Vocabulary
Expressions
Study the following vocabulary.
I hate to complain about my job, but it is very frustrating when I am constantly sticking my neck out for people at work and no one ever appreciates it. The one time I asked for a small favor my colleague would not help me. Many of my colleagues have no problemdishing it out, but when I am critical of their work they get upset and insulted. Furthermore, my boss is always fishing for compliments, and it is very frustrating to have to spend my days telling him how wonderful he is. I pride myself on my hard work and dedication to my career, and I don't want to let a good opportunity slip through my fingers; however, if things don't change soon, I may have to quit my job. That would really be a shame though, because there is one person I have really hit it off with and I would hate to leave her alone in this office!
dish it out – to criticize someone or express disapproval
He can dish it out, but he can't take it when people are critical of him.
fish for compliments – to try to make someone compliment you
Her boyfriend knew that she was just fishing for compliments, but he told her what she wanted to hear anyway.
hit it off – when two people like each other and become friendly immediately
She didn't really hit it off with the office manager at her new job.
knock it off – to tell someone to stop doing something annoying
Knock it off! I am trying to concentrate.
knock yourself out – to encourage someone to do something even if you do not understand why they want to do it
Sure you can take over the cooking knock yourself out!
lose yourself in – to become so interested in something that you are not aware of anything else
I lost myself in the novel I was reading; I had no idea that there was anyone else in the room.
pride yourself on – to be proud of something such as a personal quality or skill
She has always prided herself on her appearance.
slip through your fingers – to let something get away, but just barely
The thief had slipped through their fingers yet again.
stick your neck out – to do or say something risky, often to help someone else
My university professor stuck his neck out for me; he helped me to find a job by calling some of his old friends for me.
sweep someone off his/her feet – to make someone fall suddenly in love with you
Maria was swept off her feet by Mark's charm.