Idioms using nationalities and countries

It’s the first day of the Summer Olympic in Beijing and as the Olympics is a truly global event we thought we would give you some Idioms and natural English expressions which use the names of countries and nationalities. These expressions are mostly used in spoken English.

Wherever you come from, I hope your country does well! 

To go Dutch – to split the bill in a restaurant between everyone who ate together.

‘Sally said she wouldn’t let a man pay for her meal on a first date. She prefers to go Dutch.’

Dutch courage – drinking a little alcohol to give you courage (bravery/confidence) before you have to do something.

‘I think I’ll have a glass of whiskey for Dutch courage before I ask that girl if she wants to dance with me.’

It’s all Greek to me – this phrase is used when don’t understand or have no knowledge on a topic.

‘I tried to watch a TV show about physics last night, but I gave up. It was all Greek to me.’

Chinese whispers – This expression originally comes from a children’s game. It is often used as a metaphor for mistakes and inaccurate information which comes from rumours or gossip.

‘All this talk about the President resigning is just Chinese whispers. There’s no truth to this rumour at all,’

Pardon my French – This expression is used to apologise usually before, or after, we say something rude or impolite: a swear word.

‘If you’ll pardon my French, I think he’s a *&^%!!’

A Mexican Standoff –This is expression is used when two groups can not agree on what to do next. Often used to describe a situation in business where there is gridlock.

‘There seems to be a Mexican standoff in the talks as neither the buyer or seller can agree on a price.’

A Young Turk – used to describe a young rebel who is part of a group/organization and can’t be controlled.

'I was a bit of a young Turk in the past, but I’ve calmed down a lot nowadays.’

Now  complete these  sentences  using the correct  idioms:

• There's a ____ in my office who won't listen to anyone.
  
  Chinese whispers
  Mexican standoff
  young Turk
  
  
• Can you understand these instructions because i can't? ____ .
  
  It is all Greek to me
  Let us go Dutch
  Pardon my French
  
  
• I'm not going to listen to these ___ until I read about it in the newspaper.
  
  Chinese whispers
  Dutch courage
  go Dutch
  
  
• No progress has been made in the takeover meeting as the two sides can't agree. It seems there's a ____.
  
  young turk
  Mexican standoff
  Chinese whispers