Speak like native lesson No 19

Settle down: Meaning: To calm down and become quiet and relaxed; to establish oneself in a stable and permanent situation, typically through marriage or finding a long-term residence. Explanation: When someone is told to "settle down," it usually means to stop behaving in a wild or erratic manner and to become more calm and stable. It can also refer to finding a stable and long-term living situation or partner. Example 1: After the party, it took me a while to settle down and get to sleep because I was still feeling so energetic. Example 2: I finally feel like I've settled down in my new job and am getting the hang of things.

b. Cheer up: Meaning: To become happier or to make someone else feel happier. Explanation: When someone is feeling down or sad, they may need a little cheering up to lift their spirits. This can involve offering words of encouragement, doing something fun or relaxing, or simply being there for them. Example 1: Whenever I'm feeling sad, my dog always knows how to cheer me up with her wagging tail and playful energy. Example 2: I sent my friend a funny meme to cheer her up after she had a tough day at work.

c. Make up my mind: Meaning: To make a decision after considering all the options. Explanation: When faced with a difficult choice or decision, we may need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons and consider our priorities before making up our minds. Example 1: I've been trying to make up my mind about whether to move to a new city or stay where I am, but it's a tough decision. Example 2: After much deliberation, I finally made up my mind to go back to school and get my degree.

d. Think outside the box: Meaning: To approach a problem or situation in a creative and unconventional way. Explanation: When we think "inside the box," we are limiting ourselves to traditional or established ways of doing things. To think "outside the box" means to consider new and innovative solutions or approaches. Example 1: We need to think outside the box if we want to come up with a new marketing strategy that will set us apart from our competitors. Example 2: The designer's unconventional approach to fashion is a result of her tendency to think outside the box.

e. Comes my way: Meaning: To happen or become available to someone unexpectedly. Explanation: When an opportunity or situation arises unexpectedly, we might say that it "comes our way." This can refer to both positive and negative situations. Example 1: I didn't plan on taking a gap year, but when the opportunity to travel around Europe came my way, I couldn't resist. Example 2: I'm not actively looking for a new job, but I'm keeping my eyes open in case a better opportunity comes my way.

f. Things are looking up: Meaning: Things are improving or getting better. Explanation: When we say that "things are looking up," it means that we have reason to be optimistic about the future or current situation. Example 1: After a rocky start, things are finally looking up for our business thanks to some new partnerships we've formed. Example 2: I was feeling pretty down about my grades, but after getting a good score on my latest exam, things are looking up.

g. Don't mind: Meaning: To not be bothered by something; to give permission or express willingness. Explanation: When someone says "don't mind" in response to a request or statement, it means that they are okay with it and have no objections. Example 1: "Do you mind if I borrow your pencil?" " Example 2: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you." "Don't mind, it's okay."

h. Cut out to be: Meaning: To have the necessary qualities or abilities to do something. Explanation: When someone is said to be "cut out to be" a certain type of person or to excel in a certain area, it means that they possess the necessary skills, personality traits, or natural abilities to succeed in that field. Example 1: After years of struggling to find my passion, I finally realized that I was cut out to be a teacher. Example 2: Despite his lack of experience, John proved to be a natural leader and was cut out to be a manager.

i. You've got a point there: Meaning: To acknowledge that someone has made a valid or persuasive argument. Explanation: When someone says "you've got a point there," it means that they agree with the speaker's argument or reasoning. Example 1: "I think we should delay the project until we have more resources." "You've got a point there - rushing into it could do more harm than good." Example 2: "I don't see why we need to change the schedule." "Well, if we want to accommodate more people, we'll need to make some adjustments." "Hmm, you've got a point there."

j. For the record: Meaning: To clarify or emphasize a statement so that it is accurately recorded or remembered. Explanation: When someone says "for the record," it means that they are making a statement that they want to ensure is accurately recorded or remembered. It is often used in formal or legal settings. Example 1: "For the record, I did not approve the use of those funds for personal expenses." Example 2: "Just so we're clear, for the record, I didn't witness anything illegal or unethical during the meeting."

k. Pay dividends: Meaning: To produce positive results or benefits in the future as a result of investing time, effort, or resources in something now. Explanation: When someone says that something will "pay dividends," it means that it will result in future benefits or rewards. Example 1: "I know it's a lot of work to study for this certification, but it will pay dividends in the long run when you're eligible for higher-paying jobs." Example 2: "Investing in renewable energy now may be expensive, but it will pay dividends in the future when we're less dependent on fossil fuels."

Set ( 19) a. settle down b. Cheer up c. make up my mind d. think outside the box e. comes my way f.Things are looking up g. don't mind h. cut out to be i. you've got a point there j. For the record k. pay dividends