In the nick of time

as easy as pie “very easy” (same as “a piece of cake”)

He said it is a difficult problem, but I don’t agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

be sick and tired of means “I hate” (also “can’t stand”)

I’m sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let’s go out tonight and have fun.

bend over backwards means “try very hard” (maybe too much!)

He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

bite off more than one can chew means “take responsibility for more than one can manage”

John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

broke “to have no money”

I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I’m broke.

change one’s mind “decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier”

I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I’ll do extra work on the weekend instead.

Cut it out! “stop doing something bad” That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

drop someone a line “send a letter or email to someone”

It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

figure something out “come to understand a problem”

I don’t understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

fill in for someone “do their work while they are away” While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

in ages “for a very long time”

Have you seen Joe recently? I haven’t seen him in ages.

give someone a hand “help”

I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

hit the hay “go to bed” (also “hit the sack”) It’s after 12 o’clock. I think it’s time to hit the hay.

in the nick of time “not too late, but very close!”

I got to the pharmacy just in the nick of time. It’s a good thing, because I really need this medicine!