Photo by Ricardo Esquivel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-wall-alley-1580173/
Out of the Blue
Meaning: randomly, without warning, surprisingly
Sample Sentence: He complimented me out of the blue so I felt a bit speechless.
Sample Dialogue:
A: We need to talk about our weekend plans.
B: Yeah, right. I’m so excited to travel.
A: Anyway, how are you and John?
B: Wow, that came out of the blue. Why did you ask?
A: I just noticed that you don’t go out together recently.
B: Oh, to be honest; our relationship is a bit on the rocks.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-leafed-plant-selective-focus-photography-35196/
Green with Envy
Meaning: to be very jealous, envious
Sample Sentence: Katie was green with envy when she saw her brother got a new car for his birthday.
Sample Dialog:
A: Where is Katie?
B: She has looked herself up in her room.
A: What? Why?
B: Well, she was green with envy when she saw her brother got a new car for his birthday.
A: But didn’t their parents give her what she wanted on her birthday?
B: Yeah. She asked for a luxury bag which they have given her.
A: Katie is such a spoiled brat.
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-leafed-plant-selective-focus-photography-35196/
Gray area
Meaning: something that is unclear, undefined
Sample Sentence: There were a lot of gray areas in your report.
A: Good morning, Sir. Did you call for me?
B: Yes. Please, have a seat.
A: Is there any problem?
B: It’s not really something major but I need you to go over the financial report submitted yesterday. There are a couple of gray areas. I just need you to recheck.
A: Sure, Sir. I’ll make sure it would be done by today.
B: Thank you.
Photo by Chevanon Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-red-siamese-fighting-fish-325044/
Caught Red-handed
Meaning: to catch someone in the act of doing something
Sample Sentence: He was caught red-handed while going out with his mistress.
Sample Dialog:
A: Have you heard the rumors?
B: Which one?
A: About Nick and Jane? Jane has filed for divorce.
B: Oh, that’s not a rumor. It’s true.
A: Why? What happened? Did I miss something while I’m away?
B: Oh, yes. Jane has caught Nick red-handed while going out with his mistress.
A: Geez.
Photo by Alena Koval: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-s-left-hand-holding-green-leaf-plant-886521/
Green Thumb
Meaning: to be skilled at gardening
Sample Sentence: My mother has a green thumb. It’s as if there’s magic in her hands.
A: Can we drop by the Gardening Section? I just need to check if there are Astilbe seeds.
B: Oh, I didn’t know you do gardening.
A: It’s for my Mom, actually. She has a green thumb. She could grow anything! It’s as if there’s magic in her hands.
B: Wow. I would like to see her plants.
Photo by Sy Donny: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-smartphone-beside-binder-clip-speaker-and-eyeglasses-on-black-textile-1841841/
Black Sheep
Meaning: to be the outcast, the odd one out, unlike the others
Sample Sentence: Bruno is the black sheep in the family because she decided to pursue a career in music whereas everyone else is in the field of medicine.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Who is he?
B: Oh, Bruno. He’s my cousin.
A: He looks quite familiar.
B: Is he? You must have seen him on TV.
A: Is he a celebrity or something?
B: He’s a musician.
A: Oh! I remember him! He’s really good. Is he from a family of musicians?
B: Well, Bruno is the black sheep in the family because she decided to pursue a career in music whereas everyone else is in the field of medicine.
Photo by Mo Eid: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-person-standing-on-dock-during-sunset-9888656/
Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: very rarely
Sample Sentence: I go out once in a blue moon.
Sample Dialogue:
A: What will you do this weekend?
B: The usual. I’ll just stay home.
A: Don’t you get bored just staying home?
B: Nah. I’m usually in front of my computer. I’m currently finishing a novel that I’m planning to submit to a major publishing house.
A: Wow, best of luck!
Photo by Hiếu Hoàng: https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-red-dahlia-flower-641367/
Take the Red Eye
Meaning: a late night flight that arrives early in the morning.
Sample Sentence: I took the red eye from Bangkok to Manila last night.
Sample Dialog:
A: How was your vacation?
B: It was fun but a little exhausting especially going back.
A: What happened?
B: I booked late; so, I took the red eye from Bangkok to Manila last night. Now, I feel exhausted.
A: You should book earlier next time. You’re still lucky; you’ve got a seat amidst the holiday.
B: You’re right.
Photo by tyler hendy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-concrete-building-204725/
Tickled Pink
Meaning: to be extremely pleased
Sample Sentence: I was tickled pink when he took me out for dinner.
Sample Dialog:
A: Yesterday was your wedding anniversary, right?
B: Yes.
A: So, what did you do?
B: Well, I was tickled pink when he took me out for dinner. We went to the newly opened French Italian restaurant downtown.
A: That’s great! How was the food there?
B: It costs an arm and a leg but it’s all worth it.
Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-white-shells-1883386/
White Lie
Meaning: a small lie that is told to be polite or avoid hurting someone’s feelings
Sample Sentence: I didn’t like the bag that he has chosen but I told a white lie because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
Sample Dialog:
A: Have you seen Xavier’s bag?
B: Not yet. What about it?
A: Well, he asked me if it looks good. I actually hated it but I told a white lie since I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
B: Speaking of the devil. There he is! I see what you’re talking about. It looks weird but it also looks nice. I like it.
A: Oh, well.
B: To each his own, right?