Emma was excited to start her new university course, but when the first group project came around, things didn’t go as planned.

She got assigned to a group where one person didn’t respond to messages, another kept making excuses, and one person tried to call the shots without listening to anyone.

Emma thought, “Great, I’m stuck with a bunch of loose cannons.”

The deadline was fast approaching, and Emma didn’t want the project to fall through the cracks. So she stepped up and organized a video call.

During the call, she said, “Guys, let’s not beat around the bush. We need to finish this project today.”

Everyone finally agreed to cooperate. Emma divided the tasks clearly and followed up with everyone.

In the end, they submitted the project on time. Emma knew it wasn’t perfect, but at the end of the day, they had pulled it off.

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Call the shots

Meaning: To be in control and make the decisions.

Examples:
In this project, the manager calls the shots.
My mom always calls the shots at home.

2. Loose cannon

Meaning: Someone unpredictable who may cause trouble.

Examples:
He’s a loose cannon—you never know what he’ll say.
We can’t afford to have a loose cannon on the team.

3. Fall through the cracks

Meaning: To be forgotten or neglected.

Examples:
Some important details fell through the cracks.
We need to double-check so nothing falls through the cracks.

4. Beat around the bush

Meaning: To avoid talking directly about something.

Examples:
Stop beating around the bush—just tell me the truth.
She beat around the bush instead of answering the question.

5. At the end of the day

Meaning: Ultimately; when everything is considered.

Examples:
At the end of the day, we all want to be happy.
At the end of the day, it’s just a game.