Archive for May, 2013

Common English Idioms

May 31st, 2013 in Expressions

The word bomb invokes fear in the mind. Nonetheless, it has inspired the creation of several idioms. In this lesson we will take a look at some idiomatic expressions using the word bomb.

C

Call a spade a spade: Speak clearly and plainly; describe something as it is

Carry coals to New Castle: Do something that is totally unnecessary

Cast pearls before swine: Do something for people who cannot appreciate it

Chip on the shoulder: A bad attitude that tends to get someone easily upset

Cold shouldered: Be treated in an offhand unfriendly way

Come hell or high water: Persevere no matter what difficulties are encountered

Come off with flying colors: Be highly successful

Crocodile tears: Fake tears

Cut to the chase: To cut to the chase is to focus on what is really important.

D

Daylight robbery: Blatant and unfair overcharging

Dutch courage: False sense of courage that a person feels when they are under the influence of alcohol.

E

Eat humble pie: To eat humble pie is to behave humbly especially after a setback

Excuse my French: Please forgive my swearing

End of story: There is nothing more to be said

F

A face like a bulldog chewing a wasp: A very ugly face

Fall on your sword: Commit suicide or offer resignation

Fish in troubled waters: Make profit when others are in trouble

G

Get off on the wrong foot: To begin doing something in a way that is likely to fail

Get your feet wet: Get your first experience of something

H

Have an axe to grind: Have an ulterior motive

Head over heels: Very excited

Hit the hay: Go to bed

Hold your horses: Hold on; be patient

Hot off the press: Freshly printed

I

In a nutshell: In very few words; clearly and to the point

In high spirits: Very happy

In the limelight: At the center of attention

It never rains but it pours: When troubles come they come together