BRICKS AND MORTAR

Bricks and mortar - refers to a business that is physical, rather than online.


e.g.


Every business today, even solely bricks and mortar businesses, needs a web presence.

https://sentence.yourdictionary.com/bricks-and-mortar

or

Online shopping is driving many brick and mortar stores out of business.

GET YOUR HANDS ON (SOMETHING)

To get your on your hands on something means to succeed in getting something.

eg.

If I get my hands on that promotion, I will stick with plan to travel to Japan when the pandemic is under control.

or

I'd love to get my hands on that car, Oh how I would like to drive that car.

https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/361796/difference-between-get-hands-on-and-get/361810

DRIVING FORCE

IMPETUS

THRUST

PUTS IN MOTION


e.g.

Consumer spending was the driving force behind the economic growth in the summer.



The driving force of a flourishing society is individual acquisitiveness which creates demands that boost trade and increase the general wealth.

https://sentencedict.com/driving%20force.html

BED OF NAILS

bed of nails - a bad, uncomfortable situation

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH

Meaning: increase intensity or effort or quality.

(Also, kick it up a notch and top it up a notch)

e.g.

Kiddos love having fun in the sun? Top it up a notch! Get a beach towel when you buy any 3 Quaker Chewy granola bar items. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137289488832068156/

or

You will find nice cafe's with an affordable standard menu and if you wanna top it up a notch there is incredible restaurants as well.

https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/39824008

BANG THIS DRUM

meaning: say/write you support someone/something very strongly.




































e.g.


While some have used the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to bang the drum for socialist healthcare, welfare for the rich, or corporate ...

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/five-ways-deregulation-is-helping-coronavirus-response

WHITE HAT HACKER

Heard it today from a so-called white-hat hacker.

A white-har hacker gets authorized by software companies to find vulnerabilities and report them to developers so they can fix the glitches.

Unlike a white-hat hacker, a grey-hat hacker doesn´t get permission to infiltrate a software, system or app. Their intentions are good, although they are not considered to be the good guys, Not the bad guys, either,

Now, the black-hat hackers try to find gaps in security systems for their own monetary benefits. They may steal financial/personal information and use it.

TAG ALONG

meaning: go along with someone, especially if you weren't invited. (informal)

e.g.

I heard you are going out for a beer. Mind if I tag along?


or


Two centuries ago, researchers wanting to visit the region had to tag along with explorers, whalers, or seal hunters.

 https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/why-did-nearly-million-king-penguins-vanish-without-trace

SILVER BULLET

meaning: simple/magical solution to a very complex problem.

e.g

It is going to take several measures to combat Covid-19 pandemic  There is no silver bullet.

or

https://www.johnfdoherty.com/silver-lead-bullets/

SOCIAL DISTANCING IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT: SOCIAL DISTANCING CAN HELP DECREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO GET SICK.

PRACTICE IT

meaning: avoiding close contact with people who do not live in the same household.


e.g.
Americans and people around the world are being asked to help halt the spread of the coronavirus, we have frequently been told to practice social distancing.

https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-vital-importance-of-isolation

WRAP MY HEAD AROUND SOMETHING

meaning - understand something which may be challenging; come to a good understanding; comprehend.


e.g.

“Wow, man, what a week — like, my head is spinning,” said Adam Carolla from the stage of the Laugh Factory in Hollywood on Saturday night. “I can’t wrap my head around the finale of ‘The Bachelor.’ Pete dumped Madison at the very end!”

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-03-19/coronavirus-comedians-clubs

PULL SOMEONE'S LEG

PULL SOMEONE'S LEG - deceive someone by telling a (usually) shocking lie; tease.

e.g.

1. I told you there was a monster in the closet, but I was just pulling your leg!

2.  Quit pulling my leg!  I know that’s you behind that mask!

TONGUE IN CHEEK

NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY; IRONIC

e.g.

Was it the Carhartts that did it, or the work boots and sparkly dress? The Elmer Fudd hat? Maybe just the broad grins, with tongue firmly in cheek. 

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/pinup-calendar-sales-result-in-10k-donation-to-vt-lyme/Content?oid=29874304

(DO THINGS) ON THE FLY

DO THINGS ON THE FLY 

DO THINGS WITHOUT A THOUGHT OUT PLAN; RUSH; DO THINGS QUICKLY WHILE DOING SOMETHING ELSE.

e.g.

Your plan to get promoted in a year didn't pan out, I think, because you did it on the fly.

GREEN THUMB

TO HAVE A GREEN THUMB

CAN YOU GUESS?




If you have a green thumb, your plants grow well; you are good at gardening.

e.g.

These 15 Plants Will Stay Alive and Thrive Even Without a Green Thumb

https://hip2save.com/tips/plants-no-green-thumb/

BEHINHD THE EIGHT BALL

e.g

I fell behind in auto loan payments; soon I was behind the eight and had to negociate with the dealer.

* be in trouble, in a awkward position

RUB SLEEP OFF MY EYES

When I eventually rub sleep off my eyes, I realise that I'm in my bed at home and the trip is over... 

https://www.facebook.com/lebo.warm/photos/a.248850208591224.1073741826.189173347892244/417316561744587/?type=1&theater

FRESH OFF THEPLANE

FRESH OFF THE PLANE REFUGEES CAN SIGN UP FOR LANGUAGE CLASSES SO THEY CAN START A NEW LIFE.

* SOMEONE WHO HAS JUST IMIMIGRATED 

SHOO-IN

e.g.

Acomplished actors are not always shoo-ins when casting is taking place. Oftentimes, a young face meets the needs of a director.

or

that it is foregone that she will win the Democratic nomination

, and even fewer who believe she is a shoo-in for the 

presidential election.

www.stuff.co.nz/.../hillary-clinton-no-shooin-in-us-presidential-ra..

. 

* a sure thing

ON THE WANE

- dimishing; failing
e.g.

NRA's political influence on the wane, says gun control advocate

The Current

http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2690366970

or

I maintain that there is evidence to suggest that it is on the wane. I would argue, along with Morris Berman, in his book, The Twilight of American Culture, that it is.

https://books.google.com.br/books?isbn=076184676X