Jack: “We need to move fast. If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss the boat.”
Tara: “Relax, we still have time. And besides, the map says there’s a shortcut.”

They were deep in the jungle, searching for an ancient ruin. The air was thick, and the tension was real.

Suddenly, Jack tripped and twisted his ankle.
Tara: “Are you okay?”
Jack: “Yeah… but I’m gonna have to play it by ear from here.”

They moved slower now. When they finally found the hidden temple, Tara’s face lit up.
Tara: “We actually found it! This could be our big break!”
But before they could celebrate, a voice echoed:
“You’re not supposed to be here.”

A man stepped out from the shadows. It was Marcus — Jack’s ex-partner.
Jack (under his breath): “Great… he’s back to settle the score.”

Tara: “What do we do now?”
Jack: “Let’s keep our cool and talk our way out.”

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Miss the boat

Meaning: Miss an opportunity
Examples:
If you don’t apply now, you might miss the boat.
I missed the boat on that investment.

2. Play it by ear

Meaning: Handle things as they come; improvise
Examples:
We don’t have a plan, so we’ll play it by ear.
Let’s see how the weather is and play it by ear.

3. Settle the score

Meaning: Take revenge or finish old conflict
Examples:
He came back to settle the score.
After all these years, she finally settled the score with her rival.

4. Keep your cool

Meaning: Stay calm under pressure
Examples:
He kept his cool during the interview.
It’s important to keep your cool in tough situations.

5. Big break

Meaning: A major opportunity for success
Examples:
That role was her big break in Hollywood.
He’s been waiting for his big break for years.