Today's lesson is on idioms...
Here are some good examples....you can also use them in your writing....
Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something good which isn't recognized in the first instant.
Example: Getting out of the place was a blessing in disguise for me.
A leopard can't change his spots
Meaning: You can't change who you are.
Example: It's true a leopard can't change his spots, but he sure can change his strategy.
A piece of cake
Meaning: An easy thing to do.
Example: Getting a scholarship was a piece of cake for Frieda.
Against the clock
Meaning: A hectic dash or running against time.
Example: Finishing the paper was a race against the clock.
Cry wolf
Meaning: To intentionally give a false alarm.
Example: "Stop crying wolf, or else no one will come to your help in case of need."
Face the music
Meaning - To accept the truth.
Egg on your face
Meaning - To be embarrassed.
Crocodile tears
Meaning - Phony tears, usually shed to manipulate or exploit.
Here are some Animal Idioms
Animated Idiom Quiz
I have some idioms to share:
ReplyDeletea white elephant
meaning:a useless thing which is expensiveto upkeep
out of the question
meaning:not possible or not allowed
let the cat out of the bag
meaning:let out the secret
break the ice
meaning:to be the first to start a conversation
to kick the bucket
meaning:to die
ups and downs
meaning:good times and bad times
at the eleventh hour
meaning:at the last moment
bulid castles in the air
meaning:day dream
abide by (something)
ReplyDelete- to follow the rules of something
The cleaning staff must abide by the rules of the school.
able to breathe easily again
- to be able to relax and recover from a stressful time or event
My friend was able to breathe easily again when his company did not go bankrupt.
able to do (something) blindfolded
- to be able to do something easily and quickly
The car was easy to fix and we were able to do it blindfolded.
able to do (something) standing on one's head
- to be able to do something easily and quickly
The boy is good at fixing his bicycle. He can do it standing on his head.
able to take a joke
- to be able to let others laugh and joke about you
Our boss is not able to take a joke. We must be careful what we say to him.
about time
- to be something that should have happened earlier
"It is about time that you returned that book to me."
about to (do something)
- to be on the point of doing something
I was about to leave my house when the phone rang.
above all
- mainly, especially
I like adventure movies but above all I love horror movies.
above all else
- most importantly of all
Above all else, I plan to go to the Natural History Museum when I visit the city.
above and beyond
- to be more than is required
The work that the man did on our house was above and beyond what was required.
above reproach
- to be not deserving of blame or criticism
The actions of the police officer were above reproach.
above suspicion
- to be very honest so that nobody will suspect you of doing something wrong
The man's actions are always above suspicion.
absent-minded
- to be forgetful
My grandfather is very absent-minded and he often forgets his keys.
according to Hoyle
- doing something strictly by the rules, doing something the usual and correct way (Hoyle was a writer who was an expert on the rules of card games)
"According to Hoyle, we should not use this room but probably nobody will complain if we do use it."
according to (someone or something)
- as said or told by someone, in agreement with something, in the order of something, in proportion to something
According to our teacher, there will be no class next week.
We did everything according to the terms of the agreement.
account for (something)
- to provide an answer/explanation for something
The bad weather accounts for the fact that only a few people came to the meeting.
acid test
- a test where the conclusions are beyond doubt
The problem was an acid test of our faith in the new manager.
acquire a taste for (something)
- to learn to like something
We acquired a taste for classical music during our trip to Europe.
across the board
- equally for everyone or everything
The taxes have increased across the board and everyone must pay more.
act as a guinea pig
- to allow some kind of test to be performed on someone
I was not happy to act as a guinea pig on the new training material.
i got some idions to i hope u like it
act high and mighty
- to act proud and powerful
The woman always acts high and mighty and nobody likes her.
Here are some examples:
ReplyDeleteA Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush:
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
A Blessing In Disguise:
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
A Chip On Your Shoulder:
Being upset for something that happened in the past.
A Dime A Dozen:
Anything that is common and easy to get.
A Doubting Thomas:
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.
A Drop in the Bucket:
A very small part of something big or whole.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted:
It's easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
You cannot change who you are.
A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned:
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words:
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
A Piece of Cake:
A task that can be accomplished very easily.
A Slap on the Wrist:
A very mild punishment.
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine:
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.
A Toss-Up:
A result that is still unclear and can go either way.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Add Fuel To The Fire:
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.
Against The Clock:
Rushed and short on time.
All Bark And No Bite:
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.
All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.
All In The Same Boat:
When everyone is facing the same challenges.
An Arm And A Leg:
Very expensive. A large amount of money.
An Axe To Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.
Apple of My Eye:
Someone who is cherished above all others.
As High As A Kite:
Anything that is high up in the sky.
At The Drop Of A Hat:
Willing to do something immediately.
Back Seat Driver:
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
Back To Square One:
Having to start all over again.
Back To The Drawing Board:
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Baker's Dozen:
Thirteen.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree:
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.
Beat A Dead Horse:
To force an issue that has already ended.
Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Bend Over Backwards:
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.
Between A Rock And A Hard Place:
Stuck between two very bad options.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
To take on a task that is way to big.
Bite Your Tongue:
To avoid talking.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.
Blue Moon:
A rare event or occurance.
Break A Leg:
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.
Buy A Lemon:
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.
Can't Cut The Mustard :
Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.
Cast Iron Stomach:
Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.
Charley Horse:
Stiffness in the leg / A leg cramp.
Chew someone out:
Verbally scold someone.
Chip on his Shoulder:
Angry today about something that occured in the past.
Chow Down:
To eat.
Close but no Cigar:
To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.