wrap my head around
Definition: (idiom) To understand something complicated or surprising; to fully comprehend something difficult.
Example: I still can't wrap my head around how she managed to finish the entire project in just two days.
made up
Definition: (adjective, informal) Invented or not true; fictional or imagined rather than real.
Example: The children told a made up story about finding treasure in their backyard.
gets me
Definition: (informal expression) Affects me emotionally; surprises or impresses me; the thing that really strikes me.
Example: What really gets me about the film is how realistic the acting feels throughout.
string
Definition: (noun) A series of similar events happening one after another; a sequence.
Example: The team suffered a string of defeats before finally winning the championship game.
sum it up
Definition: (phrasal verb) To describe something briefly; to express the main point in a few words.
Example: If I had to sum it up in one word, I'd say the vacation was unforgettable.
call it quits
Definition: (idiom) To stop doing something; to give up or decide not to continue.
Example: After three failed attempts to fix the old car, he decided to call it quits and buy a new one.
wild
Definition: (adjective, informal) Crazy, unbelievable, or extremely surprising; hard to believe.
Example: The plot twist at the end of the movie was absolutely wild---nobody saw it coming.
take that with a grain of salt
Definition: (idiom) To not fully believe something; to be skeptical about information because it may not be completely true.
Example: He says the renovation will only take two weeks, but I'd take that with a grain of salt---these things always take longer.
tale
Definition: (noun) A story, especially one that may contain elements of imagination or exaggeration.
Example: My grandfather used to tell us a tale about a fisherman who caught a golden fish.
cinematic
Definition: (adjective) Resembling or having the qualities of a movie; dramatic and visually impressive.
Example: The sunset over the canyon was so cinematic that it looked like a scene from a film.
stuck around
Definition: (phrasal verb) Remained or continued to exist; stayed in place or in people's memory over time.
Example: That catchy song from the 1980s has stuck around and is still played on the radio today.
blurs the line
Definition: (idiom) Makes the difference between two things unclear; removes a clear boundary between categories.
Example: Working from home blurs the line between personal time and professional responsibilities.
embellished
Definition: (verb, past tense) Added extra details to a story to make it more interesting or dramatic, often making it less accurate.
Example: Over the years, the family legend has been embellished with details that probably never happened.
blew my mind
Definition: (idiom) Extremely surprised or amazed someone; shocked someone in a positive way.
Example: The magic show completely blew my mind---I still can't figure out how she did the final trick.
make it up to
Definition: (phrasal verb) To do something good for someone after something bad has happened to them; to compensate.
Example: I'm sorry I missed your birthday party---let me make it up to you by taking you out to dinner.
rough patches
Definition: (noun phrase, informal) Difficult periods or times of trouble in someone's life.
Example: Every marriage goes through rough patches, but communication helps couples get through them.
stands out
Definition: (phrasal verb) Is noticeable or remarkable; is clearly different or better than others.
Example: Among all the applicants, her resume really stands out because of her international experience.
grounded
Definition: (adjective) Sensible and realistic; not affected by fame, wealth, or success; down-to-earth.
Example: Despite becoming a famous actor, she remained grounded and continued to visit her hometown regularly.
overnight
Definition: (adverb) Very quickly; happening suddenly, usually in a very short time.
Example: The small bakery became famous overnight after a celebrity posted about it on social media.
brushes with death
Definition: (noun phrase, idiom) Experiences where someone nearly dies; close encounters with death.
Example: The firefighter has had several brushes with death during his twenty-year career.
hard way
Definition: (noun phrase, idiom) Through difficult or painful experience rather than being told; by making mistakes.
Example: She learned the hard way that you should always save your work before closing the computer.
upfront
Definition: (adjective) Honest and direct; not hiding anything; open about the truth.
Example: The doctor was upfront about the risks of the surgery so the patient could make an informed decision.
buy into
Definition: (phrasal verb) To believe or accept something, especially an idea or claim, often without enough proof.
Example: Not everyone is willing to buy into the idea that artificial intelligence will replace all jobs.
balanced
Definition: (adjective) Fair and considering all sides equally; not favoring one perspective over another.
Example: A good news report should present a balanced view by including opinions from both sides of the debate.
credible
Definition: (adjective) Able to be believed; convincing and trustworthy.
Example: The witness gave a credible account of the events, which matched the security camera footage.
jaw-dropping
Definition: (adjective, informal) Extremely surprising or impressive; so amazing it makes your mouth fall open.
Example: The acrobat's performance was jaw-dropping---the audience couldn't believe what they were seeing.
compelling
Definition: (adjective) Very interesting and exciting; holding your attention strongly; convincing.
Example: The lawyer presented a compelling argument that convinced the jury to change their minds.
skeptic
Definition: (noun) A person who doubts or questions claims, especially those that are not supported by strong evidence.
Example: As a skeptic, she always asks for scientific evidence before accepting new health claims.
first in line
Definition: (idiom) The first person to do something; very eager and ready to participate.
Example: When they announced free concert tickets, I was first in line at the box office.