English

- "Back to square one"
meaning: to start all over again
Example: Well, that science experiment was a failure, back to square one to try to find another solution.

-"Whatever floats your boat"
meaning: whatever it is that makes you happy
Example: Charlie loves skiing, but I hate the snow. Oh well, whatever floats his boat is fine with me!

-"It's like finding a needle in a haystack"
meaning: it will be impossible to find
Example: I had to find my book in my brother's room but since it was so messy it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

"Keep an Eye on"

Definition - to keep close watch on, to look after carefully

Examples:

I have to run to my car, can you keep an eye on little Jimmy for me until I get back?

I think I left my wallet in the house, can you keep an eye on my bicycle for a few minutes?

A phrasal verb is either:

* a verb and a preposition
* a verb and an adverb
* a verb, an adverb, and a preposition

Phrasal verbs are often used in informal speech, between family and/or friends. They are used very commonly in the English language.

The best thing to do is to memorize them. It isn't necessary to know all of the phrasal verbs to be able to have a conversation. You can use other verbs to communicate the same information. Although, it is important to at least commit them to memory so that when you hear them, you will understand what the person is saying.

1) "check out" meaning: to look at or to try something.
Example sentences:
You have to check out my artwork and tell me what you think.
There is this awesome Chinese food restaurant that I went to last night, you've got to check it out.

2) "fill out" meaning: to complete missing information on a form.
Example sentence:
Please fill out your insurance information on this form and send it back to our office.

3)"turn out" meaning: the end result of something.
Example sentences:
I hope this cake turns out well since I am making it for my mom's birthday.
Don't worry, your business will turn out to be a success.

4) "go out" meaning: to leave a place.
Example sentence:
I think I will go out and buy some food for everyone.

5) "cop out" meaning: to fail to fulfill an obligation.
Example sentence:
Steven copped out and didn't show up to watch the kids when Linda had to go to work.

"A Slap on the Wrist"

Meaning- a slight, small punishment

Example- He should be in jail right now but the judge only gave him a slap on the wrist.

Slang is constantly changing and it is hard to keep up with.
Here are some of the slang that was used in the 90's. If you want to sound a little old school then you might want to learn some of these.

* Ai'ight - a unique way of saying "alright" or "okay".
Example - Ai'ight, I will meet you at your house at 9.

* All that an a bag of chips - a way of saying that the person is the best, and even better than that.
Example - Lauren has such an ego, she really thinks she is all that and a bag of chips.

* It's all good - don't worry, everything is okay.
Example - I know you owe me twenty dollars, but it's all good, you don't have to pay me back.

* Lay off - Stop it.
Example - Would you just lay off and stop yelling at her?

* Straight Edge - refers to a person who is very good and doesn't smoke or drink or do drugs.
Example: Man! Charles is such a straight edge! He won't even come and party with us!

"back on your feet"
meaning - back to a good financial status

Example: I am so happy that you are back on your feet and have bought your first house. It was hard for you after you lost your job, but now you seem to be doing just fine again.

Scrambled - Mix eggs in separate bowl before cooking in a frying pan.

Sunny-side up - Fry egg only on one side. Other side is left a little liquid.

Over-easy - Fry egg on one side and turn over carefully and cook on other side for a few seconds. Yolk is still runny.

Over-hard - Fry egg on one side and turn over. Cook egg on other side until yolk is cooked.

Hard-boiled - Egg is placed in water and boiled until done.

Where the Sidewalk Ends
by: Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

People often confuse the words "affect" and "effect". They sound so similar and are easy to mix up.
What is the difference between these two words?

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, affect is usually used as a verb and means: :
-to produce an effect upon: as a: to produce a material influence upon or alteration in b: to act upon (as a person or a person's mind or feelings) so as to effect a response : influence

Effect is mostly used as a noun and means:
-an outward sign : appearance
-accomplishment, fulfillment
-power to bring about a result : influence

Example sentences:
-The medicene will affect your stomach, so make sure to eat before you take it.
-On of the side effects of the medicine is that it will cause nausea.