English idioms!

English idioms!

Examples of unusual phrases how to can be used in the English language.

 

1. A storm in a teacup

A lot of unnecessary anger and worry about a matter not that important.

For example, she's made an official complaint to the CEO about the type of cheese in the cheese sandwich at the canteen this has created a storm in a teacup!

 

2. Bob's your uncle! 

'and there it is' or 'and that you have it'

 

For example, to make a cup of mint tea, boil a kettle and put a teabag in a mug, wait 2 minutes and ‘there you have it, Bob'yout Uncle!’

 

 

3. Dead as a doornail

 

Very dead. you couldn't be more dead than a doornail!

 

For example, I tried to save the mouse that my cat brought in but it was as dead as a doornail.

 

4. Kick the bucket  

 

It means to die.

 

For example, unfortunately of favourite neighbour kicks the bucket 3 years ago, but we still feel her presence in the neighbourhood.

 

5. Everything but the kitchen sink

 

Everything imaginable

 

This phrase became popular in World War II when use papers would report that everything but the kitchen sink was thrown at the enemy

 

Mary pack slightly for travel, but she throws everything but the kitchen sink into her suitcases!

 

 

7. The lights are on but no one's home

 

This is used to say that somebody is stupid even though they may appear normal

 

For example, Jennifer has a degree in interior design but the lights are on and no one's home number

 

 

8. Donkey's years

 

Used to describe an action that has continued for a very long time 

Mary lived in the countryside for donkeys’ years she wouldn't survive in a city

 

9. To do a runner to do a runner

 

This means to leave a place hastily quickly in order to avoid an unpleasant situation or to avoid paying for something

 

For example, they ordered the lobster but when the bill arrived they did a runner to avoid paying the bill.

 

 

10. Nothing to write home about

 

Not very exciting or not very special

 

For example, I met a boy at the ice rink, but he's nothing to write home about.

 

11. keep your eyes peeled

 

Keep your eyes peeled means keep your eyes open.

 

For example, if looking to buy something and we're going to shop, we might say ‘keep your eyes peeled….. for green scarves or will roast chickens.’

 

 

12. To pick someone's brain

To obtain information by questioning someone who is well-informed on that particular subject. 

For example, Mary we need to pick your brains about the new project.

 

13. To put The Feelers out

To make formal suggestions as a way of testing people's opinions on something before any decision is made. 

For example, I suggest that we put feelers out to see if the employees actually want an office party on Zoom this year.

 

14. The best thing since sliced bread

This means that something is the best innovation of the times recent times.

For example, when flip phones came out, I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread.

 

15. I will show myself out 

Used when you have disgraced yourself to save someone else from having to show you the door.  For example, what is the difference between Snowman and snowwomen, snowballs! I will see myself out.

 

16. Take a chill pill 

Relax calm down

For example, at the picnic, I told Mary to take a chill pill as she was freaking out about the wasp.