IDIOM – OFF THE RECORD

Meaning – something which is said in an unofficial capacity or which is not to be repeated .  This idiom is often used when the speaker prefers to remain anonymous (doesn’t want to be known). In Context  – Journalists often find people to speak off the record for their articles. Origin –  This phrase is first attributed to Roosevelt in … Read More

IDIOM – TO BITE YOUR TONGUE

Meaning – to stay silent, to stop yourself from saying something, to prevent yourself from commenting on something.   We typically use this expression when we have to keep or prevent ourselves from saying something that would cause trouble in some way or hurt someone’s feelings. Idiom In Context  – I had to bite my tongue about the mess he … Read More

DAILY IDIOM – A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW

Meaning – a situation or piece of news that is unpleasant or difficult to accept.  This idiom is often shortened to ‘ a bitter pill’. In Context  – The news that the company was bankrupt was a bitter pill to swallow. Different Forms of the Idiom – hard or tough  (pill) to swallow / take / digest  Idioms with a … Read More

IDIOM – DOWN TO THE WIRE

Meaning – to be resolved, finalised at the final moment In Context  – We are so late on this project, it’s going to come down to the wire. Origin – This expression has its origins in horse racing.  A wire was placed across the finish line.  The horse that hit the wire first won the race.  If two horses are … Read More

IDIOM – TO HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE

Meaning –  to have a lot of work to do or things to deal with.  This idiom is also often used to express burdens or responsibilities. In Context  –  Anthea has to complete her dissertation in 2 weeks and she’s also looking after her mother who broke her leg.  She has a lot on her plate right now.  

IDIOM – EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

Meaning – unnecessary items, everything including things which you do not need, almost everything In Context  – Pam’s always overweight when she travels.  She packs her luggage with everything but the kitchen sink. Idioms with a synonymous meaning – everything under the sun QUOTES WITH ‘EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK’ Some couture collections have everything including the kitchen sink! Everything … Read More

IDIOM – PULL THE PLUG

Meaning – to put an end to something, to terminate a project / situation   In Context  – I’m pulling the plug on this marketing strategy, it’s just not working. Origin – This is an American idiom which originated in the 19th century.  Plug has a second meaning in English.  It is also the object used to prevent water escaping … Read More

IDIOM – HARD NUT TO CRACK

Meaning – a difficult problem to solve, a difficult person to persuade.  In this idiom, hard is often replaced by a synonym such as tough or difficult. In Context – (1) I’m not sure if Chris we’ll agree to this move, he’s a hard nut to crack.  (2) Resolving the political crisis in Syria is hard nut to crack. (3) … Read More

IDIOM – START FROM SCRATCH

Meaning – To start from the very beginning. To create something new with no experience, knowledge or advantage. Example – 1. Steve Jobs started Apple from scratch.  2. If you want to start your own business, you will have to start from scratch and build it from the ground up. 3. You don’t need to buy pasta sauce – it’s … Read More

IDIOM – HOLD YOUR HORSES

Meaning – be patient, to wait a moment before taking action In Context – Hold your horses, I haven’t finished explaining yet. Origin – originally used to restrain cavalry (army on horses) from attacking on battlefield Idioms with a similar or synonymous meaning – hang on, hold your water (not very common)