To run for

Idiom: To run for

Example I:

Hillary: Bill, I think I’m going to run for President in the next election.

Bill: That would be great.  I’m sure you will do a great job.

Maria: Many people suggested I didn't run for it this time around, but I still think I can make a difference.

Neil: Go for it.  I will support you all the way.

Meaning: The expression "to run for" means to try or attempt something. 

In the example above, Hillary wants "to run for" president because she feels that she is capable of being a good president.

Example II:

Aaron: Dude, my date wants to marry me after only one date.

John: It’s a good idea to run for it.

Aaron: It’s a bit scary considering we just met.

John: Uh, yeah. The situation sounds a little intense.

Meaning: In this example, the expression "to run for" means to run away or get away (as far as possible) from someone/something. 

In the example above, John suggests "to run for it” because he feels that the person Aaron is dating may be pushing the relationship faster than normal.

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To have a change of heart

Idiom: To have a change of heart; used as a verb 

Example:

Maria: So what do you think of the puppy now?

Neil: Now that he's at home, I admit, he is pretty adorable. And you're right, we did have enough room for a pet.

Maria: I'm glad you had a change of heart. I know you didn't want a dog at first, but I think we made a good choice.

Neil: So do I.

Meaning: The expression "have a change of heart" means that someone changes his/her mind on a decision or opinion, usually from a negative to a positive. 

In the example above, Todd has "had a change of heart" because he didn't initially want a pet.  But now that they have the puppy, he's happy about it.

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To have a heart

Idiom: To have a heart; used as a verb 

Example:

Maria: Look at these adorable puppies my friend posted on facebook. They're looking for homes. Maybe we should adopt one?

Neil: We don't need a dog.

Maria: Why not? They're so adorable, and they need homes. And I have been thinking a pet could be fun.

Neil: I don't know.

Maria: Oh, have a heart. At least go look at them with me and think about it. They need homes, and we have one.

Neil: OK, we can go see the puppies tomorrow, but I'm not promising anything.

Meaning: The expression "have a heart" means to be compassionate, generous or forgiving. In the example above, Maria tells Neil to "have a heart" when he initially rejects her suggestion that they adopt a puppy. This imperative usage (telling someone to do something) is one of the most common ways to use this idiom. When a person rejects something that is compassionate, generous or forgiving, someone else might say "have a heart;" this suggests that the person should reconsider.

In addition to the imperative usage above, the idiom is also often used with the word "if," as in the following example:

Christine: I know you're still mad at Daniel for scratching your car, but he apologized and offered to pay for it. 

Thomas: I know, but it was really irresponsible of him.

Christine: If you had a heart, you would just forgive Daniel and move on.

Meaning: In this case, saying "if you had a heart" is almost a challenge, telling someone that they need to be more compassionate, generous or forgiving (as in this specific example).

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Shop 'til you drop

Idiom: Shop 'til you drop

An advertisement for a department store:

Next Friday Next Friday, for one day only, our annual 50% OFF SALE will begin. 

All items in the store will be an unbelievable HALF PRICE! 

So come in next Friday and shop 'til you drop!

Meaning: To buy as much as you can or shop until you can't shop anymore.

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To talk shop

Idiom: To talk shop 

Read the following e-mail and try to guess the meaning of the idiom in bold:

Hi George,

How have you been?

I just wanted to thank you for giving me advice regarding my new job at LS. I know it was your brother's wedding party, and you probably didn't want to talk about work there, but all the advice you gave me was very helpful! I would never talk shop at my brother's wedding! You rock!

Thanks again!

Bob. 

Meaning: To talk about someone's job or business matters on a social setting.

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Pedal to the metal

Idiom: Pedal to the metal

Example: Our flight is in 1 hour and we can't miss it! Let's go! Put the pedal to the metal!

Meaning: Pedal to the medal is used to talk about driving very, very fast. When the gas pedal reaches the floor (metal), the car is traveling at maximum speed. This expression is often used as an imperative, or a command, like "hurry," "drive faster."

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Backseat driver

Idiom: Backseat driver

Example: We are going on a road trip to the Grand Canyon next month. I am very excited about everything except for 1 thing: Joseph is coming with us. Joseph is a good friend, but he is a backseat driver. He tries to control the car even when he isn't driving! "Slow down, speed up, turn here, why are you driving like that?" I hope he will take a nap when I am behind the wheel. 

Meaning: A backseat driver is a person who tells the driver what to do. This expression has slightly negative connotations as it implies that the backseat driver does not have confidence in the actual driver. 

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