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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.

miss the boat:  miss an opportunity, too late to take advantage of something

Example:

I should have gone to medical school and become a doctor.  I really missed the boat on that one.

next to nothing:  very inexpensive

Example:

There’s a great sale at the sporting goods store.  I got these skis for next to nothing.

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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.

look down on someone:  hold someone in contempt, have disdain for someone

Example:

Mr. Smith always looked down on us because Father worked in a factory instead of an office.

make ends meet:  live so income (at least) matches expenses, live within one’s means, not spend more than one makes

Example:

Mother had to take a part-time job just to make ends meet.

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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.

keep one’s chin up:  maintain a positive attitude, not get discouraged

Example:

I know it’s been difficult with this economy, but keep your chin up.  Things are bound to get better one of these days.

know something like the back of your hand:  be very familiar with something

Example:

Do I know this area?  Are you kidding me?  I grew up here – I know this town like the back of my hand.

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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.

in the red:  not making a profit, owe money, have a negative bank balance

Example:

Our snowplow business is in the red this winter – we’ve hardly had any snow.

keep in touch // stay in touch:  maintain a relationship, maintain communication

Example:

James promised to keep in touch / stay in touch with his cousin when he went to England to study.

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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.

in the black:  make a profit, have a positive bank balance

Example:

Thanks to everyone’s hard work this fourth quarter, our company ended this fiscal year in the black.

in the nick of time:  at the last minute, without any time to spare

Example:

Superman saved Lois Lane from the fiery space aliens in the nick of time.

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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.

How come?:   Why?

Example:

How come Jessie wasn’t at Linda’s party?  I thought they were best friends.

in ages:  for a very long time

Example:

I haven’t had lemon meringue pie in ages.

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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.

head out for:  leave, go in the direction of, move towards

Example:

We’re heading out for Minnesota next week to do some ice fishing.

hit the hay // hit the sack:  go to bed

Example:

Well, it’s after midnight – I guess it’s time to hit the hay / hit the sack.

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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.

have a change of heart:  to change one’s mind

Example:

Mother was going to buy Tom roller skates for his birthday, but she’s had a change of heart – she’s going to buy him a bike instead.

have mixed feelings about something:

Example:

Aunt Bea and Uncle Mark had mixed feelings about Jason going to college.  They were happy for him to continue his education, but they knew they would think of him whenever they saw the empty chair at the dinner table.

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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.

grab a bite to eat:  eat something quickly, either a snack or a small meal

Example:

I didn’t have time for breakfast this morning, so I grabbed a bite to eat on the way to work.

hard headed:  a hard-headed person is someone who is stubborn, someone who doesn’t listen to good advice

Example:

Jack is going to ruin the project because he’s so hard headed.  I wish he would at least listen to Sam’s suggestions.

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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.

give someone a hand:  1) to help someone  2) to applaud someone

Example:

1)  Sure, I can give you a hand with printing the programs for the concert.
2)  Let’s give Tom a hand for his wonderful solo performance.

Got a minute?:  Do you have a little bit of free time?  Can I briefly talk to you about something?

Example:

You got a minute?  I need some help with this spreadsheet.

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