How do you talk to someone you’ve just met? Do you say hello, shake hands or crack a joke?
At the start of the school year, you meet new teachers and have chances to make friends. Thus, it’s the perfect time to dive into English phrases to describe hitting it off, embracing a new crowd and navigating the complexities of modern relationships.
1. Hit it off
Meaning: to quickly become good friends with someone
Example: I was nervous about the dinner, but we hit it off immediately.
2. Get on like a house on fire
Meaning: to get along with someone and become friends very quickly
Example: I introduced her to my roommates, and they got on like a house on fire.
3. Take a rain check
Meaning: to decline an invitation now but say you would like to accept it later
Example: I’m swamped at work, so I’ll have to take a rain check on dinner.
4. Chew the fat
Example: to have a long, relaxed conversation with someone
Example: Let’s grab a coffee this weekend and just chew the fat.
5. Paint the town red
Meaning: to go out and have a fun-filled night with friends
Example: There are so many new places I want to visit; let’s paint the town red.
6. Give (someone) the cold shoulder
Meaning: to ignore someone on purpose or treat them in an unfriendly way
Example: After their heated argument yesterday, Sarah decided to give him the cold shoulder all through lunch.
7. The life of the party
Meaning: the most energetic and funny person in a social gathering
Example: Even though Julian is usually quiet at work, he becomes the life of the party as soon as the music starts.
