English with
Pat and Pops
From Our Episodes... Idioms!
We’ll use the scale below to rank these idioms according to how common it is to hear them in conversation.
Common - frequently
(these idioms are heard in everyday conversation or can be used in a wide range of situations)
Fairly common - semi-regularly
(these idioms are heard less often than ‘common’ ones or are slightly more specific)
Uncommon - rarely
(these idioms have a very specific meaning or may only be heard in certain regions)
Episode 1 - Breaking the Ice
1) Break the ice (Fairly common)
​Definition: To attempt to talk with someone for the first time and form a relationship
Example: Pat sees an attractive girl at the end of the bar that he wants to talk to and asks Pops for advice.
Pat says, “Hey Pops, I really think that girl over there is cute! How should I approach her?”
Pops shouts back, “Just break the ice, man! Go for it!”
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2) Up in the air (Common)
Definition: Unresolved, undecided
Example: Pat and Pops get invited to a party at Maria’s house.
Pat asks, “Pops, do you think you’re going to go to the party tonight?
Pops responds, “I’m still up in the air about it, since I have to work. I’ll decide later.”
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3) Beat around the bush (Common)
Definition: To avoid saying something
Example: Pat wants to know if the girl he’s interested in likes him back and asks Pop’s opinion.
Pat asks, “Hi Pops, I don’t think it went too well with Alice the other night. Have you heard anything?”
Pops mumbles, “Umm…well, I don’t know…”
Pat cuts him off, “Don’t beat around the bush! Give it to me straight.”
Pops says,”Sorry, Pat. I heard that she doesn’t feel the same way.”
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Episode 2 - Butter My Butt and Call Me a Biscuit
4) Drop me a line (Common)
Definition: Send a quick message
Example: Dave is working on a project for his boss, James.
James says, “Hi Dave. I need that project for the client urgently, so drop me a line when it’s done.”
Dave replies, “Sure thing boss, I’ll send it over right away.”
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5) Nuts and bolts (Fairly common)
Definition: The basics
Example: Chris arrives home from his first day of work at his new job and is greeted by his wife, Emily.
Emily asks, “Hi honey, what did you do on your first day?”
Chris responds, “I set up my email, toured the office and met with the department heads. That’s the nuts and bolts!”
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6) Butter my butt and call me a biscuit (Uncommon)
Definition: To express astonishment, amazement
Example: Two friends, Ruben and Carlos, live in Puerto Rico. Ruben walks outside and realizes it’s snowing.
Ruben exclaims, “Carlos, you won’t believe it, it’s snowing outside!”
Carlos yells back, “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit! This is the first snowfall we’ve ever had!”
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Episode 3 - The Ball Is in Your Court
7) The ball is in your court (Common)
​​Definition: It’s up to you, it’s your decision
Example: Mike and Sarah have plans to go to the beach tomorrow, but Mike’s boss calls him to ask if he can come into work.
Sarah says, “I don’t want to go to the beach alone, so the ball is in your court as to whether or not we go.”
Mike replies, “I work enough as it is, let’s hit the beach!”
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8) Cool as a cucumber (Fairly common)
Definition: Calm and composed
Example: Julie has an interview for a potential job today. Her husband Peter wants to make sure she is prepared.
Peter says, “Make sure you dress your best and give off a good first impression with everyone today, sweetie.”
Julie responds, “Don’t worry, Peter. I’m as cool as a cucumber.”
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9) By the skin of your teeth (Uncommon)
Definition: Barely
Example: Brandon is waiting at the train station and notices a man running towards him as the train approaches.
Brandon asks, “Is everything ok, sir?”
The stranger replies, “Yes! I got stuck in traffic and made it here by the skin of my teeth!”
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Episode 4 - It’s Not Rocket Science
10) It’s not rocket science (Fairly common)
Definition: It’s not complicated
Example: Pat is training Pops for his new job as a cashier.
Pat says, “Hey Pops, this is how you open the cash register. Do you understand?”
Pops answers, “Yeah, it’s easy. I just push this button right here.”
Pat continues, “You got it. It’s not rocket science.”
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11) Spill the beans (Fairly common)
Definition: To give away a secret
Example: Jeremy tells his cousin, Joshua, about an upcoming surprise party for his brother.
​Jeremy says, “Joshua, there will be a surprise party for my brother at 2 o’clock next Saturday. I know you’re going to see him this week, so be sure you don’t spill the beans!”
Joshua replies, “Not to worry. I won’t say anything.”
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12) Under the weather (Common)
Definition: To feel ill, sick
Example: Tom and Christine arrive at their favorite restaurant expecting to meet Jake and Sheila for dinner.
​Jake asks, “How’s it going, guys?”
Tom responds, “We’re great. Where’s Sheila? Is she running late?”
Jake says, “Well, she’s actually feeling a bit under the weather, so she decided to stay home.”
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Episode 5 - The Sky's the Limit
13) The sky’s the limit (Fairly common)
Definition: Anything is possible
Example: Bill and Diane are coworkers planning an office Christmas party.
Bill asks, “Hey Diane, what do you think about booking a band to play at the party?”
Diane replies, “Sounds like a great idea to me!”
Bill adds, “You don’t think it’s a little too much? Maybe it’s too expensive?”
Diane says, “Not at all. The budget for the party is $5,000, so the sky’s the limit!”
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Episode 6 - A Fish Out of Water
14) A fish out of water (Fairly common)
Definition: Someone who feels uncomfortable in a new situation
Example: Peter and Adam are friends who won tickets to go to the opera.
Peter says, "Hey, our seats are over this way. Follow me!"
Adam remarks, "Wow, this is a really nice theater, but I feel a little uncomfortable wearing my tuxedo. I've never worn one before."
Peter responds, "Yeah, I feel like a fish out of water. But don't worry, you looks sharp!"
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Episode 7 - The Cold Shoulder
15) Give (someone) the cold shoulder (Fairly common)
Definition: To treat someone in an unfriendly way; to ignore someone
Example: Daryl and Steven pass Daryl's old boss while walking down the street.
Daryl remarks, "Did you see that guy who just walked by? That was my old boss."
Steven asks, "Oh really? How come you didn't say hello?"
Daryl explains, "He was really angry when I quit, so now he just gives me the cold shoulder."
Steven replies, "Oh that's a shame. It's probably best to not say anything to him if he's just going to ignore you."
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