Definition: To not know the answer or solution to a question or problem.

Example dialogue: He should be home by now. Where do you think he is?

Beats me. Maybe he had to work late.

Definition: Something upsetting or depressing.

Example dialogue: Oh no! My computer crashed before I could save my essay! What a bummer!

Definition: Unpleasant or uninteresting.

Example dialogue: What are we doing tonight honey?

Well, I'm watching the Indians in the World Series.

Ugh, baseball. What a drag. I'm going out.

Definition: Impressive, enjoyable, exceptional, excellent, nice.

Example dialogue: That's a cool jacket.

Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

Definition: Financially profitable.

Example dialogue: So, how's business?

Great! We've been in the black for several months now.

Wow, congratulations!

Thanks.

Definition: To be in debt; to operate a business at a financial deficit or loss; to have a negative net worth.

Example dialogue: Have you heard the bad news about the company?

No. What is it?

It lost a lot of money.

Really?

Yeah, it's been in the red for over six months.

Definition: Not yet completed; unfinished.

Example dialogue: Have you finished your project yet?

No, not yet, it's still in the works.

Isn't it due tomorrow?

Yeah, it's going to be a late night for me, I'm afraid.

Definition: Feeling anxiety, nervousness or great expectation.

Example dialogue: Did you go to the US Open this year?

I sure did and saw Agassi play Sampras.

Wow, that must have been great!

Yeah, I was on the edge of my seat the entire match.

Definition: To bet, invest or spend as much money as one likes.

Example dialogue: Gee honey, don't you think this restaurant is too expensive? I mean, we plan to go out dancing after, don't we?

We sure do, darling. But tonight the sky's the limit. We're going to enjoy ourselves for once!

Definition: To ask the wrong person or look for information in the wrong place.

Example dialogue: I can't believe my superintendent. I've asked him three times to fix my leaking pipes.

You're barking up the wrong tree. The super only cleans the building. You need to have the landlord call a plumber.

Ugh! The landlord's on vacation for a month.

Definition: To be boring when other people want to have fun.

Example dialogue: Have you met Sandra, Jason's new girlfriend?

Yeah, she's really cute but a bit of a wet blanket.

What do you mean?

We were having a great time at the Limelight, and all she did was complain that the music was too loud.

Definition: To be influenced or controlled by someone.

Example dialogue: I don't think the new guy in my department likes me.

You? Don't worry. In a few weeks he'll be eating out of your hand.

I hope so.

Definition: To be passionately in love.

Example dialogue: What's David been up to lately? I haven't seen him.

Haven't you heard? He's head over heels about Johanna.

So, is he moving to Colombia?

Definition: To be in trouble.

Example dialogue: Did you see the math teacher looking at you during the test.

Yeah, do you think he knew I was cheating?

Seems like it.

Guess I'm in hot water now.

Definition: To be distracted or not feeling well.

Example dialogue: OK. Let's try it again. Ready?

I'm sorry, I keep screwing everything up. I'm so out of it today.

Definition: To be very excited.

Example dialogue: Are you going to Samantha's picnic for the Fourth of July?

Yeah, I'm really psyched! All my friends will be there!

Definition: To be raining heavily.

Example dialogue: Davey...

What Goliath?

Don't forget your umbrella. It's raining cats and dogs.

Definition: To be extremely busy.

Example dialogue: Can you come out with us for a drink tonight?

I'm sorry, but I'm up to my ears with all this paper work for my taxes.

You're no fun!

Definition: To talk about anything except the main point.

Example dialogue: Hey, are you coming with me tonight?

Uh, well, I have a lot of work to do. And I really should do my laundry.

Come on, don't beat around the bush! Do you want to go or not?

Well, I guess not. Thanks anyway.

Definition: To try exceptionally hard to please someone.

Example dialogue: So, when did you get out of prison?

A few days ago.

Wow! I imagine you're really happy to be home.

Everyone's really bent over backwards to make me feel welcome.

Definition: To annoy someone.

Example dialogue: What is that noise?

Nothing. Oh, you mean that? I'm clicking my pen.

That really bugs me. Stop it, would you?

Definition: To stop something.

Example dialogue: So you finally told her.

Yeah, I called it quits before she'd expect something more.

That's good. I'm sure it's really the best thing for both of you.

I guess so, boo hoo, sob, sob...

Definition: To exchange past information.

Example dialogue: I can't believe I haven't seen you in 15 years.

Yeah, I know. But you still look the same.

So do you. Let's have a drink and catch up on things.

Definition: To look at closely; to examine.

Example dialogue: Do you see anyone here that you know?

No, but check out that girl in the corner. She's cute.

Her? That's my sister!

Definition: To talk.

Example dialogue: What did you do last night? I tried calling you three times.

Oh, I was out with my friend Marcy.

What did you do all that time?

Just laughed and chewed the fat.

Definition: To be extremely expensive.

Example dialogue: Nice suit, it must have cost an arm and a leg.

No, I got it on sale.

Wow. Are there any left?

Not in your size, I'm sure.

Definition: To flatulate.

Example dialogue: Ew.... What smells? Rick, did you cut the cheese again?

Ugh. He did. Somebody roll down the windows before I faint.

Definition: To do something without suffering any negative consequences or punishment.

Example dialogue: I haven't completely finished my report, but I put it on her desk anyway.

Really? Do you think you'll get away with it?

I don't care, I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow.

Definition: To get excited by or really like someone or something.

Example dialogue: I've never seen anyone so happy about playing chess. You really get off on it don't you?

No, I just like winning against you!

Definition: To stop annoying someone.

Example dialogue: You just can't get it right, can you?

Get off my back, I've only just learned.

Yeah, well, it only took me three times and I got it.

Well, we can't all be as perfect as you.

Definition: To make a special allowance; to make something easier for someone.

Example dialogue: Could you help me in the kitchen when you finish washing the car?

Give me a break! I've been doing chores all day.

That's no way to talk to your mother.

Definition: To do or give everything possible to help someone.

Example dialogue: I can't believe they fired you from your job. It's so unfair.

Yeah, I know. But sometimes these things happen for a reason. I might need a little help, though, until I find another job.

You bet. You know I'd give you the shirt off my back if you needed it.

Definition: To play when one should be working.

Example dialogue: Does anyone have an answer for the fifth question? Class? Hello? Okay, what's the problem in the back row?

Mr. Rogers, I can't seem to concentrate because these two next to me keep goofing off.

Definition: To get something to eat quickly.

Example dialogue: Boy, am I hungry!

So am I, but I only have an hour before my next class.

Well, let's grab a bite to eat at that Chinese take out.

Definition: To be angry with someone.

Example dialogue: So, Mikey, how's your roomate Max?

He's not around very much lately. As a matter of fact, I have a bone to pick with him.

Why? What did he do?

Well, he had some friends over last night and he left without cleaning up.

Definition: To like someone romantically before knowing them well.

Example dialogue: Do you think Kevin will be at the dance?

I think so, why?

I think he's really cute and nice.

Sounds like you've got a crush on him!

Definition: To mislead or treat badly.

Example dialogue: Hasn't Mike called you yet about Saturday?

No, I wish he would stop jerking me around and let me know!

You're right. I'd forget about him and ask that cute teacher David to go with you.

Definition: To have children move away from their parents' home.

Example dialogue: Martha, what have you been doing lately? I haven't seen you in so long.

Well, Mark and I have bought a camper and are touring around the country.

Wow, that sounds great!

Yeah, well it's something we always said we would do when the kids left the nest.

Definition: To play in a careless or reckless way.

Example dialogue: We get off at the next stop. Get ready.

Mom, what does this thing do?

Bruno, I told you before, stop monkeying around. Here's our stop. Let's go.

Definition: To admit to doing something.

Example dialogue: Did you hear about the woman who accused someone else of killing her two boys?

Incredible! But I hear she owned up to committing the murders after all.

Yeah, what a sick woman.

Definition: To wildly celebrate in public.

Example dialogue: Hey! Guess what? I got a raise!

Great, congratulations! So, what are we going to do to celebrate?

Let's go out and paint the town red.

Sounds good. Let's go!

Definition: To get information from a very knowledgeable person.

Example dialogue: I'd really love to know what's wrong with my car. I've been trying to fix it for a week.

Well, I have a friend who's a mechanic. Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow night and pick his brain?

Thanks, that'd be great!

Definition: To do something without a formal plan; to improvise.

Example dialogue: So, what are we going to do when I visit you in Los Angeles?

I'm not sure yet. Let's play it by ear and decide when you get here.

Okay, see you next Monday.

Definition: To be joking or teasing.

Example dialogue: I just won a million dollars in the lottery!

Stop pulling my leg. That's impossible.

No, really. Look, here's the check.

Wow! That's fantastic!

Definition: To sound familiar.

Example dialogue: Did you ever see that movie where the large white shark terrorizes a small town?

Let me see.... It does ring a bell, but I can't remember the title.

Neither can I, but I remember it had something to do with a mouth.

Definition: To treat very badly.

Example dialogue: How come you aren't driving your new car?

Oh, that hunk of junk? It hasn't started in weeks.

Wow, you really got screwed on that deal.

Definition: To make a decision after sleeping the entire night.

Example dialogue: Did you decide whether you'll take that new job?

No, there's so much to consider, and they need to know tomorrow.

I'm sure after you sleep on it you'll make the right decision.

Definition: To vomit.

Example dialogue: Wooh, your boyfriend was really drunk last night.

Really, Maho? How did you know?

He tossed his cookies all over my car.

Ew!

Definition: Not feeling well; sick; ill.

Example dialogue: What's the matter? You look under the weather.

Yeah, I know. I'm just getting over the flu.

Oh, I hope you feel better.

Thanks.

Definition: Many bad things tend to happen at the same time.

Example dialogue: How was your vacation?

It was great until I decided to take a hike. I got lost in the mountains,

fell off a rock, twisted my ankle and then when I finally returned to my

car, I didn't have the keys.

Wow, when it rains it pours!