-Children! Would you please stop making so much noise! And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys! It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!
-Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.
-Listen, Jim. I can't help it. The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.
12-Shoot Off One's Mouth (express one's opinions loudly)
Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Yet he is fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.
13-Jump Down Someone's Throat (become angry with someone)
-That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!
-I know, dad. You don't have to jump down on my throat! I told you taht I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't inted to be late!
-Well, you've said that before and in your come at 2:30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.
14-Pay Through the Nose (pay too high a price)
At last Mr.Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have it. After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying such a high price for something so rare.
15-Tongue-In Cheek (not serious)
-Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.
-I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tounge-in-check remark when I said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.
-Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.
-I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.
16-Pull Someone's Leg (fool someone)
-Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Peagant!
-Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!
-No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?
-Well, you've told me foolish stories before.
-I can assure you that this one is for real.
17-Play It by Ear (improvise as one goes along)
-Let's go to the movies, agreed?
-Sure. And what'll we do after that?
-Oh, I don't know. Let's play by the ear.
-Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action.
-Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.
18-Stick Out One's Neck (take a risk)
-How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?
-Evidently they think you're teh only one who can lead them to the lost temple.
-That jungle has danger lurking around every corner. Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.
-They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowladge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.
19-Shake a Leg (hurry!)
-Mary, you always take such a long time to put on your makeup. Come on, shake a leg!
-I'll be finished in a minute. Be patient.
-You've got to hurry or else we won't arrive on time to see the last show.
20-All Thumbs (clumsy)
-Hey, Bea. Can you help me out? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.