Lesson 20

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as for = concerning; in regard to

As for me, I would rather stay home tonight and watch television.

You can come in. As for the dog, he has to stay out.

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deal in = focus on selling

This store deals in pets.

Our shop only deals in imported goods from China.

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dream up = think up; have an original or unique idea

It's amazing how he dreamed up the idea for the movie.

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find fault with = criticize; find something to complain about

A: Why don't you like the new art teacher?

B: He's always trying to find fault with my paintings.

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get out of = avoid; escape from

She had a note from her doctor to get out of class.

I think there is going to be trouble. Let's get out of here!

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go wrong = produce a bad result

If anything goes wrong, give me a call and I'll be happy to come and help.

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in addition to = along with; besides

A: In addition to getting fired, I had a flat tire on the way home.

B: Sounds like you had a terrible day!

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mess up = make a mistake in

A: I really messed up! I forgot my wife's birthday!

B: Don't worry. Just buy her some flowers and say you're sorry.

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sell out = sell all of; have no more because all are sold

She needed to buy some fish, but the store was sold out.

out.

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thanks to = because of

A: Wow! You got $50 dollars from you grandmother?

B: Yes. Thanks to her, I can go to the concert.

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Many people send flowers for special occasions. Unfortunately, some people forget special days and they have to send flowers late. As for these kinds of customers, there is a way to get out of trouble with friends and loved ones thanks to a small flower shop in Chicago. This shop deals in flowers for all occasions, even late ones!

The owner of the flower shop dreamed up a way to help his forgetful customers. The shop makes an excuse for late deliveries. If a customer has to send flowers late, the shop puts a note in with the delivery explaining what went wrong. For example, the note might say, "We apologize for these flowers being late. Our truck broke down." Or, "Our delivery man got sick." Or even, "Our shop sold out of roses, so we had to wait for more to be delivered." The person receiving the flowers might find fault with the shop, but not with the person who sent the flowers.

In addition to flowers, the shop also sells candy and small toys. So the next time you mess up and have to send a late gift, keep this shop in mind!