介绍:
1) All in One Piece
Our furniture arrived all in one piece after we moved.
After the plane had to make an emergency landing the cabin crew checked to make sure the passengers were all in one piece.
John's bag has been thrown about a lot over the years, but it is still in one piece.
Meaning: safely, without damage
Etymology: Suggesting that nothing has broken off and the product is still in good condition (can also apply to people).
2) Back the Wrong Horse
We backed the wrong horse in the election and our candidate lost badly.
Nike backed the wrong horse in the world cup.
James backed the wrong horse, when he invested a lot of time helping Tim prepare for the big boxing match. He lost in the first round.
Meaning: To support someone or something that cannot win or succeed.
Etymology: refers to gambling on a racing horse that may have medical issues that would stop it from having a chance of winning a race.
3) Call the Shots
The vice-president is now calling the shots and is in control of the company.
Tina calls the shots in her relationship.
Tommy was calling the shots in the company after the previous manager stepped down.
Meaning: exercise authority or be in charge.
Etymology: Probably derived from gang leaders deciding who would get shot.
