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at the eleventh hour
→ at the last minute
Example: Ken and Dana were supposed to get married on Saturday, but he got nervous at the eleventh hour and canceled the wedding.
(to) back out
→ to break an engagement, appointment, promise, or agreement
Example: I know I promised to drive you to the airport on Friday, but now I'm going to have to back out.
NOTE: "back out" is often followed by "of': Kathy agreed to host an exchange student, but now she's trying to back out of it.
Did something come up?
→ Did something unexpected happen?
Example: "I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to your party on Friday." - "Did something come up?"
dinner party
→ a social event at someone's house in which dinner is served
Example: I'm having a dinner party on Saturday, and I'm calling to see if you're free.
Don't sweat it
→ don't worry about it
Example: "I'm really sorry, but I can't pick you up from the airport on Saturday." - "Don't sweat it."
flake
→ an unreliable person; someone you can't count on
Example: Cindy asked me to call her at 8 o'clock last night and when I called, her husband said she was out with a friend. What a flake!
NOTE: The adjective form is "flaky."
I feel awful
→ I'm sorry about the situation (often said to express that you know you've done something wrong)
Example: You got sick from the tuna salad I made? I feel awful!
it slipped my mind
→ I forgot
Example: I'm sorry I forgot to mail the package. It slipped my mind.
(to) make it
→ to come; to be present
Example: I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to the staff meeting on Wednesday morning.
(to) make it up to someone
→ to do something nice for someone (after you've done something that was not so nice, such as canceling on someone)
Example: I'm sorry I forgot your birthday. Let me make it up to you and take you out for a drink tonight.
(to) miss out (on)
→ to lose an opportunity; to not experience
Example: Sara submitted her application too late and missed out on the opportunity to spend the semester in Paris.
that sounds good
→ I like your suggestion
Example: "We're planning to bring a bottle of wine when we come to your.house for dinner on Saturday." - " That sounds good."
NOTE: You can say this to answer positively when you are offered something or asked your opinion.
the more the merrier
→ the more people who participate in an event or activity, the more fun it'll be for everyone (often said to encourage somebody to participate)
Example: We already have 15 people in our book club, but you should join too. The more the merrier.
these things happen
→ sometimes things happen that you can't control
Example: You forgot your wallet? Don't worry about it. These things happen. I'll pay for lunch today.
What a shame!
→ that's too bad; how unfortunate
Example: "Scott broke his leg, so he won't be able to go on the class ski trip." - "What a shame!"
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