When I saw for myself the damage that had been caused, that really brought home to me the scale of the disaster.
2) Back Someone Up-to say that someone is telling the truth, to support or help someone-
That's exactly what happened - Cleo will back me up.
3) By The Way-incidentally, on a side note-
By the way, I remembered where I left my keys, in case you were wondering.
4) Right Away-immediately, at once, without delay-
Right away, I could tell that the plan had no chance of success.
5) Choke Up-to feel a strong emotion and struggle to speak because of it-
I thought I would be able to give the eulogy, but I became so choked up that I couldn't do it.
6) Pull Strings-make use of one's influence and contacts to gain an advantage unofficially or unfairly-
He tried to pull strings with people he knew to avoid being called up.
7) On Top Of The World-extremely happy-
She was feeling on top of the world.
8) Pound One's Ear-to go to sleep-
You mind the cattle, Herb. I'm gonna pound my ear for an hour or so.
9) Freak Of Nature-something or someone that is unusual, rare, or abnormal in some way-
The goat they have at the circus sideshow is a real freak of nature, it was born with two heads!
10) Have The Stomach For-to have the courage or resolution to do something-
Ken doesn't have the stomach for fighting.
11) Have A Whale Of A Time-to enjoy yourself very much-
We had a whale of a time on holiday.
12) Vote With Your Feet-to show your opinion by leaving an organization or by no longer supporting, using, or buying something-
When the price of skiing doubled, tourists voted with their feet and just stopped going.
13) Have Sticky Fingers-to be likely to steal-
The last person we hired as a cashier turned out to have sticky fingers.
14) Pitch In-vigorously join in to help with a task or activity-
We must all pitch in and do our part.
15)The New Kid On The Block-someone who is new in a place or organization and has many things to learn about it-
Realizing I was the new kid on the block in this job, I was determined to prove myself.
16) Hold Up One's Head-be confident or unashamed-
Under the circumstances I would find it impossible to hold my head up in the town.
17) Drive A Hard Bargain-to be a skillful and unyielding negotiator or dealmaker-
Sal is known to drive a hard bargain, so I doubt you'll get that car for the price you want.
18) Harp On-to talk or complain about something many times-
He's always harping on about lack of discipline.
19) Things Are Looking Up-things are or appear to be improving or becoming more hopeful-
Things are looking up for families across the country as the economy continues to rebound.
20) A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned-something you say that means it is wise to save money-
I'd advise anyone to put aside a proportion of their earnings - a penny saved is a penny earned.
