"Speak like a native lesson" No #24/💯

Cream of the crop: Meaning: The cream of the crop refers to the best or highest quality of something or someone within a particular group or category. Explanation: This phrase is used to describe the top or most exceptional individuals or things in a given context. Examples: a) The top three finalists in the singing competition were the cream of the crop, showcasing extraordinary talent. b) The university only accepts the cream of the crop in terms of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

Fishy: Meaning: When something seems fishy, it appears suspicious, questionable, or dishonest. Explanation: This phrase is often used to express doubt or skepticism about a situation, person, or event. Examples: a) The salesman's overly smooth talk and unrealistic promises made the deal seem fishy to the customer. b) The sudden change in his story about his whereabouts last night made his alibi seem fishy to the police.

Put one's finger on (something): Meaning: To put one's finger on something means to identify or pinpoint a specific problem, issue, or feeling. Explanation: This phrase is used when someone is trying to express or articulate a particular thought, concern, or difficulty. Examples: a) I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about this painting that evokes strong emotions in me. b) She struggled to put her finger on why she felt uneasy in the new office environment.

Judge a book by its cover: Meaning: To judge a book by its cover means to form an opinion about something or someone based solely on their external appearance or initial impression, without considering their true nature or qualities. Explanation: This phrase warns against making hasty judgments or assumptions without proper knowledge or understanding. Examples: a) Although he appeared scruffy and disheveled, it would be wrong to judge him by his cover. He is actually a highly skilled musician. b) The dilapidated exterior of the house may look unattractive, but judging a book by its cover would be a mistake since the interior is beautifully renovated.

Put up with: Meaning: To put up with something means to tolerate, endure, or accept a situation, often reluctantly or without complaint. Explanation: This phrase is used when someone chooses to bear or endure something unpleasant rather than taking action to change or avoid it. Examples: a) She puts up with her noisy neighbors because she doesn't want to cause conflict. b) I can't put up with his constant procrastination any longer. It's affecting our project deadlines.

Full of oneself: Meaning: When someone is full of oneself, it means they have an excessive or exaggerated sense of their own importance, abilities, or achievements. Explanation: This phrase is used to describe someone who is self-centered, egotistical, or excessively proud. Examples: a) Ever since he won the award, he has become so full of himself, bragging about his accomplishments to everyone he meets. b) She's always talking about her own achievements and dismissing others' contributions. She's really full of herself.

Pull strings: Meaning: To pull strings means to use one's influence, connections, or power to manipulate a situation or gain an advantage. Explanation: This phrase implies that someone is able to exert control or influence over others, often behind the scenes. Examples: a) He managed to get the job offer through his uncle's connections. His uncle pulled some strings at the company. b) The politician was able to expedite the approval process by pulling some strings with government officials.

Waste one's breath: Meaning: To waste one's breath means to speak or argue in vain or without any chance of being heard, understood, or making Explanation: This phrase suggests that the act of speaking or making an effort to communicate is futile and won't yield any desired outcome. Examples: a) Trying to convince him to change his mind is a waste of breath. He's stubborn and won't listen to any reasoning. b) I've been sharing my concerns with management for months, but it feels like I'm wasting my breath. They don't seem interested in addressing the issues.

Hands are tied: Meaning: When someone's hands are tied, it means they are unable to take action or make decisions due to external constraints or limitations. Explanation: This phrase implies that the person is powerless or restricted in their ability to act. Examples: a) I would love to help you, but my hands are tied because of the company's strict policies. b) The judge wanted to deliver a lighter sentence, but her hands were tied by the mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

Make one's own way: Meaning: To make one's own way means to forge or create one's own path or success without relying on others for support or guidance. Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the individual's independence, self-reliance, and determination. Examples: a) Despite facing many obstacles, she was determined to make her own way in the competitive music industry. b) He refused to rely on his family's wealth and worked hard to make his own way, starting his own business from scratch.

Set (24 ) a. put my finger on it b. the cream of the crop c. brains d. pull strings e. make their own way f. fishy g. waste my breath h. hands are tied i. put up with j. judge a book by its cover k. too full of herself