1. if all else fails—you say this before saying what you will do if your plans don’t work out—Our class usually meets on a Friday, but if all else fails, we’ll meet on another day.
2. if I were you—you say this when you are giving someone advice—If I were you, I’d put some money in the bank for emergencies.
3. if push comes to shove—you say this if you are talking about what you will do if things don’t go well and you are forced to do something you don’t want to do—Most people like to take trips during the holidays, but if push comes to shove, they will stay home to save money.
4. if worst comes to worst—you say this before saying what you will do if your plans don’t work out—I’d like to buy tickets to the Super Bowl, but if worst comes to worst, I will watch it on TV instead.
5. ignorance is bliss—not knowing about something unpleasant is better than knowing about it and worrying about it—Most people don’t want to know about the dangers of cells phones because ignorance is bliss.
6. ill-at-ease—tense or unable to relax—President Obama never looks ill-at-ease when he’s making a speech.
7. in a bind/fix/jam—in a bad or difficult situation—A true friend will always help you when you are in a bind/fix/jam.
8. in a nutshell—briefly or only the main ideas—I’ll tell you the story in a nutshell because we don’t have much time.
