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American English grammar review with Billgreen54. First idiom up is Call someone on the carpet? It means to confront or hold someone responsible for some misdeed. Here's an example the student tried to make the teacher think that his report was original, but the teacher knew it wasn't and called him on the carpet. Another example, I got called on the carpet for being late again, I have some synonyms for this, rake someone over the coals or choose someone out or read someone the riot act. Next up is call someone's bluff. It means to challenge someone to carry out a threat or prove the truth of a statement. Here's an example. I told my parents that I had gotten passing grades in all my classes, but they didn't believe me. They called my bluff and asked to see my report card. Of course they didn't. They are your parents. Here's another example. The bank robber threatened to shoot the bank guard, but the guard called the robbers bluff by walking up to a man taking away his gun. So instead of listening to the robber, he took a chance and called the robbers bluff. this idiom is based on the literal meaning of this phrase as used in card games such as poker, a player who is bluffing may pretend to have a winning hand when in fact he or she does not to call one's bluff in poker is to challenge one to show his or her cards. Next up is call the shots. It means to be in control order to give orders. Here's an example. In this classroom, the teacher is in control. The teacher calls the shots, not the students. So the teacher is the one who is in charge. Another example, the lawyer tried to take control of the courtroom, but the judge reminded him that it's the judge who calls the shots. this idiom stems from use in sports that involve aiming for example, in darts, the thrower might call out the exact spot that he or she expects to hit on the target. Also calling the shots wills shows the player to be in control of the outcome. Next idiom up is to open a can of worms. It refers to a situation it contains many unexpected and unwanted problems and consequences. Here's an example the company's management thought their new policy would increase employee productivity, but instead it opened a whole new can of worms. In other words, some difficulties. Another example his situation is completely messed up. It's a can of worms that I'm happy not to have to deal with. You could compare a can of worms with another idiom, Pandora's Box next up to carry a torch. This is used when we talk about somebody who might be in love with someone, usually someone who does not love in return. In other words, somebody is carrying a torch for that person, but the other person doesn't like them in the same way. Here's an example. He went on to find a new boyfriend. Don't spend your life carrying a torch for someone who doesn't love you anymore. Another example Hey, Sarah will never remarry. She will always carry a torch for Henry. Lucky Henry. Hey, the expression suggests that love is a flame in the heart. Next up, carry the ball to take on worker responsibility in order to keep a project moving forward. Here's an example. Hey, we need more people to help get this work done on time. Are you going to sit there and do nothing? Or are you going to help carry the ball? In other words help other people? Yes. Another example the people in the office were sorry to see a mirror leave the company. She was such a dependable worker and you could always count on her to carry the ball. In other words to always make sure that something got done. Hey, I hope you enjoyed today's lesson American English grammar review with Billgreen54. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/english-grammar-review/message