Summary
Highlights
This video is part 115 of American Idioms, presenting five new idioms from 571 to 575. Viewers are encouraged to pause the video to guess the meaning of each idiom before the answer and an additional example are provided.
The idiom "look before you leap" means to carefully consider possible consequences before taking action. An example given is researching an investment before buying stock. The advice is to be smart and plan ahead, such as having another job lined up before quitting the current one.
To "get in on the ground floor" means to participate in the beginning of a venture to gain an advantage. An illustration is Tim investing early in a successful venture, becoming wealthy, and Crystal buying shares in a small company that proved to be correct.
A "bottomless pit" refers to a limitless cause or source, often implying endless spending or problems. The city government thinking they had 'a bottomless pit of money' to spend led to debt, and repairs on an old house becoming a 'bottomless pit' caused financial trouble.
"Broken dreams" are aspirations or goals that have failed or been abandoned. The video advises not to let them hinder future success. An example is a football player whose professional dreams were shattered due to injuries.
To be given "a blank check" signifies having the freedom or permission to act as one wishes or deems necessary. This means having full liberty, as when a boss gives an employee complete control over staff hiring or when Congress allows the president full discretion on a policy.