Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Below the belt
This is an idiom from sports. In boxing a punch below the belt is illegal. When someone makes a comment or says something that is cruel or unfair, it is "below the belt".
Example
(A) Did you hear all the John MaCain is old jokes?
(B) Yeah, some of them are really below the belt.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) Did you hear all the John MaCain is old jokes?
(B) Yeah, some of them are really below the belt.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Below the belt, English Idioms
Monday, April 21, 2008
Below par
This idiom comes from the sport of golf. Native English speakers will say if a product or service isn't up to standard, or someone isn't feeling or doing very well, they are "below par".
Example
(A) What did you think of those dollar frozen dinners?
(B) They were all starch and food coloring. They were really below par.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
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Example
(A) What did you think of those dollar frozen dinners?
(B) They were all starch and food coloring. They were really below par.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
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Labels: Below par, English Idioms
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bells and whistles
When you want to describe someone having on all the extras you say "he has all the Bells and whistles. When describing objects with attractive features such as computer programs or luxury cars you can say they come with all the Bells and Whistles.
Example
(A) Are you ready for Fred's wedding?
(B) I have the tux, shoes, cummerbun, bow tie and all the Bells and Whistles for a formal.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Example
(A) Are you ready for Fred's wedding?
(B) I have the tux, shoes, cummerbun, bow tie and all the Bells and Whistles for a formal.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Labels: Bells and whistles, English Idioms
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Behind the times
We use the idiom "Behind the times" to describe someone who is old-fashioned and has methods or practices or technology or even ideas that are regarded as out-dated.
Example
(A) Some of my clients are so "Behind the times"
(B) Mine too, they have to call their trades in rather than use the web-broker.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) Some of my clients are so "Behind the times"
(B) Mine too, they have to call their trades in rather than use the web-broker.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Behind the times, English Idioms
Friday, March 14, 2008
Behind closed doors
We say the idiom "behind closed doors" to idicate that a discussion or negotiation or decision is either private or being held away from the news press and public at large.
Example
(A) Where are all the managers?
(B) They are behind closed doors talking about Bill's resignation.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Example
(A) Where are all the managers?
(B) They are behind closed doors talking about Bill's resignation.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Labels: Behind closed doors, English Idioms
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Make a beeline
When you "make a beeline" for a place or object or location, you head there directly and quickly without allowing distractions. Many people think that Bees fly directly to flowers without any delays so a "beeline" is named after this characteristic.
Example
(A) Did you see Ross make a beeline for those cookies?
(B) Yeah, he walked straight up to the dessert table and helped himself to the chocolate chips.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) Did you see Ross make a beeline for those cookies?
(B) Yeah, he walked straight up to the dessert table and helped himself to the chocolate chips.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: English Idioms, Make a beeline
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Beck and call,
This idiom is used to describe the willing behaviour of someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask.
Example
(A) How are we getting back from the airport at 3 AM?
(B) The company has 2 drivers on rotation so someone is always at our beck and call.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) How are we getting back from the airport at 3 AM?
(B) The company has 2 drivers on rotation so someone is always at our beck and call.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Beck and call, English Idioms
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Beating a dead horse
The "Beating a dead horse" idiom is used when someone is trying to raise interest in a project, activity or event that no-one supports anymore. The representation is that beating a dead horse will not make it do any more work.
Example
(A) I see Fred wants to have weekend training sessions for new staff.
(B) Yeah, he is beating a dead horse. No one will go to these on the weekend.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) I see Fred wants to have weekend training sessions for new staff.
(B) Yeah, he is beating a dead horse. No one will go to these on the weekend.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Beating a dead horse, English Idioms
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Beat about the bush
When someone doesn't explain directly and clearly what they mean and they try to make it more difficult or obscure to understand then we use the idiom "Beat about the bush" to describe this behaviour.
Example
(A) The English teacher couldn't answer my grammar question.
(B) Yeah he really beat about the bush talking about latin, monks and politics.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) The English teacher couldn't answer my grammar question.
(B) Yeah he really beat about the bush talking about latin, monks and politics.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Beat about the bush, English Idioms
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bean counter
This is a slightly insulting comment when used. A bean counter is an accountant or manager who uses numbers (and not what is considered reality) to manage or direct business affairs.
Example
(A) Why does everyone complain about the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(B) The Leaf fans blame the bean counters for just employing a few stars and not trying to build a team.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) Why does everyone complain about the Toronto Maple Leafs.
(B) The Leaf fans blame the bean counters for just employing a few stars and not trying to build a team.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Bean counter, English Idioms
Bat an eyelid
When someone does not bat an eyelid they do not flinch, freeze or react or when a situation occurs they are not surprised or shocked.
Example
(A) Did you see the video of those firemen last night?
(B) Yeah, they are so professional the building was collapsing and they kept rescuing the occupants without batting an eye.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) Did you see the video of those firemen last night?
(B) Yeah, they are so professional the building was collapsing and they kept rescuing the occupants without batting an eye.
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Bat an eyelid, English Idioms
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Basket case
This idiom is used to describe a person or project that is so useless or helpless that you want to abandon it. Put it in a basket and walk away.
Example
(A) What did you think of the Dragon's Den show last night?
(B) It was OK, but they had some real basket cases presented to the investors.
(A) Yeah, sometimes they said "our best advice is drop it and get a job".
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Example
(A) What did you think of the Dragon's Den show last night?
(B) It was OK, but they had some real basket cases presented to the investors.
(A) Yeah, sometimes they said "our best advice is drop it and get a job".
******
English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America
The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.
Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.
Labels: Basket case, English Idioms
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bark is worse than their bite
You can describe someone by stating their bark is worse than their bite. The person described will get angry and shout, but doesn't take any physical action.
Example
(A) Jeff was yelling at all of the salesmen after the results were published.
(B) His bark is worse than his bite, none of the salemen will be fired or demoted.
Blog URL
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Example
(A) Jeff was yelling at all of the salesmen after the results were published.
(B) His bark is worse than his bite, none of the salemen will be fired or demoted.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Labels: Bark is worse than their bite, English Idioms
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Barefaced liar
A barefaced liar is a person who can look you in the eye and appear honest and sincere even when telling a huge lie. They do not show any shame or nerves when lying.
Example
(A) Can you believe those parents at the meeting.
(B) Even with the video showing the bad behaviour of their kids they said they were innocent.
(A) Those parents were barefaced liars.
BLOG URL
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BLOG FEED
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Example
(A) Can you believe those parents at the meeting.
(B) Even with the video showing the bad behaviour of their kids they said they were innocent.
(A) Those parents were barefaced liars.
BLOG URL
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BLOG FEED
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Labels: Barefaced liar, English Idioms
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bar fly
"Bar fly" is the name given to a person who spends a lot of time drinking in bars and pubs.
Example
(A) Jim always seems to be at the pub across the street.
(B) Yeah, I'm worried that he is turning into a real bar fly.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Example
(A) Jim always seems to be at the pub across the street.
(B) Yeah, I'm worried that he is turning into a real bar fly.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Labels: Bar fly, English Idioms
Friday, January 18, 2008
Baptism of fire
This idiom was first used by soldiers to describe a soldier's first experience of shooting. Any difficult, dangerous or scary experience when it is also a learning experience can be called a baptism of fire.
Example
(A) How did Joe do singing in public for the first time at his Canadian Idol audition?
(B) It was Joe's baptism of fire as the judges were very critical.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Example
(A) How did Joe do singing in public for the first time at his Canadian Idol audition?
(B) It was Joe's baptism of fire as the judges were very critical.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Labels: Baptism of fire, English Idioms
Banana republic
The idiom "Banana Republic" is used to describe a small country that is dependent on a single crop or resource and governed by a small corrupt elite.
Example
(A) The country is run by favours and who you know.
(B) Yeah, it is almost a Banana Republic.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Example
(A) The country is run by favours and who you know.
(B) Yeah, it is almost a Banana Republic.
Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
Blog Feed
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Labels: Banana republic, English Idioms
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.
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.
Labels: Ballpark figure, English Idioms
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.
********
Blog URL
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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-
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.
Example
(A) Did you get the supplier proposals?
(B) Yeah, the ball is in our court. We have to choose by Friday.
********
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-
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.
Labels: Ball is in your court, English Idioms
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.
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.
Labels: Baker's dozen, 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
English Idioms BLOG URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/
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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-
