Speak like a native lesson No #34/💯

Rat race: Meaning: A way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power. Explanation: The phrase "rat race" describes the competitive and demanding nature of modern society, where individuals are constantly striving to gain wealth, success, or power. It implies a sense of relentless competition and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending pursuit of material or social advancement. Examples: a) John was exhausted from the constant pressure and long working hours that came with the rat race of corporate life. b) Sarah decided to leave her high-paying job in the city and pursue a simpler life in the countryside, escaping the rat race and finding more personal fulfillment

Get someone down: Meaning: To depress or demoralize someone. Explanation: When someone or something gets you down, it means that it makes you feel sad, disheartened, or demotivated. It refers to a situation or event that negatively affects your mood or emotional well-being. Examples: a) The constant criticism from her supervisor started to get her down, and she began to doubt her abilities. b) Don't let setbacks get you down; instead, use them as learning opportunities and motivation to improve

Bite more than one can chew: Meaning: To take more responsibility than one can handle. Explanation: This phrase means to take on more tasks, commitments, or responsibilities than one is capable of managing effectively. It suggests that a person has overestimated their abilities or capacity to handle a particular situation. Examples: a) I wanted to impress my boss, so I volunteered to lead three major projects simultaneously. However, I soon realized that I had bitten off more than I could chew. b) Jake thought he could balance a full-time job, night classes, and a social life, but he quickly discovered he had bitten off more than he could chew.

Run/Go around in circles: Meaning: To keep doing or talking about the same thing without achieving anything. Explanation: When someone runs or goes around in circles, it means they engage in repetitive actions or discussions that fail to make progress or reach a resolution. It implies a sense of being stuck or caught in an unproductive cycle. Examples: a) The committee has been discussing the issue for months but seems to be going around in circles without reaching a decision. b) Instead of addressing the root cause of the problem, the team kept running in circles by focusing on superficial solutions.

Simmer down: Meaning: To slow down. Explanation: The phrase "simmer down" is often used to describe the act of calming down, becoming less agitated, or reducing the intensity of a situation. It suggests the need for a decrease in emotional or physical activity. Examples: a) The argument between the siblings grew heated, but eventually, they both realized they needed to simmer down and find a compromise. b) After a busy and stressful day at work, she took a long bath to help her simmer down and relax.

Go/Get nowhere: Meaning: To make no progress. Explanation: When someone or something is described as going or getting nowhere, it means they are not making any advancement or achieving their desired outcome. It implies a lack of productivity or results. Examples: a) Despite her efforts to learn a new language, she felt like she was going nowhere because she struggled to retain the vocabulary. b) The negotiations between the two countries went nowhere as neither side was willing to compromise.

Come clean: Meaning: To be completely honest; to keep nothing hidden. Explanation: When someone is encouraged to come clean, it means they are urged to confess or reveal the truth about something. It implies a desire for transparency and honesty. Examples: a) After months of hiding the truth, he finally decided to come clean about his involvement in the incident. b) The politician faced mounting pressure to come clean about his financial dealings and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Clean/clear conscience: Meaning: To feel free of guilt or responsibility. Explanation: Having a clean or clear conscience means feeling morally upright and free from guilt, remorse, or any sense of wrongdoing. It suggests a state of inner peace and satisfaction with one's actions or decisions. Examples: a) Despite the challenges he faced, he always acted ethically and could go to bed at night with a clear conscience. b) She apologized sincerely for her mistake, and her clear conscience allowed her to move forward and learn from it.