To be as cool as a cucumber is to be very calm and serene in stressful circumstances. cucumber (noun) a long green vegetable that’s normally eaten in salads Example sentences: 1. We were terrified during the storm, but she was cool as a cucumber. 2. He has an important exam today but […]
Idiom: blow the cobwebs away
August 31, 2014 by Leave a Comment
To blow the cobwebs away (or clear away the cobwebs) means toget some fresh air and exercise so that you feel refreshed and can think more clearly. Examples of use: 1. Come on. A nice brisk walk by the sea will blow the cobwebs away! 2. I went for a run to blow the […]
9 cat idioms
August 24, 2014 by 8 Comments
Do you have cat idioms in your native language? I have two young cats at home and while I was watching them playing and having fun together the other day, I realized there are many idiomatic English expressions relating to cats. Here are nine of the most common ones… ♦ let the cat […]
Idiom: parrot-fashion
April 10, 2014 by 1 Comment
To do something parrot-fashion is to memorize or repeat something without thinking about it or understanding it. A parrot is a talking bird and ‘parrot-fashion’ means ‘like a parrot’. British and Australian informal English. Examples of use: 1. He learnt it parrot-fashion. 2. Some people think that conjugating verbs parrot-fashion is not the best way […]
Idiom: crow’s feet
October 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Crow’s feet are the lines or wrinkles which appear around the outer corner of a person’s eyes as they get older. They’re also known as laughter lines 🙂 Examples of use: 1. News headline: FDA approves botox for treating crow’s feet. 2. Crow’s feet are one of the first signs of ageing on the […]
Oh My! idioms
August 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment
It’s amazing what little treasures you can sometimes find on Pinterest – a few days ago someone shared this wonderful video from Oh My! It’s a collection of short illustrations of nine English idioms that are frequently used in everyday speech – see if you can guess the idioms from the scenes. One or two […]
Idiom: budding
June 8, 2013 by 1 Comment
A budding writer, politician, genius, artist etc. is one who is just beginning to develop, and who is showing signs of great potential and success. For example: A budding genius is a child who appears to be very intelligent. A budding artist is someone who is just starting to develop as an artist and who […]
Idiom: turn over a new leaf
June 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
To turn over a new leaf is to make a fresh start; to start a new phase in your life. Someone who turns over a new leaf becomes a better person, or starts a healthier way of life etc. Examples of use: 1. She’s turned over a new leaf since she left prison. 2. […]
Idiom: bear fruit
June 5, 2013 by 1 Comment
If something bears fruit, it produces successful or positive results. Examples of use: 1. Your dedication to your English studies will bear fruit in the future. 2. Four years of training bore fruit when she won an Olympic gold medal. 3. We hope that in the coming months our new plans for the business […]
Idiom: flowery speech
May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Flowery speech (or writing) is full of elaborate language (complicated or literary words and expressions). It is the opposite of speech (or writing) that uses clear and simple language. Examples of use: 1. He was famous for his flamboyant clothes and flowery speech. 2. Don’t use flowery speech for reports and official letters. 3. […]
