Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Back burner
When a task or project or plan has been given a low priority you can say that it is on the back burner.
Example
(A) Are we going to sell those new books for Christmas?
(B) No, we have to do the price adjustments. Those book sales are on the back burner for now.
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This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: ESL in Canada Gold and Silver Programs
Example
(A) Are we going to sell those new books for Christmas?
(B) No, we have to do the price adjustments. Those book sales are on the back burner for now.
********
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Blog Disclaimer
This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: ESL in Canada Gold and Silver Programs
Labels: Back burner, English Idioms
Friday, November 16, 2007
Baby boomer or Boomers
The idiom baby boomer or boomers refers to someone born from 1945 to the mid 60's. North America experienced a large population growth spurt throughout most of this time period. It is refered to as the baby boom.
Example
(A) Are all the managers boomers?
(B) No, some of the tech guys are X-gens and the rising stars are milleniums.
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Example
(A) Are all the managers boomers?
(B) No, some of the tech guys are X-gens and the rising stars are milleniums.
****************************************
Special Introductory Prices for 2 hour Phone English Lesson
SILVER Online Business English and Phone English Study Program
Combination Internet and Phone English Program
1. individual English practice at home with internet lessons
2. individual phone English conversations with English teacher.
All online internet Business English and ESL English teachers are Canadian certified and experienced teachers.
We will call a regular land line phone with a regular international long distance phone card or a no cost voip internet phone number for the special introductory price of $67. You can use the following Paypal button to pay for this Phone English Lesson.
For additional options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to:
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Labels: Baby boomer or Boomers, English Idioms
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Babe in the woods
When you use the idiom "A babe in the woods" you are indicating that the person refered to is a naive, innocent, unsuspecting young person.
Example
(A) Did Fred buy those studid timeshares?
(B) Yeah, he is a babe in the woods when it comes to money.
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This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional English online learning options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: ESL in Canada Gold Silver Programs
Example
(A) Did Fred buy those studid timeshares?
(B) Yeah, he is a babe in the woods when it comes to money.
********
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http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Blog Disclaimer
This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional English online learning options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: ESL in Canada Gold Silver Programs
Labels: Babe in the woods, English Idioms
Babe in arms
When one uses the idiom "A babe in arms" the person refered to is a very young child, or a young person who is too new to be holding a position or performing a task that requires experience.
Example
(A) Do you think Fred the Junior A callup can play in the NHL?
(B) No, he looks too young, he is still a babe in arms.
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Blog URL
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Blog Feed
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Blog Disclaimer
This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional classroom learning options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: http://www.eslincanada.com/goldsilver.html
Example
(A) Do you think Fred the Junior A callup can play in the NHL?
(B) No, he looks too young, he is still a babe in arms.
********
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Blog Disclaimer
This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real, imagined, fabricated current, past or subsequent damages. For additional info: eslincanada (at) gmail (dot) -com-
For additional classroom learning options with online lessons and phone English lessons go to: http://www.eslincanada.com/goldsilver.html
Labels: Babe in arms, English Idioms
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Axe to grind
When you have a grievance and you want to complain or get revenge then you have an axe to grind.
Example
(A) Is Peter still complaining about his car?
(B) Yeah, he really is angry, talk about an axe to grind.
Example
(A) Is Peter still complaining about his car?
(B) Yeah, he really is angry, talk about an axe to grind.
Labels: Axe to grind, English Idioms
Monday, November 12, 2007
Awe inspiring
An action or object or person that is awe inspiring amazes people with a slightly shocking and positive impact or impression.
Example
(A) Those fireworks were amazing, truly awe inspiring.
(B) Yeah, the colours were amazing and the big booms made me jump!
Example
(A) Those fireworks were amazing, truly awe inspiring.
(B) Yeah, the colours were amazing and the big booms made me jump!
Labels: Awe inspiring, English Idioms
Sunday, November 11, 2007
At your wit's end
When you really don't know what action or plan to do, no matter how hard or how long you think about it, then you can say "you're at your wit's end".
Example
(A) How can we sell our products now that the Canadian dollar is at 1.08?
(B) I don't know. I am at my wit's end trying to cut costs to make the price more competitive.
Example
(A) How can we sell our products now that the Canadian dollar is at 1.08?
(B) I don't know. I am at my wit's end trying to cut costs to make the price more competitive.
Labels: At your wit's end, English Idioms
At the end of your rope
When you are at the limit of your patience or endurance or finances you can say that you are at the end of your rope.
Example
(A) I see Bill is late for work again.
(B) Yeah, I gave him an oral and written warning so I am at the end of my rope with him.
Example
(A) I see Bill is late for work again.
(B) Yeah, I gave him an oral and written warning so I am at the end of my rope with him.
Labels: At the end of your rope, English Idioms
Saturday, November 10, 2007
At the drop of a hat
When you do something at the drop of a hat you usually do it immediately without further encouragement.
Example
(A) Wow, Bob immediately does everything the boss asks.
(B) Yeah, the boss says jump and Bob does anything at the drop of a hat.
Example
(A) Wow, Bob immediately does everything the boss asks.
(B) Yeah, the boss says jump and Bob does anything at the drop of a hat.
Labels: At the drop of a hat, English Idioms
At loggerheads
When two or more people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't agree on a topic or decision.
Example
(A) Are the board members still at loggerheads?
(B) Yeah, they cannot decide to keep or stop the dividend payments.
Example
(A) Are the board members still at loggerheads?
(B) Yeah, they cannot decide to keep or stop the dividend payments.
Labels: At loggerheads, English Idioms
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
At death's door
Someone at death's door is in the last stages of dying and ready to expire.
Example
(A) Did you see the accident on the highway?
(B) Yeah, the driver was down on the ground and looked at death's door.
Example
(A) Did you see the accident on the highway?
(B) Yeah, the driver was down on the ground and looked at death's door.
Labels: At death's door, English Idioms
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
At loose ends
The idiom "at loose ends", means that you have spare time but don't know what to do with it.
Example
(A) What will Bob do now that he is retired?
(B) He does not really know, he seems at loose ends.
Example
(A) What will Bob do now that he is retired?
(B) He does not really know, he seems at loose ends.
Labels: At loose ends, English Idioms
As the crow flies
This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible distance between two locations usually a direct line between point A and B.
Example
(A) How far between Toronto and Niagara Falls?
(B) It's about 90 kilometers as the crow flies but going around the lakes, on the parkway and over the canal adds about 30 kilometers.
Example
(A) How far between Toronto and Niagara Falls?
(B) It's about 90 kilometers as the crow flies but going around the lakes, on the parkway and over the canal adds about 30 kilometers.
Labels: As the crow flies, English Idioms
As neat as a pin
The idiom "As neat as a pin" means that a desk or locker or room is tidy and clean.
Example
(A) Did you see Bob's desk today.
(B) Yeah, that memo about your desk reflecting character must have hit home. I have never seen his desk as neat as a pin before.
Example
(A) Did you see Bob's desk today.
(B) Yeah, that memo about your desk reflecting character must have hit home. I have never seen his desk as neat as a pin before.
Labels: As neat as a pin, English Idioms
As mad as a hatter
In the past many people who made hats became insane because they used lead and mercury during the hat manufacturing process.
Example
(A) Did you see those challenges on the new reality series.
(B) yeah, you would have to be mad as a hatter to do those tasks.
Example
(A) Did you see those challenges on the new reality series.
(B) yeah, you would have to be mad as a hatter to do those tasks.
Labels: As mad as a hatter, English Idioms
Sunday, November 4, 2007
As cold as ice
This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not show any emotion.They don't show that they are worried by anything.
Example
(A) Who will shoot the final shot of the game?
(B) Give the last shot to Bill.
(C) Good choice,he is cold as ice in pressure situations.
Example
(A) Who will shoot the final shot of the game?
(B) Give the last shot to Bill.
(C) Good choice,he is cold as ice in pressure situations.
Labels: As cold as ice, English Idioms
Arm and a leg
When something is very expensive you can say it costs an arm and a leg.
Example
(A) How much are the Florida oranges?
(B) They are 5 bucks a kilo.
(A) Why do they cost an arm and a leg?
(B) The cost of fuel has jumped 50% this last year.
Example
(A) How much are the Florida oranges?
(B) They are 5 bucks a kilo.
(A) Why do they cost an arm and a leg?
(B) The cost of fuel has jumped 50% this last year.
Labels: Arm and a leg, English Idioms
Apple of your eye
When someone is very special to you they are the apple of your eye.
Example
(A) I saw Doug with his son at the football game.
(B) Yeah, he is the apple of his father's eye.
Example
(A) I saw Doug with his son at the football game.
(B) Yeah, he is the apple of his father's eye.
Labels: Apple of your eye, English Idioms
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Ants in your pants
When someone is excited, fidgety or restless about something and can't keep still use the idiom to describe the behaviour "He has ants in his pants".
Example
(A) Are we there yet?
(B) Do you have ants in your pants? We will be there in two minutes.
Example
(A) Are we there yet?
(B) Do you have ants in your pants? We will be there in two minutes.
Labels: Ants in your pants, English Idioms
An old flame
Most people have had a past emotional usually passionate relationship with someone who is still looked on fondly and with affection. This person from the past is called "an old flame".
Example
(A) Jim who was that woman that you were talking to?
(B) That was Jill, an old flame from university.
Example
(A) Jim who was that woman that you were talking to?
(B) That was Jill, an old flame from university.
Labels: An old flame, English Idioms
Ambulance chaser
A derogatory remark about a lawyer who specializes and encourages people who have been in accidents or become ill to initiate lawsuits for compensation is called an ambulance chaser.
Example
(A) Do you know if Joe can do corporate finance?
(B) No, he's an ambulance chaser.
Example
(A) Do you know if Joe can do corporate finance?
(B) No, he's an ambulance chaser.
Labels: Ambulance chaser
All the tea in China
When someone will not perform a funtion or task for all the tea in China then they won't perform the function no matter how much money or incentive they are offered.
Example
(A) I need someone to clean the clogged sewer pipes.
(B) I wouldn't do that job for all the tea in China.
Example
(A) I need someone to clean the clogged sewer pipes.
(B) I wouldn't do that job for all the tea in China.
Labels: All the tea in China, English Idioms
All talk and no action
When someone is all talk and no action they always talk about doing big, important things, but doesn't or is not able to take any action.
Example
(A) The government always talks about eliminating waste but every year there is a new scandle about waste or favouritism or corruption.
(B) Yeah the politicians are all talk and no action when it comes to policing themselves and protecting the public interests.
Example
(A) The government always talks about eliminating waste but every year there is a new scandle about waste or favouritism or corruption.
(B) Yeah the politicians are all talk and no action when it comes to policing themselves and protecting the public interests.
Labels: All talk and no action
All skin and bone
When a person is very underweight this idiom is used to describe that they are all skin and bone.
When buying live animals buyers will use this idiom to describe extra lean, very underweight or even starved animals.
Example
(A) The European fashion shows are enforcing healthy models only rules.
(B) I heard that they don't want the all skin and bones models on the runways.
When buying live animals buyers will use this idiom to describe extra lean, very underweight or even starved animals.
Example
(A) The European fashion shows are enforcing healthy models only rules.
(B) I heard that they don't want the all skin and bones models on the runways.
Labels: All skin and bone, English Idioms
All over the place
When your room, desk or office is completely disorganised, your posessions piled, overflowing and messy you can say your stuff is all over the place.
When an accident has occured and a contaminant like dirt or paint or food has spread to places it should not be then you can also say that stuff is all over the place.
Example
(A) Pete dropped the bag of beans and it broke.
(B) Yeah those beans are all over the place.
When an accident has occured and a contaminant like dirt or paint or food has spread to places it should not be then you can also say that stuff is all over the place.
Example
(A) Pete dropped the bag of beans and it broke.
(B) Yeah those beans are all over the place.
Labels: All over the place, English Idioms
All ears
When someone says they are all ears, they are focused or very interested in hearing your information.
Example
(A) Did you see who Paris Hilton was with in Toronto on set.
(B) No, tell me, I'm all ears.
Example
(A) Did you see who Paris Hilton was with in Toronto on set.
(B) No, tell me, I'm all ears.
Labels: All ears, English Idioms
Albatross around your neck
A problem that slows your progress or prevents your success resulting from something you did or you acquired is stated using the idiom "An albatross around your neck".
Example
(A) The Canadian dollar has jumped up to $1.06 against the US dollar.
(B) The higher value will be a real Albatross around the neck for the Canadian manufacturers who have to compete with lower prices.
Example
(A) The Canadian dollar has jumped up to $1.06 against the US dollar.
(B) The higher value will be a real Albatross around the neck for the Canadian manufacturers who have to compete with lower prices.
Labels: Albatross around your neck, English Idioms
Ahead of the pack
When comparisons are made about individuals or products or research you can state that you are "ahead of the pack" when you have made more progress or have superior performance than your rivals.
Examples
(A) Did you see the latest search engine marketshare figures.
(B) Yeah it looks like Google is still ahead of the pack.
Examples
(A) Did you see the latest search engine marketshare figures.
(B) Yeah it looks like Google is still ahead of the pack.
Labels: Ahead of the pack, English Idioms
Against the Grain
When an action or plan or policy contradicts what you believe in, or the generally accepted methods and you have no real choice in resisting this action then you can state your displeasure by stating it goes against the grain.
Example
(A) I hear you have to submit your next year's forecast by tomorrow.
(B) Yeah, the new sales manager wants forecasts before giving us a budget. It realy goes against the grain to forecast blind without budgets.
Example
(A) I hear you have to submit your next year's forecast by tomorrow.
(B) Yeah, the new sales manager wants forecasts before giving us a budget. It realy goes against the grain to forecast blind without budgets.
Labels: Against the Grain, English Idioms
Across the board
When a rule or order applies to everybody, the rule can be stated as the rule applies across the board.
Example
(A) I hear the new dress code is manditory for all the salemen.
(B) Yes its back to shirts and ties across the board.
Example
(A) I hear the new dress code is manditory for all the salemen.
(B) Yes its back to shirts and ties across the board.
Labels: Across the board, English Idioms
Acid test
The idiom "acid test" is used to describe a process that proves whether a plan, procedure or action either works, is good, is better, is effective or not.
Example
(A) Did you see the new heated hockey skate blades?
(B) Yeah, it looks simple and maybe improves the speed of skating.
(A) I guess the real acid test is if the pros start to use them.
Example
(A) Did you see the new heated hockey skate blades?
(B) Yeah, it looks simple and maybe improves the speed of skating.
(A) I guess the real acid test is if the pros start to use them.
Labels: Acid test, English Idioms
Achilles' heel
When describing a company, sports team, group or a person's weak spot you can say it is their Achilles' heel.
Example
(A) The Leafs were beaten 7 to 1 last night.
(B) Yeah, their Achilles' heel is lack of speed.
Example
(A) The Leafs were beaten 7 to 1 last night.
(B) Yeah, their Achilles' heel is lack of speed.
Labels: Achilles' heel, English Idioms
Above board
When business or actions are done "above board" they are carried out in a legal and proper manner. This idiom can be used to describe the actions and behaviour of individuals, companies, groups or governments.
Example
(A) Do you know anything about the Royal Bank.
(B) Yeah, I have had an account there for years they have always been above board.
Example
(A) Do you know anything about the Royal Bank.
(B) Yeah, I have had an account there for years they have always been above board.
Labels: Above board, English Idioms
About face
When someone changes their mind completely, this is called an about face. This idiom can be used when individuals, companies or governments change their position on an issue.
Example
(A) The government said they would eliminate the GST.
(B) Well they did a real about face by extending it.
Example
(A) The government said they would eliminate the GST.
(B) Well they did a real about face by extending it.
Labels: About face, English Idioms
Friday, November 2, 2007
Abide by a decision
When you abide by a decision, you follow the decision and comply with the terms and conditions, even though you might disagree with it.
Example
(A) I heard the board wants to stop all education subsidies.
(B) Yes the board cut all education funding programs. I do not like it but we must abide by their decision.
Example
(A) I heard the board wants to stop all education subsidies.
(B) Yes the board cut all education funding programs. I do not like it but we must abide by their decision.
Labels: Abide by a decision, English Idioms
A OK, A 1, A one
When you express that your actions, plans or state of being are absolutely fine, very good or excellent you can say A OK.
Example
(A) How are you?
(B) I'm A OK
Example
(A) How are you?
(B) I'm A OK
Labels: A 1, A OK, A one, English Idioms
A little bird told me
When someone doesn't want to say where or from whom they got information they say "a little bird told them".
Example
(A) The company will hire 10 additional salesmen.
(B) Where did you hear that?
(A) A little bird told me.
Example
(A) The company will hire 10 additional salesmen.
(B) Where did you hear that?
(A) A little bird told me.
Labels: A little bird told me, English Idioms
A bit much
When something is excessive or annoying you can describe it as "it is a bit much".
Example
(A) How do you like my new outfit?
(B) That bright shirt is a bit much.
Example
(A) How do you like my new outfit?
(B) That bright shirt is a bit much.
Labels: A bit much, English Idioms
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About English Idioms
English Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions with a meaning that cannot be derived from the literal translations of the individual words
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English Idioms Blog Disclaimer - This blog uses original and reprintable articles in whole or part. Posts can be edited for spelling, grammar, accuracy, fairness or to meet ever changing legal publishing standards. We post one link to indicate the original post or source. We rely on the accuracy of the sources. This blog is not responsible for errors or omissions or any liability for any posts or any real imagined or fabricated subsequent damages. For additional info: best.usa.education (at) gmail (dot) -com-
