Let's a look at some natural English idioms. Can you guess what they mean from the context? Match the idioms to their definitions. Do you have similar idioms in your language? Tell us about them.
He was beside himself when he heard he had been promoted.
If you have any ideas, I'm all ears.
We've only just started, don't throw the towel in yet.
Take a look at these idioms. They all use clothing vocabulary.
Here are some idioms that you will only here in the UK:
Usually used after a set of simple instructions and has the same meaning as the phrase "and there you have it". It shows that something will be successful:
'To access the site, simply enter your password here and Bob's your uncle..'
When something's very cheap, it is as cheap as chips:
'These shoes are only ten pounds a pair - cheap as chips!'
To send someone to Coventry is a British idiom meaning to ostracise someone, usually by not talking to them. When we send someone to Coventry we avoid them intentionally or prevent them from taking part in the activities of a group. This is usually done as a form of punishment for having done something to upset the group.
When something is very difficult to find it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Especially because the area you have to search is too large and because of everything around it. We also say trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Time to face up (to bravely confront something) and take on these idioms face to face (together in the same place). Do it now so that you don't lose face (to do something which makes other people stop respecting you).
Something that you find insulting or that disappoints you is a slap in the face:
meaning: not being a winning or successful effort, as if not good enough to earn a cigar as a prize
This term is used when one almost meets with success, but not quite, therefore getting nothing in return. The expression started in the US in the twentieth century, and is said to originate from the practice of fairground stalls giving out cigars as prizes. This phrase would be said to those who failed to win a prize
I know that English students enjoy learning new idioms. I'm sure that over the years you have come across many of them. Today we're going to review your knowledge and hopefully teach you some new ones.
The theme of today's lesson is colour idioms (or color idioms, if you prefer American) spelling. There are lot's of examples of colour idioms in English and here are ten of them. All native English speakers will be familiar with these - are you?