3 posts tagged with "Informal Conversation"

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Definition​

To 'let on' means to reveal a secret, disclose confidential information, or give a hint about something that was intended to be kept hidden or unknown. It often implies doing so unintentionally, carelessly, or without fully realizing the implications, rather than a deliberate act of betrayal. It can also mean to pretend or feign, especially when someone claims not to know something but actually does, but is giving subtle clues. The phrasal verb suggests a subtle or indirect disclosure, a slip of the tongue, or an inadvertent signal that betrays hidden knowledge or feelings, often leading to someone's surprise or the unraveling of a carefully guarded piece of information.

Examples​

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'make with' is an informal, often imperative or demanding expression used to request someone to quickly produce, provide, or hand over something. It implies a sense of urgency or impatience from the speaker, often used when demanding an object, information, or even a particular action. It can be seen as a colloquial way of saying 'give me' or 'produce' something promptly, often carrying a slightly impatient or jocular tone depending on the context. For instance, 'Make with the coffee!' means 'Bring me the coffee now!' or 'I need the coffee quickly!' This idiom emphasizes immediate action or delivery.

Examples​

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'blow off' has several distinct meanings, often used informally or colloquially:

1. To deliberately fail to attend an appointment, meeting, or social engagement; to ignore or avoid someone or something. This implies a conscious decision to not participate, often demonstrating a lack of respect for the other party or the commitment. It suggests a casual dismissal of an obligation. Example: He completely blew off our lunch appointment without even calling.

2. To dismiss, disregard, or treat something as unimportant or not worth serious consideration. This can apply to advice, warnings, responsibilities, suggestions, or criticisms, often leading to negative consequences if the dismissed item was indeed important. Example: She tends to blow off constructive criticism, which isn't always beneficial for her growth.

3. To release pent-up energy, anger, frustration, or stress. This is often used reflexively as 'blow off steam' or simply 'blow off' when referring to the need to expel negative emotions or excess energy in a harmless or recreational way. Example: After a particularly tough week, I need to go to the gym to blow off some steam.

4. To defeat an opponent easily in a competition. While 'blow out' is more commonly used for this specific meaning, 'blow off' can sometimes be employed informally to convey an overwhelming or effortless victory against an opposing team or individual. Example: Our team surprisingly blew off the championship contenders in the first round.

5. To cause something to be removed or detached by force of air or an explosion. This is a more literal application of 'blow' combined with 'off', signifying something being dislodged or separated due to powerful air currents or an explosive force. Example: The strong hurricane winds threatened to blow off parts of the building's roof.

Examples​