Since today is July 4th, I figured I would make a post about independent clauses... get it? Independent... like Independence Day?
Okay, I'm joking. I figured it would be more interesting to write some English expressions about independence, freedom, and opportunity--three things that make America great:
to stand on one's own two feet
I would like your help, but I want to be able to stand on my own two feet.
(I want to be independent.)
to be off the hook
I thought I would be in trouble for not reporting to work this Saturday, but there was a huge snowstorm so they closed the office. I guess I'm off the hook!
to get off Scott free
He really should have been punished, but he got off Scott free.
Okay, I'm joking. I figured it would be more interesting to write some English expressions about independence, freedom, and opportunity--three things that make America great:
to stand on one's own two feet
I would like your help, but I want to be able to stand on my own two feet.
(I want to be independent.)
to be off the hook
I thought I would be in trouble for not reporting to work this Saturday, but there was a huge snowstorm so they closed the office. I guess I'm off the hook!
to get off Scott free
He really should have been punished, but he got off Scott free.
(he wasn't punished)
to be in the clear
My coworker had a terrible cold but it's been a week since then, so I think I'm in the clear.
to be in the clear
My coworker had a terrible cold but it's been a week since then, so I think I'm in the clear.
(I'm free from getting sick, too)
to be free and clear
(see "to be in the clear")
to be master of one's own destiny
No one tells me what to do. I am the master of my own destiny.
the world is one's oyster
I just graduated with top marks and five prestigious companies have asked me to work for them. I feel like the world is my oyster! (he has so many options and opportunities right now)
to be under someone's thumb
to be forced into VERB-ING
to be free and clear
(see "to be in the clear")
to be master of one's own destiny
No one tells me what to do. I am the master of my own destiny.
the world is one's oyster
I just graduated with top marks and five prestigious companies have asked me to work for them. I feel like the world is my oyster! (he has so many options and opportunities right now)
to be under someone's thumb
She has to ask him permission for even going to the movies. He has her under his thumb. (she has no freedom; he controls everything)
to be on a tight leash
His wife keeps him on a pretty tight leash. (he is like a dog on a short leash, so he cannot go where he wants).
"my hands are tied"
I would love to help you, but the policy states that I cannot. My hands are tied!
to be strong-armed into VERB-ING or to be strong-armed TO VERB
They strong-armed him into volunteering; he felt like he had no choice.
They strong-armed him into volunteering; he felt like he had no choice.
to be VERB(PASSIVE) against one's will
Although news media say he is in police custody voluntarily, he is actually being held against his will.
to be pushed into VERB-ING
I wanted to be an artist, but my parents pushed me into being a mathematician.
to be forced into VERB-ING
I was making a great salary, but I was forced into retiring early.
Do you have any other expressions that describe freedom, independence, or opportunity?
Do you have any other expressions that describe freedom, independence, or opportunity?
-Bill
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