Idioms Idioms are phrases which people use in everyday language which do not make sense literally but we understand what they mean

An idiom is an expression that has a meaning apart from the meanings of its individual words.  For example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Its literal meaning suggests that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We interpret it to mean that it is raining hard.  Other Examples:  To stick your neck out is to say or do something that is bold and a bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position.  To break the ice is to be the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that means something similar is "get the ball rolling."  To get long in the tooth means to get old. The expression was originally used when referring to horses since gums recede with age. So the longer the teeth a horse has, the older it is said to be.  To have a chip on one's shoulder is usually an expression to describe a person who acts, as you say, rudely or aggressively, but also in a manner that could be described as "aggressively defensive." The person seems always ready for a fight.

Food for thought These idioms are all about food. Can you explain what they really mean?  Taking two bits of the cherry  Selling like hot cakes  Playing gooseberry  Going bananas

Feel like a fish out of water Be like a fish out of water Meaning: Feel uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation. If you feel like a fish out of water, you feel awkward or uncomfortable because you are in an unusual or unfamiliar situation. Example: I don't like going to the big parties they have. I always feel like a fish out of water there. Todd is a country boy raised in a small town in Northumberland and was like a fish out of water when he visited bustling London.

Numbers up Lots of idioms are about numbers. See if you can fill in the missing numbers in these says. What do they mean?  Dressed up to the ______  Talking ___ to the dozen  One in a ______  Playing ______ fiddle  In _______ heaven

Animal Crackers  It’s raining ____ and dogs!  I’ve got a ____ in my throat  Those are just ______tears  He’s taken the lion share  I can smell a ___

He spilled the beans He told the secret

Get off my back! Leave me alone!

We were in stitches! We were laughing very hard!

He kicked the bucket! He died

Go fly a kite! Go away!

She was dressed to kill She was dressed in her finest clothing

I ’ m at the end of my rope! I am so-o-o frustrated!

You have to bite the bullet You need to put up with this difficult situation

Teachers always stick to their guns Teachers never change their opinions

Money talks Have you heard about that new TV? Money influences a lot of people.

Bend over backwards to do it for you!

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to cooperate or to start a task.

to tease or poke fun at someone to get a reaction Pull one’s chain

Not to be feeling well Under the weather

To do something without any preparation Off the cuff

Using language that will not offend anyone Politically correct

an illegal money transaction. Under the table

An unofficial barrier to advancement in the workplace and usually applies to women and minorities Glass ceiling

to use someone else’s idea or effort to make a point of your own on the same subject Piggy back

accept the unpleasant consequences’ of one’s actions Face the music

This expression! means to be very frank. Lay it on the line

An estimation or guess based on a practical rule that isn’t exact Rule of thumb

This expression! means to make a lot of money. Make a bundle

something or someone insignificant Small potatoes

ride out (the storm) to survive a dangerous situation successfully

Not my cup of tea

It’s raining cats and dogs.

It’s on the tip of my tongue.

Someone who is down to earth is realistic; not fake; not pretending; easy to talk to.

No way out

Live on a shoestring It means to manage one’s financial affairs on a very tight budget. e.g. "When we were students, we lived on a shoestring"

I’m all ears

A snake in the grass An enemy or unpleasant person who pretends to be a friend but cannot be trusted.

A wolf in sheep's clothing A person who hides hostile intentions, with a pleasant and friendly appearance.

Can of worms

Crocodile tears Tears that people cry when they are not that sad or really sorry.

Don't count your chickens To assume something will be successful before it has happened.

Hold your horses Hold your horses Often used to tell someone to stop, wait and think about their actions before doing something.

In the Doghouse In the Doghouse When someone is displeased with you and it shows.

Let the cat out of the bag To reveal a secret.

Like a bull in a china shop Someone who is very clumsy in the way they behave often upsetting other people's plans

Like a fish out of water Feel awkward or uncomfortable because you are in a situation which you have not experienced or you feel that you don't fit in.

Make a mountain out of a molehill Make a slight problem seem like a serious crisis.

White Elephant Something that is very expensive to buy or maintain but has no suitable purpose.

"all in the same boat"

To Get Cold Feet

A piece of cake When something is a piece of cake it is very easy to do.