Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the idiom 'come rain or shine' signify?
What does the idiom 'come rain or shine' signify?
Which idiom relates to experiencing great happiness?
Which idiom relates to experiencing great happiness?
What does 'Once Bitten Twice Shy' imply?
What does 'Once Bitten Twice Shy' imply?
What does 'to have a bee in your bonnet' mean?
What does 'to have a bee in your bonnet' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
Which idiom suggests the process of understanding a complex situation?
Which idiom suggests the process of understanding a complex situation?
Signup and view all the answers
When someone is described as 'bouncing off the walls', it indicates they are:
When someone is described as 'bouncing off the walls', it indicates they are:
Signup and view all the answers
The idiom 'ray of sunshine' is used to describe someone who is:
The idiom 'ray of sunshine' is used to describe someone who is:
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'a hidden gem' refer to?
What does 'a hidden gem' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'to burn the midnight oil' suggest?
What does 'to burn the midnight oil' suggest?
Signup and view all the answers
The idiom 'to pour your heart into something' means?
The idiom 'to pour your heart into something' means?
Signup and view all the answers
Which idiom best describes someone full of nervous excitement?
Which idiom best describes someone full of nervous excitement?
Signup and view all the answers
What connotation does 'lagoon' have as explained in the content?
What connotation does 'lagoon' have as explained in the content?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the idiom 'Once bitten twice shy' suggest about personal growth?
What does the idiom 'Once bitten twice shy' suggest about personal growth?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the verb 'to swap' mean in the context of language use?
What does the verb 'to swap' mean in the context of language use?
Signup and view all the answers
Which phrasal verb is suggested as a replacement for 'participate'?
Which phrasal verb is suggested as a replacement for 'participate'?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a more natural way to express 'I collected my parents from the airport'?
What is a more natural way to express 'I collected my parents from the airport'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the idiom 'a leopard doesn't change its spots' imply?
What does the idiom 'a leopard doesn't change its spots' imply?
Signup and view all the answers
Which expression indicates feeling relieved after an exam?
Which expression indicates feeling relieved after an exam?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following phrases illustrates a more advanced way of asking to spend time together?
Which of the following phrases illustrates a more advanced way of asking to spend time together?
Signup and view all the answers
How would a native speaker more naturally express 'I am going to eat dinner in a restaurant really close to my house'?
How would a native speaker more naturally express 'I am going to eat dinner in a restaurant really close to my house'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'guard dog' mean?
What does the term 'guard dog' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
Which expression better describes someone who is being overly polite in English culture?
Which expression better describes someone who is being overly polite in English culture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common way a native English speaker would describe heavy rain?
What is a common way a native English speaker would describe heavy rain?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one advantage of using phrasal verbs according to the discussion?
What is one advantage of using phrasal verbs according to the discussion?
Signup and view all the answers
Which choice suggests a more advanced way of saying 'I just drank some tea'?
Which choice suggests a more advanced way of saying 'I just drank some tea'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which phrase indicates an informal way to discuss the weather?
Which phrase indicates an informal way to discuss the weather?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a function of using idioms in speech?
What is a function of using idioms in speech?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary meaning of the word 'flutter' as described?
What is the primary meaning of the word 'flutter' as described?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'April Showers' refer to in the content?
What does the term 'April Showers' refer to in the content?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following words is a synonym for 'flourish' as mentioned?
Which of the following words is a synonym for 'flourish' as mentioned?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context provided, what does 'rejuvenating' imply?
In the context provided, what does 'rejuvenating' imply?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the word 'pruning' specifically refer to?
What does the word 'pruning' specifically refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which word describes something that smells very beautiful?
Which word describes something that smells very beautiful?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the word 'ladybird' in the content?
What is the significance of the word 'ladybird' in the content?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect of the word 'toadstool' is particularly emphasized?
What aspect of the word 'toadstool' is particularly emphasized?
Signup and view all the answers
Which aspect of the word 'sprout' is emphasized in the context?
Which aspect of the word 'sprout' is emphasized in the context?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary idea associated with 'spring cleaning'?
What is the primary idea associated with 'spring cleaning'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Katherine associate 'rejuvenating' moments with?
What does Katherine associate 'rejuvenating' moments with?
Signup and view all the answers
The word 'fragrant' has which of the following meanings?
The word 'fragrant' has which of the following meanings?
Signup and view all the answers
Katherine loves the word 'toadstool' for which reason?
Katherine loves the word 'toadstool' for which reason?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an example of an activity that might be described as 'rejuvenating'?
What is an example of an activity that might be described as 'rejuvenating'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'old bean' signify in conversation?
What does the term 'old bean' signify in conversation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which accent represents only about 2% of the British population?
Which accent represents only about 2% of the British population?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a traditional British dish commonly enjoyed on a Sunday?
What is a traditional British dish commonly enjoyed on a Sunday?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the phrase 'down in the dumps' mean?
What does the phrase 'down in the dumps' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of drink is a pint commonly associated with in the UK?
What type of drink is a pint commonly associated with in the UK?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of a 'landlady' in a pub?
What is the role of a 'landlady' in a pub?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common feature of pubs in the UK regarding pets?
What is a common feature of pubs in the UK regarding pets?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a common way British people extend an invitation?
Which of the following describes a common way British people extend an invitation?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'having a roast' refer to in British cuisine?
What does 'having a roast' refer to in British cuisine?
Signup and view all the answers
The phrase 'jolly good show' is used to express what sentiment?
The phrase 'jolly good show' is used to express what sentiment?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is having a drink on an empty stomach a concern in the UK?
Why is having a drink on an empty stomach a concern in the UK?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one way British people typically communicate affection to their pets?
What is one way British people typically communicate affection to their pets?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of accent is characterized by its formal and proper articulation, often considered prestigious?
What type of accent is characterized by its formal and proper articulation, often considered prestigious?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common snack that can accompany drinks at a pub?
What is a common snack that can accompany drinks at a pub?
Signup and view all the answers
What does it mean to 'walk on eggshells'?
What does it mean to 'walk on eggshells'?
Signup and view all the answers
What is suggested by the idiom 'variety is the spice of life'?
What is suggested by the idiom 'variety is the spice of life'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does it mean to 'wear your heart on your sleeve'?
What does it mean to 'wear your heart on your sleeve'?
Signup and view all the answers
The phrase 'a hive of activity' refers to what?
The phrase 'a hive of activity' refers to what?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' imply?
What does 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' imply?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the idiom 'to be in deep water' mean?
What does the idiom 'to be in deep water' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'put your thinking cap on' encourage you to do?
What does 'put your thinking cap on' encourage you to do?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the idiom 'there's plenty more fish in the sea' convey?
What does the idiom 'there's plenty more fish in the sea' convey?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main idea behind 'every cloud has a silver lining'?
What is the main idea behind 'every cloud has a silver lining'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the idiom 'when one door closes, another one opens' signify?
What does the idiom 'when one door closes, another one opens' signify?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade' mean?
What does 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'there's light at the end of the tunnel' symbolize?
What does 'there's light at the end of the tunnel' symbolize?
Signup and view all the answers
What is meant by saying 'keep your chin up'?
What is meant by saying 'keep your chin up'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'you've got nothing to lose' imply?
What does 'you've got nothing to lose' imply?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
10 Darling Idioms
- Come rain or shine - meaning: regardless of circumstances, something will happen or someone will be there
- On top of the world - meaning: feeling extremely happy, content, and joyful
- Once bitten, twice shy - meaning: learned from a previous mistake and will avoid repeating it
- To have a bee in your bonnet - meaning: to be preoccupied with a minor issue or annoyance
- To wrap your head around something - meaning: to attempt to understand something difficult or complex
- To be bouncing off the walls - meaning: to be filled with excessive energy or excitement
- A ray of sunshine - meaning: a person who brings happiness and positivity
- A hidden gem - meaning: something that is valuable but not widely known, often kept secret
- To burn the midnight oil - meaning: to work or engage in an activity late into the night
- To pour your heart into something - meaning: to dedicate oneself fully and enthusiastically to a task or endeavor
Word of the Week
- Lagoon - meaning: a body of water typically near a beach, separated from the sea, often formed by rising tides
- Ripple - meaning: a wave or undulation on the surface of water, often caused by a disturbance
Words for Spring
- Flutter: A verb describing the movement of any winged creature, with a suggestion of lightness and delicacy, specifically the sound of wings fluttering.
- Sprout: Associated with the springtime, the word "sprout" describes the action of growth and burgeoning new life and buds.
- April Showers: April showers are characterized by brief, light rain, similar to a shower, often followed by sunshine and rainbows.
- Flourish: This term refers to the abundant and healthy blooming of plants and flowers, highlighting their vibrant presence and growth.
- Spring cleaning: This expression signifies new beginnings, freshness, and a clean slate, particularly with the arrival of spring.
- Fragrant: Describes a beautiful and pleasing smell, often associated with herbs and flowers after a light rain.
- Rejuvenating: This word suggests a revitalizing, invigorating feeling, like the feeling of fresh rain on your skin.
- Ladybird: This is a name for a ladybug, referencing the practice of making a wish when seeing one fly off.
- Pruning: The practice of cutting back plants and flowers to encourage new growth, usually done by gardeners.
- Toadstool: Another name for fungi or mushrooms, often found in forests, particularly toadstools that have a traditional mushroom shape.
Phrasal Verb Swaps
- Phrasal verbs are common in English.
- Use phrasal verbs to sound more natural and advanced.
- Examples:
- Participate = Take part in
- Collect = Pick up
- Dismantle = Take apart
- Accumulate = Build up
Basic vs Advanced English
- Idioms convey a lot of meaning in less words.
- Basic: He says he doesn't lie anymore but I don't believe him.
- Advanced: He says he doesn't lie anymore but a leopard doesn't change its spots.
- Basic: I will be so happy when my exam is finished because I will feel relieved and relaxed that it's finished.
- Advanced: I can't wait for my exam to be over and done with.
- Basic: I'm not doing anything today, would you like to do something with me?
- Advanced: I'm free all day, do you fancy meeting up?
- Basic: I'm going to eat dinner in a restaurant really close to my house this evening.
- Advanced: I'm having dinner locally this evening.
- Basic: What we need is a dog that will bark lots that will make us feel safe and protected at night when we're in our house.
- Advanced: We really need a guard dog.
British English Habits
-
Weather:
- It's really brightening up out there.
- It's really coming down out there.
-
Use of "have":
- I just had a cup of tea.
- We have a holiday, a break, a shower etc.
- Say thank you and sorry often.
Further Study
- Watch more videos and read more books to expand vocabulary.
- Follow the speaker on Instagram.
- Use more British English phrases and habits to sound more natural.### British Pub culture
- Pubs are a central part of British culture, with a vast array of characters and personalities
- The "pint" is a quintessential British drink, usually filled with local ale
- Local ales have eccentric names, such as "Otter's Pocket" and "Fiddler's Elbow"
- The RP accent is spoken by 2% of the population, and is characterized by specific vocabulary and pronunciation
- "Old Bean" is an affectionate and humorous term used within the RP dialect
- "Jolly good show" is a slang term expressing approval, typical of the RP accent
- "Marvellous" is a word often repeated by speakers of the RP accent
- "How come" is a colloquial way of asking "why" in British English
- Pubs in the UK are increasingly dog-friendly
- "Lapping up" is a verb used to describe dogs drinking water
- In British English, "Stroke" is used instead of "pet" when referring to petting a dog
- The term "Landlady" refers to a female owner or manager of a pub, while a male owner/manager is called a "Landlord"
- Pubs in the UK often have regulars who visit frequently
- Pork scratchings are a popular pub snack
- Pub food includes dishes like "gammon" and "pie and mash"
- "Gammon" is often served with egg, chips, and pineapple
- "Pie and mash" is a traditional dish, often served in rural pubs
- "Game pie" is made with freshly hunted animals like pheasant or venison
- The British culture of drinking is often associated with a lack of food, leading to excessive drinking
- Peanuts and crisps are popular pub snacks shared amongst tables
British Slang
- "Booze" is informal slang for "alcohol"
- "Tipsy" means mildly drunk
- "Down in the dumps" means to be in a low and unhappy mood
- "Buzzkill" is a person who dampens people's enjoyment or fun
British Etiquette
- It is common for British people to invite someone to their house with the phrase "come over"
- British people often talk to their pets as if they were humans
- In the UK, having a dog is a way to meet people as the presence of an animal can bring out a more friendly side in people
- "Clean out" means "out of stock"
- It is not considered rude to ignore someone in public, but interacting with someone who has a dog is more expected
### British Lifestyle
- Friday nights are commonly spent in pubs or having fish and chips
- Sunday lunch often involves a "roast" with meat, vegetables, potatoes, gravy, and various sauces
- Roasts are a popular reason to go to the pub on Sundays
Positive Idioms
- Every cloud has a silver lining: This idiom means that every negative situation has a positive part, even if it’s hard to find.
- When one door closes another one opens: This means that even if an opportunity doesn’t work out, something else, maybe even better, will come along.
- When life gives you lemons make lemonade: When bad times happen, use them to create a positive situation, like turning a negative experience into a learning opportunity.
- There's light at the end of the tunnel: This idiom means that you're going through a hard time but you can see that there's a positive outcome coming, giving you hope.
- Hang in there: This idiom means to keep going and not give up.
- You've got nothing to lose: This idiom means that you should try something new, even if it’s a bit risky.
- Keep your chin up: This idiom means to stay positive and hopeful.
- There's no time like the present: Don’t put things off, do what needs to be done now.
- To be on cloud nine: This idiom means to be extremely happy and content.
- To turn over a new leaf: Start fresh, make positive changes in your life and start anew.
- A new lease of life: This idiom means when you feel refreshed, have more energy, and find new motivation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of idioms with our fun quiz! You'll encounter common expressions and their meanings, helping you enrich your vocabulary and language skills. Perfect for students and language enthusiasts alike.