If something drives somebody up the wall, it annoys or irritates them very much
How can you tolerate Mia shouting at you for everything? It’s really annoying and drives me up the wall.
To suddenly become very angry at someone; to react or respond angrily to someone
I just said I couldn’t go to his party but suddenly he started shouting at me and called me unreliable. I don’t know why he jumped down my throat.
keep something a secret
We are going to have a surprise birthday party for Maria, keep it under your hat and don’t let anyone know about it.
To go to bed
Hey kids, it’s already late, you have to go to school early morning. It’s time to hit the hay.
To confront a problem or a difficult situation fearlessly and in a determined way
Jake told me I had to talk to the manager and tell him about the promotion I want. We both know Mr. Johnson is a difficult person but I guess Jake is right and I have to take the bull by the horns and face it.
If something is going to the dogs, it is in a bad condition (morally or physically) or is becoming worse.
Sue: Look at that beautiful house, I lived there as a child. Maya: That one in the corner? It’s too old. Maybe once it was beautiful but now it has gone to dogs. It needs lots of renovation I think.
To refuse to support someone and leave them without helping
When she needed my help I turned my back on her and left her alone and now I feel very bad.
Having an opinion that is different from most people's and is unpopular
The senator knew if he agreed with the reform insurance program, he would be out on a limb.
To try to please someone
Hesam shined up to his boss, wishing to get a raise.
when you have to use the worst things or people because it’s the only thing you have
I knew Barry couldn’t win the game but we had no other choice because there was no one left. We had to scrape the bottom of the barrel.
