![]() These days we tend to talk about the weather more than usual. But did you know that there are dozens of weather related idioms? Check out some of the most common ones here! to be on cloud nine: to be very happy because something great happened E.g. He was on cloud nine when he heard that his wife was pregnant with their baby. I would be on cloud nine if I got that promotion! come rain or shine: no matter what happens, it is done E.g. The mailman comes every morning, rain or shine. Come rain or shine, I'll be at your wedding, I promise. when it rains, it pours: when something goes wrong, it will be followed by a serious of negative events E.g. Last week Tom got fired, his girlfriend broke up with me, and he got the flu. When it rains, it pours. It looks like everyone in our family is sick again, and all at the same time. When it rains, it pours. a breath of fresh air: a relief in the form of a person or situation E.g. I love his innovative ideas and drive. His positive attitude is a breath of fresh air in this cut-throat industry. Leah is so cheerful and optimistic- she's like a breath of fresh air when we meet. under the weather: not feeling well E.g. I don't think I'll be able to make it to work today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Jane has been feeling under the weather for a few days. She is going to see the doctor today. to take a rain check: to postpone something for another time; a coupon for a sale item that is temporarily out-of-stock E.g. A: Why don’t we go out for lunch today? B: I’m sorry, I need to take a rain check, I have an important meeting at noon. We can get together another day. The detergent was on sale in the store but they ran out of it. I got a rain check from the clerk so I can go back and get it at the sale price when they have it back in stock. shoot the breeze: to chat in a relaxed way E.g. We spent the entire afternoon just shooting the breeze with Joel. It was good to chat with him at last. They say girls like to talk but I know that the guys like sit around the locker room and shoot the breeze too.
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![]() In honor of National Croissant Day, let’s learn some baking-related idioms! something is as easy as pie/it is a piece of cake: something is very simple to do or understand half-baked: incomplete or not thoroughly planned E.g. The boss would have been approved his new idea, if it hadn’t been so half-baked. Next time, he has to spend more time on preparing it. As an editor, I get a lot of half-baked stories, and the authors get upset if we don't publish them. They have to make sure their story is complete and thought through. icing on the cake: an additional benefit E.g. Today she was promoted to head of the department and as an icing on the care, she also got a raise! His new girlfriend is not just beautiful but very smart and funny too. What an icing on the cake! that’s the way the cookie crumbles: it refers to something disappointing that could have been expected as typical outcome, similar to “that’s life” E.g. No matter how hard she tried to be popular, the new girl was not able to make friends. But, that's the way the cookie crumbles. Nobody could believe that they chose Nick for the job and not Julie. Ah well, that's the way the cookie crumbles to get a piece of the pie: to be among those who earn an advantage or reward E.g. Lazy people want to a piece of the pie too, but they are not willing to work for it. When the business started making money, everyone wanted a piece of the pie. to sugarcoat something: to put something in a positive light E.g. She is not afraid to share her opinions even if they are negative, and she doesn't even try to sugarcoat them. The governor did not sugarcoat the reality of the tax increases. It’s not what we wanted to hear, but at least we knew exactly what would happen. to have your cake and eat it, too: to have an unrealistic expectation about accomplishing something, to have it both ways E.g. If you want more local services, you can't expect to pay less tax. You can't have your cake and eat it too. He works long hours to pay for their big house and fancy car, but complains that he does not have time for his family. Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too. ![]() This week, we will take a look at popular idioms with the word “mind”. Though many of their meanings are easy to guess, they can also be easily confused, so to avoid embarrassing moments, read along: Speak your mind – to say what you honestly feel E.g. Karla was always a very honest person. She was never afraid to speak her mind. You can always rely on getting a straight answer from John. He will speak his mind even if the truth offends people. Cross your mind – to briefly think about something; to consider something E.g. It never crossed my mind to drive to the City. I enjoy train rides, not to mention, it is better for the environment. Has it ever crossed your mind to put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket? It would make your mother’s job much easier. Have/Keep an open mind – willing to consider different ideas or opinions, impartial E.g. My daughter would like to go to college a hundred miles from our house. I wish she stayed closer but I am trying to keep an open mind. Mary is not religious but would like to keep an open mind about what happens to us after we die. Have something on your mind - to be preoccupied with a topic, to think a lot about one topic E.g. Jim has a lot on his mind at the moment, don’t bother him with small stuff. You are always on my mind. I cannot stop thinking about you. Keep/bear in mind - not to forget; to remember E.g. Keep in mind that you cannot bring liquid on the airplane, so pack accordingly. Bear in mind that you need to call the doctor’s office for the lab results. Slip your mind - to accidentally forget something E.g. I am sorry, our appointment completely slipped my mind. Could we set up another time? I meant to tell you that your mother called, but it completely slipped my mind. Give a piece of your mind - to speak angrily to somebody about something negative they have done E.g. I am sure your father will give you a piece of his mind for telling such a lie! I've had enough of him not doing his homework. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind when he gets home from school. Out of sight, out of mind - this means that if you do not see someone or something regularly, you will stop thinking about them E.g. Sarah fell in love with a local boy during their holidays but since they left, they have not kept in touch and she even forgot his name! It is true, out of sight, out of mind. I meant to read pay that bill but it fell behind the desk, and I forgot about it – out of sight, out of mind! Mind your own business – to ask someone to stop interfering in or inquiring about someone else’s matter E.g. Whenever he asks people how much money they make, he gets the same answer: “Mind your own business!” Her mother always asks Joan about her boyfriends, but she does tell her to mind her own business. |
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January 2019
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