人生|言叶

Refer to: Brokeback Mountain

He didn’t know what the fuck the answer was. Lureen had the money and called the shots.

call the shots = be in charge; be the boss in any given situation

If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do. Examples:  Since Tom has been calling the shots, the work has doubled. I really don't feel like calling the shots, but if you insist, I would say we need to focus more on production.

Refer to: Little Britain Season 1 Episode 2

David Soul, tell us about you. Any more "Starsky and Hutch" in the pipeline?

in the pipeline = being developed

If something's in the pipeline, it hasn't arrived yet but its arrival is expected. Example: According to the studio, there are ten films in the pipeline ready for release next year.

Refer to: A Touch of Glass(Hustle Season 1 Episode 5)

In the ensuing divorce, she took her husband to the cleaners, leaving him the bare bones of their hotel and spa business, and an empty dog basket.

take someone to the cleaners = cheat someone of money

Example: Some people say the company took them to the cleaners by charging double for some services.

Refer to: A Touch of Glass(Hustle Season 1 Episode 5)

Mrs. Winterborn was a stickler for discipline, strict, aloof, cruel when she felt like it, sacked staff at the drop a hat.

at the drop of a hat = quickly and easily, without need to decide

If you would do something quickly and easily, without thinking about it, you would do it at the drop of a hat. Example: "Would you travel around the world if you had the money?" Reply: "At the drop of a hat."

When a hat drops off your head, it falls quickly and suddenly, and that is how fast you would do it at the drop of a hat. Example: "I would take a job like that at the drop of a hat."

You know you would do it, because you have already decided, when you would do it at the drop of a hat. Example: "If you get an extra ticket, let me know. I would go at the drop of a hat."