Summary
Highlights
This idiom means to do nothing about a problem or situation that requires action. For example, if a government 'sits on its hands' while the homeless situation worsens, it means they are taking no action to address the issue. Another example is parents 'sitting on their hands' when their son is struggling in school, implying they aren't helping him.
To 'make one's skin crawl' means to be very uncomfortable or unnerved by something. The video uses the example of insects making someone's skin crawl, even if scary movies don't. Another illustration is someone feeling extremely uncomfortable at the thought of a person they dislike touching them, making their skin crawl.
This idiom refers to an act that causes disappointment or insult. Losing an election by a large margin can be considered 'a slap in the face' for a former mayor, causing embarrassment and disappointment. Similarly, a person being rejected by someone they like can feel it's 'a slap in the face,' causing insult and disappointment.
To 'wipe the slate clean' means to make a fresh start or to forgive and forget past problems. This is likened to erasing a blackboard and starting anew. An example is a couple with marital problems deciding to 'wipe the slate clean' to salvage their marriage. Another instance is parents offering to 'wipe the slate clean' and lift a grounding if their child passes a math test, giving them a fresh start.
To be 'cowed into' something means to be pressured, shamed, or scared into doing it. The video gives an example of protesters refusing to be 'cowed into' ending their peaceful protest by the police, meaning they resisted pressure or fear tactics. Another example is a person being 'cowed into' skipping school by their friends, implying they were pressured by their peers.