Sophie was always early — but today, of all days, she was running late.
She rushed into the café, scanning the room. He was supposed to be there at 3:00. Her online pen-pal of six months, Liam. Today was the day they’d finally meet in person.
But… the table by the window was empty.
She sat down, trying not to lose her cool.
Minutes ticked by. No messages. No Liam.
After half an hour, she sighed. “Well, I guess I got stood up,” she muttered, stirring her cold coffee.
Just as she was about to leave, someone tapped her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry!” said a breathless voice. “Train delay. I cut it close, didn’t I?”
She turned — and there he was. Nervous, handsome, holding flowers.
“I thought you bailed,” she said, half-laughing.
“I’d never flake out on you,” Liam said, sitting down.
They talked for hours. It was awkward at first, but eventually, Sophie relaxed.
“I guess we hit it off,” she smiled.
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Lose your cool
Meaning: To become angry, nervous, or emotional.
Examples:
- He lost his cool when he missed the flight.
- She’s calm under pressure and never loses her cool.
2. Get stood up
Meaning: To be left waiting for someone who doesn’t show up (especially for a date).
Examples:
- I waited for an hour. I think I got stood up.
- He got stood up on his first Tinder date.
3. Cut it close
Meaning: To do something just in time or with little margin.
Examples:
- You’re cutting it close — the meeting starts in two minutes!
- We made the flight, but it was really cutting it close.
4. Flake out
Meaning: To cancel plans unexpectedly or not show up.
Examples:
- Don’t invite him — he always flakes out.
- She flaked out on our movie night.
5. Hit it off
Meaning: To get along really well, especially when first meeting.
Examples:
- They hit it off the moment they met.
- I didn’t expect to hit it off with someone at the party.
