Idioms with the word been

Управление образования городского округа Саранск

Муниципальное общеобразовательное учреждение «Гимназия №29»

Городской конкурс проектных и учебно-исследовательских работ

«Школьники города — науке XXI века»

      Секция «Романо-германская филология»

«Идиомы в английском языке и их употребление»

(на материале учебников 5-9 классов Афанасьевой О.В., Михеевой И.В. «English» и произведений Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень», В.Шекспира «Гамлет»)

Автор: 

Рузанова Анна,

8Б класс, МОУ «Гимназия №29»,
Научный руководитель: 
Багапова Динара Маликовна,

учитель английского языка                  Высшая квалификационная категория,

МОУ «Гимназия «29»

                                                       Саранск 2014

Содержание

Введение                                                                                                   4-5

1. Теоретические основы изучения идиом английского языка                            6-9                                                                                    

1.1. Значение идиом в английском языке                                                       6-7

1.2. Когда используют идиомы                                                                   7-9

2. Практический аспект использования в речи идиом английского языка     10-16

 2.1. Анализ содержания  учебников Афанасьевой О.В., Михеевой И.В.      10-11                         по английскому языку «English»

 2.2. Анкетирование учащихся 8-9  классов МОУ «Гимназия №29»               12-13

 2.3. Анализ содержания зарубежной литературы на примере  произведений

Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень»,                                         В.Шекспира «Гамлет»                                                                                          13-16

Заключение                                                                                               17

Список использованной литературы                                                                    18                      Приложение 1                                                                                       19-21

Приложение 2                                                                                          22

Приложение 3                                                                                          23

Приложение 4                                                                                         24-26

Введение

При изучении английского языка мы часто сталкиваемся с устойчивыми выражениями, перевести которые бывает очень сложно. Использование в речи английских идиом  говорит о глубоком понимании языка. Сталкиваясь с идиомой, мы можем ощутить историко-культурный опыт народа и осмыслить его.

 Английские идиомы не только украшают речь, они также позволяют сократить громоздкие предложения до небольших устойчивых выражений. Речь с использованием английских идиом становится намного более красивой, «живой» и красочной.

Английские идиомы бывают весьма специфичны, а бывают на удивление схожи со своими русскими аналогами. Знакомство с идиомами является очень важным моментом изучения языка.

Тема нашего исследования актуальна именно сегодня, когда изучение и знание английского языка – это не только норма, но и просто жизненная необходимость. Даже вполне владея грамматикой, имея хороший словарный запас, не всегда могут понять содержание текста. Чаще всего это происходит из-за незнания идиом. Тем более актуально изучение идиом, посвященных общению и социализации.

Цель: рассмотреть основные аспекты использования идиом английского языка, отражающих основные компоненты общения на английском языке.

Задачи:

1. Рассмотреть теоретические основы изучение идиом английского языка.
2. Проанализировать содержание учебников 5-9 кл. Афанасьевой О.В., Михеевой И.В. «English» и произведений Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень», В.Шекспира «Гамлет».
3. Провести анкетирование учащихся 8-9 классов МОУ «Гимназия№29».
4. Разработать практические рекомендации по применению идиом в речи.

Объект исследования: идиомы английского языка, отражающие основные компоненты общения.

Предмет исследования: использование идиом английского языка, отражающих основные компоненты общения в практике общеобразовательной школы.

Гипотеза исследования: мы предполагаем, что использование английских идиом в ходе изучения английского языка может способствовать:

1. расширению словарного запаса, образности речи учащихся,
2. повышению уровня общения подростков на английском языке.

Практическая значимость работы состоит в том, что выводы и наблюдения, содержащиеся в исследовании, могут быть использованы при изучении английского языка как в общеобразовательных, так и в специализированных школах.

Изучению английских идиом посвящены работы таких исследователей, как Ю.А. Шафрин («Идиомы английского языка. Опыт использования»), А.В. Кунин («Фразеология современного английского языка»), В.В. Сытель («Разговорные английские идиомы»), Дженнифер Сейдл и У. Макморди («Идиомы на английском языке»), И.С. Владовская («Сборник фразеологических словосочетаний и идиом разговорного английского языка») и многие другие.

Методы исследования: анализ литературы, анкетирование, наблюдение.

Работа состоит из введения, двух глав (теоретической и практической), в которых отражены основные  результаты исследования, заключения, где подведены итоги работы, библиографического списка из 10 источников и приложения.

При работе была изучена  линия учебников Афанасьевой О.В., Михеевой И.В. «English» c 5 по 9 класс и произведения Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень», В.Шекспира «Гамлет». А так же был отобран список наиболее употребляемых идиом в учебниках и английской литературе.

ГЛАВА 1

Теоретические основы изучения идиом английского языка

1.1. Значение идиом в английском языке.

Идиома — это ряд слов, употребляемых совместно и сообщающих этому ряду значение, не совпадающее со значением каждого из слов идиомы, взятого поодиночке. Способ, с помощью которого слова объединяются, часто представляется случайным, нелогичным и даже грамматически неправильным. Некоторые идиомы имеют особые свойства. Другие идиомы являются обычными и логичными сочетаниями слов, если иметь в виду их грамматику и словарь. В силу особых свойств некоторых идиом, нам приходится изучать идиому как целое, и часто мы не можем изменить ни одной из ее составляющих. Английский язык очень богат идиоматическими выражениями. Действительно, трудно говорить или писать по-английски, не используя идиом. Носитель языка очень часто не осознает, что он использует идиому; возможно, он даже не отдает себе отчета в том, что эта идиома — грамматически некорректна. Изучающий же язык считает правильное использование идиоматического английского одной из своих главных целей, и тот факт, что некоторые идиомы нелогичны или грамматически неправильны, доставляет ему немало хлопот. Здесь может помочь только тщательная работа над идиомами. 

По определению академика В.В.Виноградова, идиома (от греч. idios — собственный, свойственный) – это семантически неделимый фразеологический оборот, в котором общее значение совершенно отличается   со значениями его компонентов.

Наиболее распространенное определение идиомы принадлежит                             Дж. Сейдлу и У. Макморди. Они понимают идиому как «ряд слов, изобретающих значение, отличное от значений его компонентов», как особую организацию нескольких слов.

Изучение идиом является довольно перспективным, так как английский язык, как и любой другой, развивается, не стоит на месте, а, следовательно, появляются новые идиомы, которые обогащают язык. Понимание происхождения идиом ведёт к более глубокому осмыслению культуры страны изучаемого языка, таким образом, помогая в изучении иностранного языка.

Изучение идиом является необходимым звеном в процессе усвоения языка, так как:

• усиливает понимание языка;
• исключает возможность использовать дополнительные слова;
• помогает понять национальную культуру страны, изучаемого языка;
• облегчает понимание собеседника;
• помогает сделать речь более образной, эмоциональной путём использования выразительных средств языка.

          Использование в речи идиоматических выражений поможет разнообразить и обогатить словарный запас, позволит сделать речь ярче.

Таким образом, изучение английских идиом усиливает понимание языка, помогает понять национальную культуру страны и изучаемого языка, помогает сделать речь более колоритной и эмоциональной.

1.2. Когда используют идиомы

Одна из главных трудностей заключается в том, что человек, изучающий язык,  не знает, в каких ситуациях можно употребить идиому. Он не знает особенности стиля, то есть не знает, можно ли использовать идиому в формальной или неформальной ситуации.

Выбор слов зависит от лица, с которым вы разговариваете, а также от ситуации или места на момент разговора. Если лицо — ваш друг или ситуация сугубо личная, можно использовать неформальные выражения или даже сленг. В формальной ситуации, когда мы не очень хорошо знаем лицо, с которым ведем беседу, или в официальной ситуации необходимо выбирать слова намного тщательнее. Было бы неверным выбрать, неформальное выражение в какой-то довольно официальной ситуации, а выбор жаргонного выражения в таких, случаях — признак дурных манер. Это означает, что мы можем передать одну и ту же информацию или выразить идею разными способами, используя разный уровень языка. Вот один пример. Если кто-то опаздывает на встречу с другом, типичный неформальный способ извинения: «Sorry I’m late! — but I got badly held up». Однако, если вы опоздали на встречу с иностранцами или на деловое собрание, для извинения подходит другое выражение, например: «I do apologise for being late. I’m afraid my train was delayed».

 Большинство английских идиом делятся на простые категории, такие например, как идиомы, связанные с наименованиями частей тела, названиями животных, цвета, внешностью человека, именами, профессиями и т. д. Поэтому, прежде всего, следует выбрать для предъявления идиоматические выражения из одной категории в соответствии с изучаемой тематикой. Выражения формальные встречаются чаще в письменной речи (а не в разговорном английском); они подчеркивают определенную дистанцию между собеседниками. Такие выражения следует употреблять, например, в докладе перед большой аудиторией. Выражения неформальные используются в ежедневном разговорном английском и в личных письмах. Сленг используется в очень неформальных ситуациях между хорошими друзьями.

Другая серьезная трудность заключается в том, что изучающий язык не знает, подходит ли та или иная идиома к конкретной ситуации и выглядит ли она естественной. Эту трудность можно устранить, только внимательно слушая носителей языка или внимательно читая английские тексты, содержащие идиомы.

Третья серьезная трудность заключается в фиксированных или частично фиксированных идиомах, которые уже обсуждались. Очень важно, чтобы учащийся был точен в использовании фиксированных идиом, так как неточная идиома ничего не скажет (или почти ничего) носителю языка. Более того, крайне неразумно переводить на английский идиомы вашего родного языка. Хорошо, если оба языка имеют одну и ту же форму и словарь, но в большинстве случаев результат просто собьет с толку носителя языка и может быть даже смешным.

Как уже сказано ранее, правильное использование идиоматического английского должно быть целью каждого изучающего язык.

ГЛАВА 2

Практический аспект использования в речи идиом английского языка

2.1. Анализ содержания  учебников Афанасьевой О.В., Михеевой  И.В. по английскому языку «English»

Для решения поставленной цели исследования нами был произведен анализ содержание программы по изучению английского языка «English» на предмет использования идиом.

В серии учебников английского языка «English» знакомство с идиомами происходит в речевых ситуациях, приведены примеры использования этих выражений в различных ситуациях общения (приложение 1). Как правило, ознакомление с идиомами сопровождается интересными иллюстрациями, которые служат примером для новых диалогов. Идиомы не отделяются от изучаемой лексики, а знакомство происходит вместе с ней.

Анализ некоторых идиом, представленных в программе «English» позволил сделать вывод о том, что в данном учебнике представлены как формальные, так и неформальные идиомы. В 5 классе идиомы не представлены.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               В 6 классе идиомы не представлены.

А учебник 7 класса содержит идиомы на следующие темы:

• Cats (кошки): “A fat cat” («Кто-то богатый и мощный»), “To let the cat out of the bag” («Выдать секрет, тайну»), “Like cat and dog” («Очень плохо ладить с кем-то»), “Like a cat on hot bricks(on a hot tin roof” («Быть чересчур взволнованным, паниковать»), “Like the cat that got the cream” («Быть очень довольным»), “Put the cat among the pigeons” («Сердить кого-то»), “While the cat is away the mice will play” («Когда босс уходит, подчинённые начинают вести себя плохо»), “Has the cat got your tongue?” («Язык проглотил?», «Нечего сказать?»)
• Colour idioms (Идиомы, связанные с цветами): “To give a black look” («Гневно взглянуть»),  “Once in a blue moon” («Очень редко, почти никогда»), “To be(feel) blue” («Грустить, быть в плохом настроении»), “To be like a red rag to a bull” («Действовать на кого либо, как красная тряпка на быка»), “A white elephant” («Дорогой, но бесполезный подарок»), “To be yellow” («Струсить, быть трусом»).

              В 8 классе идиомы не представлены.

             В учебнике 9 класса идиомы представлены следующие идиомы:

            Idioms with the word “Cast” (Идиомы со словом «Бросать»):  

            “To cast light on sth” («Пролить свет на что либо, обнаружить что-либо»), “To cast one’s mind back” («Вспомнить былое, прошлое»), “To cast sth from one’s mind”(«Прекратить думать о чём-либо»), “To cast a spell on/over sb” («Очаровывать»), “To cast a (one’s) vote” («Голосовать»), “To cast doubt on sth” («Ставить что-либо под сомнение»), “To cast one’s eyes down” («Потупить взор(глаза)»), “To cast sb or sth aside” («Отвергнуть кого-либо, что-либо»), “To be cast away” («Оказаться на необитаемом острове»), “The die is cast” («Выбор сделан, жребий брошен»);

Idioms with the word “Head” (Идиомы со словом «Голова»):

“At the head of the table” («Во главе стола»), “To keep your head” («Сохранять спокойствие»), “To take something into your head” («Принимать что-либо во внимание»), “To have a good head on your shoulders” («Иметь голову на плечах»), “To lose your head” («Потерять голову»).

Идиомы английского языка, отражающие основные компоненты общения, используемые в программе «English» представлены в приложении 1.

2.2. Анкетирование учащихся 8-9 классов МОУ «Гимназия№29»

Для выявления уровня знаний об идиомах английского языка учащихся школы нами было проведено анкетирование в 8-9 классах с углубленным изучением английского языка с использованием анкеты, представленной в приложении 2. Было опрошено 50 гимназистов.

Анализ результатов показал, что учащиеся 8 и 9 классов показали  хорошие знания английских идиом. Все учащиеся определили идиомы как «выражения, которые не имеют дословного перевода»; «выражения, в переводе на русский теряют свой смысл»; «фразеологизмы»; «устойчивые сочетания». 60% учащихся привели примеры идиом. По результатам анкет, среди учащихся 8 классов используют идиомы только 35%, а в 9 классе — 50%.

Перечислим примеры идиом, приведенных в анкетах учеников: «A little bit», «A cool look», «Balance the accounts»,  «Baker’s dozen», «About time», «Call of nature», «About to (do something)», «A piece of cave», «Drive someone crazy», «He is bad news»,  «Home and dry», «All to the good»,  «At first glance», «Against the clock».
Особенности идиом:

           Идиому нужно переводить образно. Это устойчивое выражение, свойственное только данному языку. Идиомы нельзя переводить слово в слово, они переводятся с общим значением этих слов. Особенность идиом в том, что нам приходится изучать идиому, как целое, и часто мы её не можем изменить.

Для чего нам нужны идиомы?

           Идиомы нужны для придачи языку яркую эмоциональную окраску.
При помощи идиом мы можем донести свои мысли.
Идиомы нужны для передачи смысла выражения с какого-либо языка на другой, чтобы не делать ошибок при переводе с других языков.
Идиомы нужны для того, чтобы правильно понимать английский язык и не делать ошибок. Идиомы нужны для расширения словарного запаса, даёт возможность избежать трудностей.

       Таким образом, анкетирование 50 учащихся 8–9 классов МОУ «Гимназия №29» позволило сделать вывод о том, что ученики 8 и 9 классов показали хороший уровень знаний английских идиом.

2.3  Анализ содержания зарубежной литературы на примере  произведений Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень»,                              В.Шекспира «Гамлет»

Для решения поставленного вопроса были произведены исследования зарубежной литературы с целью подтверждения актуальности этой темы в различных источниках, наиболее доступных и признанных человеком.

В произведении Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень»,    знакомство с идиомами происходит с самого начала истории и длится вплоть до завершения повествования. Большое количество идиом использовалось в описание состояния души и чувств автора и героев. Некоторые идиомы имели пояснения в конце книги, большее количество сопровождалось интересным описанием природы и внешности, явлений и поступков.

Писатели часто обращаются к идиомам, затрудняясь что то выразить или не находя подходящего сравнения. Использование неделимых, контрастирующих с монотонно идущим текстом фраз, предаёт тексту изящность, а героям, поступкам, чувствам этого рассказа изящность, чёткость и не обычность.

Для анализа было взято произведение Джаон Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень». В ходе исследования были выявлены некоторые идиомы, используемые автором.

 “At ease in bed” — «мирно нежиться в постели»

“All right, boys, behave!” — «А ну ребята не баловаться!»

“Apropos of nothing” – «ни с того, ни с сего»

“On the nose” – «ровно»

“They run amuck” – «Они точно с цепи срываются»

“How come” – «Как же это?!»

“I got lost mile back somewhere” – «Я уже давным — давно не понимаю, что ты говоришь»

“Hot diggety!” – «Вот здорово!»

“Get you down where you remember you got a nose again” – «возвращают с небес на землю»

“Dig in the earth, delve in the soul” – «копая землю, покопайся у себя в душе»

Out of the way»– «Прочь с дороги!»

“Mother‘s, scout’s, Injun’s honour” — «Вот честное пречестное»

“My bones shook fit to break” – «трясся как осиновый лист

“The one who loses last asks for terms” – «кто проиграет последним просит мира

“I’m set?!” – «Чего мне ещё надо?!»

“Watch out!” – «Осторожно!»

“If worst comes to worst” – «на самый худший конец»

“But look he does” –  «но он всё не унимается»

“Cry-yi, you figure it out”– «Видал ты когда-нибудь такое?»

“Runs helter — skelter” – «до смерти пугается»

“Hit on it” – «Попал в точку»

 “I’m full” – «Я сыт»

В произведении Вильяма Шекспира «Гамлет» в ходе исследования были выявлены некоторые идиомы, используемые автором:

The morn, in russet mantle clad «Вот и утро в розовом плаще» O that this too too solid flesh would melt (р12, асt I, scene II, Line 135) В переводе Б. Пастернака: «О если б этот грузный куль мясной мог испариться». O that a rogue and peasant slave am I (р58, асt II, scene II, Line 556) В переводе М. Лозинского: «О, что за дрянь я, что за жалкий раб!» Sweets to the sweet! (р130, асt V, scene I, Line 239) В переводе Б. Пастернака: «Прекрасное прекрасной». Borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry (р 20, асt I, scene III, Line 81) долги наносят ущерб хозяйству. More honored in the breach than the observance (р 23, асt I, scene IV, Line 19) Чаще нарушается, чем соблюдается. Mast to be cruel only to be kind (р 93, асt III, scene IV, line 199) Чтоб добрым быть, я должен быть жестоким. What is a man, if his chief good and market of his time be put to sleep and feed? F beast, no more (р102, асt IV, scene IV, line 35-36-37) Что человек, когда он занят лишь сном и едой? Животное, не больше. Lay not that flattering unction to your soul» («Не обольщай себя надеждой», «Не тешься приятной мыслью») закреплено в словаре А.В. Кунина как, «To Lay a flattering unction to ones soul», то есть «утешать себя приятной мыслью».       Игра словами, как отметил Гальперин, нашла свое ярчайшее применение в творчестве В. Шекспира. Каламбурность, яркая образность, обилие форм словесной игры важные особенности языка и стиля драматурга, которые и привлекают внимание читателя. Все эти выражения вошли в речевой фонд английского языка как крылатые выражения. Гальперин пишет, что использование такого рода словообразовательных моделей, которые, по его мнению, и объясняют силу и выразительность языка того или иного автора, было характерно для писателей XVI века и, в особенности, для Шекспира.

Идиомы русского языка были с таким же успехом переведены на английский язык и использованы в произведениях, имеющих большой успех.

Заключение

1. Анализ литературы позволил сделать вывод о том, что изучение английских идиом усиливает понимание языка, помогает понять национальную культуру страны, помогает сделать речь образной и эмоциональной.
2. Анализ идиом, представленных в программе «English» позволил сделать вывод о том, что в данном учебнике представлены основные аспекты общения.
3. Анкетирование 50 учащихся 8-9 классов гимназии позволило сделать вывод о том, что ученики 8 и 9 классов показали хороший уровень знаний английских идиом.
4. Кроме того, в английской литературе на примере произведений Джоан Роулинг «Гарри Поттер и философский камень», В.Шекспира «Гамлет» также используется огромное количество идиом, которые  оживляют  речь, делают её более эмоциональной, позволяют представить описание событий, природы и чувств героев.
5. Я считаю, что для повышения эффективности использования английских идиом возможно:

• использовать идиомы регулярно на уроках английского языка;
• использовать идиомы английского языка, отражающие основные компоненты общения при чтении английской литературы, в ходе воспитательной работы, на внеклассных мероприятиях.

1. Приведен список идиом английского языка, отражающих основные компоненты общения (Приложение 4).

Список использованной литературы:

1. Афанасьева О.В., Михеева  И.В. Английский язык/ English: Учебник для         5 кл. общеобразовательных учреждений.- Москва: Просвещение, 2014.- 336 с.: с ил.

2. Афанасьева О.В., Михеева  И.В. Английский язык/ English: Учебник для   6 кл. общеобразовательных учреждений.- Москва: Просвещение, 2014.-  с.350: с ил.

3. Афанасьева О.В., Михеева  И.В. Английский язык/ English: Учебник для   7 кл. общеобразовательных учреждений.- Москва: Просвещение, 2014.-  с.352: с ил.

4. Афанасьева О.В., Михеева  И.В. Английский язык/ English: Учебник для   8 кл. общеобразовательных учреждений.- Москва: Просвещение, 2014.- с. 314: с ил.

5. Афанасьева О.В., Михеева  И.В. Английский язык/ English: Учебник для   9 кл. общеобразовательных учреждений.- Москва: Просвещение, 2014.-  с.280.: с ил.

6. Виноградов В.В. Об основных типах фразеологических единиц в русском языке // Виноградов В.В. Избранные труды. Лексикология и лексикография. – М.Наука, 1977. –  с. 145-161. Идиомы в английском языке. English idioms.
//http://www.vesnianka.ru/articles/Lections/UK/English_Idioms.pdf     
7. П.Я. Гальперин  «Использование фразеологизмов в пьесах Шекспира»
8. Можалина К.Н. К определению понятия «идиома» в отечественной и зарубежной лингвистике // Научный журнал «Известия Самарского научного центра РАН». – 2011. — том 13. – № 2. – С. 680 – 685

9. Пашков А.А. Спецкурс «Идиомы английского языка» // Открытый класс.       Сетевые образовательные общества –http://www.openclass.ru/node/121809   [Электронный ресурс]
10. Шитова Л.Ф, Брускина Т.Л. Англо-русский словарь идиом и фразовых                                                глаголов.

Источники книг

1.  Дж. К. Роулинг (Joanne K. Rowling)/ Гарри Поттер и философский камень    (Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone). — Scholastic Press, 1998-с.327
2. Уильям Шекспир( Shakespeare William)/Гамлет(Hamlet) , Dover/2007.- с.122

Приложение 1

Идиомы английского языка, отражающие основные компоненты общения и социализации, используемые в программе «English»

Тема	5 класс	6 класс	7 класс	8 класс	9 класс
Cats (кошки)			“A fat cat” («Кто-то богатый и мощный»),                “To let the cat out of the bag” («Выдать секрет, тайну»), “Like cat and dog” («Очень плохо ладить с кем-то»),                  “Like a cat on hot bricks(on a hot tin roof” («Быть чересчур взволнованным, паниковать»), “Like the cat that got the cream” («Быть очень довольным»), “Put the cat among the pigeons” («Сердить кого-то»), “While the cat is away the mice will play” («Когда босс уходит, подчинённые начинают вести себя плохо»), “Has the cat got your tongue?” («Язык проглотил?», «Нечего сказать?»)
Colour idioms (Идиомы, связанные с цветами)			“To give a black look” («Гневно взглянуть»),  “Once in a blue moon” («Очень редко, почти никогда»),                   “To be(feel) blue” («Грустить, быть в плохом настроении»), “To be like a red rag to a bull” («Действовать на кого либо, как красная тряпка на быка»),                           “A white elephant” («Дорогой, но бесполезный подарок»),                  “To be yellow” («Струсить, быть трусом»).
“Cast” (Идиомы со словом «Бросать»)					“To cast light on sth” («Пролить свет на что либо, обнаружить что-либо»), “To cast one’s mind back” («Вспомнить былое, прошлое»), “To cast sth from one’s mind”(«Прекратить думать о чём-либо»), “To cast a spell on/over sb” («Очаровывать»), “To cast a (one’s) vote” («Голосовать»), “To cast doubt on sth” («Ставить что-либо под сомнение»), “To cast one’s eyes down” («Потупить взор(глаза)»), “To cast sb or sth aside” («Отвергнуть кого-либо, что-либо»), “To be cast away” («Оказаться на необитаемом острове»), “The die is cast” («Выбор сделан, жребий брошен»)
“Head” (Идиомы со словом «Голова»)					“At the head of the table” («Во главе стола»), “To keep your head” («Сохранять спокойствие»), “To take something into your head” («Принимать что-либо во внимание»), “To have a good head on your shoulders” («Иметь голову на плечах»), “To lose your head” («Потерять голову»).

Приложение 2

Анкета для учащихся

1. Дайте определение: идиома – это…
2. Какие особенности идиом можете отметить?
3. Сколько английских идиом вы можете назвать?
4. Какие английские идиомы вы знаете? Приведите примеры.
5. Когда и с какой целью используются идиомы?

Спасибо за ответы!

                                                                                                                Приложение 3

Практические рекомендации по использованию

в речи английских идиом

1. Для того чтобы сделать Ваш английский «живым» — используйте идиомы! Если Вы знаете английский язык или немного знаете, хотите улучшить и использовать его знание, хотите увеличить свой словарный запас и хотите поддерживать себя в надлежащей языковой форме — используйте идиомы!
2. Возьмите себе за правило каждый месяц изучать несколько идиом (например, объединенных одной темой).
3. Создавайте предложения с идиомами самостоятельно. Важно не только понимать идиомы, но и научиться их грамотно использовать.
4. Смотрите англоязычное кино, чтобы изучать идиомы, там их в изобилии.
5. Просматривайте англоязычную литературу и справочную литературу, которая объясняет значение и происхождение идиом.

Приложение 4

Идиомы английского языка, отражающие основные компоненты общения

“to be a (real) cool cat” – «быть очень спокойным человеком»

“a fat cat” — «кто-то богатый и мощный»

“to let the cat out of the bag” — «выдать секрет, тайну»

“like cat and dog” — «очень плохо ладить с кем-то»

“like a cat on hot bricks — on a hot tin roof” — «быть чересчур взволнованным, паниковать»

 “like the cat that got the cream” — «быть очень довольным»

 “put the cat among the pigeons” — «сердить кого-то»

 “while the cat is away the mice will play” — «когда босс уходит, подчинённые начинают вести себя плохо»

 “has the cat got your tongue?” — «язык проглотил? », «нечего сказать?»

“to give a black look” — «гневно взглянуть»

 “once in a blue moon” — «очень редко, почти никогда»

“to be(feel) blue” — «грустить, быть в плохом настроении»

“to be like a red rag to a bull” — «действовать на кого либо, как красная тряпка на быка»

“a white elephant” — «дорогой, но бесполезный подарок»                                                “to be yellow” — «струсить, быть трусом»

“at the head of the table” — «во главе стола»

 “to keep your head” — «сохранять спокойствие»

 “to take something into your head” — «принимать что-либо во внимание»

 “to have a good head on your shoulders” — «иметь голову на плечах»

 “To lose your head” — «потерять голову»

“At ease in bed” — «мирно нежиться в постели»

“All right, boys, behave!” — «А ну ребята не баловаться!»

“Apropos of nothing” – «ни с того, ни с сего»

“On the nose” – «ровно»

shake a leg (поторапливайся!)

all thumbs (неуклюжий, руки-крюки)

not have a leg to stand on (действовать неосновательно, поступать необоснованно)

get off someone’s back (слезть с чьей-то шеи, перестать докучать)

lemon (что-то дефективное)

out of the woods (вне опасности)

get up on the wrong side of the bed (встать не с той ноги, быть в плохом настроении)

out on a limb (в рискованном положении)

eating someone (съесть кого-то, докучать кому-то)

get the ax (быть уволенным)

in the hole (в долгах)

bite the bullet (стойко переносить трудную ситуацию)

face the music (мириться с последствиями)

blow it (испытать неудачу, провалиться)

at the end of one’s rope (на пределе способностей)

on one’s last legs (еле-еле душа в теле)

hot under the collar (чрезвычайно рассержен, в гневе)

on the line (под угрозой потери, может быть потерян

for a song (очень дёшево, за гроши)

make a splash (достичь успеха и привлечь к себе внимание)

have the world by the tail (быть успешным и счастливым)

sitting pretty (в счастливом, удобном положении)

feel like a million dollars (чувствовать себя прекрасно)

kick up one’s heels (праздновать, отмечать)

bury the hatchet (помириться, «зарыть топор»)

paint the town red (разгуляться, уйти в запой)

get away clean (избежать наказания)

come alive (оживиться и стать активным)

toot one’s own horn (хвастаться)

stick to one’s guns (защищать свою позицию)

get the ball rolling (начать действовать, запустить шар)

mind one’s P’s and Q’s (быть осторожным в речах и делах)

hang on (стойко держаться)

give it one’s best shot (усердно стараться, делать всё возможное)

make ends meet (сводить концы с концами)

get the jump on someone (опередить кого-то)

pull strings (воспользоваться влиянием)

spread oneself too thin (заниматься слишком многими делами одновременно)

go to bat for someone (помогать и поддерживать кого-то)

duck soup (лёгкий, не требующий усилий)

money talks (деньги — большая сила, «деньги говорят (сами за себя)»)

let sleeping dogs lie (не дразнить гусей)

shape up or ship out (веди себя как следует — или уходи!)

if the shoe fits, wear it (признай правду, смирись с фактами)

diffrent strokes for diffrent folks (на вкус, на цвет товарища нет)

bark worse than one’s bite (собака, которая лает, не кусает)

eyes are bigger than one’s stomach (глазами бы всё съел, да желудок мал)

put one’s money where one’s mouth is (поддержать слово делом)

the early bird catches the worm (ранняя пташка ловит червяка, кто рано встаёт — тому бог даёт)

people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones (не бросай камни, если живёшь в стекляном доме)

all’s well that ends well (хорошо то, что хорошо кончается)

What is an idiom? An idiom is an expression or phrase whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words “Idioms mean something different than the individual words.” Students often confuse idioms with proverbs. However, these are two different things. Proverbs are well-known for stating a piece of advice or general fact. For example, a picture is worth a thousand words is a proverb – a general truth. Let us consider the idiom ‘bite off more than you can chew‘. What you meant is that you are trying to do something that is too hard for you. Read this blog to know 100 useful and common idioms with examples and meanings.

What is an Idiom? – Idioms and Phrases

A set of words, or, to put it another way, a phrase, that has a meaning beyond the words’ literal meanings is known as an idiom. The Cambridge Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own,” while the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words.”

A set of words that have a different meaning when used collectively than when each word is used individually is referred to as an idiom, according to the Collins Dictionary. A more detailed definition may be found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. They define an idiom as “a statement in the usage of a language that is distinctive to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be deduced from the conjoined meanings of its constituents” (e.g., up in the air for “undecided”) or in its grammatically unconventional word usage (e.g., give way).

Why Use Idioms in Sentences?

Only when they are utilized correctly and in the appropriate contexts can idioms be an effective language tool. The fact that one cannot just rely on the meaning of individual words to grasp what the full phrase means is the sole thing that makes studying idioms a time-consuming process.

Idioms should not be utilised in writing for academic or professional purposes. In a more lighthearted setting, idioms may add personality to your work or speaking. Idioms can also be used to convey sarcasm or puns. You need to utilise idioms carefully, just like you would with any other language feature. The only issue is that it would be meaningless or have no impact to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with the idiom you are employing. Therefore, you should always make sure that the audience you are utilising idioms with can understand their meaning.

100 Common Idioms with Examples- Idioms and their Meaning

Have to come across commonly used idioms in English while watching American TV series or movies? English expressions, proverbs and idioms play an important role in everyday English both written and spoken. As idioms do not always make literal sense, students should be familiar with their meanings and how to use them. This may appear to be a lot of work, but idioms are fun! It is often called a manner of speaking that sounds more native, so it’s really useful to master some of these expressions.

So, here’s a list of the top 100 common idioms with their meanings and sentence examples:

Idiom	Idioms Meaning
Beat around the bush	To avoid talking about what’s important
Get your act together	Get organized and do things effectively
Hit the sack	Go to sleep
Your guess is as good as mine	I do not know
Good things come to those who wait	To have patience
Back against the wall	Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no escape
Up in arms	Being grumpy or angry about something
Scrape the barrel	Making the most of the worst situations or things because you can’t do anything about it
Burn your boats/bridges	Doing something that makes it impossible to go back to the original state.
Break fresh/ new ground	Doing something that has never been done before
Sell like hot cakes	Quick sellout
Run around in circles	Putting efforts into something that is not a worthwhile result
On cloud nine	Being very happy
Left out in the cold	Being ignored
Blow hot and cold	Alternate inconsistently between moods and actions
Cut corners	Doing something in an easier and least expensive manner
Boil the ocean	Taking up an almost impossible or overly ambitious project
Keep an ear to the ground	Staying informed and updated about everything
Eat like a horse	Eating too excessively
A snowball effect	The aspect of momentum in every event and how they build upon each other

Important Tip to Learn Idioms with Examples and their meanings:
It is comparatively easier to remember words unlike idioms because idioms (phrases) contain 3 or more words. And, remembering a chain of words and then speaking them in the correct sequence is not easy. But, one thing you can do is to repeat the idiom and its meaning a few times loudly and then use it in 2 to 3 different sentences.

21. In for a penny, in for a pound

Meaning: That someone is intentionally investing his time or money for a particular project or task.
Example: When Athlead was booming, Jim was in for a penny and in for a pound, that’s how much dedicated he was. 

22. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush

Meaning: An opportunity in hand, currently, is better than a prospect in the future, because time never repeats itself.
Example: The detective apprehended 3 criminals and saw another one running but didn’t chase him, because she knew a bird in one hand is better than two in the bush.

23. Chip off the old block

Meaning: A person is similar in behaviour or actions to his parents.
Example: When grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she knew he was a Chip off the old block.

24. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Meaning: Treat people the same way you want to be treated.
Example: I felt Peter was a little cold today towards that homeless man, he should do unto others as he would have them do unto him, because who knows about time.

25. Don’t cry over spilt milk

Meaning: Don’t cry over what has happened as it can not be fixed.
Example: Walter failed his examination but his dad came and said just one thing, “Son, Don’t cry over spilt milk.”

26. Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: Bad things one day eventually lead to good things.
Example: See, yesterday you were so morose as your phone was stolen but look at you today, you got a promotion. Is it rightly said that every cloud has a silver lining.

27. Beside yourself with joy

Meaning: To be extremely happy.
Example: I can see that you are beside yourself with joy on being selected for the job, congratulations. 

28. Fair and square

Meaning: Being direct or fair.
Example: To tell you fair and square, I did everything that I was meant to do, but I still feel unfulfilled. 

29. Having an Ace up the sleeve

Meaning: Have an advantage that is currently being withheld for future purposes. 
Example: Brian kept quiet at the board meeting, who knew he had an Ace hidden up his sleeve the whole time.

30. A black sheep

Meaning: Being a disgrace for the family.
Example: They don’t talk about Olive anymore, turns out he was the Black sheep for the family, he married someone else while he was still arranged to his fiancé. 

31. Hook, line and sinker

Meaning: Doing something or trying to achieve something with thoroughness and passion.
Example: I have set my mind to go through the spreadsheets by Monday and I am working for it Hook, line and sinker.

32. Looking to your laurels

Meaning: Not be lost in your achievements and losing the sight of what is supposed to happen.
Example: Look to your laurels but do not rest on it. 

33. Bear a grudge

Meaning: To continue to feel angry or unfriendly for someone or something because of a particular past incident.
Example: I Bear a grudge against him for not taking me into confidence.

34. By the skin of your teeth

Meaning: To just barely get by or make it.
Example: Lester made the dance team By the skin of his teeth, you see the audition gates were about to get closed.

Ever thought what it takes to be a fluent speaker? You might have been lured into paying a hearty amount of money to build fluency in the English language. Here’s how to speak fluent English in 30 days.

35. Down for the count

Meaning: Tired; giving up.
Example: My pet dog is down for the count after playing the whole day with the frisbee.

36. Draw the line

Meaning: To stop before a point where something okay gets not okay.
Example: Hey buddy, that’s enough, Draw the line before someone comes and beats you to a pulp.

37. Easier said than done

Meaning: Not as easy as it appears to be.
Example: Listen, losing weight is easier said than done, many people lack commitment. 

38. Break a leg

Meaning: Saying good luck to someone.
Example: Hey Barry, it’s time for you to get on the stage and present your monologue, break a leg.

39. Up a creek without a paddle

Meaning: In an unlucky situation.
Example: Dan tried to dine and dash yesterday at a Chinese place but he was stopped by the waiters, guess he was up a creek without a paddle yesterday.

40. Give it a whirl

Meaning: To give something a try.
Example: I am absolutely terrified of skydiving, but I think once in my life, I will give it a whirl.

41. Fish out of water

Meaning: To be out of your comfort zone.
Example: Tom felt like a fish out of water when his girlfriend took him to a Star Wars convention in LA.

42. In the fast lane

Meaning: A life filled with excitement.
Example: When Chris turned forty, he decided to live his life in the fast lane and quit his job for his hobbies.

Meaning: To make an extra effort.
Example: He was willing to go the extra mile for the love of his life, Mia.

44. Snug as a bug in a rug

Meaning: Warm and cosy.
Meaning: The baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug next to her mother.

45. Step up your game

Meaning: To start performing better
Example: Jennifer better step up her game if she wants to make big in Basketball.

Idioms are used as a figurative language, i.e. the use of words in an imaginative and unusual manner. Take a look at more idioms with examples.

46. To not see the wood for the trees

Meaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you don’t get the important facts.
Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, it’s like he can’t see wood for the trees.

47. Lose your marbles

Meaning: To go insane.
Example: Our mailman has lost his marbles, every day he drops Mr. Smith’s mail on our door. 

48. Straight from the Horse’s mouth

Meaning: Directly from the person involved.
Example: Listen to the news straight from the horse’s mouth, his factory burned down right in front of his eyes. 

49. Crying Wolf

Meaning: To ask for help when you don’t need it.
Example: You have cried Wolf so many times that no one believes you now.

50. Palm off

Meaning: Pass off something as genuine when it is spurious.
Example: This shopkeeper always palms off old stock to the customers.

51. Has bigger fish to fry

Meaning: Has more important work to do.
Example: Please don’t bother me today with any calls, I have bigger fish to fry.

52. Look before you leap

Meaning: Calculate the risks before advancing towards a possibility.
Example: You can’t just sell all of your shares when the market is low, look before you leap, Trump is coming tomorrow, it is possible the shares will grow.

53. On thin ice

Meaning: In a precarious or risky situation.
Example: Andy played hooky from work for a week saying he was sick, now his boss said that he is on very thin ice.

54. Play devil’s advocate

Meaning: To argue, just for the sake of it.
Example: He was not agreeing to back off, as if he was playing devil’s advocate.

Besides, knowing about various idioms with examples, a good vocabulary can take you to places in competitive exams as well as in life. Here’s our blog on 50 difficult words with meanings for you to master your speaking skills now!

55. Rain on someone’s parade

Meaning: To spoil a moment.
Example: He told his wife that he doesn’t want to rain on her parade, but they had to shift their vacation dates.

56. Take a rain check

Meaning: Postpone a plan.
Example: He asked me whether I would like to have dinner with his family, but I had a thing so I said, rain check.

57. Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
Example: She tells great tales but we take whatever she says with a grain of salt. 

58. Like a cakewalk

Meaning: So easy task.
Example: Everyone took hours to write the code but Adam did it like a cakewalk.

59. Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: Take a risk.
Example: The caretaker threw caution to the wind by taking a sick baby outside. 

60. Penny-wise and Pound foolish

Meaning: Careful in trivial matters but wasteful or extravagant in large matters.
Example: That man eats Ramen noodles daily for dinner but for his dog, he threw a big party. He is indeed penny-wise and pound-foolish.

61. The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything, all the way.
Example: I want to know everything there is to know about this merger, the whole nine yards of the deal.

62. The best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: A really good invention.
Example: Bluetooth is officially the best thing since sliced bread. 

It is important to note that idioms themselves do not create complete sentences and they require additional context to give them a sense. Take a look at some more idioms with examples and their meanings:

63. Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: Take on a difficult work that is beyond your capabilities. 
Example: Andrew told his boss that he will triple the sales but in reality, he bit off more than he can chew and now all of us are in trouble.

64. Play by the ear

Meaning: To improvise.
Example: I just went to Canada and did everything by the ear, no itinerary, no schedules.

65. Ignorance is bliss

Meaning: You are better off not knowing some things.
Example: His wife always asked him what it was he did late at night, turned out, he was insider trading. But she knew nothing about this so she won’t be convicted, sometimes ignorance is bliss. 

66. Put something on ice

Meaning: To put something on hold.
Example: As per the boss’ order, Michael has put his personal matters on ice.

67. You can say that again

Meaning: That’s absolutely true.
Example: “The Earth is bleeding”, you can say that again, pal.

68. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To get something over with because it is inevitable.
Example: Vik was diagnosed with second stage cancer but he didn’t want to get chemotherapy. By the will of his wife, he bit the bullet.

69. Go back to the drawing board

Meaning: Start over.
Example: It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and assess your mistakes.

70. Call it a day

Meaning: Stop working on something.
Example: Ah! So what we didn’t complete the puzzle today, let’s call it a day and come back again tomorrow.

71. Beating Around the Bush

Meaning: To talk about unnecessary things.
Example: When I asked my secretary about the missing file and documents, she was beating around the bush.

72. Be in a Tight Corner.

Meaning: Being in a difficult situation.
Example: Radha’s low grades despite her constant efforts has put her in a very tight corner.

73. At the 11th Hour

Meaning: At the last moment.
Example: While leaving for Shimla, Harshit kept his mobile phone charger in the bag at the 11th hour.

74. Swan Song

Meaning: The last piece of work of an artist before his/her death.
Example: This painting was M.F Hussain’s swan song.

75. Wild Goose Chase

Meaning: Futile Chase
Example: Catching the two thieves together on a jam-packed road was no less than a wild goose chase for the policeman.

76. Bury the Hatchet

Meaning: Ending a quarrel to make peace.
Example: My father buried the hatchet by equally diving the pasta between me and my sister.

77. To Bell the Cat

Meaning: To face a risk.
Example: He belled the cat when he was trying to escape the prison.

78. Turn a deaf ear

Meaning: To ignore what someone is saying.
Example: Whenever her mother complained of her excessive use of mobile phone, Anu turned a deaf ear.

79. At Sea

Meaning: Confused
Example: I was at sea while choosing a lehenga for my sister’s wedding at Manish Malhotra’s store.

80. To be in the doldrums

Meaning: To be in a low spirit
Example: When I got to know about the increasing cases of COVID 19 in my area, I was in the doldrums.

81. Hit the books

Meaning: Going to study
Example: I won’t be able to come for dinner as I have to hit the books for my half-yearly examinations. 

82. Twist someone’s arm

Meaning: To convince someone
Example: I was not planning to come to the party but by remaining me of all the good food you twisted my arm!

83. Stab someone in the back

Meaning: To betray a close person
Example: My uncle trusted his driver so much but he stabbed him at the back when he saw all the money bags.

84. Go cold turkey

Meaning: To quit or stop addictive or dangerous behaviour
Example: No one could believe that my father left eating sweets! He went cold turkey when the doctors told him that he has diabetes. 

85. Ring a bell

Meaning: Sounds familiar
Example: Why does this name ring a bell in my head? Was this girl in my school? 

86. Cut to the chase

Meaning: Getting to the important point
Example: As the submissions were to be made tonight, boss cut to the chase and asked us to start working. 

87. Blow off steam

Meaning: Experiencing strong feelings like anger or stress
Example: Shina went running to blow off steam as she had a huge fight with mother. 

88. Face the music

Meaning: Face the reality
Example: Shikha asked her husband to not run away from the problem and just face the music once!

89. To have sticky fingers

Meaning: Thief
Example: The cashier had a sticky finger, he stole around $2000 and ran away from the bank. 

90. Break the bank

Meaning: To be very expensive
Example: I had to break the bank to but these shoes!

91. Face the music

Meaning: Confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
Example: We have done it and now it’s time to face the music!

92. It is always darkest before the dawn

Meaning: Things will get better
Example: I know you have gone through the worst, but remember it is always darkest before the dawn.

93. Jump the gun

Meaning: To act on something promptly before the right time
Example: I think I jumped the gun by sending the e-mail before they tell the time.

94. Wear your heart on your sleeve

Meaning: Expressing yourself too openly
Example: She wears her heart on her sleeve and often gets hurt.

95. Cut no ice

Meaning: Fail to make an impact
Example: Your poetry cuts no ice with me.

96. Light at the end of tunnel

Meaning: Seeing signs of improvement in the future
Example: I see the light at the end of the tunnel for my relationship with her.

97. Through thick and thin

Meaning: Through good and bad times
Example: Books and music stay by your side through thick and thin.

98. Cry for the moon

Meaning: To ask for something that is rather difficult
Example: You are crying for the moon for this concert’s tickets!

99. Read between the lines

Meaning: Understanding the real message behind something
Example: If you try to read between the lines, her song is actually about nizagara

100. Pour out one’s heart

Meaning: To express openly
Example: I can’t pour my heart out to you if you are too distracted by everything around you.

Learn the 100 Common Idioms with their Meanings

20 Idioms with their Meanings and Sentences

Here are the most common 20 idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. A left-handed compliment
   Meaning: Saying something insulting in the form of appreciative words.
   Example: Her words on my blog seem like a left-handed compliment.
2. Once in a blue moon
   Meaning: Not very often
   Example: I visit her place once in a blue moon.
3. Call a spade a spade
   Meaning: Talking frankly
   Example: I will not lie about it and call a spade a spade.
4. Flesh and blood
   Meaning: Referring to someone in family or human nature
   Example: It’s flesh and blood to feel such strong emotions at this time.
5. Jam on the brakes
   Meaning: Press brakes of a vehicle suddenly
   Example: I had to jam on the brakes when I saw the deer.
6. Notch up
   Meaning: To win or create a record
   Example: One Direction notched up the finale with their amazing voice!
7. A slap on the wrist
   Meaning: Just a small punishment
   Example: You will get a slap on the wrist for painting this wall but don’t dare to do it again.
8. Knee Jerk Reaction
   Meaning: A quick response
   Example: The statement was just a knee jerk reaction.
9. Once bitten, twice shy
   Meaning: Afraid of doing something again
   Example: Once bitten twice shy, he can’t ski.
10. Forty winks
    Meaning: A short nap
    Example: I will be just in for forty winks, I promise.
11. Up for grabs
    Meaning: Available for everyone
    Example: This pizza slice is up for grabs!
12. Old as the hills
    Meaning: Someone very old
    Example: The man looks as old as the hills.
13. Back to square one
    Meaning: Start all over again
    Example: Your mistake brought us back to square one.
14. Round the bend
    Meaning: Crazy
    Example: My neighbour is round the bend, don’t try to mess with her.
15. Against the clock
    Meaning: Rushed
    Example: I have to hurry for the meeting, I am against the clock.
16. Black and blue
    Meaning: Something bruised
    Example: What happened? Your eyes look black and blue.
17. Have the blues
    Meaning: Sad
    Example: After meeting her, I am feeling the blues.
18. Be glad to see the back of
    Meaning: Happy when someone leaves
    Example: Tomorrow, I will be glad to see the back of her.
19. Black out
    Meaning: Faint
    Example: I blacked out after two drinks.
20. Get in Shape
    Meaning: To become strong or fit
    Example: I need to make a proper schedule to get in shape before the graduation ceremony.

30 Idioms Examples and their Meaning for Students

Here are the most common 30 idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. Shoot from the hip
   Meaning: To speak bluntly or rashly without thinking carefully
   Example: Don’t feel bad about what he said. He has a habit of shooting from the hip, but he means no harm
2.  Shoot oneself in the foot
   Meaning: To harm one’s own cause inadvertently
   Example: Foolishly harm one’s own cause, as in He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted.
3.  In cold blood
   Meaning: If you do something violent and cruel in cold blood, you do it deliberately and in an unemotional way.
   Example: In a purposely ruthless and unfeeling manner, as in The whole family was murdered in cold blood. 
4. Draw first blood
   Meaning: If you draw first blood, you cause the first damage to an opponent in a conflict or contest.
   Example: To be the first to gain an advantage or score against an opponent. I drew first blood in the tournament and quickly dispatched my opponent.
5. Ace up one’s sleeve
   Meaning: A secret or hidden advantage that you can use when you need it
   Example: Cheating at a card game by hiding a favourable card up one’s sleeve. I have an ace up my sleeve for this race—my stamina.
6. Play your cards right
   Meaning: To behave or work in a way that gives you an advantage or improves your odds of success.
   Example:  Play your cards right in college and you’ll get a great job after you graduate
7. Egg on your face
   Meaning: If you’ve egg on your face, you look stupid and face embarrassment because of something you’ve done.
   Example: Terry had an egg on his face after boasting that the examinations were really easy, but ended up failing most of his papers.
8. Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
   Meaning: To destroy something that gives you a lot of money to get immediate returns
   Example:  Tearing down the top attraction in the theme park, “The Haunted House”, would be akin to killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
9. An arm and a leg
   Meaning: If something costs an arm and a leg, it costs a lot.
   Example:  I want to buy a house by the beach, but it may cost me an arm and a leg.
10. Behind one’s back
    Meaning: If you do something behind someone’s back, you do it secretly without their knowledge (used in negative way).
    Example: My colleague is really nice to me but I don’t trust him because I know he talks negatively about me behind my back
11. Stab someone in the back
    Meaning: Harm someone who trusts you.
    Example: Don’t trust George; he’s been known to stab his friends in the back
12. Take a back seat
    Meaning: If you take a back seat, you choose not to be in a position of responsibility or power.
    Example: The founder of the company decided to take a back seat and let the board members run the business.
13.  Back to the drawing board
    Meaning: If you go back to the drawing board, you make a fresh start or try another idea because the earlier one didn’t succeed.
    Example: It looks like my plans to kill the weeds in the garden failed. Back to the drawing board
14. Right off the bat
    Meaning: If you do something right off the bat, you do it immediately.
    Example: Nathan was in the mood for a cheeseburger, so he hopped into his car and bought some fast food. After unwrapping the burger, he took a bite and right off the bat he knew that something was wrong; it didn’t taste right.
15. Heart misses (skips) a beat
    Meaning: If your heart misses a beat, you feel excited or nervous.
    Example: Her heart missed a beat when she heard her name called out in the list of finalists, or When the bear appeared in front of us, my heart skipped a beat, or My heart stands still at the very thought of flying through a thunderstorm
16. Have your heart in your mouth
    Meaning: If you’ve your heart in mouth, you’re feeling extremely nervous.
    Example:  You sure don’t seem relaxed—in fact, it seems like your heart is in your mouth.
17. Not the only fish in the sea
    Meaning: Not the only suitable thing or person one can find
    Example: When Bob walked out on Sally, all we could tell her was that he was not the only fish in the sea , or Bill knew she wasn’t the only pebble on the beach but he was determined to win her over.
18. Not your cup of tea
    Meaning: If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they’re not the kind of person or thing you like.
    Example: We couldn’t decide which movie to watch, so we ended up settling on a comedy. Half-way through the movie, I concluded that its humor was not my cup of tea.
19. A piece of cake
    Meaning: If something is a piece of cake, it’s easy to do.
    Example: The boy found the project to be a piece of cake because it was incredibly easy.
20. Call it a day
    Meaning: If you call it a day, you stop what you’re doing because you’re tired of it or you’ve not been successful.
    Example: I think we have done enough work today, I am feeling tired now, let’s call it a day.
21. The pot calling the kettle black
    Meaning: Accusing someone of faults that you yourself have
    Example: I can’t believe that you are upset because I was late. That is the pot calling the kettle black. Peter called me a liar! That is the pot calling the kettle black.
22. Call a spade a spade
    Meaning: To speak truth even if it’s unpleasant
    Example: That dress made her look fat, let’s call a spade a spade before she goes out wearing it and embarrasses herself. 
23. A bolt from the blue
    Meaning: A sudden, unexpected event
    Example: Let us hope the pandemic disappears. It came as a bolt from the blue in 2020.
24. In the same boat
    Meaning: If two or more persons are in the same boat, they’re in the same difficult situation.
    Example: If you lose your job, I’ll lose mine. We are both in the same boat.
25. Miss the boat/ bus
    Meaning: To miss an opportunity
    Example: He missed the boat when he did not apply for the job in time. 
26. Over my dead body
    Meaning: If you say something will happen your dead body, you mean you dislike it and will do everything you can to prevent it.
    Example: I told John that he could shave his head, over my dead body. 
27. Make one’s blood boil
    Meaning: To make someone extremely angry
    Example: When I hear stories of cruelty to animals, it makes my blood boil.
28. Bounce something off someone
    Meaning: If you bounce something off someone, you discuss ideas or plan with someone to get their view on it.
    Example: I caught the rubber ball when it bounced off the wall. The light bouncing off of that mirror is blinding me—can we close the curtains?
29. Bell the cat
    Meaning: To undertake a risky or dangerous task.
    Example: Someone has to bell the cat and tell the commissioner that his own started the violence
30.  Like a cat on hot tin roof
    Meaning: In an uneasy or nervous state
    Example: She’s waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof all day

IELTS Speaking – 7 Idioms for a Band 9 Score

FAQs

Learning idioms with examples and their meaning is the best way to master them and make your writing more engaging. Try to practice idioms with examples of your own. If you wish to seek further guidance on your English-language proficiency test preparation like TOEFL or IELTS and your career, you can check out Leverage Edu today and schedule a free consultation session now.

You are looking to take your English skills to another level?

English idioms and phrases are the way to do it.

By combining words that have completely different individual meanings, we get idioms.

English idioms are extremely common in everyday conversation and, therefore, essential for language progression.

«An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning…»

Learning new words is not sufficient to become a fluent English speaker but idioms and proverbs can truly boost your knowledge.

In the following lines, you will find some of the most common English idioms with their meanings and sentences:

1. A hard nut to crack

Explanation: usually a person who is very difficult to deal with

Example: I gave my best to be friendly with her, but she is simply a hard nut to crack.

2. All ears

Explanation: very concentrated or keen to listen to the other person who has your full attention.

Example: Children are all ears when the teacher tells them fairytales.

3. A picture is worth a thousand words

Explanation: It’s better to show than to tell; illustration conveys a stronger message than words.

Example: Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl represents how a picture is worth a thousand words. 

4. A piece of cake

Explanation: something easily done, simple task, or work.

Example: Anne said the test would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake. I’ll pass with no problem at all.

5. Better late than never

Explanation: It’s better to arrive late than not to come at all.

Example: We’ve been waiting for you for three hours, but better late than never. 

6. Born with a silver spoon in mouth

Explanation: Someone who is born in a very wealthy family.

Example: He does not need this job as much as I do; he is born with a silver spoon in his mouth. 

7. Bread and butter

Explanation: earnings of a person; indicate when a person earns for a living.

Example: You have to earn your own bread and butter. 

8. Break the ice

Explanation: to try to become friends with someone; to make a start of something.

Example: It’s always easiest to break the ice after I’ve had a few drinks.

9. Break a leg

Explanation: Good luck, best wishes.

Example: You have a test tomorrow? Break a leg!

10. Can judge a book by its cover

Explanation: you can’t judge something just by its appearance.

Example: The candidate doesn’t look very promising, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. 

11. Chasing rainbows

Explanation: to follow your dreams, trying to do something that can’t be achieved.

Example: I understand you want to be a famous singer, but don’t chase rainbows. You are not a good singer!

12. Cool as a cucumber

Explanation: to be very calm and relaxed

Example: How could the murderer be as cool as a cucumber after doing such serious crimes?

Related article: 8 Good Reasons Why English Is Important To Learn

13. Costs an arm and a leg

Explanation: when something costs too much money, it’s way too expensive.

Example: The show is excellent, but the tickets cost an arm and a leg. 

14. Cry over spilled milk

Explanation: to be upset about something that is already done or a mistake that can’t be changed.

Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk. It was a bad investment. 

15. Draw a longbow

Explanation: to exaggerate, to lie.

Example: Anne is drawing a longbow. Do you believe her at all?

16. Easier said than done

Explanation: not as easy to do as it seems harder than you think.

Example: It’s a lot tougher than that. It’s one of those things that are easier said than done.

17. Eat like a bird

Explanation: to eat very little.

Example: Look at you! You have to eat more. You are eating like a bird. 

18. Feeling under the weather

Explanation: to feel ill, sick, having a hangover.

Example: I have my final test, but I’m feeling under the weather. I think I have a fever. 

19. Find your feet

Explanation: become confident in what you are doing, or familiar with some new situation or experience.

Example: I’m new to this city, so I’m still finding my feet. 

20. Food for thought

Explanation: an idea to think about; think about things that can arise from an event or situation.

Example: My daughter has given me some food for thought about how she organizes her toys.

21. Forty winks

Explanation: sleep a while mainly during the day; take a nap.

Example: My dad always likes to catch forty winks after lunch. 

22. Give a shot

Explanation: to try something you are not quite familiar with.

Example: I’m not prepared for my exam today. I will give it a shot. 

23. Go cold turkey

Explanation: to suddenly stop or quit some bad or addictive behavior, like stop smoking.

Example: He had been trying to quit smoking for a year but couldn’t, so he decided to go cold turkey. 

24. Hit the hay/sack

Explanation: when someone is really tired and wants to go to sleep.

Example: Sorry guys, I have to hit the hay now!

25. Hold one’s peace.

Explanation: be silent.

Example: Just hold your peace if you don’t have anything smart to say.

26. It’s not rocket science

Explanation: It’s not difficult; it’s not complicated.

Example: Driving a car isn’t rocket science. I don’t understand why people don’t drive better.

27. Keep your chin up

Explanation: be brave and courageous in a tough situation.

Example: Don’t let the difficulties intimidate you; keep your chin up. 

28. Kill two birds with one stone.

Explanation: accomplish two different things, jobs, or actions; solve problems at the same time.

Example: Cycling to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money and gives you some exercise.  

For more expressions, contact Justlearn English tutors and book your first trial lesson.

29. Lose your marbles

Explanation: to go crazy, insane.

Example: I’ve been so bad lately that I thought I’m losing my marbles.

30. Make ends meet.

Explanation: make enough money to survive, to manage expenses.

Example: We need to start saving money in order to make ends meet. 

31. Make a long story short

Explanation: Tell something briefly.

Example: To make a long story short, I had a wonderful time during my vacation.

32. Never in a million years

Explanation: Absolutely never.

Example: Never in a million years would I think to fall in love with him.

33. On cloud nine

Explanation: to be extremely happy or cheerful.

Example: Susan is on cloud nine since she got married.

34. Once in a blue moon

Explanation: something happens very rarely, once after a very long time.

Example: I don’t know why she bought that music system. She uses it once in a blue moon.

35. Out of the woods

Explanation: the hardest part of something is over, but the situation isn’t still good.

Example: The surgery went well, but he’s not out of the woods yet.

36. Penny for your thoughts

Explanation: a way of asking someone else’s thoughts.

Example: You seem so serious. A penny for your thoughts.

Don’t forget to work on learning
new English words every day, not just idioms. 

37. Pull someone’s leg

Explanation: To joke with someone, to trick someone in a humorous way

Example: I think he was just pulling your leg when he said you’ve fallen in the exam.

38. Rain cats and dogs

Explanation: rain heavily, tremendously.

Example: It’s raining cats and dogs when the Monsoon comes.

39. Speak of the devil

Explanation: The person we were talking about showed up.

Example: Did you hear what happened to Anne yesterday? Oh, speak of the devil, there she is.

40. Square peg in a round hole

Explanation: When a person doesn’t fit into society when you find in a surrounding that doesn’t suit you.

Example: That lifestyle really doesn’t suit Sally at all; she’s like a square peg in a round hole. 

41. Takes two to tango.

Explanation: Specific actions can’t be performed alone; it takes two persons to participate; both persons are responsible for an action.

Example: If you want to play that game, you need a partner who plays with you. It takes two to tango. 

42. That’s the last straw

Explanation: Someone’s patience has run out, to be the latest in a sequence of unpleasant things that can’t be accepted.

Example: I’m not going to wait for the last straw. I’ll do something about the problem much sooner than you.

43. To cut corners

Explanation: to do something in an easy and very cheap way; to reduce time, money, expenses.

Example: My mom often had to cut corners when we were kids to feed all of us.

44. To go Dutch

Explanation: When everyone pays his bill.

Example: Last night we had a date, but we went Dutch because I’ve paid for my coffee and he paid his.

45. To have sticky fingers

Explanation: to be a thief.

Example: The manager fired his employee because he had sticky fingers. He stole 100$.

46. To sit tight

Explanation: wait patiently and take no action; stay where you are.

Example: Just relax and sit tight; we’ll solve the problem for you.

47. Up in the air

Explanation: unresolved, undecided about something; full of doubt.

Example: I am not sure what the plans are. Everything was up in the air when I last spoke to him about it. 

48. What goes around, comes around.

Explanation: how you treat and behave to others will eventually come to you, too.

Example: All of his life, he treated his family with no respect, and now his son is doing the same to him. What goes around, comes around.

49. When pigs fly

Explanation: something that will never happen or highly unlikely to happen.

Example: He plans to clean his house every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly. 

50. Zip your lip

Explanation: To remain a secret or silent.

Example: I’ll tell you a secret about Marry, but zip your lip about it!

Related article: 20 Idioms With Their Meanings and Sentences (That You Really Need To Know) + PDF

Practice makes perfect

To learn English idioms better, we’ve prepared some exercises that will help you test your knowledge.

Don’t be shy. Try and find out.

Please note that you will not need all listed idioms in the following exercises, so focus and pay attention.

I can’t wait to see you on premiere tomorrow night! __________________ !

I can’t believe that was our test. I think it was easier than some of our homework! It was a ______.

They were discussing the girl who was his new crush when she walked in. ____________________. 

The earthquakes hits _________________ in this part of the earth, we never felt it. 

He showed up for the wedding when they were already cutting the cake. __________________, I suppose. 

To_______________________________, he still stays in the apartment but now it is owned by someone else. 

You can’t be serious about that! Stop ___________________. 

Such a beautiful portrait of a little girl — represents how ________________________. 

I am really tired after all that exercise. I am going to_______________. 

John asked Sarah whether she would go to the movies with him. Sarah replied that would happen __________________. 

It is sad to see that people always wait until ________________before they start to take any action in this country. 

It’s not right to blame only the other woman for his adulterous affair -__________________. 

I have never eaten Mexican food, but I will ______________ .

She has just returned from her vacation, but is feeling _______________and has a sore throat and running nose.

I have to go to the bank, and on the way back, I’ll pick up the groceries also, ____________________. 

He really wants to go to that event. He’s willing to pay __________________ for it. 

When drug addicts go ___________________ they experience a period of extreme suffering.

He has never worked hard for anything because he was________________________. His parents brought everything to him instead. 

Shall we _____________? No, not this time I’m paying the bill.

Peter is still new in his job; give him some time to ______________.

Answers:

9, B. 4, C. 39, D. 34, E. 5, F. 31. G. 37, H. 3, I. 49, J. 42, K. 41, L. 22, M. 18, N. 28, O. 13, P. 23, Q. 6, R. 6, S. 44, T. 19.

This B idioms list has idiomatic expressions with words beginning with the letter B. «In brief,» I’ve provided numerous important idioms starting with the letter «b» with lots of examples to help you learn more easily. So «breathe easier» and let’s get started!

This list will be frequently updated with new definitions and examples, quizzes and other information to help you learn and remember these expressions.

Note: Each idiomatic expression does not always start with the letter “b.” This list is organized to include idioms whose main subject or action word starts with the letter “b.”

List of B Idioms

BACK

back away from (something/someone):   to move away from something or stop supporting something.

• Example:  Our supervisor wanted us to start working on Sundays but but after everyone complained he backed away from the idea.

back down (from something/someone):  to not continue with a threat to do something.  

• Example:The workers backed down from their plan to go on strike when the company director began to negotiate with them.

back off:  to not do something you planned on doing.

• Example:  I worked really hard on the project for the past two weeks but my boss told me to back off it until the clients have paid their invoice.

back on one’s feet:  to be healthy again after sickness.

• Example:  I couldn’t do anything for two weeks while I had the flu but now I’m back on my feet.

back out (of something):  to not completely finish something one promised to do.

• Example:  My friend and I were supposed to go on holiday together but she backed out at the last minute.

back to back:  one thing immediately happening after another thing.

• Example:  On Wednesdays, I’m really busy because I have four classes back to back.

back to square one:  to be back at the starting point of something.

• Example:  I picked up all the leaves and branches from my lawn yesterday but there was a storm last night and now I’m back to square one.

behind one’s back:  something happening when someone is not present.

• Example: My colleague is really nice to me but I don’t trust him because I know he talks negatively about me behind my back.

stab someone in the back:  to cause someone harm or do something negatively to someone.

• Example:  I cannot believe my friend stabbed me in the back by telling my teacher I wasn’t really sick when I stayed home yesterday.

watch your back:  to be careful to notice what’s happening around you.

• Example:  I have to watch my back at this office because people are unfriendly and competitive.

BAD

not (half) bad:  good enough or reasonably good.

• Example: Let’s eat in the university cafeteria. The food is not half bad  and the price is great.

bad blood (between people):  bad or unfriendly relationships between people or groups of people.

• Example:  There’s been bad blood between two of my best friends since they fought over the same girl this summer and now I have to see them separately.

bad hair day:  a day when everything isn’t going well (such as when it’s hard to style your hair the way you want it to be).

• Example:  Sorry I can’t go out—I’m having a bad hair day.

bad mouth (someone):  to say bad things about someone.

• Example:  I heard you were bad mouthing me  so if you have a problem tell me right now.

BAGS

have bag’s under one’s eyes:  to have dark puffy circles under the eyes.

• Example:  I have bags under my eyes because I was watching the football game last night and only slept three hours.

pack someone’s bags:  to permanently leave or go away from a place.

• Example:  If your roommates never clean up, eat all your food and make a lot of noise, maybe it would be better if you packed your bags.

BALL

ball in someone’s court:  the moment when someone needs to take the next action, move or get an answer from someone else.

• Example:  I filled out the application and provided all the information they asked for so now the ball’s in their court and all I can do is wait.

drop the ball:  to stop working on something before a goal or project is completed.

• Example:  We lost the contract when I went on vacation because my coworkers dropped the ball and didn’t submit all the documents for the proposal.

start/get the ball rolling:  to begin or start something.

• Example:  Don’t wait until spring to start exercising. Just get the ball rolling now by walking the seven blocks from the metro to your office each day instead of taking the bus.

have a ball:  to have a fun or enjoyable time.

• Example:  I used to hate exercise but I started taking dance lessons and now I’m exercising and having a ball at the same time.

on the ball:  to be alert, focused and able to react to something quickly.

• Example:  The students in my advanced placement classes are really on the ball so I have to be careful.

BANG

bang for the buck:  to have good value for money spent. (note: in English the word «buck» is slang for a dollar).

• Example:  I recommend you buy this television because it has the best bang for the buck.

bang one’s head against the wall:  to feel frustrated trying to do something that’s not possible.

• Example:  I try to suggest new projects each week at the staff meeting but I feel like I’m banging my head against the wall because no one listens to me.

BANK

bank on something:  to depend on or trust something.

• Example:  When your baby is born you can bank on me for advice and babysitting help.

break the bank:  to be too costly or expensive.

• Example:  These days you can easily buy a smart phone without breaking the bank.

BARGAIN

drive a hard bargain:  to be good at negotiating a beneficial arrangement.

• Example:  I was able to drive a hard bargain and get a higher salary and an extra week of vacation because I had a lot more experience than the other candidates.

more than someone/something bargained for:  to get something in addition to what was expected.

• Example:  I tried to have a baby for three years but when I got pregnant with triplets it was much more than I bargained for.

BARK

bark is worse than one’s bite:  someone is not as bad or as difficult as they seem to be. 

• Example:  My girlfriend told me her father’s bark is worse than his bite and not to worry when I meet him this weekend.

bark up the wrong tree:  trying to achieve something but doing it in the wrong way or believing an explanation for something that isn’t true.

• Example:  I’m a lawyer with a good job so my sister wanted a loan from me but she was barking up the wrong tree because I’ve got $250,000 in student loans.

BASE

off base:  wrong, not correct.

• Example:  You’re way off base if you think you can graduate from college without studying.

touch base (with someone):  to contact someone.

• Example:  When you return from holiday let’s touch base  so we can set up our next appointment.

BASKET

(don’t) put all your eggs in one basket:  having all of your resources or efforts in just one possibility is very risky.

• Example:  Don’t you think submitting only one college application is putting all your eggs in one basket?

BATTERY

recharge one’s battery:  to rest or relax in order to get energy back to do things again. 

• Example:  We just returned from our cabin in the woods—no smart phones, television or traffic for an entire week was just what we needed to recharge our batteries.

BE

be-all and end-all:  something really important or good.

• Example:  Getting accepted into an Ivy League university is the be-all and end-all for me.

be game:  to be ready to participate in something.

• Example:  I’m game for whatever you want to do this weekend.

be into something/someone:  to be really interested or active in something or someone.

• Example:  My boyfriend is really into shopping and fashion but I hate it.

be off:  to depart, leave, or go away.

• Example: Are you leaving so soon? Yes, I’m off to the grocery store before it closes.

be over:  to be finished.

• Example:  I’m so glad final exams are over and summer is here.

BEAN

spill the beans:  to tell someone a secret or tell someone information before you were supposed to. 

• Example: My colleague spilled the beans that I had found a new position and it got back to my supervisor before I had given my notice of resignation.

BEAR

bear (hold) a grudge (against someone):  to continue to be angry and not forgive someone.

• Example:  I’ve apologized many times for calling my sister «fat» when she was a teenager but she still bears a grudge against me 25 years later.

bear fruit:  to produce a result.

• Example:  I started to eat yogurt instead of donuts for breakfast and after three months my new diet is bearing fruit — I’ve lost five pounds already.

bear (something) in mind:  to consider or think about something.

• Example:  Before you book your vacation, bear in mind that many flights get delayed during the winter due to bad weather so you might want to buy travel insurance.

bear out something / bear something out:  to prove or confirm that something is true.

• Example: My own experience bears out  research that shows drinking diet soft drinks doesn’t help people lose weight.

BEAUTY

beauty is only skin deep:  a person’s inner beauty (not their outer appearance) is the most important factor.

Examples:

• I really believe that beauty is only skin deep—my wife may be average in looks but she’s kind, gentle and super smart.
• Although beauty is only skin deep, Queen Rania is gorgeous on both the inside and outside.
• My brother says beauty is only skin deep  but then he only dates fashion models.
• My parents always tell me that I’m wonderful and beauty is only skin deep  but the guys at school only like the pretty girls.

* Click here for a lesson on this idiom.

BELT

Tighten one’s belt:  to spend less than usual in order to save money.

• Example:  We had to tighten our belts after my wife left her job but it’s worth it to have her home with our baby.

BIRD

a little bird told me:  this is used to say that you got information from someone but you are not going to say who that person is.

• Example:  A little bird told me that that we are having a pop quiz today in Mrs. Green’s class.

BLIND

blind as a bat:  not able to see or to not see well.

• Example:  I keep an set of emergency eye gasses in my desk drawer because sometimes I misplace my regular eyeglasses in the house and can’t find them because I’m blind as a bat. 

blind date:  a date (social meeting) where two people have never met before.

• Example:  I did not want to go on a blind date that my mother arranged but I’m really glad I did because that’s how I met my husband.

BORE

bore the pants off:  to be extremely boring or uninteresting to someone else.

• Example:  This story is really boring the pants off me. Can you please get to the point?

BOX

boxed in:  Feeling restricted or stuck due to one’s limited options.

• Example:  We decided to rent for a year until we got to know the city so we wouldn’t be boxed in to living in a neighborhood we don’t like.

think outside the box:  to think creatively to find new ways of doing things or solving problems.

• Example:  Sometimes drawing a picture of something can help you think outside the box and solve a problem since it uses the more creative right-brain processes. 

BREAD

best thing since sliced bread:  this describes a new person or thing that’s really great or amazing.

• Example:  The new iPhone is the best thing since sliced bread—I absolutely have to buy one.

BUCKET

a drop in the bucket:  a very small or unimportant amount when compared to something else.

• Example:  The bake sale raised only a drop in the bucket of what’s needed to buy the new football uniforms.

Get our free idioms in pictures ebook

More B idioms will be added in the future so check back again soon or better yet, sign-up for my free newsletter so you can automatically know when there are new updates to my website.

1. Home

 ›

2. Main Idioms List

 ›

3. B idioms list