Expressions Beginning with J
In this lesson, we cover essential American phrases and expressions that start with letter J with examples. You can use them in your daily conversations. Just follow examples and write them down a few times to learn them very well.
Expression Recap
In our previous lesson, we covered American Phrases Beginning with I.
Word of the Day: J
join the club: now you know how I feel. (This expression is used when someone describes a new experience to someone who has already had the same experience.)
A: I lost my job last week and now I have to find a new job fast.
B: Really? Well, join the club. I’ve been unemployed for the last four months.
jump all over someone: to express anger at someone; to quickly become angry and yell or shout.
Lisa jumped all over me because I said something about her hair.
jump at the chance: to see an opportunity and act on it; to take advantage of a good situation.
Jacky jumped at the chance to move to the United States from Turkey.
jump in with both feet: to do something eagerly; to feel a sense of excitement in doing something.
Tom jumped in with both feet when he started his new job even though he didn’t always understand what he was doing.
jump the gun: to start something too early; to begin at an unfair advantage.
Tom and Jennifer want to get married, but they’re only 18 years old and just out of high school. It seems like they’re jumping the gun.
jump to a conclusion: to believe something is true without considering all the facts.
Everyone thought Jack killed his wife, but it turns out they jumped to a conclusion too quickly. His neighbor was the murderer.
(the) jury is still out: no decision has been made; an opinion or conclusion is still being formed on a matter.
The jury is still out as to whether or not human beings have what it takes to live peacefully with each other without resorting to military conflict.
just a minute: wait; hold on. (This expression is also used when someone sees something that is surprising)
Just a minute! This girl looks really familiar to me. Where have I seen her before?
just for the record: a statement of fact that reveals an important truth; truth for the sake of truth–but not necessarily publicly stated.
Can you tell me the real reason you want to leave this company? I need to know–just for the record.
just one of those things: something that is difficult to explain.
No one knew how Martha could so easily drown in just a few feet of water. It was just one of those things.
just what the doctor ordered: something that makes you feel good (in most cases, this does not really involve a doctor.)
A ten-day vacation to Hawaii is just what the doctor ordered. I need to relax.
Next Expression Lesson
In our next lesson, we will cover American Phrases Beginning with K.
Related Expression Lessons
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English Expression Outline
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