Blog Archives

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

fill in for someone:  substitute for someone, do someone’s job while they are unable to do it or absent

Example:

Mark’s going to fill in for Sarah while she’s on vacation next week.

fresh out of something:  when you have just used up the last of something

Example:

Oh, we are fresh out of milk.  Could you run to the store and get some more for me?

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

drop someone a line:  write a brief note / letter

Example:

Jack promised his grandmother he would drop her a line once he got settled at university.

figure something out:  solve a problem, understand something

Example:

Have you figured out how to use that new software yet?

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

Cut it out!:  Stop bothering me!  Quit doing what you are doing!

Example:

Hey, you kids!  Cut it out!  Keep off my lawn!

drive someone up a wall // drive someone crazy:  greatly irritate someone

Example:

This cast makes my arm itch.  It’s driving me crazy!

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

change one’s mind:  to alter your plans, to change your original decision

Example:

I was going to order steak, but I’ve changed my mind.  I’d like the grilled salmon instead.

cost an arm and a leg:  be very expensive

Example:

I like my new video game.  It cost an arm and a leg, but I think it’s worth it.

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

bite off more than one can chew:  to attempt something that is too difficult

Example:

Jack is on the football team, in the band, in the drama club, and is taking all honors courses.  I think he’s bitten off more than he can chew.

(flat) broke:  without any money

Example:

I’m (flat) broke, and payday isn’t until next Friday.  Could I possibly borrow a twenty?

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

be sick and tired of:  to be disappointed regarding an ongoing situation, and want something to change

Example:

Jack wants to move to Florida.  He’s sick and tired of cold, snowy winters.

bend over backwards:  to do whatever is necessary or do everything possible, usually to help someone or to make someone satisfied

Example:

I don’t understand why the guest in Room 313 is upset with me.  I bent over backwards to make sure his suite was immaculate and comfortable.

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

be fed up with:  to have enough of a particular situation, to reach one’s limit of tolerance

Example:

I am fed up with Tom’s irresponsibility.  I am not going to appoint him to any more positions of leadership, that’s for sure!

be kidding:  to say something in jest, to say something that is not intended to be taken seriously

Example:

Don’t worry, Santa didn’t really fall off the roof and break his leg.  Daddy was just kidding.

Google

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.  Currently, we’re looking at some common English idioms.

as easy as pie // a piece of cake:  very easy

Example:

Of course I know how to ride a bike – it’s as easy as pie / a piece of cake!

be all ears: listen eagerly

Example:

You saw Mr. Brown and Miss Smith playing tennis together at the park?  Do tell us more – we’re all ears!

Google