Summary
Highlights
This video is the 12th in a series on American idioms, presenting five idioms numbered 56 to 60. The presenter will give viewers a chance to guess the meaning of each idiom before explaining it with additional examples.
The idiom 'to get one's act together' means to improve one's poor behavior or to get organized. An example is given of a cousin who got into trouble in high school but 'got his act together' at university. Another example illustrates how an administration 'got its act together' after a shaky start.
The idiom 'from cradle to grave' refers to something spanning a human's entire lifetime. An example is provided where a government promises to take care of people 'from cradle to grave' with healthcare plans. Another example describes an aunt who loved her hometown and lived there 'from cradle to grave'.
'To fall on deaf ears' means to disregard or ignore something. An example discusses a warning about a project deadline that 'fell on deaf ears', leading to the deadline being missed. Another example shows a defense attorney's plea for leniency that 'fell on deaf ears' of a judge.
The idiom 'joined at the hip' describes two people or things that are linked or inseparable. An example is given of Mike and Tim, who are rarely apart and are thus 'joined at the hip'. Another example illustrates how climate change and renewable energy are often 'joined at the hip' in discussions.
'To jump the gun' means to start or do something too soon. An example is given of someone who 'jumped the gun' by buying a new car before it went on sale, missing out on savings. Another example features an aunt who 'jumped the gun' on an investment without thorough research and lost money.
The video concludes by thanking viewers and promising more idiom videos in the future, encouraging continued practice.