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...]
My Family
I created this activity to teach young learners the vocabulary related to FAMILY. Pupils do not only have to look for the correct "family member" to complete the text, but they also have to use the present simple of the verbs given in brackets. I'm sure they will enjoy it! Family tree Family Tree Exercise … [Read more...]
Vocabulary: Action Verbs
Would you like to revise action verbs? I hope this exercise will help you. VOCABULARY-ACTION VERBS … [Read more...]
People Who Live in Glass Houses…
There is a famous proverb in English that says, “People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones”. It means that we should not criticize other people when we have the same faults they have. He's always criticizing Rick for the way he treats his children and I feel like saying, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw … [Read more...]
Holiday and Vacation
In British English, the plural “holidays” is often used for the “long holiday” we have every year, otherwise, we normally use holiday (singular). Compare: We’re going to Rome for our summer holiday(s). We normally get five days’ Christmas holiday every year. Next Friday is a public holiday. However, we always say “to be ON holiday” … [Read more...]
Marry and Divorce
In English, use these two verbs with no preposition. That is, we "marry someone" and we "divorce someone". I say this, because in Spanish " nos casamos CON alguien" y "nos divorciamos DE alguien". Have a look at these examples: I married my husband 15 years ago. (NOT I married WITH my husband) Paul divorced Jane soon after their wedding. … [Read more...]