappointing, but that was three weeks ago. You need to get over it and start studying for the next time you can take it.

9. has/have gotten off track – (verb) forgot about a future goal

I’m worried that my friend has gotten off track. When he went away to college, he was a straight A student. Now all he does is hang out with his friends and party. He failed two classes last semester.

10. be on the wagon – (verb) stop drinking alcohol

A: Do you want some wine?

B: No, thanks. I’m on the wagon this month. I’m trying to lose 10 pounds before bikini season starts.