In Spanish, 'Beat around / about the bush' means 'Andarse por las ramas' or 'Andar con rodeos'. In English, we use this idiom: To speak vaguely or euphemistically so as to avoid talking directly about an unpleasant or sensitive topic. "Don't beat about the bush, just tell me how serious the problem is." 2. To discuss a matter without … [Read more...]
That’s a Different Ball Game…
If you describe a situation as a whole new ball game, or a different ball game, you mean that it is completely different from what came before. In Spanish we usually say "Esa es otra historia", to express this idea. I'd been working as a teacher for several years, but working with little kids was a different ball game. Note: `Ball game' is … [Read more...]
I am Under the Impression that….
These are some of the most frequent IDIOMS we may use with "IMPRESSION". Be UNDER the IMPRESSION that = Tener la impresión de que… She seemed to be under the impression that the service was improving, but it wasn't. GET the IMPRESSION that = Tener la impresión de que… I'm getting the impression that the election won’t really change … [Read more...]
You Hit the Nail on the Head!
We use this expression to say that we have done the right thing, normally in the most effective and efficient way. We also use it when we want to describe a situation or problem exactly. You hit the nail on the head when you said lack of money was the source of the problem. She realised the mistake. She hit the nail right on the head! In … [Read more...]
As You Make your Bed, so You Must Lie in it
Have you ever made the wrong decision and believe you must now live with the consequences of your choice? If this is so, you can use this proverb, because it means just this. When you make your bed badly, you probably have an uncomfortable night, for which you have only yourself to blame. In the same way, all of us are responsible for the … [Read more...]
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
We use this proverb to explain that a timely effort will prevent more work later or even that an action taken now will prevent problems in the future. In fact, what we are literally saying is that "the prompt sewing up of a small hole or tear in a piece of material will save us the need for more stitching later, when the hole has become … [Read more...]
You Cannot Have your Cake and Eat it
This popular idiomatic proverb, which dates from the 16th century, means that you cannot enjoy two desirable things at the same time. It may also describe the dilemma faced when you want one thing very much, but you are not willing to give up other things in order to have it, that is, you cannot have all the benefits of a situation when, in fact, … [Read more...]
To Live From Hand To Mouth
We would describe someone who lives from hand to mouth or lives hand-to-mouth as a person who always struggles to afford the things they need or a person who lives in poor circumstances. People lived from hand to mouth during the war. When we lost our job, we lived from hand to mouth. … [Read more...]
More Verbs for Beginners
Vocabulary on verbs with pictures. Good exercise to learn them... MORE VERBS … [Read more...]
You Can Lead a Horse to Water, but You Can’t Make Him Drink
We use it to emphasize the idea that you can make it easy for someone to do something, but you cannot force them to do it. This proverb dates from the 16th century, and it is so well known that it is frequently shortened. Here is an example: We gave him all the information about the colleges he was interested in, but he still hasn't applied... … [Read more...]