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(to) bite off more than one can chew
→ to take on more than one is capable of; to take on too much
EXAMPLE 1: Jennifer is having a dinner party for 50 people, and she can't even cook. I think she's bitten off more than she can chew.
EXAMPLE 2: You agreed to host 50 exchange students from Korea? Aren't you afraid you've bitten off more than you can chew?
SYNONYM: to be or to get in over one's head. Example: Jennifer is in over her head with this dinner party!
(to be) down in the dumps
→ to feel sad; to be depressed
EXAMPLE 1: It's not surprising that Lisa is down in the dumps. Paws, the cat she had for 20 years, just died.
EXAMPLE 2: It's easy to feel down in the dumps when it's raining outside.
for heaven's sake!
→ A way of expressing emotions such as surprise, outrage, or impatience
EXAMPLE 1: Hurry up, for heaven's sake! You're going to be late for school.
EXAMPLE 2: Oh, for heaven's sake! Yesterday, I made three dozen chocolate chip cookies, and today there's only one cookie left!
SYNONYMS: for God's sake, for goodness sake, for Pete's sake
(to) get going
→ to get started on something; to set off for a destination; to leave
EXAMPLE 1: If you don't get going on your homework soon, you're going to be up all night.
EXAMPLE 2: We'd better get going to the restaurant now. Otherwise, we'll be late for our seven o'clock reservation.
SYNONYMS: to get a move on; to get the show on the road
(to) help out
→ to give assistance; to help
EXAMPLE 1: Amber offered to help out in the kitchen by chopping nuts.
EXAMPLE 2: I'd be happy to help out by baking cookies for the picnic.
SYNONYM: to lend a hand
like a chicken with its head cut off
→ in a hysterical manner; in a frenzy; in a very nervous way
EXAMPLE 1: Ken was late for work, and he couldn't find his car keys. He was running around his apartment like a chicken with its head cut off.
EXAMPLE 2: Patricia ran around the school looking for her lost backpack like a chicken with its head cut off.
NOTE: This idiom is usually used with the phrase "to run around" as in the above examples.
like crazy
→ with great speed or enthusiasm
EXAMPLE 1: When Pete Sampras won the tennis match, the crowd started cheering like crazy.
EXAMPLE 2: Ann ran like crazy, but she still didn't manage to catch the bus.
like pulling teeth
→ very difficult
EXAMPLE 1: It's like pulling teeth getting Max to talk about his girlfriend.
EXAMPLE 2: Kyle hates to study. It's like pulling teeth getting him to do his homework every night.
never mind
→ don't worry about something; forget it; it doesn't matter
EXAMPLE 1: You forgot to pick up eggs at the supermarket? Never mind. I'll get them tomorrow morning.
EXAMPLE 2: Never mind what your friends say. You need to do what you think is right.
(to) pitch in
→ to help
EXAMPLE 1: Nicole offered to pitch in and clean up her neighborhood beach. She picked up five plastic cups and an old towel.
EXAMPLE 2: If you need my help, just ask. I'd be happy to pitch in.
SYNONYMS: to lend a hand, to lend a helping hand; to help out
(to) run around
→ to move about quickly
EXAMPLE 1: I've been running around all day making final arrangements for our trip to Costa Rica tomorrow.
EXAMPLE 2: Debbie is exhausted. She ran around town all day today.
things are looking up
→ things are improving
EXAMPLE 1: Elizabeth found a wonderful new job and just moved into a beautiful new apartment. Things are looking up for her.
EXAMPLE 2: Things are looking up with the economy.
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