Understanding English Expressions

Call the shots – When someone “calls the shots,” they

• makes a lot of phone calls

• makes the important decisions

• shoots for success

• follows orders

Out of touch – If a manager is “out of touch” with employees, it means

• never meets them physically

• unaware of their feelings or situation

• constantly texting them

• too emotional

Steer clear – You should steer clear of gossip because

• it means to avoid something or someone

• it means to drive towards someone

• it means to confront directly

• it means to ignore advice

Pull out all the stops – The college pulled out all the stops for the fest means

• the event was cancelled

• they did everything possible to make it grand

• they slowed everything down

• they stopped unnecessary work

Have a spine – A person who “has a spine”

• is very flexible

• shows courage and stands up for themselves

• avoids conflict

• acts nervously

Push buttons – Ravi knows how to push her buttons means

• he knows how to annoy or provoke her

• he is polite and calm

• he helps her focus

• he gives advice

Play by ear – “Let’s play it by ear” means

• handle it as it happens, without a fixed plan

• use musical instruments

• listen carefully

• ignore the rules

It stinks – If someone says “This movie stinks,” they mean

• it smells bad

• it’s terrible or disappointing

• it’s funny

• it’s confusing

Bent out of shape – He got bent out of shape when corrected means

• he changed his mind

• he got very upset or angry

• he started laughing

• he became calm

Come clean – After lying, she finally came clean means

• she took a shower

• she told the truth

• she cleaned her room

• she stopped talking