Expressions and Idioms - part 3

A new set of idioms brought to you. Try them along the week!

1.Go through a phase

To experience or be in the midst of a temporary period of change, development, or fluctuation.

I went through a phase when I had consecutive bad performances in the competition.
My Boss has been really aggressive and angry this week, I think he’s going through a phase.

2.Break a leg!

Good luck! Used to wish somebody good luck
To perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

Break a leg tonight. Perform a great show!

I wish you a good start for the exam. Break a leg!

“Break a leg!” shouted the coach to the players!

3.Grease payment (money)

A sum of money, paid to a government official or business person to facilitate or expedite some decision or transaction.
A bribe or extorted money, provided to a low-level government official or business person, in order to expedite a business decision, shipment, or other transaction.

The Chief of the gang just offered the policemen a grease payment to pass the checkpoint.

The entrepreneur proposed grease money to the Director to favor him in the call for tenders process.

4.Fall over dead (or play dead)

When someone (or an animal) ‘plays dead’, he (or it) acts like he (it) is dead and doesn’t move.

Daniella points a finger at her children and shouted « bang, bang ». Then they play dead.

Some animals play dead to escape predators.

If you eat all those dishes you will surely fall over dead.

5.Let the cat out of the bag

If you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal something secret or private, often without meaning to.
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently

My best friend asked me when I was going to travel with my wife when she was around. He let the cat out of the bag.

We are expecting the Minister to arrive. It’s a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.

Aida was trying to keep the party a secret, but Abdul let the cat out of the bag.