Hi guys! Today I’m going to talk about a very nice movie: “The Ultimate Gift”. This is a film based on author Jim Stovall’s bestselling novel. The story is about a boy named Jason whose grandfather just died. When he goes to claim his inheritance (which he thought was a part of his grandfather’s multi-billion dollar company), things don’t happen they way he expected. Jason must complete 12 separate assignments within a year, to receive 12 “gifts” leading to an “ultimate gift”. The gifts of money, friends and learning are among the dozen that Jason must learn before he is eligible for the mysterious “Ultimate Gift” his grandfather’s will has for him.

You really have to watch this movie! It will make you appreciate all the beautiful gifts you already have and will make you wish to have the ones you don’t! For more info about this movie, please check: www.theultimategift.com

Okay, now, two phrases caught my attention.

BRACE YOURSELF!

To “Brace (someone or oneself)” is a way to say “prepare for something difficult or unpleasant”. In other words, if you hear “Brace yourself!” it means“Prepare yourself! (something bad is coming).” Could be used as a threat.

UPSET THE APPLECART

This other expression was mentioned by Jason’s mother. She said, “I’m not going to upset the whole apple cart just because you’re facing a few challenges. I’m sorry.” To “upset the applecart” means to spoil a plan or disturb the status quo^[1]. The “applecart” is a plan, system, situation, or undertaking that may be disrupted or terminated (used mainly with this expression).

Until next time!

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^[1] Read the article about the “status quo” here:
http://www.englishexperts.com.br/2007/09/05/ingles-em-filmes-status-quo/

Hi guys, how have you been? I know I’ve been off for a while… So, I thought today we should learn 2 phrases to make it up and I picked up “Friends” again, because it’s what I consider a “classic” TV series, and I’m sure most of you have enjoyed their episodes. So, let’s cut the chase.

GO COMMANDO
On the second episode of the third season (The One Where No One’s Ready), Chandler hides Joey’s underwear. So, Joey decides to wear ALL of Chandler’s clothes instead. And to bother him, he explains he is “going commando”. To go commando is a humorous American slang for “wear no underpants”. According to Wikipedia, , this phenomenon is also referred to as “going Indian”, “freeballing” (in the case of men not wearing underwear), and “freebuffing” (in the case of women).

STEAL SOMEONE’S THUNDER
On the third episode of the fifth season (The One Hundredth also known as The One With the Triplets), Phoebe is in the hospital, about to deliver her brother’s triplets, whom she is carrying as a surrogate mom. Suddenly, Joey doubles over in pain. Phoebe thought at first that it was nice that Joey had “sympathy pains”, but then she became upset because he was trying to “steal her thunder”. In this case, to “steal someone’s thunder” means to do something that takes attention away from what someone else has done. Depending on the context, this phrase can also mean that someone is taking the credit and praise for something you did or winning praise for themselves by preempting your attempt to impress.

Hi guys! Today, we’ll be talking about the movie “Fun with Dick and Jane”. This is a 2005 comedy film starring Jim Carrey, and remake of the 1977 film of the same name. By the way, great movie for the whole family!

When Dick finds himself unemployed, he starts a competition with his ex-workmate to be the first to arrive at a job interview. But, when both arrive, they found a very large line of people waiting to be interviewed. Disappointed, they decide to go for a cup of coffee. But right when they’re about to leave, someone recognizes Dick and tells him he doesn’t need to wait in line. With an I-won look, Dick turns to his friend and says “Rain check?”.

A rain check is a ticket given for later use when a sports event or other outdoor event is interrupted or postponed by rain. It’s also a coupon (or some kind of agreement) issued to a customer by a store, guaranteeing that a sale item that is out of stock may be purchased by that customer at a later date at the same reduced price. The expression has migrated from its original context and it is most often used casually, either when declining politely an invitation with the implication that one may accept it at a later date or to suggest continuing at a later time an activity which has been interrupted.

Another example: On the forth episode of the fifth season (The One Where Phoebe Hates PBS), Ross forgets he had told Rachel they were going to go to the movies because he is sad and upset trying to fix his marriage with Emily. When Rachel arrives, he says that he’s going to have to “take a rain check“.

I hope you learned something. Have a great day!

Karin from Guatemala

Hi guys! It’s time for our movie-phrase of the week. Actually, I though we should learn two phrases today (both from the same movie, of course). So, this time I picked a Disney Channel Movie: JUMP IN!

In this movie, Izzy Daniels, a star boxer, is challenged by his friend Mary to join her double-dutch (a sport in which one or more people jumping simultaneously with two ropes) team. He agrees to be part of their team, as long as they practice where no one’s going to watch. Tammy, a girl boxer, watches him practicing. When Izzy finds out, he tells her he wants to “keep it on the DL”.

“The Down Low” or “DL” or “on the DL” is an urban phrase used in the United States for “secret information,” as in “Keep it on the down-low” (meaning “Do not make it known”). It can be used between two people, as in “let’s keep this between the two of us.” More commonly, however, it is used in a group context - as in to hide information from a public, authoritative, management, or establishment group by those that are considered “trustworthy,” “on the inside,” or “in the know.”

So, moving on to the next phrase, Izzy and his time –the hot chili stepper – go to the city finals. While they watch other teams performing their routines, he starts feeling a bit nervous. “Why are you sweating other teams?” one of his teammates asks him.

“To sweat (something)” it’s an informal way to say “to worry about something”. In other words, the question was “Why are you worrying about other teams? (Our team is the best)”.

Well, I’m not telling you the rest of the movie, but if you hadn’t seen it, you should. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Have a great week!

Hi friends! I hope you are doing great. Well, it’s time to continue learning vocabulary from movies. Isn’t this a great way to learn? This week, we’ll take a look at Disney’s High School Musical.

During New Year’s Eve vacation, Troy (captain of the basketball team) and Gabriella (a shy transfer student who excels in math and science) discover their love for singing. After vacations they decide to audition for the upcoming high school musical. However, their friends discourage them from moving forward with their plans by singing, “Stick to the status quo”. So now, what’s the “status quo”?

Status quo is a Latin term meaning the present, current, existing state of affairs. To maintain the status quo is to keep the things the way they presently are. Note that the phrase is usually preceded by the definite article “the”.

In other words, Gabriella and Troy’s friends are telling them they should continue being the smart student and the basketball player, instead of trying to be singers.

This phrase was also used in the movie “National Treasure”. Patrick says: “The status quo has changed, son.” And also “Look, cooperation only lasts as long as the status quo remains unchanged.”

Karin from Guatemala