Summary
Highlights
This video is the 133rd installment in the American Idioms series, presenting five new idioms from 661 to 665. Viewers are encouraged to pause and guess the meaning of each idiom before the answer and an additional example are provided.
The idiom 'let oneself go' means to stop caring about one's personal appearance, health, or hygiene. An example is given of Ed gaining 20 kilos after a breakup, illustrating a decline in self-care. Another example describes Luke, a star athlete, letting himself go after marriage.
'Let go of something' refers to moving past upsetting memories, regrets, or mistakes that no longer serve you. The host emphasizes that letting go can lead to better things. An additional example discusses Jan's difficulty in letting go of resentment over her divorce.
This idiom signifies that the true quality of something can only be judged after it has been experienced directly. The example provided is about a Broadway play; the speaker will only form an opinion after seeing it. Another illustration involves new software that, despite initial high hopes, was not selling, thus proving its lack of success.
To 'have mixed feelings' implies experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously. An example is presented of someone facing a job offer while still in college, feeling conflicted about continuing studies or taking the job. Another example describes mixed feelings about a new boss who is experienced but arrogant.
The idiom 'mind the store' means to be in charge of a place when the person normally responsible is absent. The first example shows a husband 'minding the store' (taking care of the home) while his wife visits her mom. A second example uses the idiom in a more literal sense, with an employee minding the business while the boss is on vacation.