Example – I’m not sure how to say this, but in a nutshell, I’ve lost my job. Idioms with a similar meaning – in sum / in short / to put it briefly Meaning – to summarise in very brief from, to say something in a few words Origin – This one goes right back to the 1st century. It … Read More
More uses of the verb SEE
However, SEE can also be used to mean ‘to meet’, ‘to date someone’. The meaning is different here and so, in these contexts, the verb SEE can also be used in the Progressive or Continuous Forms. For example: I’m seeing the doctor about my problem, next Tuesday. They have been seeing each other for some time now and I think … Read More
IDIOM – TO GO NUTS
Meaning (1) – to go crazy, to lose reason, to go insane / to go mad with anger Example Sentence – Tom said that the boss went nuts when he asked for a raise. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – go nuts / lose the plot or lose your mind / lose it / to get your wires crossed / … Read More
IDIOM – TO SWITCH OFF & ON
Meaning (1) – The literal meaning of the verb to switch on or off means to start or stop just about anything that uses electricity or needs some other form of power to be used. So, you can switch on the lights, switch on an engine, switch off the T.V. In Context (1) – Can you switch on the heater? … Read More
Stupid Idioms
Idioms Meaning Stupid in English There are many, many ways to call someone stupid in English. Here are a few Idioms & Similes which you can use. weak in the head as thick as a brick to be an airhead to be a dumb bunny to be a few bricks short of load to be as daft as a brush
IDIOM – EARN YOUR BREAD AND BUTTER
Example sentence – Singing is just a hobby. I earn my bread and butter as a sales representative. Meaning – this idiom means to make enough money for daily life Other Idioms and sayings with the same meaning – to make to a living / to earn a livelihood / to bring home the bacon Earn Your Bread and Butter … Read More
IDIOM – NOT MY CUP OF TEA
Meaning – use this idiom to describe your likes and dislikes in a polite way In Context – Listening to heavy metal music isn’t really my cup of tea. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – Listening to heavy metal music isn’t really up my alley.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE – Form and Use
FORM Basic Form: Subject + Helping (Auxiliary) verb ‘to have’ + Past Participle Question Form: Helping verb (Auxiliary) + Subject + Past Participle Negative Form: Subject + helping verb + not + Past Participle USE THE PRESENT PERFECT TO DESCRIBE: an action that began in past continues in present – I have been in Malta for 3 months. a past … Read More
IDIOM – BRING HOME THE BACON
Meaning – to earn money / to get good results Example sentence – I really don’t feel like going to work today but someone’s got to bring home the bacon. Synonymous Idioms – to make a living More Examples from British National English Corpus 1. He says you know what a woman wants in a husband is a man who … Read More
IDIOM – HARD NUT TO CRACK
Meaning – a difficult problem to solve, a difficult person to persuade. In this idiom, hard is often replaced by a synonym such as tough or difficult. In Context – (1) I’m not sure if Chris we’ll agree to this move, he’s a hard nut to crack. (2) Resolving the political crisis in Syria is hard nut to crack. (3) … Read More