"Speak like native" lesson No #22

Make a hit: To achieve a great success or accomplish something notable. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase refers to achieving a significant and impressive result, often in a specific endeavor or task. Examples: a) The new product launch made a hit in the market, with sales exceeding all expectations. b) The actor's performance in the play was outstanding and made a hit with both the audience and critics.

Knock someone out: To render someone unconscious or overpower them with a powerful blow. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase describes the act of physically incapacitating someone by delivering a forceful blow that causes them to lose consciousness or be knocked down. Examples: a) The boxer delivered a powerful punch to his opponent's jaw, knocking him out cold. b) The security guard managed to knock out the intruder with a single well-aimed strike.

Keep one's fingers crossed: To hope for a positive outcome or success while awaiting results or a decision. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase suggests the act of crossing one's fingers, which is believed to bring good luck or ward off bad luck. It is used to express a desire or anticipation for something to go well. Examples: a) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get the job offer I interviewed for yesterday. b) Let's keep our fingers crossed that the weather holds up for the outdoor event this weekend.

Jump the gun: To act prematurely or before the appropriate time. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase refers to taking action or making a decision too soon, often before all the necessary information is available or before it is socially acceptable or appropriate to do so. Examples: a) The team manager jumped the gun by announcing the new project before finalizing the details. b) It's important not to jump the gun when investing in stocks; thorough research is necessary before making decisions.

Sit tight: To remain patient and wait calmly for further instructions or developments. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase advises someone to stay in their current position or situation without taking any action or making any changes until further information or directions are provided. Examples: a) The detective instructed the witness to sit tight while they gathered more evidence for the case. b) The passengers were asked to sit tight as the flight experienced a minor technical issue that needed to be resolved.

Come to light: To be discovered or revealed, often referring to hidden or previously unknown information. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase signifies the emergence or revelation of information, facts, or secrets that were previously unknown, hidden, or undisclosed. Examples: a) The truth about the scandal finally came to light after an extensive investigation by the media. b) The documents found in the attic shed light on the family's mysterious past.

Lose face: To experience a loss of dignity, respect, or reputation, usually due to a public failure or embarrassment. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase implies the feeling of humiliation or social embarrassment resulting from a personal or professional failure that leads to a diminished status or reputation. Examples: a) The CEO's unethical behavior caused the company to lose face in front of its clients and shareholders. b) The politician's controversial remarks during the debate caused him to lose face and support from his constituents.

Slip one's mind: To forget something unintentionally or inadvertently. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase indicates the act of forgetting or failing to remember something, usually without intending to do so. Examples: a) I apologize for not returning your call. It completely slipped my mind with all the tasks I had to complete. b) Sarah forgot to bring her keys; it slipped her mind when she left the house in a hour.

Well-intentioned: Having good or positive intentions or motives. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase describes someone or something that is guided by good intentions, regardless of the actual outcome or result. Examples: a) Although his actions caused some problems, his well-intentioned efforts were aimed at helping those in need. b) The organization's well-intentioned campaign aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues.

A bootlicker: A person who excessively flatters or curries favor with someone in a position of power. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase refers to an individual who behaves in an obsequious or servile manner, often in an attempt to gain favor, advantage, or approval from someone in authority. Examples: a) James is known as a bootlicker because he always tries to please his boss by showering him with compliments and doing his every bidding. b) The new intern quickly became a bootlicker, constantly praising the manager and offering to do extra work.

Give someone the creeps: To cause someone to feel uneasy, uncomfortable, or frightened. Meaning/Explanation: This phrase describes the act of eliciting a feeling of unease, discomfort, or fear in someone. Examples: a) The old, abandoned house gave me the creeps as I walked past it late at night. b) The man's strange behavior and intense stare gave Mary the creeps, prompting her to leave the room.