KEY IDIOMS
Learn how to use idioms naturally in conversations and sound like a native speaker.
Weather Idioms
Save for a rainy day
Meaning:
· Means to save money for difficult times.
Example Sentences:
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She saves a bit of her wages every month for a rainy day.
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You should always save for a rainy day in case unexpected expenses come up.
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He’s glad he saved for a rainy day when the car broke down.
· Origin:
The phrase likely comes from the idea that rainy days were times when outdoor activities were impossible, so it was important to have resources to rely on for such times.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Use when talking about financial caution or being prepared for future difficulties.
Tone: Neutral, often used in advice.
Under the weather
Meaning:
· Means feeling a bit ill or not quite right, usually due to minor illness or fatigue.
Example Sentences:
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I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather since yesterday, so I’ll take it easy.
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After the long journey, she felt under the weather and needed a day to recover.
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He’s not coming to the meeting because he’s a little under the weather.
· Origin:
The phrase is thought to have originated from sailors who felt seasick and would go below deck to escape bad weather, hence being "under" the weather.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Commonly used when someone feels unwell.
Tone: Neutral or sympathetic.
Come rain or shine
· Meaning: "Come rain or shine" means that something will happen no matter what the circumstances are, regardless of whether conditions are good or bad.
· Example Sentences:
We’re meeting for the picnic tomorrow, come rain or shine!
They attend the football matches every week, come rain or shine.
She’s always there for me, come rain or shine.
· Origin:
This idiom refers to the idea of weather, where an event happens regardless of whether it’s raining or sunny, symbolising determination and consistency.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used to express commitment or reliability in any situation.
Tone: Positive and encouraging.
The winds of change
· Meaning: The idiom "the winds of change" means that important changes are starting to happen, or are about to happen, in life, society, or a company. Just like the wind moves things around, this expression shows that things are moving and changing.
· Example Sentences:
The winds of change are blowing through the company, with many people expecting big shifts in policy.
You can feel the winds of change in the air as the political landscape shifts.
After years of stagnation, the winds of change finally reached the industry.
· Origin: This phrase draws on the metaphor of wind, a natural force that moves things and signals a shift, symbolising inevitable change.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Often used to describe major changes in politics, life, or institutions.
Tone: Neutral or slightly dramatic.
Feeling a bit nippy
· Meaning:"Feeling a bit nippy" refers to the sensation of being cold, typically due to chilly weather. This phrase is often used when temperatures drop, and it indicates that you need to wear warmer clothes.
· Example Sentences:
It’s feeling a bit nippy outside today, so make sure to bring a coat.
Autumn is here, and it’s starting to feel a bit nippy in the mornings.
The weather’s turned, and it’s getting a bit nippy in the evenings now.
· Origin: The word "nippy" is British slang, derived from "nip," meaning a sharp or biting sensation, often related to coldness in the air.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used to describe chilly or cool weather conditions.
Tone: Casual, often light-hearted.
Take a leaf out of someone’s book
· Meaning: "Take a leaf out of someone’s book" means to copy or follow someone’s good behaviour or actions.
· Example Sentences:
You should take a leaf out of his book and plan ahead for the meeting.
She took a leaf out of her sister’s book and started saving more.
He could take a leaf out of her book when it comes to time management.
· Origin: The phrase refers to the metaphorical idea of taking a page (or "leaf") from someone’s book, implying learning from someone else’s actions or experiences.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used when advising someone to follow another person’s positive example.
Tone: Neutral, sometimes used as a gentle suggestion.
Make hay while the sun shines
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Meaning: "Make hay while the sun shines" means to take advantage of a good situation or opportunity while it lasts.
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Example Sentences:
It’s sunny today, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and finish the outdoor work.
With business booming, they’re making hay while the sun shines.
You should make hay while the sun shines and invest in your future.
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Origin: This idiom comes from farming, where hay was harvested when the weather was favourable (i.e., sunny), as wet conditions could ruin the crop.
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Usage Tips:
Context: Used when advising someone to take a good opportunity.
Tone: Positive and encouraging.
As right as rain
· Meaning: "As right as rain" means to feel perfectly fine or healthy after previously being unwell or in a bad situation.
· Example Sentences:
After a good night’s sleep, I felt as right as rain.
He was ill last week, but now he’s as right as rain.
The car broke down, but it’s been fixed and is running as right as rain.
· Origin: The phrase likely draws on the idea of rain being natural and beneficial, especially for crops, and so "right" in this context means things are back to normal or working perfectly.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used to describe someone recovering or returning to a normal, healthy state.
Tone: Positive and reassuring.
Blowing hot and cold
· Meaning: "Blowing hot and cold" describes someone who is inconsistent or indecisive, often changing their opinions or attitudes frequently.
· Example Sentences:
He keeps blowing hot and cold about the project, which is frustrating for the team.
She’s been blowing hot and cold on whether to move house or not.
They’ve been blowing hot and cold about hiring new staff, and it’s confusing everyone.
· Origin: This idiom is based on the literal idea of something alternating between hot and cold, symbolising indecision or frequent changes in mood or opinion.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used to describe someone’s changing behaviour or opinions.
Tone: Often used with mild frustration or criticism.
Caught in the storm
· Meaning: "Caught in the storm" means being involved in a difficult or confusing situation, often one that you cannot control. It suggests that things are chaotic or overwhelming, just like being in a real storm.
· Example Sentences:
He was caught in the storm of layoffs, but luckily found a new job quickly.
She was caught in the storm of political controversy at the company.
We were caught in the storm of the market crash but managed to stay afloat.
· Origin: This phrase comes from the literal experience of being caught in a storm, where circumstances are turbulent and overwhelming, symbolising challenging situations in life.
· Usage Tips:
Context: Used to describe someone being involved in a difficult or chaotic situation.
Tone: Neutral, often describing a sense of powerlessness.
Animals Idioms
Hold Your Horses
Meaning
The idiom "hold your horses" means to slow down or wait. It is often used to tell someone to be patient and not hurry.
Example Sentences
1. Hold your horses! We haven't finished setting up the decorations yet.
2. I know you're excited but hold your horses. We need to make sure everything is ready first.
3. Hold your horses, we'll get there on time. There's no need to rush.
Origin
The phrase "hold your horses" comes from the 19th century when people used horses for transportation. Riders had to physically hold their horses to stop them from moving forward. Over time, this phrase started to mean "wait" or "be patient."
Usage Tips
· Context: Use this phrase in casual conversations when someone is being impatient or in a hurry.
· Tone: You can say it in a gentle or firm way, depending on how you want to communicate.
· Alternatives: Other ways to say "hold your horses" include "slow down," "wait a minute," or "be patient."
Fun Fact
In some languages, there are similar phrases with different animals or contexts. For example, in Russian, there's a phrase that means "don't run ahead of the locomotive," which also advises someone to be patient.
The elephant in the room
Meaning
"The elephant in the room" refers to a big, obvious problem that everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about.
Example Sentences
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Everyone was talking about the party, but no one mentioned the elephant in the room: Tom’s bad mood.
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We need to discuss the elephant in the room – our project is running out of money.
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During the meeting, nobody talked about the elephant in the room: the recent layoffs.
Origin
The phrase "the elephant in the room" likely comes from the idea that an elephant is so large it’s impossible to ignore, yet people pretend it isn’t there.
Usage Tips
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Context: Use it when there is a significant issue that everyone is aware of but avoids discussing.
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Formal and Informal Settings: This idiom can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Sensitivity: Be mindful of the situation; bringing up the "elephant in the room" can sometimes make people uncomfortable.
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Clarity: Ensure the issue is clearly understood by everyone involved when you mention the "elephant in the room."
Ants in Your Pants
Meaning
The idiom "ants in your pants" means to be very restless or excited. It is often used to describe someone who can't sit still because they are eager or anxious.
Example Sentences
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Jamie couldn’t sit still during the movie; he must have had ants in his pants.
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The children had ants in their pants waiting for the school trip to start.
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I’ve got ants in my pants about the concert this weekend!
Origin
The phrase "ants in your pants" comes from the idea of having real ants in your clothing, which would make someone very uncomfortable and unable to stay still. This figurative expression is used to describe someone who is fidgety or overly excited.
Usage Tips
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Context: Use this phrase in casual conversations to describe someone who is very excited or can't stay still.
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Tone: This idiom is often used in a light-hearted or humorous way.
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Alternatives: Other ways to say "ants in your pants" include "can't sit still," "fidgety," or "restless."
Fun Fact
Similar idioms exist in other cultures. For example, in Italian, there is a phrase that translates to "to have pepper in your pants," which also means to be very restless.
Get Someone's Goat
Meaning
The idiom "get someone's goat" means to annoy or irritate someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone gets upset or frustrated because of someone else's actions or words.
Example Sentences
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It really gets my goat when people cut in line.
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Her constant humming gets my goat every time I'm trying to concentrate.
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When he started criticizing my work, it really got my goat.
Origin
The phrase "get someone's goat" likely comes from the early 20th century in America. One theory is that it originated in horse racing, where goats were sometimes kept with racehorses to calm them down. If someone wanted to sabotage a horse, they would steal the goat, causing the horse to become agitated. Over time, this phrase started to mean "to annoy" or "to irritate."
Usage Tips
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Context: Use this phrase in casual conversations to describe when someone is feeling annoyed or irritated.
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Tone: This idiom can be used in a light-hearted or serious way, depending on the situation.
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Alternatives: Other ways to say "get someone's goat" include "annoy," "irritate," or "bother."
Fun Fact
In French, there is a similar phrase "donner un coup de pied dans la fourmilière," which means "to kick the anthill," and it is used to describe causing trouble or provoking a reaction.
Back to the Grind
Meaning:
"Back to the grind" means returning to work or resuming routine tasks, especially after a break or vacation. It often implies returning to a repetitive or demanding workload.
Example Sentences:
· After a relaxing holiday, it's time to get back to the grind and tackle my work responsibilities.
· The long weekend was great, but now it’s back to the grind with a full schedule ahead.
· She sighed as she realized it was back to the grind after the summer break.
Origin:
The phrase “back to the grind” derives from the idea of grinding, which historically refers to the repetitive and sometimes strenuous work of grinding grain or sharpening tools. It reflects the return to regular, often monotonous, tasks.
Usage Tips:
Use this phrase in informal contexts to describe the transition from a break or leisure time back to regular work or duties.
Fun Fact:
In German, a similar expression is "zurück zur Tagesordnung" ("back to the daily routine"), capturing the essence of resuming everyday activities.
Headless Chicken
Meaning:
The idiom "running around like a headless chicken" describes someone who is very busy but not making much progress. It implies a state of confusion or disorganisation.
Example Sentences:
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When the power went out, we were all running around like headless chickens trying to find candles.
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She was running around like a headless chicken after realising she had forgotten her presentation at home.
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He was running around like a headless chicken all morning, trying to prepare for the big meeting.
Origin:
This phrase comes from how a chicken might run around in a chaotic way after losing its head. It’s used to show someone is moving around a lot but not getting things done efficiently.
Usage Tips:
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Context: Use this idiom to describe someone who is busy and disorganised.
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Tone: It usually has a negative tone, suggesting that the person's actions are not effective.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that chickens can sometimes run around like headless chickens for up to 30 seconds after losing their heads?
Eager Beaver
Meaning:
The idiom "eager beaver" refers to someone who is very enthusiastic and hardworking, often excessively so. It is used to describe a person who is keen to get tasks done quickly and efficiently.
Example Sentences:
·1. Sarah is such an eager beaver; she finished the project a week before the deadline.
2. Our new intern is an eager beaver, always looking for extra work to do.
3. The eager beavers in the class always sit in the front row and ask lots of questions.
Origin:
The phrase "eager beaver" comes from the behavior of beavers, which are known for their industrious nature and hard work in building dams and lodges. Beavers are often seen as a symbol of diligence and productivity. The idiom started being used in the early 20th century to describe people who show similar qualities.
Usage Tips:
Context: Use this phrase in casual or semi-formal conversations to describe someone who is very hardworking and enthusiastic.
Tone: This idiom is usually used in a positive or neutral way, though it can sometimes imply that someone is overzealous.
Alternatives: Other ways to say "eager beaver" include "go-getter," "enthusiast," or "diligent worker."
Fun Fact:
In German, there is a similar expression "Streber," which means someone who is very diligent and ambitious, often to the point of being a teacher's pet.
Raining Cats and Dogs
Meaning:
The idiom "raining cats and dogs" means it's raining very heavily.
Example Sentences:
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We were planning to have a picnic, but it was raining cats and dogs all day.
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The match was cancelled because it started raining cats and dogs just before kick-off.
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Make sure to bring an umbrella; it’s supposed to rain cats and dogs this afternoon.
Origin:
The exact origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it’s thought to be a way of describing very heavy rain. One theory suggests it might come from the idea that such intense weather was so chaotic it seemed like animals were falling from the sky.
Usage Tips:
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Context: Use this idiom to describe very heavy rainfall.
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Tone: It is usually used in a descriptive or informal context, often to emphasise the severity of the weather.
Fun Fact:
In the 17th century, London was known for its poor drainage systems, which would often flood the streets. Some theories suggest that the phrase "raining cats and dogs" might have originated from the sight of stray animals being washed up in the streets during heavy rain, although there's no solid evidence to support this!
Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Meaning:
The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" means to accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action. It describes achieving two objectives at the same time with one action.
Example Sentences:
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By finishing the report during the train ride, I killed two birds with one stone: I completed my work and had some productive downtime.
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We can visit the museum and have lunch at the café next door; that way, we'll kill two birds with one stone.
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Attending the conference will help me network with potential clients and learn about industry trends, effectively killing two birds with one stone.
Origin:
The phrase "kill two birds with one stone" has its origins in ancient hunting practices. The idea is that using a single stone to hit and kill two birds would be a significant achievement. The idiom evolved over time to represent achieving multiple goals with one action.
Usage Tips:
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Context: Use this idiom when discussing efficient ways to accomplish multiple tasks or objectives.
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Tone: It is generally used in a neutral or positive context, highlighting efficiency and cleverness.
Fun Fact:
In other languages, there are similar expressions for achieving multiple goals with a single action. For example, in Spanish, they say "matar dos pajaros de un tiro," which translates directly to "kill two birds with one shot”.
When Pigs Fly
Meaning:
The idiom "when pigs fly" means that something is very unlikely or impossible to happen. It’s used to say that you don’t believe something will ever occur.
Example Sentences:
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He promised he would do all his homework on time, but I’ll believe it when pigs fly.
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She says she’ll run a marathon, but I think that will happen when pigs fly.
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We might get a holiday in the winter, but that will be when pigs fly.
Origin:
The phrase "when pigs fly" comes from the idea that pigs cannot fly. It uses this silly image to show that something is very unlikely to happen.
Usage Tips:
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Context: Use this idiom when you want to say that something is very unlikely or impossible.
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Tone: It is often used in a playful or humorous way to show doubt or disbelief.
Fun Fact:
The idea of pigs flying has been used in many cultures to show that something is impossible. It’s a funny way to talk about things that will never happen!
A fish out of water
Meaning:
The idiom "a fish out of water" describes someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation. It’s used to show that someone is not at ease or is struggling in their current environment.
Example Sentences:
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He felt like a fish out of water at the fancy dinner party because he wasn’t used to such formal events.
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Moving to a new city made her feel like a fish out of water, as she didn’t know anyone or the local area.
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Even though she’s an expert in her field, she felt like a fish out of water during the meeting because it was about a topic she wasn’t familiar with.
Origin:
The phrase "a fish out of water" comes from the idea that a fish cannot survive or feel comfortable outside of water. It is used to describe someone who is not suited to their current surroundings.
Usage Tips:
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Context: Use this idiom when talking about someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place.
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Tone: It is generally used to describe feelings of discomfort or unease in a neutral or sympathetic way.
Fun Fact:
In Spanish, a similar expression is "como pez en el agua," which means "like a fish in water." It describes someone who feels completely comfortable and at ease in a situation, the opposite of feeling like a fish out of water. It’s interesting to see how different languages use fish to describe feelings of comfort and discomfort!
Understanding idioms helps you speak more naturally and understand English better. Stay tuned to Daily English for more idioms every week.
