Using English Expressions for Real Life: Stepping Stones to Fluency for Advanced ESL Learners

. Don’t stress out* about every little thing

stress out = don’t worry)

(** every little thing = about every detail)

(*** up to snuff = you will know about or be up to date on)

she said something to the effect that the project would be due soon

I wasn’t there when the mayor gave his speech, but he said something to the effect that taxes would be going up next year

It is possible for your significant other to be of the same sex in gay relationships

Significant other: (idiom) Usually your wife or husband. Your significant other can be a girlfriend or a boyfriend.

My friend and I made a pact to always help each other in emergencies

To make a pact: (idiom) To make a pact with someone is to make an agreement

My sister and her husband used to watch the sunset together. It was a beautiful romantic interlude for them

Romantic interlude: A pause or section of someone’s life when they are romantic with someone else; a time taken for romance