Josh and Eric had been driving for ten hours straight. What started as a fun road trip across the desert quickly turned into a test of patience.
The AC stopped working. Then Eric accidentally deleted the playlist. And finally, the car began to rattle like it was about to fall apart.
“Dude, this car is on its last legs,” Eric muttered.
Josh groaned. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
Suddenly, the engine coughed, sputtered, and gave out.
“Speak of the devil,” Josh mumbled as they coasted to a stop under the scorching sun.
They pushed the car to the side of the road and sat in silence. A dusty motel sign blinked faintly a few hundred meters ahead.
“Looks like we’re walking,” Eric said, grabbing his bag.
The motel was old but standing. Inside, the woman at the front desk gave them a tired look.
“No AC. No Wi-Fi. But we’ve got beds.”
“Good enough for now,” Josh said.
They dropped their bags and collapsed on the beds.
“I’m starving,” Eric said. “Should we look for food?”
Josh rolled over. “Are you kidding? I’m dead on my feet. I’m gonna hit the hay.”
Eric laughed. “Suit yourself. I’ll see if I can find snacks. Maybe even something edible.”
Josh mumbled, “Don’t hold your breath.”
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Hit the hay
Meaning:
To go to bed or go to sleep.
Example 1: I’m exhausted. I’m gonna hit the hay early tonight.
Example 2: After the party, we hit the hay around midnight.
2. On its last legs
Meaning:
Close to breaking down or dying (used for machines or people).
Example 1: My phone is on its last legs—I need a new one.
Example 2: That old truck is on its last legs.
3. Speak of the devil
Meaning:
Used when someone you were just talking about appears.
Example 1: Speak of the devil—there’s Mark now!
Example 2: We were talking about you, and then speak of the devil—you called!
4. Dead on my feet
Meaning:
Extremely tired or exhausted.
Example 1: After the hike, I was dead on my feet.
Example 2: He worked all night and was dead on his feet by morning.
5. Don’t hold your breath
Meaning:
Don’t expect something to happen soon (or at all).
Example 1: He said he’d return the money, but don’t hold your breath.
Example 2: They promised quick service—don’t hold your breath!