Idiomes Flashcards
Under the weather
To feel ill
How do you use it? In England we love to talk about the weather and will do so often, but don’t be fooled by this common phrase. If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you feel better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’.
Spill the beans
To give away a secret
How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party, you’d have ‘spilled the beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The secret is out.
The ball is in your court
It’s up to you
How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision.
Break a leg
To wish someone luck
How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often accompanied by a thumbs up, ‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of good luck. It originates from when successful theater performers would to bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg.
Sat on the fence
To be undecided
How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which side of an argument you agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy yoga in a sauna yet.’
Pull someone’s leg
To play a practical joke
How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of practical jokes. ‘Pull their leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or ‘Wait, are you pulling my leg?’.
Through thick and thin
To be loyal no matter what
How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through thick and thin’ means that you’re by each other’s side no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.
It’s the best thing since sliced bread
It’s really, really good
How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England because it’s since been used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are great. We love it almost as much as tea.
Once in a blue moon
Rarely
How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something that doesn’t happen often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’
Take it with a pinch of salt
Don’t take it too seriously
How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often makes up stories so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.’
Come rain or shine
No matter what
How do you use it? You guarantee to do something, regardless of the weather or any other situation that might arise. ‘I’ll be at your football game, come rain or shine’.
Go down in flames
To fail spectacularly
How do you use it? This phrase is fairly obvious. ‘That exam went down in flames, I should have learned my English idioms.’
You can say that again
That’s true
How do you use it? Generally exclaimed in agreement. When a friend says ‘Ryan Reynolds is gorgeous!’, you can reply ‘You can say that again!’
Jump on the bandwagon
Following a trend
How do you use it? When a person joins in with something popular or does something just because it’s cool. See this brunch-based example: ‘She doesn’t even like avocado on toast. She’s just jumping on the bandwagon.’
See eye to eye
To agree completely
How do you use it? We’re not suggesting a staring contest – to see eye to eye with someone is to agree with the point they’re making.
As right as rain
Perfect
How do you use it? Another weather-based idiom, but this one is slightly trickier. We moan about the rain, but ‘right as rain’ is actually a positive comment. ‘I’m as right as rain!’ may be exclaimed with glee when asked if everything is okay, and it is.
Beat around the bush
Avoid saying something
How do you use it? Beating around the bush is when you speak nonsense, avoiding a question because you don’t want to express your opinion or answer truthfully.
Hit the sack
Go to bed
How do you use it? This idiom is super easy to learn to use. ‘I’m exhausted, it’s time for me to hit the sack!’
Miss the boat
It’s too late
How do you use it? Use this when you let an opportunity or deadline pass by. ‘I forgot to apply for that study abroad program, now I’ve missed the boat.’
By the skin of your teeth
Just barely
How do you use it? ‘Phew, I passed that exam by the skin of my teeth!’ Hopefully you’ll ace your exams, but if you only just pass you can whip out this idiom.
A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking someone to share their thoughts with you. For example: ‘I’ll give you a penny if you tell me your thoughts’
Actions speak louder than words
What someone actually does means more than what they say.. So someone actually handing you a bunch of flowers rather than just saying ‘ah I’ll get you some flowers tomorrow’.
An arm and a leg
A phrase used to massively over exaggerate when something might be overly priced. For example: ‘This pint cost me an arm and a leg!!’ When in reality they’re just paying an extorniate amount than what they’re used to.
Back to the drawing board
Used to indicate that an idea, scheme or proposal has been unsuccessful and that a new one should be devised.
The ball is in your court
when someone says the ball is in your court it means it is up to you to make the next move.
Barking up the wrong tree
You’re looking in the wrong place – accusing the wrong person or pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought.
Beat around the bush
A typical British saying meaning you’re purposely avoiding the topic in subject, not speaking directly about the issue.
Biting more than you can chew
A classic idiom meaning you’re trying to accomplish something that is too difficult for you.
You can’t judge a book by its cover
A classic saying meaning one should not judge something or someone by how it looks - it’s what’s on the inside/content that counts most (obviously).
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning being too inquisitive can lead you to an unpleasant situation. Finding out an answer may in fact ruin the question for you.
