* bone dry: very dry
ex>
It’s bone dry here in the winter, so we usually have a humidifier
running at home.
Note>
“Bone dry” clearly derives from an allusion to the dryness of bone after being
left in the sun.
* the last of something: the final
portion, amount, or item of something
ex>
Would you please finish up the last of the peanut butter so I can
recycle the jar?
ex>
This book was the last of a series of six novels the author wrote over a
span of ten years.
* destitute: extremely poor; not having
the basic necessities of life
ex>
Many families were left destitute when their farms were destroyed by the
mudslide.
* paint the town red: to celebrate with a
spree of enjoyment and/or consumption
ex>
Whenever my old roommate visits me, we tend to paint the town red.
Note>
“Paint the town red” is, by definition, a group activity, requiring at least
two people, and must be conducted in a spirit of giddy jubilation. One lonely
guy on a crosstown bender is not “painting the town red.”
* beside oneself: in an extremely
emotional state
ex>
Suzette was beside herself with joy when her puppy was found.
ex>
When I told my wife I’d spent our savings on a land investment, she was beside
herself with anger.
* pragmatic: sensible, practical,
realistic
ex>
Our grandmother is a very pragmatic woman, having lived through
difficult times.
* off the top
of one’s head: People often answer a question “off the top of their
head” to give themselves an allowance for any inaccuracy that might be present
in what they’re about to say. It has the same meaning as, “I don’t know for sure, but here is my best guess.”
ex>
Off the top of my head, I’d say it’s about seventy meters tall, give or
take a few.
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