AMERICAN IDIOMS | LESSON PART 39 | #191 - #195 | All American English

Idiom #191: In the Bag00:00:40

The idiom "in the bag" means to be assured or certain of success. An example is given where a team is ahead but the game isn't 'in the bag' yet because the other team could come back. Another example describes a governor knowing an election was 'in the bag' after seeing early results.

Idiom #192: In Hot Water00:02:22

To be "in hot water" signifies being in a troublesome or difficult situation. The video illustrates this with a mayor who found himself 'in hot water' with constituents over a controversial statement. Another example is a friend getting 'in hot water' with his parents for coming home late.

Idiom #193: Rack One's Brain00:03:52

"Rack one's brain" means to struggle intensely to recall or think about something. The presenter gives an example of someone 'racking their brain' trying to remember where they put a library book. A co-worker 'racked their brain' to find a solution to production problems.

Idiom #194: Raring to Go00:05:19

The idiom "raring to go" describes being very eager or excited to start something. An example is given of a father and son who were 'raring to go' fishing early in the morning. Another illustration shows a team initially 'raring to go' on a project but losing enthusiasm due to problems.

Idiom #195: Read the Riot Act00:06:41

To "read the Riot Act" means to warn or reprimand someone severely. The video provides an example of a supervisor 'reading the riot act' to an employee who was late for work twice. Another scenario involves a teacher 'reading the riot act' to a class after they received low scores on math exams.