(Jake and Christine, brother and sister, both in their early twenties, are talking on the phone and trying to make plans for celebrating Mother's Day. But the situation is different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nonetheless, they want their mom to feel special and to show their appreciation and love for her.)
J: Hey, Chris, what's up? How are you holding up?
C: Just hanging in there, like everybody else. All my classes are online now, so I'm just sitting at home and studying all the time. It's an uphill battle, but it's not the end of the world. I'm just taking one
day at a time and doing my best not to go crazy.
J: I hear you, sis. Don't give up, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
C: Thanks, bro, for helping me see the glass half full instead of half empty. And how have you been?
J: I'm alright, trying stay above water. Luckily, the store where I work is in business, so I'm still making money. Listen, Mother's Day is coming up, and I'm wondering how to celebrate it this year
with all these stay-at-home requirements. We can't take mom out to her favorite restaurant. Not sure what to do. Do you have any ideas?
C: I'm at my wits' end, to be honest. But let's think outside the box - we could use Skype, or Zoom, or Facetime to talk with her. We could arrange a virtual lunch and eat it together while we are talking. We could send
her e-cards with sweet messages. As a last resort, we can postpone the celebration.
J: Well, I dig your ideas. But what about picking up some food at our mom's favorite restaurant and bringing it over to her house? We could sit outside 6 feet apart from each other, eat, and
chat.
C: Jake, it's a great idea! Let's do it.
J: Awesome, see you in a couple of weeks. Keep your chin up!
The meanings of the new idioms:
- How are you holding up? = How are you doing during tough times?
- Hang in there = be patient, stay calm during challenging times
- an uphill battle = a difficult struggle, a challenging task
- it's not the end of the world = it's not the worst, there is hope
- do (one's) best = make the best effort
- Dont' give up! = Stay optimistic, have faith
- there is light at the end of the tunnel = look at a situation with optimism
- to stay (be) above water = being successful in overcoming difficulties
- take (someone) out = take someone to a restaurant
- to be at (your) wit's end = not knowing what to do
- think outside the box = think creatively
- last resort = an option you use when there are no other options available
- to dig (something/someone) = to like something/someone
- keep (your) chin up = cheer up, don't lose hope
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