Idioms Lesson 17

To blow out : to explode or go flat ( for tires ); to extinguish by blowing To blow out a tire, a tire blowout To blow out candles ; extinguish

To become of : to happen to ; always used with What. What ’ s become of that cable ? I wonder what ever became of Joe? I miss him.

To shut up : to close for a period of time ; to be silent or stop talking ( generally considered impolite use in company ) The store had to be shut up before the storm came.

Have got: to have, to possess, to own I’ve got a lollipop and you don’t. Ha ha ha!

Have got to, have to : must, need to do something On August 5 th, we have got to start finals. All students have to pass their finals to move on to level 4.

To keep up with: to work or move at the same pace as someone else. We have to keep up with Mom!

On the other hand : however, in contrast

To turn down : to lower in volume, brightness or temperature ; to reject or refuse This slide is too bright. Can we turn it down, please ? Turn down that loud music! I’m freezing. Turn down the AC!

Fifty - fifty : divided into two equal parts

To break in : to enter illegally or by force ; to interrupt ; to gradually use something new until it feels comfortable The thief broke into my house Until my new shoes were broken in, I could only wear them for an hour at a time.

A lost cause : a hopeless case or situation with no hope of positive change

Above all : mainly, especially, most importantly Go home, have fun, but above all, don’t forget to learn your idioms!