Catch on

If something catches on, it becomes popular... people start using or following it. It could be related to technology, fashion, slang phrases, etc.

1.  It took no time at all for Facebook to catch on in Brazil and surpass Orkut. It practically happened overnight. In fact, all forms of social media caught on really quickly here.

2. Do you think it’s easy for anyone to make up (“invent”) a new phrase and make it catch on so that the whole population starts using it? Perhaps social media helps to spread the word much easier these days.

That rings a bell

   

If any information rings a bell, it causes you to remember something. What someone is telling you is vaguely familiar. If a phrase or a word, especially a name, rings a bell, you think you have heard it before.

1. When my students ask me if I have ever heard of a place in Brazil, an expression in Portuguese, a Brazilian politician etc, I usually say, “I think so… that rings a bell”, sometimes even if I have definitely never heard of it. I don't want to show my ignorance!

2.  - Does the name of a TV series “Dexter” ring a bell?
     - Is that the child scientist who has a laboratory in the 
       basement of his parents’ home?
     - No… you’re talking about the cartoon for kids. I’m talking 
       about the serial killer who kills killers.

Stand out

If someone or something stands out, it/ they are conspicuous, distinctive, very noticeable, or very different. It could be something exceptional or of singular importance. (Se destacar)

1. When Brazilians travel around the world, they stand out amongst other nationalities because of the way they walk, especially Brazilian women.


2. Here is a quote from the late Ayrton Senna: “Racing, competing, it's in my blood. It's part of me, it's part of my life; I have been doing it all my life and it stands out above everything else”. Ayrton Senna stood out from everyone else.

No wonder...

It’s no surprise, we don’t have to guess why, we don’t have to imagine why.

1. - You work 70 hours a week and are always under pressure with your job. No wonder you have ulcers!
   
2.  After decades of oppressive regimes in the Middle East, it’s no wonder those nations have been revolting.

3.  With one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world, it is no wonder that much of life in Brazil revolves around the beach, whether it’s a vacation, daily strolls to contemplate or simply to celebrate life.

4.  With the impact people are making on the environment and the “carbon footprint” we’re leaving behind, there’s no wonder that the climate around the world is changing and we are experiencing extremes.

Pull (something) off

If you pull something off, you are able to do something considered impossible or difficult. You overcome an obstacle to reach your goal despite the improbability. You have an unexpected victory or success.

1.  In the last Olympic Games held in Beijing, the swimmer Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals in total. He had planned to break Mark Spitz’ previous record of 7 gold medals set in Munich in 1972. Many were wondering if he could really pull it off, especially when he had to come from behind to win his 7th medal. It was really close, but he pulled it off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCmQd-FLbvw

2. In the movie “Blood Diamond”, Leonardo DiCaprio pulled off a good South African English accent, which is not easy for foreign actors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g2QE4Kn4m0

3. Is there anything difficult that you would like to do, buy you don’t know if you can pull it off?

4. Tae-kwon-do master, Ali Bahcetepe, smashed 317 bricks in a single minute for a world record. It is incredible that he was able to pull it off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i2mnvZS98Q

Make hay while the sun shines

   

If you make hay while the sun shines, you are taking advantage of a situation or opportunity that is temporary or will not last forever. It is an old Welsh saying that is now used universally.

1. The tourism industry is mostly seasonal, so of course, they have to make hay while the sun shines. Also countries who host the World Cup Soccer or the Olympics have to take advantage of the influx of people visiting their country.

2. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to be romantic, even if you are not given to (convinced about the concept) the mythology and commercialism surrounding it. We’ve got to make hay while the sun shines, right! Do you take advantage of Valentine’s Day?

3. Typically, teaching English has its “slow” periods, namely (specifically) in December/ beginning of January and the Carnival month in Brazil. In the “busy” months I have to “make hay while the sun shines” and compensate for those slower/ quieter periods.

4. In any political campaign there is a set period of time within which propaganda can be broadcast, so naturally all political parties need to urgently make hay while the sun shines.

Miss out (on) something

If you miss out on something, you lose the opportunity to experience or participate in something enjoyable, especially entertainment.

1. You are missing out on one of the best ways to improve your English if you’re not watching any TV series. Without a doubt, all of my students who watch some kind of TV series regularly are the ones who show a marked improvement in their English skills during class. I cannot emphasize this point enough!

2. When someone invites you to any social event and you decline, afterwards you will hear them say, “You missed out on a great movie/ barbeque/ party/ day at the beach/ excursion/ class/ show/ event” etc.

3.  Those who are not learning or do not speak a 2nd language are really missing out on the opportunity to communicate directly to so many people. There’s nothing like speaking to someone in their own language.

4. If you haven’t yet tried a peanut butter and honey sandwich, you are missing out on one of life’s finest experiences!

Off the top of (my) head...

If you say something off the top of your head, you say it without thinking too hard about it. You mention examples that come to mind immediately… usually when you are giving someone an answer or explaining something.

1. - Do you know any phrasal verbs with get?
    - There are many… but off the top of my head, here are some 
      of the most useful: get along with, get around, get by,
       get away with, get across.

2.  - Can you recommend any really good TV series for me to 
       practice my English?
    - Of course… off the top of my head you should definitely watch: 
      Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, The Mentalist, 
      Doctor House, Dexter and Haven.

3.  - Just off the top of your head, can you name any Hollywood actors 
       originally from Australia?
     - Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, 
       Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana...