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Transcript

Click here for a detailed article on this expression

To burn the candle at both ends

Listen to an example (min. 0'29'')

3rd Feb.

11th Nov.

Meaning: to be very busy and have a lot to do.E.g. I'd like to help you with this project, but I've got a lot on my plate right now.

To have a lot/too much on your plate

27th Jan.

11th Nov.

Listen to an example here

22nd Jan.

Meaning: to learn how a particular task or job is done.E.g. It will take me a couple of weeks to learn the ropes but after that I should be fine.He'd been in the business for over ten years so he knew the ropes.Note: In its literal sense, this expression goes back to the days of sailing ships, when skill in handling ropes was essential for any sailor.

To learn the ropes

11th Nov.

13th Jan.

Meaning: a situation or thing with both positive and negative effects.E.g. The increase in tourism has been a double-edged sword for island residents.Globalization is a double-edged sword.

A double-edged sword

11th Nov.

8 th Jan.

Click here to learn more

Meaning: to get used to something again, to find your rhythm once more.Example: After the long Christmas break, it might take a few days to get back into the swing of things, but once you do, you'll feel much more productive and focused in class.

Let's get back in the swing of things

11th Nov.

18 th Dec.

Click here to learn more

Meaning: used when people choose something that will have bad consequences for them.Example: Who in their right mind would vote for them!? It's like turkeys voting for Christmas.

Like turkeys voting for Christmas

11th Nov.

Meaning: Exactly what was needed. Extremely pleasant or useful and helping to make you feel better or to improve a situation.Example: After a stressful week of exams, the yoga retreat turned out to be just what the doctor ordered, rejuvenating both mind and body.

Just what the doctor ordered

9th Dec.

11th Nov.

(not) to sit on the fence

2nd Dec.

11th Nov.

Listen to Muse's "Uprising". Can you hear this idiom?

25th Nov.

Meaning: If something takes its/a toll, it causes suffering, deaths, or damage.Example: The deepening recession has also taken its toll in the south of the country, where unemployment is rife.

To take a/its toll on smth

11th Nov.

20th Nov.

Meaning: Watch this explanation here.Example: "What's the capital of Mauritania?" "I don't know off the top of my head, but I could go and look it up."Just off the top of my head, I’d say there were about 50.

Off the top of my head

11th Nov.

Learn about the myth here.

"To open a can of worms" is a similar idiom. Learn about it here.

Link to a video (2)

Link to a video (1)

Meaning: To begin or introduce something that leads to many other problems. A reference to the story from Greek mythology in which Pandora opens a box containing all the possible things that can affect humanity negatively.E.g. It seems like we've opened Pandora's box with this topic today.

To open (up) (a) Pandora's box

11th Nov.

Link to a video

Meaning: to not completely believe something; to be doubtful about the truth or accuracy of something.E.g. You have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt, he does tend to exaggerate.In the era of fake news, biased media and untrustworthy politicians it is important to take everything with a pinch of salt.

To take something with a pinch of salt

6th Nov.

Fun fact. WOW!

28th Oct.

E.g. I'm all for universal health care, but I'll play devil's advocate in asking how the government intends to fund such a massive undertaking.

Link to a video

Meaning: to argue against or attack an idea, argument, or proposition—even if one is in favor of it—for the sake of debate or to further examine its strength, validity, or details.

To play (the) devil's advocate

5th March

22nd Oct.

E.g. The economy is improving, but the other side of the coin is that inflation is becoming a bigger problem.Of course, I get lonely at times. But the other side of the coin is the amazing freedom I have.

Link to a video

Meaning: a different way of considering a situation, making it seem either better or worse than it did originally

The other/opposite/flip side of the coin

5th March

Check out this example (min. 18:52)

Meaning: a situation that is fair because everyone has the same chance of succeedingExamples: - If the quality of high schools varies so much, how can everyone start college on a level playing field?- The regulations will create a level playing field for food manufacturers in the EU.Note: you could also use if as a verb "to level the playing field".

(To create) a level/even playing field

10th October

If you do something such as pass an exam with flying colours, you do it very successfully.Your brother passed his apprenticeship with flying colours. He'll be a master builder in no time!

This phrase originates from a time when communication moved at a much slower pace than today. When sailing ships would return to port their appearance would often signify how they had fared on their journey. Ships that were victorious in battle would sail into port with flags flying high whereas a defeated ship would be forced to take them down. The phrase uses the old definition of colours which was an alternative to flags.

To pass with flying colours

7th October

More examples here

To touch/hit a (raw) nerve

Meaning: This phrase is used when someone or something upsets you.Example: He knew I had very little vision in my right eye, yet he still teased me about my glasses. He touched a raw nerve and I want him to apologize.

1st October

An explanation here

An example: min. 00:35

To go the extra mile

Meaning: Going the extra mile means that we do more than is expected to make sure something happens, or to help someone.

26th September

Link to a song: Silver lining by Antonia Dwyer

Every cloud has a silver lining

18th Sept.

Min. 1:53

Link to some examples

To start (off) with a bang

Informal: If something starts, ends, returns, etc. with a bang, it starts, ends, etc. in a very exciting and noticeable way

11th September

IDIOM OF THE WEEK