Jake had always been the black sheep of the family. While his siblings followed the rules and built stable lives, Jake preferred to live on the edge. One day, he rolled into town with nothing but a worn-out backpack and a mischievous grin.
“I’m turning over a new leaf,” he told his sister, Lisa, who didn’t buy it for a second.
“Jake, you’ve said that before. Don’t pull the wool over my eyes,” she warned him.
But Jake was determined. He took a job at a local mechanic shop and kept his nose to the grindstone. Weeks passed, and everyone was shocked—maybe he really had changed.
Everything was going smoothly… until his old friend Troy showed up. With one look, Jake knew trouble was brewing. Troy whispered, “One last ride, Jake. In and out. Easy money.”
Jake stared at him, torn. He could feel his old life pulling him back. But then he looked at Lisa’s photo in his wallet. He sighed, “Not this time.”
That night, Jake watched Troy drive off alone into the dark, never to be seen again.
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Black sheep
Meaning: A person who is different from the rest of the family (usually in a negative way).
Examples:
My cousin is the black sheep—he’s always getting into trouble.
She felt like the black sheep at school because she didn’t fit in.
2. Live on the edge
Meaning: To live dangerously or take a lot of risks.
Examples:
He loves adventure sports—he really lives on the edge.
Some people enjoy living on the edge, but it’s not for me.
3. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To start behaving in a better or more responsible way.
Examples:
After years in trouble, he turned over a new leaf and got a job.
I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and exercise daily.
4. Pull the wool over someone’s eyes
Meaning: To deceive or trick someone.
Examples:
Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes—I know what’s going on.
The salesman pulled the wool over her eyes and sold her a fake phone.
5. Keep one’s nose to the grindstone
Meaning: To work hard and consistently.
Examples:
If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you’ll finish the project on time.
He kept his nose to the grindstone and finally passed the exam.
