Phrases & Expressions

(Slang) To get very drunk.

• Harold got plastered at the wedding and fell into the wedding cake.
• That's your fifth martini — what are you trying to do, get plastered?

To care about something (often used in negative statements).

• I don't give a damn.
• Who gives a damn?

To deliberately ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way.

• When Lisa saw Amber, she gave her the cold shoulder.
• I don't know why he's giving you the cold shoulder; you were always nice to him.

To die, said in a joking or informal way.

• The old dog finally kicked the bucket last winter.
• My old car finally kicked the bucket on the motorway.

To stop doing something that is bad for you, especially an addiction.

• He decided to kick the habit of smoking.
• It's hard to kick the habit.

To make a lot of money easily, especially when others thought it would fail or disapprove.

• He sold the old car for a fortune and is laughing all the way to the bank.
• The investors are laughing all the way to the bank after the stock soared.

To be very nervous, anxious, or restless.

• He was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the results.
• She felt like a cat on a hot tin roof before her exam.

Too old to do something or be effective.

• He's a bit long in the tooth for that kind of job.
• That idea is a little long in the tooth now.

Not officially recorded, especially regarding financial transactions or employment, often to avoid taxes or legal requirements.

• The company paid some employees off the books.
• They kept some transactions off the books to reduce their tax burden.

Vague, not paying attention or not making sense.

• He's totally out to lunch today.
• Are you out to lunch? That's the wrong way.