Meaning – to be out of money, not having any cash. Use this idiom when you want to express that someone can’t afford to pay for something. In Context – I can’t go to the concert. I‘m broke. Origin – ‘to be broke’ is an idiom which uses an old form / meaning of the verb. The verb ‘to break’ … Read More
IDIOM – RULE OF THUMB
Meaning – the general rule or guideline, a measurement or method based on experience rather than a scientific calculation In Context – The rule of thumb at the office is that whoever finishes the coffee has to make the next pot. Origin – It is often thought that this idiom derives from the ancient common law which allowed a man … Read More
IDIOM – AS EASY AS PIE
Meaning of As Easy as Pie – something which is very simple or easy. Interestingly, the Idiom ‘as easy as pie’, does not refer to making pies bur rather to eating them! In fact, there are many English idioms which use the word pie to indicate something that is pleasurable or good. There’s also another version of this idiom which is … Read More
IDIOM – TO HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND
Meaning – This idiom has 2 meanings: (1) to want to have an argument or discussion about something, (2) to have a personal agenda or hidden motive for doing something In Context – (1) I’ve got an axe to grind with you! That report you filed was full of errors. (2) I hope John won’t talk about the Pope … Read More
IDIOM: TO BE UNDER THE WEATHER
TO BE UNDER THE WEATHER
IDIOM – EXCUSE MY FRENCH
Meaning – this idiom is used to excuse a person for swearing or using bad language. Variations include pardon my French, excuse my French. Origin – The origin of the expression is unclear. However, there are a number of similar expressions (in French as well as in English) which deflect the blame for the use of a culturally unacceptable habit. … Read More
IDIOM – PIECE OF CAKE
Meaning – something that is easy to do In Context – The exam was a piece of cake. I had no problems answering any of the questions. Synonymous Idioms – as easy as pie, a walk in the park, like stealing candy from a baby, a walkover, as easy as the ABC, like shooting fish in a barrel, a cakewalk, nothing … Read More
IDIOM – OFF THE RECORD
Meaning – something which is said in an unofficial capacity or which is not to be repeated . This idiom is often used when the speaker prefers to remain anonymous (doesn’t want to be known). In Context – Journalists often find people to speak off the record for their articles. Origin – This phrase is first attributed to Roosevelt in … Read More
Bad idioms
to be in a bad way to go from bad to worse give something up as a bad job if the worst comes to the worst to be in dire straits it never rains but it pours