Sunday, December 9, 2007

 

Ballpark figure

A ballpark figure is a rough estimate or approximate number to give a general idea of a cost, time period, quantity or volume.

Example

(A) The truck engine has seized up completely.

(B) We really need that truck for deliveries. Can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost of a new engine.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 9:05 PM
 

Ball is in your court

When the "ball is in your court", it is up to you to make the next move, decision or step in the process to complete a transaction or negotiation.

Example

(A) Did you get the supplier proposals?

(B) Yeah, the ball is in our court. We have to choose by Friday.


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English Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions with a meaning that cannot be derived from the literal translations of the individual words. English Idioms are used in everyday life, work, school, the arts, business, activities, events and sports.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 8:55 PM

Saturday, December 8, 2007

 

Baker's dozen

This idiom is used to describe a bonus or extra amount given by a vendor to a customer - a "Baker's Dozen" is 13 rather than 12.

Example

(A) Did you see the sale at the corner shop?

(B) Yeah, they are offering a Bakers Dozen of fresh donuts for 2 bucks.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 3:57 PM
 

Bad taste in your mouth

When situations or events leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, you feel there is something wrong or incorrect about the situation or event.

Example

(A) Did you hear they are cancelling the Christmas bonus to save money?

(B) Yeah, wasn't it just last month the exec's gave themselves a 25% pay hike and now they are crying poor. It really leaves a bad taste in your mouth with the employees.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 3:50 PM
 

Bad egg

When describing a person who cannot be trusted or cannot be reliable use the idiom bad egg.

Example

(A) Do you know anything about the guy who runs the garage on the corner?

(B) Yeah, stay away from him, he is a bad egg.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 3:47 PM
 

Bad blood

To describe when people feel anger, distrust or resentment between them because of events that happened in the past you can say there is bad blood.

Example

(A) Why did Jeff and Peter just glare at each other in the meeting?

(B) There is a lot of bad blood.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 3:41 PM

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

 

Backseat driver

A "backseat driver" is one who continues to give advice to the person driving or performing a task when the advice is unwelcome.

Example

(A) Can you give aunt Mary a ride over to the new church on Sunday?

(B) Can't you take her? She is a non-stop backseat driver and drives me crazy.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 9:41 PM
 

Back to square one

When you have to go back to square one, you have to re-start right from the beginning.

Example

(A) I heard the R&D team are back to square one with the new battery.

(B) Yeah, the acid is too corrosive and creates too much heat.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 9:35 PM
 

Back the wrong horse

When you back the wrong horse, you give your vote, bet or support to the losing side in an election or contest or competition.

Example

(A) Jim you backed the wrong horse on the Sunday NFL picks.

(A) I thought the Patriots would lose so I picked an upset and was wrong.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 9:26 PM
 

Back foot

When you are on your back foot you have been forced to be defensive or at a disadvantage.

Example

(A) Bret threw that pass from his back foot.

(B) Yeah, the defense almost sacked him as he stepped aside and threw the pass.

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# posted by ESL in Canada @ 9:17 PM
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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

English Idioms BLOG URL
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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-