C1.2 IDIOM OF THE WEEK 24-25
Elma Barreiro
Created on September 10, 2024
Over 30 million people build interactive content in Genially.
Check out what others have designed:
WOLF ACADEMY
Presentation
STAGE2- LEVEL1-MISSION 2: ANIMATION
Presentation
TANGRAM PRESENTATION
Presentation
VALENTINE'S DAY PRESENTATION
Presentation
HUMAN RIGHTS
Presentation
LIBRARIES LIBRARIANS
Presentation
IAU@HLPF2019
Presentation
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