English class420.

05/26/2026

05/21/2026

1. To separate the wheat from the chaff
​Meaning: To separate what is useful or valuable from what is worthless.

​Example: "With over 200 applications for the call center job, the HR manager had to separate the wheat from the chaff to find the best candidates.

​2. To build castles in the air
​Meaning: To make unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation.

​Example: Instead of studying for his English exam, he just sits around building castles in the air about moving to New York tomorrow.

​3. A storm in a teacup
​Meaning: A lot of unnecessary anger or worry about a small, unimportant matter.

​Example: "The two coworkers had a huge argument over who took the last pen, but it was just a storm in a teacup—they are friends again now.

​4. To pull the wool over someone's eyes
​Meaning: To deceive or trick someone by hiding the truth.

​Example: "Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes; I know you didn't actually do your homework!

​5. To chew the fat
​Meaning: To chat casually or have a long, friendly conversation.
​Example: "After a long week at work, my friend and I sat on the porch for hours just chewing the fat.

04/14/2026

Borrow vs. Lend
"This is a big one!
​Borrow: You take something for a short time. (Can I borrow your pen?)
​Lend: You give something for a short time. (Can you lend me $5?)"

04/14/2026

Job vs. Work
"Job is a noun (countable). You have a job.
Work is usually an action or a general place (uncountable).
​Right: 'I'm going to work.'
​Right: 'I love my job.'"

04/14/2026

The "Confusing Words" Set (Grammar)
Listen vs. Hear
"Do you know the difference?
​Hear: Is an accident. You hear a noise in the street.
​Listen: Is a choice. You listen to music or a podcast.
​Tip: You listen with intention!"

04/14/2026

"Give me a hand"
"This doesn't mean you want someone's physical hand! It means 'help me.'
​Example: 'Can you give me a hand with these heavy boxes?'"

04/14/2026

"To be hooked"
"When you love a TV show or a book so much you can't stop watching/reading, you are 'HOOKED.'
​Question: What Netflix series are you hooked on right now?"