The Junior Woodchucks Guidebook to English Idioms and
The Junior Woodchucks’ Guidebook to English Idioms and Phrases 2017 Part 2
The contributors representing Kiiminki Senior High School are as follows: Tiina Ahonen, Jere Haataja, Anton Hansen-Haug, Julia Heikkilä, Laura Huru, Visa Huurre, Ville Hämäläinen, Sanni Hökkä, Jimi Isomaa, Joonas Kenakkala, Niklas Koskelo, Jerry Kumpulainen, Kasperi Kuorilehto, Minna Laamanen, Matias Lakkapää, Beada Lehtikangas, Jere Nisula, Henna Partanen, Timo Paso, Aliisa Pehkonen, Jesse Piri, Teemu Pulli, Salla-Kaisa Riikola, Jere Siekkinen, Johanna Siekkinen, Joni Silvan, Mira Simonen, Elmeri Suvanto, Henry Taponen, Roope Tolvanen and Aapo Tornberg Edited by Maxx Perälä
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Scream/yell blue murder = nostaa kova meteli jostakin He started screaming blue murder out of frustration Jump the gun = ottaa varaslähtö There is always someone trying to jump the gun at the Olympics Fan the flames = pahentaa negatiivista tunnetta His actions only fanned the flames after the accident
How does something grab you? = kiinnostaisiko jokin How does getting hammered grab you? Throw shade = tehdä pilkkaa jostakin, ''piilovittuilla'' They kept throwing shade at each other Hear something through/on the grapevine = kuulla huhupuheena/juoruna jotain I heard something about you through the grapevine
It's all Greek to me = se on minulle täyttä hepreaa Math is all Greek to me Have the inside track = olla etuoikeutetussa asemassa Some of us don't have the inside track Knock together = kyhätä, tekaista We could knock together a treehouse
In the limelight = julkisuuden valokeilassa I wonder how it feels like to be in the limelight Right royal = oikein kunnon She's getting a right royal promotion Have a memory like a sieve = huono muisti My grandma has a memory like a sieve
Pick nits = syynätä, arvostella pikkuasioista He's always picking nits Add insult to injury = pahentaa asiaa entisestään Did you really have to go and add insult to injury? Make hay while the sun shines = takoa kun rauta on kuumaa I know you like her; make hay while the sun shines
Play havoc with something = sotkea, panna sekaisin, romuttaa They were playing havoc with the car Lost the plot = tulla hulluksi I'm losing the plot over him A grandstand view = aitiopaikka, näköalapaikka I got the grandstand view of their drama
Fall from grace = joutua epäsuosioon He fell from his boss' grace Go piss up a rope! = häivy! To push one's buttons When some one annoys you; sometimes they know what to say to get you irritated. "God, he really pushes my buttons by talking about that!"
Not on one's watch When this is said, the person intends to make sure something doesn't happen while they're in charge. "No one is getting left behind, not on my watch!" A blessing in disguise Something that is later on considered good but not while it happens. "His investment actually was a blessing in disguise. " A leopard can't change his spots You can't change who you are. "Oh well, I guess a leopard can't change his spots. "
A taste of one's own medicine When some one is being mistreated the way they mistreat others. "Oh Larry, you're just getting a taste of your own medicine. " Add fuel to the fire when situation is made worse than it already is. "You're just adding fuel to the fire if you say that to her!" Back to square one When you need to start something all over again. "Now I'm back to square one. "
A deer caught in the headlights to get caught in the action. "He looked just like a deer caught in the headlights after I walked in!" A donkey between two piles of hay When you're stuck between two similar or equally good matching things. "She was like a donkey between two piles of hay while choosing the restaurant. " Dead ringer a duplicate; doubleganger of someone. "Oh my! You're a dead ringer of your grandfather!"
Drink like a sponge when you're consuming a lot of drinks in short time. "Anna was drinking like a sponge last night. " Excuse my French when apologising for cussing. "Please do excuse my French, sir. " Jump head first into things When you assume something before knowing it for a fact. "He's always jumping into things head first!"
There's a snake in the paradise When something or some one bad is coming when things are considered good. "There's a snake in Morrison's paradise, and it's Mr. Morrison's cousin Raja. " Whipped when a person is completely in love with someone. "John is so whipped. " A musician without his instrument to be lost or unable to do something because of it. "Tom was like a musician without his instrument in New York City. "
Like a cherry to the top when something really is the finishing touch. "The flood was like a cherry to the top in our financial troubles. " To lend a shoulder to cry on offering emotional support to a person. "Hey, I'm always here to lend a shoulder to cry on, alright? " Out of the blue something that happens completely unexpected. "The announcement came completely out of the blue. "
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
The cat's out of the bag When a secret gets out. "It was Jenny who let the cat out of the bag!" Play it by ear Meaning: Playing something by ear means that rather than sticking to a defined plan. Raining cats and dogs Meaning: It’s “raining cats and dogs” when it’s raining particularly heavily.
Turn a blind eye Meaning: To “turn a blind eye” to something means to pretend not to have noticed it. Fat chance Meaning: “fat chance” is used to refer to something that is incredibly unlikely. Pot calling the kettle black Meaning: Used expression to refer to someone who criticises someone else, for something they themselves are guilty of.
Once in a blue moon Meaning: The phrase refers to something that happens very infrequently. Head in the clouds Meaning: Used to describe something who is not being realistic. Mad as a hatter Meaning: “Mad as a hatter” refers to someone who is completely crazy.
Call it a day Meaning: This means to stop doing something for the day, for example work, either temporarily or to give it up completely. Know the ropes Meaning: Someone who “knows the ropes” is experienced at what they are doing. Extend the olive branch Meaning: To extend the olive branch is to take steps towards achieving peace with an enemy (or simply someone with whom you have fallen out).
Barking up the wrong tree Meaning: If someone is “barking up the wrong tree”, they are pursuing a line of thought or course of action that is misguided. Bite off more than you can chew Meaning: If you “bite off more than you can chew”, you have taken on a project or task that is beyond what you are capable of. Blow one’s own trumpet Meaning: “Blowing one’s own trumpet” means to boast about one’s own achievements.
In stitches Meaning: If you’re “in stitches”, you’re laughing so hard that your sides hurt. Take it from me Meaning: This is a good expression to show expertise about a certain subject or speak with authority. Too many chiefs, not enough Indians Meaning: Used to describe a situation in which there are too many people telling other people what to do, and not enough people to do the work
See someone’s true colours Meaning: To understand someone’s actual character, often for the first time Chase rainbows Meaning: When someone tries to get or achieve something that is difficult or impossible With flying colours Meaning: To complete something with great distinction, and excellent results
A cakewalk Combination of walk in the park and a piece of cake – when something is easy ”Man this assigment is a cakewalk!” Easy peasy lemon squeezy When something is easy A taste of your own medicine Karma.
Once in a blue moon Something that happens very rarely Close but no cigar When you come close but dont succeed Pardon my French An apology for swearing
When pigs fly! Something that's likely never going to happen ”You'll get an L when pigs fly!” a sausage fest A party without women ”Last night's party at Teemu's place was a total sausage fest!” If it isn't broke don't fix it If something works, don't try to fix it, you'll probably end up making it worse.
Did the cat steal your tongue? When your conversational partner is being awfully quiet. There's plenty of fish in the sea. Used as a consolation after someone gets rejected. Kill two birds with one stone To do two things at once. ”I got a new book for christmas and we had to do a book analysis on the same one, talk about killing two birds with one stone!”
The whole nine yards All of something. Speak of the devil! When the person you just talked about shows up ”I think Matt is an absolute c. . . Speak of the devil! Matt how you doing? ” Method to my madness Used when your actions seem irrational but have a structure/purpose to them. ”What you said sounded crazy at first but when you explained it, all of it made sense!” ”There's a method to my madness dear. ”
Drastic times call for drastic measures In times of despair you need to do what you must. That must've cost an arm and a leg. What to say to a double amputee about his/her prosthetics. Beat around the bush Avoiding the topic at hand.
If you want to stand out you got to be outstanding. Means that if you want to make yourself noticed you have to be great at what you do A dish fit for the gods A meal so heavenly it could sate the hunger of a godlike entity. Actions speak louder than words It doesn't matter what you say if you don't act on it.
To go cold turkey Describing the actions of a person who suddenly gives up an addiction ”I got fed up with my smoking addiction so i went cold turkey. ” My neck of the woods The area that you live in Wipe the floor with someone To defeat someone with ease
Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole Used to describe something so vile that you wouldn't even poke it with a stick. ”I wouldn't touch Johanna Tukiainen with a barge pole. ” Pot calling the kettle black Used to point out hypocrisy Let your freak flag fly To let others see your uniqueness
Let the chips fall where they may To let something happen, disregarding what happens next Go the extra mile To make an extra effort By the skin of your teeth Succeeding barely ”I got through exam week by the skin of my teeth”
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Fat chance! Not very likely to happen Luck of the draw A result of pure chance Murphy's law What can go wrong, will go wrong.
Put on a thinking cap To think hard about a problem ”Gyro Gearloose puts on his thinking cap every time he has to invent something new” Don't count your chickens until they hatch Don't assume that your plans will succeed. Back to the drawing board When an attempt fails and you have to start all over.
Best thing since sliced bread A great thing ”Nutella is the best thing since sliced bread. ” Bite off more than you can chew To take on a task that's too demanding. A blessing in disguise Something that you don't notice is good at first.
To judge a book by its cover To judge something based on it's looks Don't put all your eggs in one basket To not put all your resources in one thing. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Add Fuel To The Fire: Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is. All Bark And No Bite: When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight. Dead Ringer: 100% identical. A duplicate.
Tie the knot: To get married. Drink like a fish: To drink very heavily. Finger lickin' good: A very tasty food or meal.
Get Your Walking Papers: Get fired from a job. Go For Broke: To gamble everything you have. Hold Your Horses: Be patient.
In The Bag: To have something secured. Your Guess Is As Good As Mine: I have no idea. Crack Someone Up: To make someone laugh.
Cup Of Joe: A cup of coffee. Cock and Bull Story: An unbelievable tale. Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining: Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Go The Extra Mile: Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand. Graveyard Shift: Working hours from about 12: 00 am to 8: 00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping. Great Minds Think Alike: Intelligent people think like each other.
Jaywalk: Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk. Blessing In Disguise: Something good that isn't recognized at first. Leopard Can't Change His Spots: You cannot change who you are. Back Seat Driver: People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
Break A Leg: A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite. Close but no Cigar: To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short. Dog Days of Summer: The hottest days of the summer season.
Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed: Someone who is having a horrible day. It Takes Two To Tango: A two person conflict where both people are at fault. Like a chicken with its head cut off: To act in a frenzied manner.
Pipe Down: To shut-up or be quiet. Pulling Your Leg: Tricking someone as a joke. The Ball Is In Your Court: It is your decision this time.
Till the cows come home: A long time. To Steal Someone's Thunder: To take the credit for something someone else did. When It Rains, It Pours: Since it rarely rains, when it does it will be a huge storm. Bad things seem to pile up.
A Doubting Thomas: A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something. Actions Speak Louder Than Words: It's better to actually do something than just talk about it. Against The Clock: Rushed and short on time
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
All Bark And No Bite: When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight. At The Drop Of A Hat: Willing to do something immediately. Don't count your chickens before they hatch: Don't rely on it until your sure of it.
Great Minds Think Alike: Intelligent people think like each other. Put something on ice Put a project on hold Rain on someone's parade To spoil something
Throw caution to the wind Take a risk Burn bridges Destroy relationships As right as rain Something is perfect
A penny for your thoughts A way of asking what someone is thinking Can't judge a book by its cover Can't judge something/someone by its appearance Cry over spilt milk When someone cries over a loss from the past
Jump on the bandwagon Join a popular trend or activity On the ball When someone understands the situation well The whole nine yards. Everything. All of it.
Break a leg Good luck! Hit the sack Go to sleep Miss the boat It's too late
To get bent out of shape To get upset Your guess is as good as mine I have no idea By the skin of your teeth Just barely
Costs an arm and a leg Something is very expensive Ignorance is bliss You're better off not knowing Live and learn I made a mistake
A cup of Joe - A cup of coffee. ” I'll enjoy a cup of Joe” Chew someone out: - Verbally scold someone Close but no cigar: - To be very near and almost accomplish a coal, but fall short
Call it a day: - Stop working on something No pain, no gain: - You have to work for what you want Your guess is as good as mine: - I have no idea Pull someone's leg: - To joke with someone
On the ball: - Doing a good job It's not rocket science: - Its not complicated Go back to the drawing board: - Start over
Beat around the bush: Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable Dark Horse: - One who was previously unknow and is now prominent Drink like a fish: - To drink very heavily
Hit the hay: - Go to bed/sleep ”I'm going to hit the hay” Hold your horses: - Be patient L ast but not least: - An itroduction phrase to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is no less important than those introduced before him/her
No dice: - To not agree. To not accept a proposition Off the record: - Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want attributed to him/her Pig out: - To eat alot and eat it quickly
Rise and Shine: - Time to get out of bed and get ready for work/school. Against the law = forbidden by law no biggie = not a big deal
ice queen = a beautiful but heartless woman if pigs had wings = never have butterflies in one's stomach = to be nervous, uncertain, or anxious
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
live on the edge = to have an adventurous or perilous lifestyle piece of cake = a job, task, or other activity thats easy or simple mad as a hatter = demented or crazy
I wish = used to express the speaker's wish that the preceding statement were true in other words = used to introduce an explanation, simplification or clarification give someone the creeps = to give someone a feeling of uneasiness or mild fright
go bananas = to go mad an apple a day = healthy eating and living using traditional temperate-zone fresh foods face to face = in person; directly; in the physical presence of somebody
fly on the wall = a quiet, non-participating, or unseen observer; an eavesdropper or witness for old times' sake = an appeal to the nostalgia of prior experiences to conivinse someone to do something oh well = an expression of mild disapointment or resignation; too bad; pity
on the other hand = from another point of view let's roll = used to suggest that an action should begin lighten up = to become less serious and more cheerful or casual; to relax
Finger lickin' good = A very tasty meal "This meal was finger lickin' good!“ Get up on the wrong side of the bed =Someone who's having a bad day "You woke up on the wrong side of the bed. . . “ Hat trick = One player scores three goals in the same ice hockey game "He did hat trick in today's game and two of them was nice goals"
Hit the hay = go to sleep " She's going to hit the hay because she's have to get up early tomorrow“ No room to swing a cat = An unusually small space "this place is so small that here's no room to swing a cat“ Out on the town =To enjoy yourself by going out " I'm going out on the town today"
Pick up your ears =To listen very carefully "Harry, you have to pick up your ears“ Use your loaf =Think smart "Harry. . . just use your loaf, it's about your future. . . “ Get down to brass tacks = To become serious about something "You are in trouble, your parents are going to get down to brass tacks"
Green room =The waiting room for those who are about to go on a TV "Let's go to green room, the show starts soon!“ Add fuel to the fire = Whenever something is done to make bad situation even worse than it is "Oh no, he just add fuel to the fire at work and now his boss is going to fire him“ All in the same boat = When everyone is facing the same challenges "My brother lost his phone two days ago and yesterday two of his friends lost their money at the trip, so now they all are in the same boat"
Cup of joe = A cup of coffee "I need cup of joe because I'm so tired“ Don't look a gift horse in the mouth = When someone gives you a gift, don't be ungrateful "My friend gave me a t-shirt and I don't like it , " Hey don't look a gift horse in the mouth. . Be grateful. . “ Crack someone up =To make someone laugh "what's wrong, don't be angry, I'm going to crack you up "
A penny saved is a penny earned = By not spending money, you are saving money little by little " Remember a penny saved is a penny earned, my grandmother used to say when she gave me money when I was kid“ Your guess is as good as mine = to have no idea or do not know the answer to a question "I have no idea what the answer is to this question , do you know? "Well. . Your guess is as good as mine. . “ Every cloud has a silver lining = Be optimistic even difficult times will lead to better days " Don't think like that, be optimistic and remember that every cloud has a silver lining"
Costs an arm and a leg = when something is very expensive " I want to buy that shirt but it costs an arm and a leg“ Bite off more than you can chew = To take on a task that is way to big " He bite off more than he can chew, in my opinion“ Take with a grain of This means not to take what someone says too seriously
Don`t give up the day job You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professional Blessing in disguise Something good that isn`t recognized at first A drop in the bucket A very small part of something big or whole
A piece of cake A task that can be accomplished very easily Full monty Can mean either, "The whole thing" or "Completely nude“ High five Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture
Kick the bucket Die Know the ropes The understand the details Rise and shine Time to get out of bed and get ready for school
Walking papers The letter or notice dismissing somebody from a job A foot in the door To manage to enter on organization a field of business Raining cats and dogs Raining very heavily
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Lighting fast Being very fast Beat the clock Succeed in something before time is up Around a clock If something is open around the clock it means ti is open 24 hours a day
Black sheep An undesirable member of a group Couch potato A lazy person who watches too much tv Black list someone Too write someones name on a list if they break any rules, and ban them from having the opportunity to take part again
Blue blood Used to describe someone from a noble, aristocratic or mealthly family Hard cheese It means hard luck Lend someone a hand If you lend someone a hand, you help them
Live it up Enjoy yourself by doing things that cost a lot of money Cry wolf Intentionally raise a false alarm Kick the bucket Die
Let sleeping dogs lie To avoid restarting a conflict Pick up your ears Listen very carefully Hold your horses Calm down
Your guess is as good as mine I have no idea Get your act together Work better or leave No pain, no gain You have to work for what you want
Birds of a feather flock together People who are alike are often friends (often negative meaning) He's a chip off the old block The son is like the father There's no such thing as a free lunch Nothing is entirely free
Curiosity killed the cat Stop asking questions He's off his rocker He's crazy Steel someone's thunder To take credit for something what someone else did
Take with a grain of salt Not to take what someone says too seriously Burn the midnight oil Work late into the night Blessing in disguise Something good that isn't recognized at first
* Be as hard as nails: Having no sympathy towards others. "Did you hear? Our boss just fired a guy who had lost his girlfriend in a car accident just one week before. " "Well, you know our boss, she's as tough as nails“ * Flavour of the month: Something that is currently popular, but loses it after awhile. * Zip up your lip: A way of saying, that you want someone to stop talking. "At least this isn't like the time you went to the zoo -" "Zip up your lip Tommy. "
* Be ten a penny: to be something common. "These cooking shows on television are like ten a penny nowadays. “ * Walk the talk: Backing up one's boastful claims by showing one can do it. "I could run a mile in less than 5 minutes. " "Well Ricky, walk the talk then. “ * Curry favour: Making crowds like you by promising things that please them. "If he would get elected, he would build up a mall at the border. " "I don't know really, it seems like a curry favour to me. "
* Being in the driver’s seat: Being in charge of something. "Kelly is in the drivers seat on our presentation about Japan, as her grandmother is Japanese. “ * Run around in circles: to waste one's time: "Stop running around in circles and just do your homework!“ * To be caught napping: To not be ready to deal with something: "French army was caught napping by the German forces in 1940. "
* State-of-the-art: Most recent piece of technology in it's field: "This coffeemaker is state-of-the-art. “ * A close shave: Escaping something narrowly. "Greg almost got caught by the police this time around, He said it was a close shave. “ * Open Pandora's box: To uncover a lot of unsuspected problems. "When I started to fix up my computer it felt like a opening Pandora's box. . . "
* Seamy side of life: The roughest aspects of life. "While I have long holidays, when I'm working I have to work 10 hours a day. Oh well, it's the seamy side of life. “ * A cock-and-bull story: A story that over exaggerates itself. "He said that he caught a fish THIS big, but it's obviously just a cock-and-bull story. “ * An uphill struggle: Something that is difficult to do because something causes problems for you: "It was an uphill struggle to finish this essay with my neighbours dog barking all the time. "
* No holds barred: Doing something with no restrictions or holding back. "Pfft, you won because you got lucky. Now you're sure to lose I'll play with no holds barred this time. “ * A bad egg: A dishonest person. "So Jeff has been in jail three years ago? No wonder he seemed like a bad egg. * To a tee: something that was done perfectly. "This beef was cooked to a tee. "
* Nail in the coffin: Action that will end something. "The fact that they lost their star player just before the tournament was the final nail in the coffin for their dreams of becoming champions this year. “ * Taking a rain check: When you can't accept an invitation to something, but you'd like to do it at a later time. "Sorry, I'm quite busy so I think I'll just take a rain check on your proposition. “ Costs an arm and a leg =Something is very expensive
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Actions speak louder than words =people's intentions can be judged better by what they do than by what they say. To get the best of both worlds = All the advantages It takes two to tango = communications need more than one person
Kill two birds with one stone = to accomplish two different things at the same time miss the boat = someone missed his/her chance hit the sack = to go to bed
see eye to eye =two or more people agree on something steal someone's thunder =to take the credit for something someone else did add insult to injury =to make the situation worse
once in a blue moon = happens very rarely fit as a fiddle =in good physical health call in sick = announce that you are unable to work
taste of your own medicine = something happens to you or is done to you, that you have done to someone else sleep with the fishes = euphemism for dying or death spill the beans = reveal someone's secret
cut the cheese = to fart the whole nine yards = Everything. All of it all in the same boat = when everyone is facing the same challenges
have a blast = to have a good time back to square one = having to start all over again add fuel to the fire = Make a bad situation even worse than it is
blood is thicker than water = the family bond is closer than anything else throw under the bus = to betray someone for selfish reasons drink like a fish = to drink very heavily
tie on = to get drunk pardon my French = please forgive me for cussing hold your horses = be patient
you bet = "of course“ it’s a small world = you frequently see the same people in different places Foam at the mouth = to be enraged and show it
A ray of sunshine = someone who brings happiness Get over it = to move beyond something that is bothering you At the drop of a hat = willing to do something immediately
Kill time = to do something to amuse yourself while waiting Gut feeling = a personal intuition you get, especially when you feel something may not be right Bite your tongue = to avoid talking
A recipe for disaster = something that is going to cause trouble Head over heels = very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love son of a gun = A scamp, a nice fellow
Half-baked = not planned well Icing on the cake = when you already have it good and get something on top of what you already have When pigs fly = something that will never happen
Hard to swallow = difficult to believe In the heat of the moment = overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment Dry run = rehearsal
(to hide) behind the eight ball = someone is in a difficult position Never bite the hand that feeds you = don’t hurt anyone that helps you High on the hog = living in luxury
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
On the same page = when multiple people all agree on the same thing Easy on the eye = something that is pleasant to look In the buff = nude
Out of the blue = something that suddenly occurs Play it by ear = to not plan ahead but to do what ever seems best at the time Out on the town = to enjoy yourself by going out
On the fence = undecided Over my dead body = when you absolutely will not allow something to happen A red-letter day = a very important day
Mumbo jumbo = nonsense or meaningless speech Rome was not built in one day = if you want something to be completely properly, then it’s going to take time Better late than never = better to arrive late than not to come at all
Call it a day = stop working on something Cutting corners = doing something poorly in order to save time or money Hang in there = don't give up
On the ball = doing a good job (to feel) Under the weather = sick Your guess is as good as mine = I have no idea
Sitting shotgun = riding in the front passenger seat of the car The ball is in your court = it is your decision this time Tie the knot = get married
Without a doubt = for certain When pigs fly = Something that will never happen You can't judge a book by its cover = Decisions shouldn't been made primarily on appearance
Till the cows come home = a long time Wear your heart on your sleeve = to openly and freely express your emotions Twenty-three skiddoo = to be turned away
Tongue-in-cheek = humor, not to be taken seriously In your face = an aggressive and bold confrontation Ethnic cleansing = Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive scale
Joshing me = tricking me I´m bored to death. You´ve got to be kidding me. I got into small car accident. It was just a fender bender.
It was a piece of cake. There is nothing to be scared of. Don´t be a chicken. Let´s call it a day. I´m too tired to continue working.
He will end up 6 feet under the grass. Don´t make deal with this guy. You will be dancing with the demon. Let´s go bug john.
I really thought I was going to get a promotion, But I blew it. You bet I´ll be at your game. I would not miss it. I can finish it for you, no sweat.
Their ideas about living in space are just a pie in the sky. I can´t believe you made it. It was a difficult task. Whatever, I know you like him.
Sure you will be a millionaire one day, in your dreams. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. You have a lot to get done tomorrow. I´m not sure about you, but I’m sick of it.
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Thank goodness this suit still fits. I have nothing else to wear. I´m trying a new diet. It can´t hurt, right ? A piece of cake -something is natural and easy for you -jump down from there? Pff a piece of cake.
Slow and steady wins the race -you might not be fast or sharp but your mind might be. There for you can say this. -I might not be that fast but don’t wait for me. Slow and steady might win the race. Couch potato -you can be called this if you spend a lot of time watching the tv -come on stop watching tv. Your such a couch potato! Chicken -you can be called a chicken if you don’t dare to do something. -You’ll be fine. Don’t be a chicken!
Keeping my fingers crossed -this means that someone wishes you good luck or something good to happen to you. -I hope you get that job. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. Pain in the neck -you can be called a pain in the neck if your slowing someone down or otherwise being annoying. -This guy is such a pain in the neck I dont buy it -you can say this if you don’t believe what someone is saying. -This guy told me that he has his own mansion. I don’t buy it for a second.
Under the weather. -you can say this if your not feeling happy or anyway shape of form good. -I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. My dog died yesterday. Good for you -Good for you is a phrase that can be used sarcastically or seriously to wish someone to be well. -Oh you won in the lottery. Good for you pal Twenty-four seven -This means that you are doing something all the time. -I cant come to the party. I have to work almost twenty-four seven.
Shotgun! -As you and your friends see the car, the first one to yell shotgun gets to sit in the front seat. -I call shotgun! Don’t sweat it -you can say this if you want to make your friend to feel better and stop worrying about things. -You look good! Don’t sweat it. Good luck -You can wish your friend a good luck for something like before a performance -You have a ice hockey match today? Good luck
Keep your cool -if your on stage live you can calm your friend down by saying just keep your cool. -When we go out there just keep your cool ok? Go with the flow -if you have to improvise you can go with the flow, everything that feels good and right -just go with the flow, you sound awesome. What gives -You can ask your friend "what gives" if you want to know what's wrong -Hey are you okay? What gives?
Since when -if you question someone about something you can say this -Since when did you like apples Rise and shine -This can be used as a way to wake someone up. -Rise and shine honey, your going to be late for work. I’m sick of it -if you don’t like something you can say this -Stop burping! I’m sick of it
Piece of cake. Something that is very easy to do. The essay was a piece of cake. Bored to death. You are very bored. I'm bored at this party. Get a life. Someone is very annoying about something. Didn't you just eat a burger? Ohh just get a life dude.
Sleep tight. Sleep well, sleep good. I hope you sleep tight after an exhausting day. No worries. It can be used after an apology or after someone says thank you. No worries we can get it done tomorrow. Take a hike. This is a negative way of telling someone to go away. He asked my phone number I told him to take a hike.
Hold on a sec. To tell someone to wait. Hold on a sec i need to grab something to eat. Come on. basically same as no way. Come on dude you can tell me. I'm sick of it. This is commonly used when something happens so often that you are tired of it. I'm sick of it. We need to stop arguing so much.
Shame on you. This is frequently used to tell children that they did something wrong. You know better than to do that, shame on you. Hang in there. Used to tell someone to not give up. hang in there I am sure things will work out in the end. I owe you. The literal meaning is exactly as it appears. I'll give you an i owe you until you get your paycheck!
Sure thing. If someone asks you for help, you can respond with "sure thing" Sure thing I'll be there. I told you so. This is used when you already told someone something and it came true. I knew that was a bad idea, I told you so. Lighten up. Telling someone to not be depressed. Lighten up. Things could be worse.
Good point. Used to tell someone that they had a good comment, thought, or suggestion. That is a very good point man. Fair enough. Used after two people agree on something. That’s fair enough dude. Beats me. To not know; to not understand. It beats me how they finished before us.
Sort of. A little; kind of. Dinner was sort of expensive. Good luck. Wishing someone well. Also can mean that it is not possible. Good luck to find a better deal than this one. (to cost) an arm and a leg - a large amount of money
Appear out of now here - to appear suddenly without warning. Apple of someone's eye - someone loved very much. Ask for the moon - to ask for too much.
Blue blood - belonging to high social class Be above board - to be honest and legal Be bouncing off the walls - excited and full of nervous energy
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Bow and scrap - try too hard to please someone in a position of authority Brass monkey weather - extremely cold weather Be tailor made - to be completely suitable for someone.
Bet on the wrong horse - to misread the future Bent on doing - to be determined to do something Bite off more than one can chew - to do more than one's ability
Bite the bullet - to face a difficult situation bravely Bitter pill to swallow - an unpleasant fact that must be accepted Black sheep of the family - the worst member
Don't cry over spilt milk - When something bad happens and nothing can be done to help it people say, 'Don't cry over spilt milk' Egg on your face - If someone has egg on their face; they are made to look foolish or embarrassed Eye for an eye - This is an expression for retributive justice, where the punishment equals the crime.
Eyes are bigger than one's stomach - If someone's eyes are bigger than their stomach, they are greedy and take on more than they can consume or manage. Like a shag on a rock - completely alone. Let someone slide - neglect something
Let the cat out of the bag - reveal the secret Once in a blue moon - very rarely On the bandwagon - doing something because others are also doing it
Open Pandora's box - to discover more problems Over the moon - being too happy On its last legs - in a bad condition and will not last long
Old habits die hard - It's very difficult to forget old things On pins and needles - If you are on pins and needles, you are very worried about something Through thick and thin - If someone supports you through thick and thin, they support you during good times and bad
Your sins will find you out - This idiom means that things you do wrong will become known. Oh, do me a favor = Answer, when someone says something stupid for you To call it a day = To stop working
You should talk =Something you can say when someone critizes you for doing something they do themselves Once upon a time = A long time ago Breaking new ground = Doing something different from anything you have done before
Close, but no cigar = Nearly correct Go places = Become successful Hit the sack = Go to bed
Off the top of my head = Say something without thinking first Run-of-the-mill = Something ordinary Have kittens = Be angry
Live and learn = discovering something new Move mountains = To do anything to please someone An arm and a leg = Very expensive
Best thing since sliced bread = A good invention or idea Cut corners = Do something badly to save money Hit the nail on the head = Do something exactly right
See eye to eye = To agree on something Take with a grain of salt = Not to take what someone says too seriously The whole nine yards = Everything
At the drop of a hat * without any hesitation, instatly * " You should go at the drop of a hat. " The ball is in your court * it is up to you make the next decision or step Barking up the wrong tree * looking in the wrong place, accusing the wrong person * " Think again, I'm sure that you're barking up the wrong tree. "
Learn these phrases well and you’ll be on your way to proficiency in English!
Hit the nail on the head * Do or say something exactly right * "That went well, we totally hit the nail on the head. " The acorn never falls far from the tree * Kids resemble their parents * "He eats just like his dad. " -"Yep, the acorn never falls far from the tree. " Hit the sack * To go to bed * "I'm so tired, I'm going to hit the sack. "
Hit the road * To go to journey * "Have you packed your travelling bags because it's time to hit the road. " Bite off more than you can chew * To take on a task that is way to big * "I think you bite off more than you can chew when you took that job. " Cup of Joe * A cup of coffee * " I need a cup of Joe. "
Dogs days of summer * The hottest days of the summer season * " I think now is dogs days of summer" Smell a rat * To detect someone in the group is petraying the others * "Did you notice the same as me? " -" Yea, I smell a rat!" Use your loaf * Use your head. Think smart. * "I don't get this. " -" Use your loaf. "
When pigs fly * Something that will never happen * "When you graduate? " -" When pigs fly. " Cock and bull story * An unbelievable tale * "He told me a cock and bull story. " Finding your feet * To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing
Miss the boat * When someone missed his chance * "Looks like she has a another girl, you missed the boat" A Piece of cake * A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple * "Did you pass the test? - Yep, that was a piece of cake Taste of your own medicine * Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else * "He earned it, he tasted his own medicine"
Take with a grain of salt * Not to take what someone says to seriously A drop in the bucket * A very small part of something big or whole A penny saved is a penny earned * By not spending money, you're saving money
A slap on the wrist * A very mild punishment * ''I got fined'' -''it's slap on the wrist'' A picture paints a thousand words * A visual presentation is far more descriptive tha words All in the same boat * When everyone is facing the same challenges * ''we should cooperate because we are all in the same boat''
Bite your tongue * To avoid talking * ''I don’t want to go there, what if someone comes to talk to me'' -''bite your tongue'' You are what you eat * In order to stay healthy you must eat healthy foods Your guess is as good as mine * I have no idea * ''I don't know what it means, do you know? '' -''your guess is as good as mine''
Finger licking good * A very taste food or meal * "Yesterday's dinner was finger licking good" lip the bird * To raise your middle finger at someone French kiss * An open mouth kiss where tongues touch
He lost his head * Angry and overcome by emotions High five * Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture * " Good job, high five!" Hit the books * To study, especially for a test or exam * " Do you have a test tomorrow? " -"Yes, time to hit the books. "
Hold your horses * Be patient * " Are we there yet? " -" Hold your horses kids!" Sixth sense * A paranormal sense that allows you to communicate with the dead The whole nine yards * Everything, all of it
Steal someone's thunder * To take the credit for something someone else did. It takes two to tango * Actions or communications need more than one person Don't give up the day job * You are not very good at something, you could definitely not do it professionally. Cry over spilt milk * When you complain can lead you into an unpleasant situation
- Slides: 185
