This Week's Idioms

 

In our Advanced 2 class, we've been looking at Animal Idioms. One such idiom was, "let sleeping dogs lie". This means, "don't mention something that happened in the past to avoid arguments or problems." The Guardian Newspaper have taken up this idiom and converted it into its literal meaning, and have organised a photographic competition about sleeping dogs. See some of the entries here.

This Week's Idiom

We have an expression in English “going to the dogs”. If something is “going to the dogs”, it means that everything seems to be getting worse and worse. There is a special sort of English person – perhaps you have met one – who will tell you that England is going to the dogs. He means that he doesn’t like the sort of clothes that young people wear, that he doesn’t like computers, that he doesn’t understand what an iPhone app does, that there are too many foreigners, that the Australians have just beaten England at cricket and that beer doesn’t taste like proper beer any more. It wasn’t like this when he was young. The country is going to the dogs! To continue reading, click here. You can also listen to the article.

Source: listentoenglishlearnenglish

This Week's Idiom

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy is a proverb. It means that without time off from work, people become boring and tired. Indeed, the video below shows that even birds like to have fun now and again.

This Week's Idiom

"Over the hill at 40!"

There's a saying in English which goes something like, "How old is Rafa? Oh, he's over the hill". It means that, now the person is 40 years old or more, he or she is too old to enjoy life. How wrong this saying is! People in their 40's or over are usually much more self-confident and well-balanced than many people in their 20's. Moreover, they tend to be people with clear ideas and objectives. If you've got a moment, take a look at this wonderful collection of photos of people in their 70's, and you´ll be surprised at how stylish and creative they are. Click here.

This Week's Idiom

The Cat's Pyjamas

I've got three brothers. One of my brothers thinks he's "the cat's pyjamas". This means he thinks he's the best! Do you have a brother, sister or friend like that?

This Week's Idiom: "Sour Grapes"

In our Monday / Wednesday class, we're still debating the difference between "sour" and "bitter". But have you heard the expression, "sour grapes"? We use it to refer to a person's attitude when they pretend to despise something because they cannot have it themselves. Look:

A: "Well, perhaps a ferrari isn't such a fantastic car."
B: "That sounds like sour grapes to me."

The origin of the phrase comes from one of Aesop's fables, The Fox and The Grapes. It's also the title of a collection of early poems by the American physician and poet, William Carlos Williams.  For other expressions with "sour", click here. For a curious use of "bitter" as a noun, click here.

This Week's Idiomatic Expression

Are you a "bossy boots"? Are you always telling people what to do? Do you know anyone who is a "bossy boots"? Is your teacher one? Or your partner?

Find out what happened to Miss Bossy Boots by clicking here. (Incidently, she sounds very like the Queen of England!)

This Week's Idiom

To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

If you've been born with a silver spoon in your mouth, it means that you have been born into wealth and privilege. 

James doesn't know anything about working for a living; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Most of the students at that college were born with silver spoons in their mouths. 

This saying comes from the British tradition that wealthy children were often given silver spoons at birth.

For more idioms associated with colour, go to The Teacher at BBC Learning English.

This Week's Idiom

"When I heard the bad news I was knocked for six."



Beach Cricket


When you are knocked for six, it means that you are completely devastated. It comes from the highest scoring in cricket, a very popular sport in many Commonwealth countries, especially England, the West Indies and Pakistan.

This Week's Idiom

A Bird In The Hand by Beryl Cook

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" means that it is better to have a small real advantage than only the possibility of a greater one. This idiom refers back to medieval falconry where a bird in the hand - a falcon - was a valuable asset and certainly worth two in a bush - the prey - (or a hundred flying overhead!)

Source:  http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-bird-in-the-hand.html

This Week's Idiom

"As mad as a hatter!"

Meaning: to be completely mad.

Origin:  mercury used to be employed in the making of hats. This was known to have affected the nervous systems of hatters (hat makers), causing them to tremble and appear mad.

This Week's Idiom

Be on cloud nine

be very happy or elated

"I was on cloud nine when my great nephew was born."

Why "nine"? Find out more here.