It was Monday morning, and everything at the office was going according to plan — until the printer jammed.
“Again?” groaned Maya. She tried fixing it, but only made it worse.
Her coworker Dan strolled over with a smirk. “You just have to be gentle with it.”
She gave him the look. “I’ve been gentle. I’ve also threatened it, begged it, and offered it coffee.”
The boss walked in just as Dan was pulling out a crushed report.
“I hope that wasn’t the client’s file,” the boss said.
Dan froze. “Uhh…”
“I think you’d better explain this,” Maya said, stepping back.
Dan began rambling, but the boss raised a hand and said, “It’s fine, I get the picture.”
Maya whispered, “Looks like we’re in hot water now.”
Dan sighed. “Let’s just face the music.”
Later, the boss emailed: “No big deal — just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Maya replied, “Phew. That could’ve been worse. I guess we really dodged a bullet.”
Dan replied: “Yup. But maybe next time… let’s not push our luck.”
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Get the picture
Meaning: To understand a situation, even if not all the details are said.
Examples:
- You don’t need to explain more — I get the picture.
- When she stopped replying, I got the picture.
2. In hot water
Meaning: In trouble, especially with authority.
Examples:
- He’s in hot water for missing the deadline.
- If you lie, you’ll be in hot water later.
3. Face the music
Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions.
Examples:
- I forgot the report, so I had to face the music.
- It’s time to face the music and admit the mistake.
4. Dodge a bullet
Meaning: To narrowly avoid trouble or disaster.
Examples:
- The client canceled the meeting — we dodged a bullet.
- Luckily, no one was hurt. We really dodged a bullet.
5. Push your luck
Meaning: To take a risk when you’ve already had good fortune.
Examples:
- You apologized and she forgave you — don’t push your luck.
- He got a warning, but kept talking back. He pushed his luck.
