PE 5/30 Non-traditional Jobs

When Jane told me what a great guy you are, I couldn't resist. If anyone else had suggested a blind date, I wouldn't have even toyed with the idea.

* toy with an/the idea: to consider something

ex> I wouldn't toy with an idea that didn't pass my four main criteria.

Same here. I really trust Jane’s instincts, so when she said, and I quote, “Sandy’s a beautiful person you have got to get to know,” I agreed to meet you.

Not even so much as a hint. Why don’t you go first and tell me what you do for a living.

* so much as: even

ex> Without so much as a warning, the tornado touched down on the small Illinois town and tore it apart.

Well, let me preface this by saying that I’m the fourth generation in my family doing this job. Ready? I’m a firefighter. Just like my father, grandfather, and great-great uncle.

* let me preface this by saying: let me give some background information for what I will tell you next.

ex> Let me preface this by saying, the company didn't expect to encounter so many difficulties in the market this year.

ex> I must first preface this by telling you that we believe the cause of the building’s collapse was not related to the minor earthquake that struck yesterday.

Wow! You could’ve knocked me down with a feather! I've never met a fire… lady? Firewoman? What’s the right term?

* you could have knocked me down with a feather: you have shocked me

ex> When you told me that you were pregnant, you could have knocked me down with a feather.

I’ve got to hand it to Jane, she really knows how to set up an interesting evening without even showing up!

* I've got to hand it to someone: I must give someone credit or congratulations

ex> I've got to hand it to you, these muffins are the best I’ve ever tasted.