Summary
Highlights
This video is part 119 of the American Idiom series, focusing on five idioms from 591 to 595. The format includes presenting an idiom and example, allowing time to guess, then revealing the meaning with an additional example.
The idiom "over the hill" means to be past the peak of one's life or career. An example is given of someone thinking they are old at 45, but in today's world, that's not considered old. Another example illustrates that going to bed early might indicate being 'over the hill'.
A "vicious circle" refers to a difficult situation where one problem causes another, leading back to the original problem. High unemployment and crime creating poverty and violence is given as an example. Lying and needing to tell more lies to support previous ones is another example.
"Out of the blue" means something happens unexpectedly, without warning. An example is a high school friend calling after 30 years. Another example describes a deer jumping in front of a car unexpectedly.
To "toot one's own horn" means to boast or brag about one's own abilities. An example is someone saying their apple pie is better than store-bought. Another example is a colleague who constantly takes credit for team achievements.
To be "in a haze" means not being fully aware or alert, having one's attention clouded, or being confused. Examples include feeling hazy after strong medication or being in a haze after receiving bad news. The similar expression "in a daze" is also mentioned.