Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.
cash cow: A cash cow is an idea that is a good way to make money – usually lots of it!
Example:
Lee decided to open up a dry cleaning store. He heard that a cleaner’s would be a cash cow, and he wants to be able to send some extra money home for his parents.
cast pearls before swine: “To cast” means “to throw,” and “swine” means “pigs.” So, “to cast pearls before swine” means to give something valuable or precious to someone who doesn’t or wouldn’t appreciate it. (This expression comes from the Bible, from a saying of Jesus.)
Example:
John doesn’t really enjoy classical music. Playing your violin for him is just casting your pearls before swine.