dressed to kill- have on your best clothes. Susan went to the party dressed to kill.
in one's shoes- to be in the other person's situation. Mary lost her job. I'm glad I'm not in her shoes.
to lose one's shirt- to lose everything, to become poor. When the stock market went down, he lost his shirt.
to roll up one's sleeves- to prepare to do hard work. John decided to roll up his sleeves and join in preparing the big dinner.
to tighten one's belt- to spend less money, be careful with money. When my father lost his job, we had to tighten our belt.
on a shoestring- on a budget, with very little money. That business started on a shoestring with only $100.
birthday suit- naked, no clothes. The man ran through the town with only his birthday suit on! Everyone was shocked.
Check Your Understanding
Choose the best answer.
1. There is a book about staying in England for only $40 per day. It
is called England on a ___.
2. Tabitha wore her red dress and high heeled shoes. She looked great. She was ___.
3. Since Mary bought an expensive new car, she doesn't have a lot of extra money. Now she has to ___ and be careful with spending too much.
4. James went swimming with no clothes on. He only wore his ___.
5. I was surprised when my boss ___ and helped us with all of the work.
6. Bill gambled in Las Vegas and ___. Now he has no more money.
7. Phil is dating a very beautiful woman. He is so lucky. I wish I were ___.
