They said the house at the end of Elmridge Lane was off-limits.
But curiosity got the better of Sam and Lila.
“We’ll be in and out,” Sam whispered as they pushed open the gate.
As soon as they stepped inside, the door slammed shut behind them. Lila jumped. “That’s our cue to leave.”
But it was too late.
The walls creaked. Shadows moved on their own. A mirror cracked without being touched.
“I don’t like this,” Lila said. “Something’s way off the charts creepy.”
They heard footsteps upstairs — even though they were alone. Or supposed to be.
“Let’s split up,” Sam suggested.
Lila rolled her eyes. “Yeah, because that always ends well in horror movies.”
Suddenly, a voice whispered from the dark: “Turn back…”
They ran. Tripped. Crawled. Finally burst out the front door.
Breathing heavily, Sam said, “Well, live and learn.”
Lila glared at him. “Next time you get a bright idea like this, count me out.”
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Off-limits
Meaning: Not allowed to enter or use.
Examples:
- The rooftop is off-limits to students.
- That area is off-limits due to toxic waste.
2. Off the charts
Meaning: Extremely high or intense.
Examples:
- Her energy level is off the charts!
- The creepiness of this house is off the charts.
3. Always ends well (used ironically)
Meaning: Said when something has a predictable bad outcome.
Examples:
- “Let’s poke the beehive.” “Oh sure, that always ends well.”
- Splitting up in a haunted house? That always ends well.
4. Live and learn
Meaning: You learn from mistakes and experiences.
Examples:
- I missed the train by a minute — live and learn.
- We shouldn’t have trusted him, but live and learn.
5. Count me out
Meaning: I don’t want to participate.
Examples:
- Want to go bungee jumping? Count me out.
- If ghosts are involved, count me out.