Tag Archives: English idioms
Big Posted by Gary Locke on Jul 30, 2020
I was watching a news program the other night, on a very respected network, and heard the host describe something as humongous. While I knew what she meant, I wondered if everyone watching the show would understand. What’s more, I was a bit startled at her choice of adjective, since I’ve always considered the word…
Sleep-related idioms Posted by carol on Apr 30, 2020
Good evening to all readers out there! How have you been? More specifically, how have you been sleeping? The reason I ask is that I came across a very thought-provoking article the other day. Don’t worry, this is not another post about coronavirus. But it is somehow connected to it, to be honest! The article goes…
English Idioms Inspired by Blacksmiths Posted by Gary Locke on Feb 20, 2020
With only an estimated 500 – 1000 professional blacksmiths in the US today, chances are excellent that you don’t think about the craft all that often. It is likely, however, that you have heard some of the most common phrases associated with blacksmiths sometime in the last month. In fact, these idioms are so widely…
Talking about learning in English Posted by carol on Sep 30, 2019
Hi guys! What have you been up to? Learning a foreign language requires constant practice and study. Keeping in touch with the language in some way is essential for developing listening, speaking, writing and reading skills. Whatever method you use, from being enrolled in a class to self-study, communication in a foreign language only works…
Should English Idioms be Modernized? Posted by Gary Locke on Dec 6, 2018
PETA, the animal rights organization, has proposed that we should reimagine some common English phrases to be more respectful of other species. They argue that phrases such as “I killed two birds with one stone” are as cruel as any hate speech. Similarly, a British researcher believes that, eventually, meat-based metaphors and sayings will be…
Up and Out on a Date in English Posted by Gary Locke on Jul 12, 2018
As regular readers of this blog know, the English language is full of confusing expressions and terminology which make life difficult for learners. Even native speakers can be excused for shaking their heads in bewilderment sometimes during a simple conversation. I heard a brief exchange between two people the other day which made me wonder…
English Jokes and Idioms for Summer Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 28, 2018
It’s so hot, I saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walking! There are so many wonderful things about summer that we often ignore the one inescapable downside to this season – It’s hot! Or, at least we ignore it until we no longer can. Then, when the sweltering sun and oppressive…