Summary
Highlights
Introduction to Idioms Part 13000:00:04
This video is part 130 of the American Idioms series, presenting five idioms (646-650). Viewers are encouraged to guess the meaning of each idiom before the answer and additional examples are provided.
Idiom 646: Double down on something00:00:55
To 'double down on something' means to significantly increase or strengthen effort towards a goal. It can be used positively, like increasing a successful advertising budget, or negatively, like stubbornly sticking to failed policies.
Idiom 647: A surefire way00:02:54
A 'surefire way' refers to a course of action that is certain to produce a successful or expected result. For example, renovating a kitchen is a surefire way to boost a home's value, or day trading can be a surefire way to lose money.
Idiom 648: Stride for stride00:05:00
To keep 'stride for stride' means to maintain the same level of progress, skill, or success as someone else. An example is a small company matching larger competitors due to experienced employees, or a student studying hard to keep up with smart classmates.
Idiom 649: Strike a nerve00:06:40
To 'strike a nerve' means to evoke a strong emotional reaction from someone. This can happen when a newspaper reports a significant increase in crime, causing concern among residents, or a documentary film raising awareness and emotional impact on audiences.
Idiom 650: Without batting an eye00:08:21
To do something 'without batting an eye' means to react to a situation without showing any surprise, concern, or emotion. This could be a mayor continuing a speech despite crowd interruptions or a corrupt stockbroker lying to clients without hesitation.