|
|
Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| <languages/> | | <languages /> |
| <translate>
| | an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results. |
| <!--T:1-->
| |
| [[File:english_idioms.png]]
| |
| | |
| <!--T:2-->
| |
| Here are some very useful English expressions that will make you sound like a native. Try to guess the meaning of each idiom and click on the link to check if you were right. Feel free to edit this page and add more useful expressions.
| |
| '''English Level''' : This article will be more suited to advanced & intermediate levels in English.
| |
| | |
| ==A hot potato== <!--T:3-->
| |
| *Meaning: Speak of an issue which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed
| |
| *Example: The staff is not speaking on this topic as it is a political hot potato.
| |
| ==A penny for your thoughts==
| |
| *Meaning: A way of asking what someone is thinking
| |
| *Example: Bob, you look very happy. A penny for your thought?
| |
| ==Acid Test==
| |
| *Meaning: Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.
| |
| *Example: I practiced hard today but the acid test will come when the trainer will assess our solo performance.
| |
| ==Actions speak louder than words==
| |
| *Meaning: People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
| |
| *Example: You keep saying that you will repair the window. Remember that actions speak louder than words.
| |
| ==Add insult to injury==
| |
| *Meaning: To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation.
| |
| *Example: He said my clothes didn't suit me. Then, to add insult to injury he said I had to lose some weight...
| |
| ==An arm and a leg==
| |
| *Meaning: Very expensive or costly. A large amount of money.
| |
| *Example: The food is really good but it costs you an arm and a leg.
| |
| ==At the drop of a hat==
| |
| *Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.
| |
| *Example: I hate to speak in public while she would get up on stage at the drop of a hat.
| |
| ==Be glad to see the back of==
| |
| *Meaning: Be happy when a person leaves.
| |
| *Example: After Christmas, John was glad to see the back of it.
| |
| ==Beat around the bush==
| |
| *Meaning: Not speaking directly about the issue.
| |
| *Example: Just ask me, don’t beat around the bush!
| |
| ==Best of both worlds==
| |
| *Meaning: All the advantages.
| |
| *Example: I have the best of both worlds because I live in the country side while being very close to the city center.
| |
| ==Best thing since sliced bread==
| |
| *Meaning: A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan.
| |
| *Example: I’ve bought a new smartphone, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, I cannot believe I ever lived without it.
| |
| ==Bite off more than you can chew==
| |
| *Meaning: To take on a task that is way to big.
| |
| *Example: Don’t bite off more than you can chew – you will not be able to deal with that issue...
| |
| ==Blessing in disguise==
| |
| *Meaning: Something good that isn't recognized at first.
| |
| *Example: Being caught in that traffic jam was a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't missed my train, I would have been on that train accident.
| |
| ==Chase your tail==
| |
| *Meaning: Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving little.
| |
| *Example: He's been chasing his tail all week but the job is not done yet.
| |
| ==Explore all avenues==
| |
| *Meaning: Trying out every possibility to get a result.
| |
| *Example: If we really want this to be done, we have to explore all avenues.
| |
| ==Whole bag of tricks==
| |
| *Meaning: trying all the clever means to achieve something.
| |
| *Example: It was really hard to sort that out even after applying the whole bag of tricks.
| |
| {{#seo:
| |
| |title=What are the most useful expressions in English?
| |
| |keywords=words, expressions, idioms, examples, native
| |
| |description=Learn those typical English expressions if you want to sound like a local and show you have a fluent English.
| |
| |og:image=/images/1/10/English_idioms.png
| |
| }}
| |
| </translate>
| |