Perfect English Idioms

2009-10-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

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Out of touch!

2009-05-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to be out of touch

This is used when we talk about something that is not fashionable or of the current time. It can also be used to describe someone who no longer understands things.

Example 1

A: Your major was in computers, wasn't it?

B: That's right, but I'm a little out of touch these days.

Example 2

A: Your clothes are so out of touch!

B: Don't be silly. I bought them only a few days ago.

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Put in a good word!

2009-05-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to put in a good word

This idiom is used when say something good about an other person so that they can achieve something. It may be in order to get a job, or when asking another person on a date etc.

Example 1

A: I'm having a job interview at your company tomorrow.

B: Is that so? I'll put in a good word for you.

Example 2

A: That girl is beautiful. Could you put in a good word for me?

B: I would but I don't think she'll listen to me.

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Give someone the slip!

2009-05-12T03:48:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to give someone the slip

This idiom is used when we lose someone when we are trying to follow them; we fail to follow someone.

Example 1

A: Did you catch up with John after he took your jacket?

B: I tried to catch him but he gave me the slip.

Example 2

A: Donnie keeps following me everywhere.

B: I'll keep him distracted while you give him the slip.

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That came out of the blue!

2009-05-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to come out of the blue

This idiom is used when something is unexpected or by surprise.

Example 1

A: Did you know you were being considered for a scholarship?

B: I had no idea. It came out of the blue.

Example 2

A: Who would have thought that terrible film would win an oscar.

B: I know. It came totally out of the blue.

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Get stuck in!

2009-05-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to get stuck in

When we "get stuck in" we try our very best and get involved as much as we can.

Example 1

A: Have you finished that book I gave you yet?

B: No, but I'm going to get stuck in tonight.

Example 2

A: We've got so much work to do.

B: There's no use complaining. Lets get stuck in.

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Sore thumb!

2009-05-08T22:54:00.001-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to stick out like a sore thumb

Something "sticks out like a sore thumb" when it is easily noticed, maybe because it is noticeably different to its surroundings.

Example 1

A: Here comes Johnny.

B: He sticks out like a sore thumb with his bright red hair.

Example 2

A: Why is Amy wearing a coat in the middle of winter?

B: I'm not sure but she sticks out like a sore thumb.

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Go under the radar!

2009-05-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to go under the radar

We say people "go under the radar" when they try to go unnoticed; maybe they are avoiding someone or something.

Example 1

A: I haven't seen Ted for a while.

B: You're right! He's been going under the radar since he owes you money.

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All up in the air!!

2009-05-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to be up in the air/ all up in the air

This idiom is used when things have not been decided or if there is some doubt about the future.

Example 1

A: Will the company be closing down if sales don't get better.

B: It's all up in the air at the moment, but it's a possibility.

Example 2

A: Will the game go ahead this weekend?

B: It depends on the weather. It's all up in the air at the moment.

Check out our English grammar blog

Burn your bridges!

2009-05-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to burn someone's bridges

This idiom is used when we do something which does not allow us to go back to a previous state.

It is used quite a lot with friendships or relationships.

Example 1

A: I've lost my job. I'm not sure how I'll survive.

B: Why don't you go back to your old job?

A: I would if I hadn't burn't my bridges and told the boss I hated him.

Example 2

A: Are you inviting Tom to the party?

B: No chance. He burnt his bridges when he made a scene at the last one.

Check out our English grammar blog

A cat's chance in hell!!

2009-05-05T01:44:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to not have a cat's chance in hell

When something seems impossible we say that there is a cats chance in hell of it happening.

Example 1

A: I'm sure we will win our soccer game this weekend.

B: Definatley. The other team doesn't have a cat's chance in hell.

Example 2

A: Why don't you apply for this job? It looks fantastic.

B: Don't be silly. I wouldn't have a cat's chance in hell.

<Check out our English grammar blog

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Out of touch!

2009-04-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to be out of touch

This is used when we talk about something that is not fashionable or of the current time. It can also be used to describe someone who no longer understands things.

Example 1

A: You're major was in computers wasn't it.

B: That's right but I'm a little out of touch these days.

Example 2

A: Your clothes are so out of touch!

B: Don't be silly. I bought them only a few days ago.

Check out our English grammar blog

Time out!

2009-04-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to take time out

This is a frequently used american idiom and is used when we need to take a rest, a break or just to stop what we are doing for a while. It is usually used in sport.

Example 1

A: Tennis is fun, but I'm absoultely knackered. (tired)

B: Maybe we should take a time out.

Example 2

A: Time out!

B: Are you serious? We only just started.

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Lose it!

2009-04-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to lose it

This is used when someone shows extreme emotions under pressure. It can be extreme anger or sadness which is usually out of character.

Example 1

A: John was really angry when Adam told him he was fired.

B: He completely lost it. I thought he was going to hit him.

Example 2

A: I hope Fred doesn't lose it when I tell him I scratched his car.

B: Don't worry. He's pretty laid back.

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Get Loaded!

2009-04-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to get loaded (USA) / get hammered (UK)

When people drink alcohol and become drunk we say they are loaded (USA) or hammered (UK). We use the verb "to get" to describe the process.

Example 1

A: What are you going to do to celebrate the end of your exams.

B: I 'm going to get hammered with my friends at the pub.

Example 2

A: John is getting loaded again.

B: I know. He's been drinking a lot since he split up with his girlfriend.

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Make a scene!

2009-03-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to make a scene

When people are behaving strangely in a public place we can say they are "making a scene." It's usually very embarrassing and people stop and stare.

Example 1

A: Eddy was so drunk at the party last night

B: I know. He really made a scene.

Example 2

A: Don't tell me what to do!

B: Please be quiet. You're making a scene.

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Tighten your belt!

2009-03-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to tighten your belt = to spend less

When we don't have much money, or perhaps we lose a job or earn less, we need to cut down on our spending. In such a case we say we must tighten our belts.

Example 1

A: It looks like our business isn't doing very well at the moment.

B: I know. We're going to have to tighten our belts.

Example 2

A: If we don't tighten our belts we're going to run out of money.

B: We'll hacve to stop eating out for a start.

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Cost an arm and a leg!

2009-03-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to cost an arm and a leg

When something is very expensive we say it costs an arm and a leg. Simple as that.

Example 1

A: Your new car is amazing.

B:It should be. It cost an arm and a leg.

Example 2

A: Your computer must have cost an arm and a leg.

B: It wasn't cheap, that's for sure.

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Get out of my hair!

2009-03-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

Get out of your hair

Sometimes people need peace and quiet to get on with their job or everyday routine. At such a time we can say "I'll get out of your hair," which means to leave them alone and stop bothering them

Example 1

A:If got a million things to do today and I haven't even started.

B:I'll get out of your hair and let you get on with it then.

Example 2

A: I wish Andy would get out of my hair and let me finish this work.

B: Maybe you should tell him he should leave.

Nip it in the bud!

2009-03-16T06:34:00.001-07:00

Today's idiom is:

Nip it in the bud

When we want to stop something from continuing because we can see it will be bad or not good for us, we "nip it in the bud," which means to stop it in the early stages before it gets any worse.

Example 1

A:I notice John has been asking you to borrow some money again.

B:I know. I said yes this time, but I'll have to nip it in the bud.

Example 2

A: Have you noticed Jimmy has started smoking?

B: We'll have to nip that in the bud. I simply won't allow it.

Go over the top!

2009-03-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to go over the top.

When you feel something has been done too excessively and far more than neccessary, you can use the idiom "to go over the top".

Example 1

A: Don't you think you've gone over the top with all these balloons for Kevin's party? I can't move for balloons.

B: Don't be silly. You can never have too many balloons.

Example 2

A: I've been studying for 8 hours for my test today.

B: Don't go over the top. You'll wear yourself out.

Make a move!

2009-03-12T03:09:00.000-07:00

Today's idiom is:

to make a move.

The idiom "to make a move" basically means "to get started" on a journey, or to leave a place.

Example 1

A: It's getting pretty late, we should make a move.

B: You're right. I want to get home before it's dark.

Example 2

A: We've got a long way to go.

B: I know. We should really make a move.

Work out!

2009-02-26T02:15:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to work out.

The idiom "to work out" simply means "to do some exercise", usually at a gym or a health club.

Example 1

A: Do you want to go and get pizza with me?

B: No thanks! I've been working out and I don't want to spoil it.

Example 2

A: You've out on a lot of weight since the last time I saw you.

B: I know. I really should work out.

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Chill out!

2009-01-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to chill out.

The idiom "to chill out" is used by younger people and means "to relax/to calm down" or to spend time together doing something relaxing.

Example 1

A:I can't believe you've lost my pen.

B: Chill out! I'll buy you another one.

Example 2

A: What do you want to do this evening?

B: Why don't we just chill out and watch a movie.

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Crack up!

2009-01-15T02:49:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to crack somebody up.

We say "to crack somebody up" when something or someone make us laugh really hard.

Example 1

A:Have you seen the new Jim Caery movie?

B: Sure, it really cracked me up. It's definately his funniest movie.

Example 2

A:Eddie is so funny. He cracks me up everytime I talk to him.

B: He's a funny guy, isn't he?

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All up in the air!

2009-01-14T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to be all up in the air.

We use "to be all up in the air" when plans are not yet decided or unknown (usually larger plans).

Example 1

A:What are you doing for your winter vacation?

B: It's all up in the air at the moment. There's so much I want to do.

Example 2

A:Do you think we will lose our jobs after the take over?

B: It's hard to say. It's all up in the air at the moment.

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2009-01-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

You can say that again.

We use "you can say that again" in situations when you strongly agree with someone.

Example 1

A: It's freezing today.

B: You can say that again. I'm wearing my biggest coat. (I agree. I'm wearing my biggest coat)

Example 2

A: I love chocolate ice-cream.

B: You can say that again. I eat it everyday.(I agree. I eat it everyday)

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Help your self!

2009-01-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to help yourself

We use "to help yourself" in a few situations.

It bacisally means that it is okay to use/take/eat something by yourself.

Example 1

I hope you don't mind. I helped myself to some coffee while you were out. (I hope you don't mind. I drank some of your coffee)

Example 2

A: Help yourself to some more cookies. (Have some cookies)

B: Thanks, but I've had enough already.

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Let your hair down!

2009-01-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to let your hair down = to have lots of fun

Example 1

Emma really let her hair down at her birthday party. (Emma had lots of fun at her birthday party)

Example 2

A: I'm so happy I've finished all my exams.

B: Me too. We can really let our hair down now. (Me too. We can really enjoy ourselves now)

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2009-01-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

Today's idiom is:

to make out = to kiss (usually quite heavily) - American English

Example 1

Tom and Jess didn't make out on their first date. (Tom and Jess didn't kiss on their first date)

Example 2

A: Have you seen Bob?

B: He was making out with Sarah last time I saw him. (He was kissing Sarah last time I saw him)

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2009-01-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today's idom is:

to push the boat out

We say " to push the boat out" when it is a special occaision and we make an extra effort to make something the best we can.

Example 1:

A: This dinner party is the best I have ever been to.

B: I know. The host really pushed the boat out.

Keep practicing and don't forget to use these idioms.

Bye for today.

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2008-12-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

Today's idom is:

keep your hair on

This means "to calm down" or not to get angry about something.

Example1:

A: Why didn't you meet me for lunch? I was waiting for an hour!

B: Keep your hair on! I was stuck in traffic.

Keep practicing and don't forget to use these idioms.

Bye for today.

2008-12-15T04:56:00.000-08:00

Today's idom is:

to show up

We can use "show up" instead of "to arrive" in everyday conversation.

Example 1.

A: What time do we have to show up for the meeting today?

(What time do we have to arrive for the meeting today?)

B: You should be here by 2 o'clock.

Example 2.

A: I hope you'll come to watch me play soccer today.

A: Don't worry. I'll show up before the game starts.

(Don't worry. I'll arrive before the game starts)

How come?

2008-12-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today's idom is:

How come....?

This is just another way of saying why. It is used in conversations quite often.

Example 1.

A: How come you aren't working today? (Why aren't you working today?)

B: I'm feeling a little under the weather. ( to feel under the weather = to feel sick)

Example 2.

A: I'm not going to soccer practice tonight.

B: How come? You love soccer, don't you? (Why? You love soccer, don't you?)

A: Yes, but I have too much homework.

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2008-12-12T18:35:00.001-08:00

I'm outta here!

2008-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today's idom is:

I'm outta here - (I'm out of here)

This means "to leave" or that you are going somewhere else.

Examples:

I'm outta here. See you tomorrow. (I'm leaving, see you tomorrow)

A: What time are you outta here? (What time are you leaving?)

B: I'll leave after lunch.