E

eager beaver: a person who keeps busy and likes to work; a good volunteer.

All the people who stayed to clean up after the picnic were such eager beavers, they finished everything in 15 minutes.

early bird: a person who arrives early, usually for some benefit.

When it comes to waking up on the weekend, I’m a real early bird. I get up at 5:00 in the morning.

easy: to say "yes" to something; to agree without objection.

When it comes to grading students, she’s really easy.

eat it or eat the loss: to take a loss; to accept some failure.

Our company will have to eat some big losses this year when we sell some of our assets.

ego trip: a person who has a very high opinion of himself or herself; to think highly of one’s abilities.

Since she won the skating competition, she’s been on a huge ego trip.

eighteen wheeler: a big truck with 18 wheels.

There’s an eighteen wheeler sitting on the side of the road with its lights on and engine running.

elbow grease: hard work; effort from using muscles.

You’ve got to put a little elbow grease into cleaning those pots and pans. They’re still dirty.

elbow room: space; enough room to feel comfortable.

Please! You’re sitting too close ! I need a little elbow room here in order to write.

empty nester: a person whose children have grown and left the hose.

A lot of empty nesters in the U.S. are now buying condominiums in lively downtown areas.

enough: stop.

Enough! I’m tired of hearing you kids argue. Enough is enough.

even-steven: to break even; not to lose money.

Because you paid for parking, I’ll pay for the tickets and then we’ll be even-steven. 

eye-opener: a strong alcoholic drink; a dramatic experience; an important event or learning experience.

Seeing so many people lose their jobs at work has been a real eye-opener.