idioms

IDIOMS

1. Under the weather

original meaning: unwell or feeling worse than usual,

What does it mean? To feel ill

How do you use it? In England we love to talk about the weather and will do so often, but don’t be fooled by this common phrase. If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you feel better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’.

2. The ball is in your court

derived from the sport of tennis. 

What does it mean? It’s up to you

How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision.

3. Spill the beans

might have originated from an ancient Greek voting method where beans were used to cast votes

What does it mean? To give away a secret

How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party, you’d have ‘spilled the beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The secret is out.

4. Break a leg

Origin of it comes from theaters. Actors will say this to each other before the show to wish for good luck.

What does it mean? To wish someone luck

How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often accompanied by a thumbs up, ‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of good luck. It originates from when successful theater performers would bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg.

5. Pull someone’s leg

you try and make them believe something that isn't true. 

What does it mean? To play a practical joke

How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of practical jokes. ‘Pull their leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or ‘Wait, are you pulling my leg?’.

6. Sat on the fence

What does it mean? To be undecided

How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which side of an argument you agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy yoga in a sauna yet.’

7. Through thick and thin

What does it mean? To be loyal no matter what

How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through thick and thin’ means that you’re by each other’s side no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.

8. Once in a blue moon

What does it mean? Rarely

How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something that doesn’t happen often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’

9. It’s the best thing since sliced bread

What does it mean? It’s really, really good

How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England because it’s since been used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are great. We love it almost as much as tea.

10. Take it with a pinch of salt

What does it mean? Don’t take it too seriously

How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often makes up stories so I take everything he says with a pinch of salt.’