Ignorant of a certain fact or issue. For Example: “In the debate when the Senator was asked his opinion on nuclear waste disposal, it was clear by his stuttering that he is in the dark on that issue.”

Not fit to be a part of. For Example: “Debra thought she wanted to become a journalist, but after her first week of classes she determined she’s not cut out for that career.”

Often shortened to “<strong>can’t cut it</strong>,” this phrase means you can’t handle a certain task or issue. For Example: “Bill thought about joining the Marines, but he eventually concluded that he just can’t cut basic training.”

Without being prepared in advance. For Example: “The President was asked to give a speech off the cuff, so he wasn’t at his best.”

One thing that is very different from another thing, usually inferior. For Example: “You can’t compare Cornell to Harvard. Cornell is a far cry from Harvard.”

When an important decision must be made. For Example: “When it comes to the crunch, you always want to go with your star player.”  

Pretending to be upset by something. For Example: “He acted really upset about not being invited on the trip, but I think he was just crying crocodile tears.”

In a difficult position with no easy way out. For Example: The full saying is “up the creek without a paddle” which means you’re in a bad situation and don’t really have anything that can help you.

Allowing something to happen without outside influence. For Example: The full saying is usually “let nature take its course” which means “just relax and let’s just see how everything works out in the end.”

Someone who watches a lot of television and is therefore assumed to be lazy. For Example: “Did you invite Greg to the party?” “Yes, I did, but I doubt he’ll come. That guy is such a couch potato.”

In a difficult situation. For Example: “When Mary told me I had to choose between her or my career, I really found myself in a tight corner.”

To become tempermental or nervous. For Example: “When the store clerk told Bill they were out of beer, he lost his cool and shouted that he would never return to the store again.”

To remain calm in an adverse situation. For Example: When someone keeps their cool, they don’t become emotionally upset or distracted in a scenario where most people might.

An underdog whose determination usually results in success. For Example: “No one thought Mark stood a chance in that fight, but he is one tough cookie and proved everyone wrong.”