Jump to conclusions
Meaning/Usage: Making a conclusion without having all the details
Explanation: If you need five pieces of information to come to a conclusion, jumping (or skipping) over 3 of them will cause you to make an incorrect conclusion. This term is often used when an incorrect conclusion is made by someone who didn't have all the information.
"I incorrectly blamed Jeff for breaking my phone. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
"I thought you took my book. I shouldn't have accused you. I jumped to conclusions."
"Will you stop jumping to conclusions. You should get all the facts before you make any decisions."
A: "I'm so mad at Jake. I think he told my girlfriend that I was on a date."
B: *"What makes you think Jake told her?"
A: "Because he's like that."
B: "He sometimes does stupid things, but you shouldn't jump to conclusions."
Nuke - Microwave
Meaning/Usage: To cook something in the microwave oven.
Explanation: "Nuke" is a shortened terminology of nuclear. Because the microwave is powerful, this idiom was created.
"Don't nuke an egg. It will explode in the microwave."
"If I can't finish my dinner at a restaurant, I just take it home and nuke it when I want to eat it."
"The best way to heat up food is to nuke it."
A: "What are you going to eat for lunch?"
B: "I have some pasta in the fridge. You want some?"
A: "Sure. How are you going to cook it."
B: "It's already cooked. I'm just going to nuke it."
Other Common Sentences
"Throw it in the microwave."
"The microwave will heat it up real fast."
"Do you like microwavable food?"
Idioms and Phrases Lesson Categories
Now and then
Meaning/Usage: Once in a while
Explanation: "Then" is an unspecific time in the future. When a person does not do something regularly, they can use this phrase to imply once in a while.
"I go on a hike every now and then."
"My mother calls me every now and then to see if I'm doing well."
"It's not something I can do all the time, but I do it every now and then."
A: "Do you like skiing?"
B: "I really enjoy skiing. It's one of my favorite sports."
A: "You must go very frequently then."
B: "I wish I could, but it's too expensive, so I only go every now and then."
Other Common Sentences
"I like to go bowling once in a while."
"I can't go often, but I go golfing with my friends from time to time."
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Idioms and Phrases Lesson Categories
On the dot
Meaning/Usage: The exact time
Explanation: A dot is seen as a very small target. It is like hitting the very center of a dart board or the bulls-eye. When it refers to time, it means exactly that time not a minute after or before.
"I don't want to be waiting for you, so you'd better be there at three o'clock on the dot."
"He's supposed to show up at four on the dot. If he is late even a minute, I'm taking off."
"You'd better be here by 1:30, because we're leaving at two o'clock on the dot."
A: "We have to go to Los Angeles tomorrow. What time should we meet?"
B: "We have to be at the airport at 4:00 o'clock, so let's meet at two o'clock on the dot."
Other Common Sentences
"Meet me at the bus station at six o'clock sharp."
"Let's meet at the book store exactly at 1:00."
