This document defines and provides examples for common idiomatic expressions: 1) "The die is cast" means a decision has been made and cannot be reversed, such as continuing a Brazilian operation after investing in a new factory. 2) "By hook or by crook" refers to achieving something by possibly dishonest means, like getting a car through any method. 3) "Chop chop" means to do something quickly and without delay, like obtaining documents without wasting time.

1. Idiomatic
expression:

2. Die Is Cast
01
Meaning: We cannot reverse the decision we
have made
Example: Now that we’ve invested all this money
in the new factory, the die is cast. We have to
continue our Brazilian operation for several more
decades.

3. By Hook or by
Crook
02
Meaning: By some possibly dishonest means
Example: Carl said he’d get a car by hook or by
crook, and then he could drive us to Toronto.

4. Chop Chop
03
Meaning: Quickly, without delay
Example: Sure, come into the office, and we can
get the documents you need chop chop.

5. To Be Right On
The Button
04
Meaning: to be exactly right
Example: He confirmed her suspicions; he was
right on the button.

6. Hold the
Phone
05
Meaning: Wait a moment (whether you’re on the
phone or not)
Example: My daughter was talking about all the
trips she wanted to take, and I was like, hold the
phone. Where are we going to get the money for
this?

7. Run into a
Buzz Saw
06
Meaning: Encounter severe and unexpected
problems
Example: The bill ran into a buzz saw of
opposition from labor groups after it was
introduced, and it finally died in committee.

8. To Get Your
Wires
Crossed
07 Meaning: to misunderstand somebody; to
become confused
If you work with electricity, you have to
be very careful. If you get your wires
crossed, you put the black wire or the
blue wire in the wrong place; it can be
quite dangerous.
Examples: I think we’ve got our wires
crossed here. What I’m talking about is
next week’s meeting. What you seem to
be talking about was last week’s meeting.

9. To Be At The
Cutting Edge
08
Meaning: to be right there in the lead, at the front
Example:Apple is always at the cutting edge of
technology. The company has become a leader in
the industry.

10. Grease
Monkey
09
Meaning: A mechanic, especially an auto
mechanic
Example: You need new brakes. Your
neighborhood grease monkey should be able to
do the job—it’s not difficult.

11. Pull the Plug
On
10
Meaning: Terminate (something)
Example: We’re going to pull the plug on our
operation in Taiwan. It’s just not succeeding.

12. Thanks!