اصطلاحات آمریکایی 18 AMERICAN IDIOMS

bone-dry		Having no trace of moisture.
example :-		Believe it or not, I hung out the washing only an hour ago and it is already bone-dry.

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skin and bones		a person who is unusually thin
example :-		When I saw Pauline, I could hardly recognize her because she was just skin and bones. Cancer exacts a heavy toll, I reflected sadly.

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bone-idle		Extremely lazy
example :-		If you continue to be bone-idle, your boss might sack you.

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bone up		Study intensively
example :-		My pen-friend Joelle from France is visiting me next month so I had better bone up on my French.

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make no bones about		Act or speak frankly about something, without hesitation or evasion
example :-		They openly voiced their dissatisfaction with the service, making no bones about it at all.

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a bone to pick		to want to talk to someone about something annoying they have done:
example :-		You bet I have a bone to pick with you. You promised to take me on that holiday but then you took someone else with you !

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work one's fingers to the bone		to work extremely, especially for a long time
example :-		After years of working her fingers to the bone to give her children a a good future, she managed to achieve her goal.

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bone of contention		something that two or more people argue about fiercely over a long period of time
example :-		The property issue long remained a bone of contention among the Tay siblings. It even prevented their getting together for a family reunion dinner during the New Year celebrations.

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bare-bones		basic elements or essentials
example :-		How do you expect me to help you when all you've told me is nothing more than the bare bones ? I need more information, surely.

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feel in one's bones		Have an intuition or hunch about something
example :-		Trust me; she'll be selected for the post. Don't ask me how; I can just feel it in my bones.

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close to the bone		it is close to the truth in a way that might offend some people.
example :-		Of course it upset Mei Ling to hear what Lian had to say about Meng. Don't you see it was a little close to the bone ?

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to the bone		completely
example :-		How could you keep me waiting so long in the cold ? I'm almost frozen to the bone !

اصطلاحات آمریکایی 17 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Eat humble pie		If you eat humble pie, you speak or behave in a way which tells people that you admit you were wrong about something.
example :-		Anson was forced to eat humble pie and publicly apologizes to her.

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The apple of one's eye		If you say that someone is the apple of your eye, you mean that they are very important to you and you are extremely fond of them
example :-		Penny's only son was the apple of her eye.

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Go bananas		If someone is behaving in a silly or mad way, you can say that they are going bananas.
example :-		People went bananas with boredom.

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A piece of cake		If you think something is very easy to do , you can say it is a piece of cake. People often say this to stop someone feeling worried about doing something they have to do
example :-		Getting rid of him will be a piece of cake .........

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As cool as a cucumber		If you say that someone is as cool as a cucumber, you are emphasizing that they are very calm and relaxed, especially when you would not expect them to be.
example :-		You can hardly be held responsible for Darrow waltzing in, cool as a cucumber, and demanding thousands of pounds.

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Bring home the bacon

The person in a family who brings home the bacon provides the family with the money they need to live.

اصطلاحات آمریکایی 16 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Tickled pink	If you are tickled pink, you are extremely pleased about something.
In the pink	If you are in the pink, you are fit, healthy, and happy
Pink slip	Termination notice from a job
Feel blue	If you are feeling blue, you are feeling sad or depressed  often when there is no particular reason.
Once in a blue moon	If you say that something happens once in a blue moon, you are emphasizing that it does not happen very often at all.
Out of the blue	Without any warning, by surprise
White elephant	If you describe something as a white elephant, you mean that it is a waste of money because it is completely useless.
White lie	If you refer to an untrue statement as a white lie, you mean that it is made to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble  and not for an evil purpose.
Black and white	You say that something is in black and white when it has been written or printed, and not just said.
Black sheep	If you describe someone as the black sheep of their family of a group that they are a member of , you mean that they are considered bad or worthless by other people in that family or group.
pot calling the kettle black	- the person who is criticizing someone else is as guilty as the person he accuses
In the red	If a person or company is in the red or if their bank account is in the red, they have spent more money than they have in their account and therefore they owe money to the bank.
Red herring	If you say that something is a red herring, you mean that it is irrelevant and takes your attention away from the main subject or problem you are considering.
Red tape	You refer to official rules and procedures as red tape when they seem unnecessary and cause delay.
Red-handed	If someone is caught red-handed, they are caught while they are in the act of doing something wrong.
See red	Become very angry
Green thumb	If you say that someone has green thumb ( fingers), you mean that they are very good at gardening and their plants grow well.
Give someone the green light	If someone in authority gives a green light to something, they give permission for it to happen or be done.
Green with envy	Very jealous, full of envy
With flying colors	With great or total success

اصطلاحات آمریکایی 15 AMERICAN IDIOMS

A slippery customer

Does Mr. Jansen look like a slippery customer as he stands in the doorway of his business establishment ? If you knew that "slippery" is a colloquialism meaning cunning and untrustworthy, and "customer" means a person, I think you'd say yes. "Be very careful of Mr. Jansen. He has a reputation of being a slippery customer.

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Speak the same language

Timothy the mouse is trying to convince Chad the cat that they speak the same language. This means to have similar tastes, feelings and thoughts, and to have a mutual understanding with someone. "We both like fish so it's obvious that we speak the same language," Timothy smiled. "Let's be friends."

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Spread oneself too thin

Mr. Potts is trying to do several things at the same time. He's spreading himself too thin and, as a result, isn't able to devote much time to either of his jobs. He is distributing or scattering his time, energy and skills, and that's what it means when people spread themselves too thin.

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Still wet behind the ears

Jeremy would like to do things that adult elephants do. "Attend to your studies and don't be silly," his mother laughed. "You're just a kid who is still wet behind the ears." Jeremy frowned for to be still wet behind the ears is to be young and inexperienced.

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Strong enough to put hair on my chest

In this expression the word "strong" means very powerful or potent. It's used ( humorously, of course ) to describe something -- usually a beverage -- that is unusually strong. "Wow, this coffee is strong enough to put hair on my chest !" Mr. Wilson gulped. "I can see that," Mrs. Wilson frowned. "There goes another button."

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Sweet on someone

There seems no doubt that Bumble is sweet on Bea. "Bea, you are a beauty," Bumble mumbled. Bea blushed. "Bumble, you are a busy bee. Is that honey for me ?" "Yes, " Bumble bubbled, "because I'm sweet on you." Bumble is saying he is very fond of Bea. Could it be that this bee is in love ?

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Take a hike

Egbert is in serious trouble. "Look at those sales figures ! They're disgraceful," the boss shouted. "If you don't do something to correct matters you may be asked to take a hike !" Idiomatically take a hike means to go away, to leave. In Egbert's case, he's in danger of being dismissed.

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Too big for one's boots

Bobby has risen through the ranks so quickly that there are some who think he's now much too big for his boots. That is, he is very conceited, acts self-important and is overly ambitious. "Bobby has gotten too big for his boots," the general said. "He's starting to give me orders now !"

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Take someone under one's wing

Mother birds protect their young by bringing them close and covering them with their wings. That has given us this expression, and it means to help -- and sometimes protect -- a person. "Jenny has decided to take our new employee under her wing and show her how to do the job faster." "I don't like going out alone at night. I wish my big brother would take me under his wing and walk with me to the library."

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Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth

Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth. Those who are, though, are born into a wealthy family and it is assumed that they will lead comfortable lives filled with material riches. All of us could probably name several children we know who have been blessed in this way, but the one that comes to my mind is the little Prince. "I notice your son has been born with a silver spoon in his mouth," Nurse Dion said to the King. "I wonder what kind of person I would be if I had been born with a silver spoon in my mouth ? she asked.

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Go like a lamb to (the) slaughter

Lambs are known for their meek and quiet dispositions. They seem to be always calm and they make no protest. Because of that, when a person allows himself to be punished or placed in danger without complaining, we say he goes like a lamb to slaughter. "I won't give up my job without a fight," Muriel cried when she learned she was about to be transferred to another department. "I will not go like a lamb to the slaughter," she said.

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Rob Peter to pay Paul

There are a number of stories concerning the origins of this expression, but no one is sure where it comes from. What is known is that it has been in use since 1380, which may explain why we don't know much about its beginnings. It describes taking or borrowing something from one person ( Peter ) to repay a debt owed to someone else ( Paul ). "Gregory wants to borrow some money from me so he can repay a loan. I declined, saying that would be like robbing Peter to pay Paul."

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If the cap fits, wear it

If something unpleasant is said about someone, something that could just as easily apply to you, you should take notice of it. If necessary, you should accept is as constructive criticism. That's what we mean when we say if the cap fits, wear it. "I didn't say you look funny, but if the cap fits, wear it !"

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Paint with a wide brush

A person doesn't have to be an artist to paint with a wide brush. That's because this means to think, speak, plan or act in a big way. Instead of restricting oneself to individual items, the person painting with a wide brush looks at a variety of issues. Robert agrees with that. "When planning your career, it's a good idea to think big and paint with a wide brush," he said.

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Sing someone's praises

One sunny day Andy came across the most magnificent peacock he had ever seen. "There has never been such a remarkable peacock !" he cried out. "That surely must be the most beautiful bird in the entire kingdom !" From that day on, Andy went on singing the bird's praises. In fact, so full of praise was he that no one dared tell him that the peacock he saw was himself ! To sing someone's praises is to say wonderful and complimentary things about someone, and it usually means saying those nice things over and over.

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A happy hunting ground

The North American Indians believed that when they died their souls would move on to a place where they would spend eternity happily fishing and hunting. However, when people speak of a happy hunting ground today, they mean an area rich in opportunities or one that will prove profitable to them. "I have discovered that the library is a happy hunting ground for my research work." "This beach is a happy hunting ground to anyone interested in collecting seashells."

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Make one's head swim

"A sight like that makes my head swim !" Seth exclaimed. "Why ?" Bighead asked. "For the simple reason that nobody here knows how to swim. Therefore, if one of those guys falls into the sea, none of us could rescue him !" he cried. "I guess that explains why on one has ever left this island alive. Bighead replied. Something that makes one's head swim is something that is puzzling or causes confusion.

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Like a fish out of water

A person said to be like a fish out of water is in a strange situation or environment and therefore feels uncertain what to do or how to conduct himself/herself. "I went to Martha's party but I was like a fish out of water for I didn't know anyone there," Iris said. "When I first got to Canada I knew very little English so I often felt like a fish out of water," Peter said. "But now that I've learned the language, I no longer feel that way," he added.

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Drop like a stone

Hamingway has been trying to sell a select piece of property for months. "I want to get rid of this place before it falls !" Hamingway whispered. People looking at the property watched as hamingway's price kept dropping like a stone until someone finally bought it. "When the price of something drops like a stone, it falls far and it falls quickly," the new owner grinned.

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( As ) Ripe as a cherry

Rodney was taking a stroll when he came upon a nice big plate of fresh cherries. "I don't know where those cherries came from," he burped, "but I could see that they were as ripe as a cherry, so I ate them." He burped again. "Besides, I wanted to see if it's true that fruit said to be ( as ) ripe as a cherry is really fully mature and ready to eat." Having said that, Rodney slid away. To a hungry bird, he probably looked ripe as a cherry himself !

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The penny drops

Oliver was sound asleep when a short but violent trembling action shook his room and rattled his bed. "That may be an earthquake," he thought, but then he remembered that he was an ant and the penny dropped. "Oh, that's just someone around overhead," he said. This expression means to finally realize or understand something after spending a little time thinking about it.

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A mare's nest

A mare is a female horse, and we know that female horses do not built nests in trees ! That's why a mare's nest is either something that does not exist or a discovery that turns out to be worthless. Nelly has generously agreed to sit in a tree and provide you with examples. "My friend Angus says he has found a way to turn stone into gold, but I suspect it will be another one of his mare's nests," Nelly said. "He also says he has  away of knowing which horse will win in a race. I think his wisdom is something of a mare's nest too."

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A slinging/slanging match

There are two ways to say this expression : The Americans say slinging, and the British say slanging. It may help to know that sling means to throw something, while slang means to shout naughty words. In the end, though, a slinging / slanging match is a loud, angry quarrel with two or more individuals shouting at each other. "The debate ended when the participants got into a slinging / slanging match. " "Tommy left the playing field to avoid getting into a slinging / slanging match with the visiting players."

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Done with mirrors

We often wonder how magicians perform their tricks. We think they use mirrors, and that has given us this expression. It's used ( humorously ) to explain how something that appears difficult, clever or unusual is done. "When I asked Sally how she could work full-time and still get straight As in her distance learning classes, she laughed and said it was done with mirrors." "I don't know how Felix manages to stay looking so young. Maybe it's done with mirrors."

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Heads roll

Alves is realistic. "To live together in harmony we can't tolerate any nonsense," he said. while most of Alves's neighbors understand that, now and then one of them gets awfully silly. That's when Alves displays his anger and that's when heads roll ! The expression heads roll means that someone is being punished, in particular because he or she has failed in the performance of a duty. In a job situation, the person can be dismissed or demoted !

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Let someone in on something

I'll let you in on something : Barton is very fond of Emma. See, he's always doing something to impress her. Right now he's entertaining her. "Gee, how did you do that ? Let me in on your trick !" she asked. To let someone in on something is to share information or a secret with someone.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 14 AMERICAN IDIOMS

In mint condition

The coins in your purse or pocket are made in a place called a mint. New coins fresh from a mint are said to be in mint condition. So too, is anything else that is in new or like-new condition. "Elmer seldom uses his car. It's ten years old but it's still in mint condition."

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In one's heart of hearts

"In my heart of hearts I think you're the nicest mouse in the entire world," Timothy blushed. Accepting his gift, Josephine answered : "In my heart of hearts, I think you're wonderful too." When we speak of one's heart of hearts we are referring to a person's deep, secret, innermost feelings.

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In the bag

"If I do well on my examination, my promotion will be in the bag," Steven said. He is saying that his promotion is assured. It is a certainty. "There can be no doubt about it. Once you have been promoted, your future in the company will be in the bag," his father smiled.

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In clover

Clover is a type of grass with sweet flowers enjoyed by both cattle and bees. When people are in ( the ) clover, they are living happily and comfortably for they are prosperous and successful. " Mr. Jardine is in clover now that he has sold his business and retired to the country."

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Keep one's hair on

I'd panic if I lost my coat. Not Bob though. He's determined to keep his hair on. That is, he's going to stay relaxed and not get angry. "I'm going to remain calm and keep my hair on," Bob said. "It's pointless to get upset over the loss of a fur coat, don't you agree ?"

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Larger than life

When a person, an object or an event is larger than life, he, she or it is unusually remarkable or significant ... often because reports of him, her or it have been greatly exaggerated. "I suspect the things Owen says about his achievements are larger than life." "I used to think the stories about there being ghosts here were larger than life !" the cat cried.

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Laugh in one's beard

Long ago when most men wore beards, it was easy for a man to conceal a smile when he wanted to mock someone for being foolish, failing at something, or making a mistake. "Do you think people are laughing in their beards at me for having a mouse for a friend ?" Cecil asked.

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A leading question

A leading question is worded in such a way that the person being asked it is compelled to reply with an answer the questioner wants. "Have you stopped beating your dog ?" is a leading question for the person must respond by either confessing or denying that he or she beats the dog.

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Left holding the bag

Kevin went to the beach with his friends. They dug up all kinds of things in the sand, but when one of the things proved difficult to deal with, they all ran away screaming. "They left me holding the bag," Kevin said. To be left holding the bag is to be given a difficult or awkward problem to deal with. "Everyone I was with seems to have disappeared," Kevin frowned.

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Like a cat on hot bricks

"Why's Terry so nervous today ?" Olive asked. "He's like a cat on hot bricks." Looking at his tender toes, Terry replied : "If you had to walk on garden walls without shoes, you'd be like a cat on hot bricks too !" A person described as acting like a cat on hot bricks is tense, excited, nervous or restless.

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Like a dog with two tails

When people are described as being or acting like a dog with two tails it is because they are exceedingly proud or happy -- particularly because they have done something special or achieved some kind of success. "Stuart is so proud and delighted, he's like a dog with two tails since his promotion.

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Look a picture

While to look a picture indicates that something or someone looks very pretty or attractive, it is often used humorously or sarcastically. "Don't you look a picture !" Billy's mother cried. "You've got chocolate ice cream all over your face !" ( Humorously/sarcastically.) "Isn't she lovely " Mariah looks a picture today." ( Attractive/pretty. )

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Make an exhibition of oneself

Robert's paintings are being exhibited at a famous art gallery. "I think I'll make an exhibition of myself, too." Robert said. What Robert doesn't seem to understand is that when people make exhibitions of themselves they behave foolishly in public. "Robert, you're being silly !" his wife cried. "Stop making such an exhibition yourself !"

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Make oneself scarce

When something is scarce, it is hard to find; there's not much of it around. When mother wants them to do some chores, there's not much of Clara and Albert around either. They make themselves scarce. that is, they hide or disappear. "Oh ! Here comes mother. Let's make ourselves scarce," Albert whispered.

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Make someone's head spin

When we feel dizzy, we say our heads spin. Metaphorically, when people say something makes their heads spin, it's because they're bewildered or confused. "It makes my head spin to think of the amount of work I have to do." "Charlton is so full of energy it makes my head spin just watching him play."

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A man-about-town

We see here two very dignified men-about-town. They are, of course, Joe and his nephew Anderson who know that a man-about-town is one who is sophisticated, worldly and socially active. "Uncle Joe is taking me to the theater with him," Anderson laughed. "I'm all dressed up like a man-about-town tonight."

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A marked man

Matthew is in the process of learning that a marked man is one whose conduct has made him the object of suspicion. In extreme cases, it could mean a man whose life is in danger. "You've been caught doing naughty things, Matthew," the guard said. "From now on, you're a marked man and I'll be watching."

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Marry money

Thanks to Henry, Sylvia will never again have to wonder how to pay her bills. Henry, you see, is a very rich man so she is about to marry money. This does not mean Sylvia doesn't love Henry; it simply means she is marrying someone who is very, very wealthy.

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A mine of information

While searching for material to write a report Maya discovered a book that proved to be a mine of information. Anything -- a book, a person -- that is a valuable source of information is a mine of information. A dictionary can be a mine of information. "My boss is a mine of information too," Maya said.

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A mixed bag

You'll find a strange collection in a mixed bag. It could be a varied group of people, ideas, objects ... just about anything. "That was a mixed bag of people at the conference." "This report is a mixed bag of opinions." "I didn't go to the market so we're having a mixed bag for supper tonight," Mother said.

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A money-spinner

Grandmother's hobby was knitting woolen scarfs, socks, sweaters and thins like that. People admired her work so much that she turned her hobby into a money-spinner and began selling her goods. A money-spinner is anything that earns money. "Grandmother's hobby became such a successful moneyspinner, I was able to retire," Grandfather smiled.

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No spring chicken

Idiomatically, a spring chicken is a young and inexperienced person -- male or female. It's more common, though, to refer to a woman who is no longer young as no spring chicken. "What ? Me wear a bikini to the beach ? You must be joking. I'm no spring chicken, you know," Mary laughed.

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Not one's piece of cake

If something is not one's piece of cake, it is something a person doesn't appreciate or is not particularly fond of doing. "I'm afraid Italian food isn't my piece of cake. I don't like it," Gerald said. "I'm not interested in selling so being a saleslady is not my piece of cake," Amelia said.

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On a shoestring

A shoestring is a shoelace. Because they are so common and, in particular, so cheap, a shoestring means a small amount of money. From that, to do something on a shoestring is to do it without spending much money. "We've been living on a shoestring since Tim lost his job," Tina said.

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A one-horse town

Long before cars, a one-horse town actually referred to a town so small that it had only one horse. It now refers to a small town in which nothing exciting happens. "I like living in this one-horse town," George said. "Everyone here knows and smiles at his neighbors."

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Out of the window

Brown was looking forward to a quiet dinner at home when his boss asked him to work overtime. "Well, there goes my evening at home out of the window," Brown sighed. When something -- an opportunity, a plan, etc. -- goes out of the window, it is gone. "If I didn't obey my boss, I'm sure my job would go out of the window," Brown said.

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Packed like sardines

Sardines are fish. The only way most of us ever see them is when we turn a key and find them in tin cans. Fin to fin and back to front, they are pressed in so tightly there's hardly room to turn. "The trains are so full during rush hour that we were packed like sardines."

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Part and parcel of something

In this expression the word "parcel" means a portion, share or section of something. When joined with the word "part", the idiom part and parcel of refers to a basic, necessary or natural part of something. "Being considerate and friendly iis part and parcel of my job," Max smiled.

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The pecking order

Chickens maintain order and establish rank by pecking each other. People too, group themselves and others into ranks of importance and we call that the pecking order. "Gregory has been with the firm for many years, so he's high up in the pecking order here. I'm new so I'm very low in the pecking order."

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A pillar of society

A pillar is an upright structure supporting a building. People described as pillars of society are leading figures contributing to the support and well-being of the society in which they live. "A director of the hospital and supporter of many charities, Mr. Smith is a pillar of society."

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Plain sailing

Long ago when it was thought the earth was flat, plane sailing was a method of navigating at sea by treating the earth as if it were a plane. Somehow the expression became plain sailing, and it means to proceed without difficulty. "Te storm's over. It should be plain sailing now, sir."

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Play ostrich

It was once thought that when an ostrich was in danger it hid its head in the ground believing that if it couldn't see anyone, no one could see it. That has led to the idea that if people refuse to face painful facts or unpleasant truths, they play ostrich. "Play" here means "to act like."

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A potboiler

A book, play or film written for the sole purpose of earning money for the author is called a potboiler. A combination of the words pot + boil + er, a potboiler is an inferior work done by the writer to keep his or her food pot boiling. "Reading a potboiler before bed helps me to sleep," Professor Lee said.

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A pretty kettle of fish

This expression refers to a mess, an awkward state of affairs, or a situation that is confused or unpleasant. It's also said as a messy kettle of fish. "Good Heavens, I left home and forgot to put the cat out ! The house will be a pretty kettle of fish by the time I get back !"

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Put someone in the picture

Winston thought it would be exciting and romantic to visit the African jungles. he wasn't aware that it could be dangerous, so I put him in the picture by telling him about the wild animals there. When we put someone in the picture we inform him or her of all the facts of a situation.

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A road hog

Drivers of automobiles who selfishly take up more space than necessary on roads and refuse to allow other drivers room to pass are road hogs. "Mr. Wilson should never be allowed to drive a car. He's a terrible road hog who seems to think he's driving the only car on the road."

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Rub salt into someone's wounds

We all know what it's like to accidentally get salt in a wound. It hurts ! It hurts too, when someone or something deliberately adds to our pain when we feel shame, regret or defeat. "Must you rub salt into my wounds by telling me how much fun I missed by not going to Tracy's party ?" Heather sighed

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Ruffle someone's feathers

If a bird's feathers are rubbed the wrong way, they stand up. We say the feathers are ruffled. Idiomatically, to ruffle someone's feathers is to annoy or upset someone. "It ruffles my feathers when people insist that I dress to please them instead of pleasing myself."

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Rule of thumb

To do something by rule of thumb is to follow a practical method which has proved successful or useful in the past. "It's a good rule of thumb to look up all unfamiliar words in your dictionaries." "As a rule of thumb I never go out when I have an examination the following day."

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Save one's bacon

To save one's bacon is to escape trouble or to save one's life. This idiom is frequently used light-heartedly. "So, you're late for work again," the boss frowned. "What excuse do you have to save your bacon this time ?" ( Escape trouble ) "During the fire I had to jump from the window to save my bacon," Roy said. ( Save one's life )

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Save one's skin

Because he's a snake, Simon can afford to lose his skin once a year. We can't, though, for "skin" is a colloquialism for one's life. Therefore, to save one's skin means to escape danger or save one's life. "When his boat sank, Tom saved his skin by clinging to a life preserver until a passing ship rescued him."

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See how the land lies

To sailors, this term means to see where their ship is when it's at sea. To us, it means to look at something carefully to learn everything possible about it before making a decision or taking action. "Jim has gone ahead to see how the land lies before deciding where to set up our camp for the night."

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Show someone the door

"Edna is such a terrible secretary I have decided to show her the door," Mr. Wilkin said. Idiomatically, to show someone the door is to tell him or her to leave a place. "I don't know why but the boss got angry and showed me the door today," Edna said as she put away her knitting and went home.

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A soap opera

Before television, daily radio serials were aimed at housewives and were sponsored primarily by manufacturers of soap products. That led to them being called soap operas. Today's sentimental, sensational and melodramatic radio and television serial dramas are still called soap operas. "DYNASTY and DALLAS are my favorite television soap operas."

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 13 AMERICAN IDIOMS

In the fullness of time

This expression ( it's found in the Bible at Galatians 4:4 ) means eventually; sometime in the future; or when the time is right. Whenever that time is, it certainly isn't now ! "In the fullness of time, I hope to be able to visit Europe." "If I study hard, in the fullness of time I should be able to get a degree in Civil Engineering." "In the fullness of time, Juliet will sell her house and buy an apartment." "In the fullness of time, i hope to fall in love, get married, and have a family," Nicolas said.

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A / The gutter press

"It's a real honor to be able to sell papers for the The Daily Blah," Fred smiled. That startled me because everyone knows that The Daily Blah is a gutter press newspaper. Then Fred laughed. "I know that, I was only kidding you," he said. A / the gutter press refers to a type of newspaper that publishes scandal and gossip. "And very little news," Fred added

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Ahead of one's time

The way Ray dresses confuses his father. He wears strange clothes and has an even stranger haircut. "Why do you dress like that ?" his father asked. "Because, dad, I'm ahead of my time," Ray replied. to be ahead of one's time is to be very modern, very advanced. "Is there such a thing as being too far ahead of one's time ?" his father asked.

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A backhanded compliment

Ronald has lost his title as the strongest man in the world. He's now congratulating the man who won ... but as you can see he's giving him a backhanded compliment. This is a remark that sounds like a compliment but its' said sarcastically. "Well done. I should have done better," The ex-champion said, offering a backhanded compliment.

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A big noise

Gertrude's boss isn't called a big noise without a reason ! when he's upset, his employees sure know about it ! That isn't the only reason he's called a big noise, though, for a big noise is any important person in a position of authority. "Isn't it an honor to work for such a big noise ?" Gertrude asked her co-worker.

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Birthday suit

Today is little Jonathan's birthday. In his eagerness to see what gifts await him, he has rushed from his bedroom wearing nothing but his birthday suit ! In the event that you don't know it, to be in one's birthday suit is to be absolutely naked. Happy birthday, dear Jonathan !

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Bless someone's little cotton socks

Though this colloquial expression used to be addressed only to children, it's now used -- informally, of course -- to wish someone well or to thank them. "How nice of you to do the dishes. Bless your little cotton socks," "Well, goodbye and bless your little cotton socks, Joe. i hope you enjoy your trip.

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A blind spot

"Whenever I bring up the subject of our moving to a new apartment you become stubborn and refuse to discuss it," Millie's husband complained. "You have a blind spot about moving." The next day Millie had her eyes examined and learned that a blind spot refers to a matter or topic a person refuses -- or is unwilling -- to accept, discuss or understand.

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Break a butterfly on a wheel

The "wheel" was an ancient instrument of torture. It has given us this rather old expression meaning to use more force or energy than necessary to accomplish a simple task. "I've got to punish Gertrude for not studying but I don't want to break a butterfly on a wheel by being too severe with her," her mother said.

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Bring out the big guns

The mice are tired of Chadwick giving them trouble. now that he's asleep they're seizing the opportunity to bring out the big guns to show him who's boss. To bring out the big guns is to make use of a concealed plan to defeat an opponent in an argument or in a game, debate or competition.

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A burning question

The last time you were asked a burning question, did you see smoke and fire coming from it ? I doubt it, for a burning question simply describes a question of great interest or importance. "The burning question is who will win the beauty contest ?" "The burning question is this : where were you tonight ?"

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Burst one's buttons

Colloquially, the word "bust" is often used instead of the word "burst", as in this expression which means to be proud. When we are proud we stick out our chests. If we stick them out too far our buttons might pop off ! "I thought I was going to bust my buttons when I was given a medal," Fred smiled.

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Bring someone to account

"I find you have a good record but I must call you to account for once helping an old lady across the street, " Ken's new boss said. To bring someone to account is to ask people to explain their reasons for doing something. Usually they have done something wrong so they are being blamed.

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Get some shut-eye

"I have an important meeting tomorrow so I'm going to bed to get some shut-eye, " Luke said. Once in bed, he tossed and turned. "I wish I could catch some shut-eye," he said. "Even a little shut-eye would be better than none !" What Luke is saying is that he'd like to get some sleep.

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The cat's pyjamas

Carrick has just returned from a visit to his tailor. He's examining a new suit he had ordered. "It's great ! It's super ! It's the latest fashion 1 " he cried. "It's the cat's pyjamas." What he means is that the suit is very nice. "I'll look the cat's pyjamas in it, " Carrick grinned. That means he thinks he'll look wonderful.

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Come down on someone like a ton of bricks

It's unfortunate but people can come down on someone, or something, like a ton of bricks. When Clement was late for work, his supervisor came down on him like a ton of bricks. When Clement gave a weak excuse for being late, his supervisor came down on it like a ton of bricks. In both instances the supervisor was directing the full force of his anger at Clement. "I've had a miserable day," Clement said.

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Corner the market in something

In this expression the word "corner" means to have control of enough of something -- it could be anything that is bought and sold -- to be able to manipulate ( control ) its price. It's the same as having a monopoly. "Now, if I could just corner the market in sand, I'd get rich !" Winston laughed.

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Do someone a good turn

"You've done a number of favors for me," Brewster said, "so allow me to do you a good turn. Let me take you out to lunch today." Slightly dizzy, Brewster's friend agreed. He hadn't expected Brewster to do him a good turn. To do someone a good turn is to do something nice or helpful for someone.

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Dot the i's and cross the t's

We see in this illustration a perfect example of someone who did not dot the i's and cross the t's. This means to be careful, thorough, and to pay close attention to details. "Charles ! You placed the letters backwards in this idiom ! You must be careful to dot the i's and cross the t's when you draw your illustrations."

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Down the hatch

A hatch is a small door. Colloquially, a person's throat is called a hatch. That's why when people are celebrating and drinking together you frequently see them lifting their glasses and saying, "Down the hatch." That means "let's drink". "I propose a salute to Penelope's success," someone shouted. "Down the hatch."

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Drown one's sorrow

It's obvious that Timothy has a broken heart : it's beside him on the table ! Now he's trying to drown his sorrows. When people drown their sorrows, they drink lots of alcohol in an attempt to forget their pain, problems or unhappiness. "You can't drown your sorrows, Timothy. You must face them boldly like a man ... er, I mean like a mouse."

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Fish in troubled waters

To fish in troubled waters is to take advantage of a troubled or confused situation to seek personal gains or rewards. "The recent storms have caused confusion and flooding in parts of the city," Fergus said. "That has given me a perfect opportunity to try my luck fishing in muddy waters," he grinned.

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Flat as a pancake

One day Penelope saw a picture of the North Pole. "Why, it's flat as a pancake there," she exclaimed. Later in the kitchen cooking breakfast she heard a thump. Looking down she saw her father on the floor. "Heavens, he's flat as a pancake !" she cried. When something is flat as a pancake it is very level or very flat.

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A flea market

"I knew it would be a mistake to bring you here," Mike scolded her cat. "Whenever I take you to a flea market you get nervous and start scratching." Mike's cat shouldn't get upset for a flea market is simply a name given to an outdoor market where secondhand articles and antiques are sold.

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Live in a fool's paradise

A fool's paradise is a state of unreal happiness, and people who live in a fool's paradise are deceiving themselves : their happiness or trust is based on false information or a misunderstanding of the truth. " You're living in a a fool's paradise if you think you can finish school without studying," the teacher warned.

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From China to Peru

A quick look at a map of the world will show you that Peru is a long, long way from China. It's for that reason that the expression from China to Peru means "all over the world". "Products made in Hong Kong can be found from China to Peru." "Ken's reputation for honesty is known from China to Peru."

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Filled with the milk of human kindness

"What a truly generous little kid you are," Ryan grinned. "You are indeed filled with the milk of human kindness." An authority on the works of Shakespeare, Ryan is praising the child with a quotation from Macbeth ( Act 1, scene 5 ) that means to be full of generosity, sympathy, affection and goodwill towards others.

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Gallows humor

It's not likely that a criminal being walked to a gallows to be hanged would find much to laugh about. That's why gallows humor refers to jokes that make fun of a very serious matter. "How can you children joke when our school's burning down ? That's gallows humor," the teacher frowned.

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Get on a stick

Witches are smart. When they want to get to a particular place in a hurry, they don't take a bus; they get on a stick and fly there. When we get on a stick, we act or move in a hurry. "I'll have to get on a stick or I'll be late for dinner," Teddy said.

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Get one's head shrunk

Many people find that discussing their problems with a psychiatrist or a psychologist ( colloquially, "a head shrinker" ) helps to improve their well-being. Their minds ( their heads ) feel better. From that, a person visiting a psychiatrist or a psychologist is getting his or her head shrunk. "I go to Dr. Vincent twice a week to get my head shrunk," Lionel said.

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Go to pot

When Harry went on holiday her plants went to pot. When anything goes to pot -- and that includes people -- its condition declines, usually due to neglect. "I foolishly let my plants go to pot," Harry said. "This neighborhood is going to pot," Victor complained. "I'll go to pot if I don't stop eating so much," Cindy said.

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A grass widow

A grass widow is a married woman who is either separated from her husband or -- and this is usually the way the idiom is used -- whose husband is away from home much of the time. "Poor Beth, she's a grass widow now that her husband has begun playing golf. It seems he spends most of his time at the golf club instead of at home."

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Hang up one's boots

Miss Betty has worked at the same desk at the GG Company for thirty-two years. "It's time I hung up my boots," she said, and with that she marched up to the boss and turned in her resignation. To hang up one's boots is a colloquialism that means to quit doing something or, in particular, to retire.

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Have a ball

Before being sent to prison Carl drove big cars and ate in expensive restaurants. No one knew where he got his money but he was certainly having a ball. When the judge sentenced him to prison he said, " I hope you have a ball, Carl. " To have a ball is to have a wonderful time.

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Have a frog in one's throat

To have a frog in one's throat shouldn't cause alarm for it happens to all of us at one time or another. It happens when our ability to speak clearly is interrupted ( usually temporarily ) by mucus in our throats. "Excuse me," the hippo gulped. "I seem to have a frog in my throat today."

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Have a memory like a sieve

A sieve is a utensil with many fine holes. A person accused of having a memory like a sieve is either unable to retain information or is very forgetful. "I'll never learn French; I have a memory like a sieve." "I have a head like a sieve today. I've forgotten where I parked my car."

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Have kittens

Lucky ( that's the name of my dog ) is having kittens ! Meow ( that's the name of my cat ) has gone out and has left him to take care of her children. To have kittens is to be nervous, anxious or angry. In Lucky's case he's all three of those things.

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Have one's head screwed on backwards

People accused of having their heads screwed on backwards lack sense. They behave in strange ways or do silly things. "You must have your head screwed on backwards to go on a picnic today. It's raining !" "Alvin is so sensible. No one could accuse him of having his head screwed on backwards."

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Have the constitution of an ox

In this expression, the word "constitution" means the whole physical and mental composition of a person. That's why people who have the constitution of an ox possess an amazing amount of strength, particularly in being able to work hard or to overcome misfortune. "Albert recovered from his illness quickly. He must have the constitution of an ox."

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Have the devil's own time

Douglas is having the devil's own time getting used to his new job. It's more troublesome than he imagined. To have the devil's own time means to go through a difficult and drawn-out struggle. "I also have the devil's own time trying to get home in the evening rush-hour traffic," Douglas said.

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A head shrinker

Feeling depressed, Roth visited his physician. "I think a frank talk with a head shrinker might benefit you," the doctor said. "I'll send you to a shrink I know." You can imagine how relieved Roth was when he learned a head shrinker ( often shortened to a shrink ) isn't a witch doctor : it's a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

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Hold out an olive branch

Clive has been discovered having a snack in a place where he shouldn't be. Matt is angry, of course, but Clive hopes to correct that for he's holding out an olive branch. Because an olive branch is an ancient symbol of friendship, this expression means to seek peace. "I'm waving an olive branch," Clive mumbled. "Let's be friends."

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Horsefeathers

Everyone knows that horses do not have feathers. That, I imagine, is why this interjection is used to express disbelief. "Horsefeathers 1 I don't believe a word of your excuse," the boss said. the word also expresses discontent. "Oh, horsefeathers 1 I've just missed my bus, " Richard complained.

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In Dutch

Oh, oh 1 Max has miscalculated again and he's in Dutch. I'm glad I'm not Max because to be in Dutch is to be in serious trouble. "I'm in Dutch with my wife. I forgot to buy her a birthday gift." "I'm frustrated," Max said. "I'm always doing the wrong thing and getting in Dutch.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 12 AMERICAN IDIOMS

On tenterhooks

Wait anxiously for something

 

A : I heard that you went to a haunted house and took photos of ghost.

B: Yes, I took them straight to the chemist and was on tenterhooks all week waiting for them to be developed.

A : How exciting ! So now you have proof that ghosts exist.

B : No. Unfortunately the chemist threw them away. He said that every one had a strange white shape on it and so he thought I wouldn't want them.

 

This expression comes from the traditional method of cloth-making. Part of the process involved drying the cloth by stretching it over a wooden frame and securing it with hooks which were called tenterhooks. The cloth was stretched as much as possible so that it was under very great tension. The expression used today compares the tension of the cloth to the tension felt when one is very anxious.

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Buff

A person who is devoted to a particular subject and therefore knows a lot about it / a knowledgeable enthusiast

 

A : My son Fred goes to the cinema every night. He hasn't missed a day for three years.

B : How interesting, I didn't know your son was a film buff.

A : He doesn't know anything at all about films -- he works in the box office selling tickets !

 

The word originated in the last century in New York City where amateur fire-fighters helped the official firemen to put out blazes. The amateur enthusiasts were called buffs because of their coats which were made out of  buff leather. This was a pale yellow leather made from buffalo hide. Today its meaning has widened so that one can use it to describe people who are interested in may different subjects; you  could meet a wine buff, a music buff, a football buff or a chess buff for example.

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Buttonhole someone

Talk to someone who does not want to listen

 

A : How was the party ?

B : Not very good. A dreadful young man buttonholed me and told me his life story. It took two hours !

A : Never mind, it could have been worse. He could have been an old man and then it would have taken even longer !

 

This verb was originally to buttonhold and meant to hold on to the buttons of someone' coat. The idea was to sell goods to a reluctant customer by stopping him from walking away ! Over the years the verb has become buttonhole and its meaning has grown to include talking to someone on any subject which the listener does not want to hear.

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Catch someone on the hop

Catch someone unprepared/ surprise someone

 

A : Debble had a baby a week after marrying Derek Dim. Derek didn't even know his wife was pregnant.

B : Yes, the baby caught him on the hop -- he thought Debble was just very fat.

 

The hop is a flower which is used in the brewing of beer and is traditionally grown in the county of Kent in south-east England. Just after the second World War, hop-picking was a popular holiday for working-class Londoners as it was often the only chance they had to enjoy the countryside. It was a cheap family holiday which lasted the whole summer. Unfortunately, most men worked in jobs which gave only a few days holiday a year, and so they had to invent an excuse in order to go hop-picking. Sometimes the employer discovered the truth and caught a man on the hop, or in other words, caught him picking hops.

 

It is very common to use this expression in the passive. For example, Make sure everything is ready well in advance otherwise you will be caught on the hop.

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Cliffhanger

A dramatic or frightening moment when one does not know what will happen next

 

A : The captain announced the ship had hit something and was sinking. There was only one hour to get all the passengers and crew into the lifeboats. No one was sure if it could be done -- it was a real cliffhanger.

B : How terrifying. Who could have expected such a disaster ?

A : Well I must admit I was a little suspicious when I first boarded the ship and found it was called The Titanic.

 

The American actress Pearl White starred in a TV series called "The Perils of Pauline". Each episode would end with Pauline in a dangerous situation so that the audience would want to watch the next one to see what happened. In one episode Pauline was hanging on the edge of a cliff and this inspired the expression. Cliffhangers and cliffhanger endings are still used in TV drama series today. the expression can also describe situations in real life which are dramatic and uncertain.

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Give someone short shrift

Give someone very little of one's time due to impatience or annoyance

 

A : When Mrs. Tomlin takes her cat to the vet he spends ages with her, but when I go he gives me short shrift.

B : Perhaps he likes Mrs. Tomlin's cat better than yours.

A : But I haven't got a cat, I've got a poisonous snake !

 

In the Middle Ages a prisoner who had been condemned to death was allowed a short time to confess to a priest before the execution. The Old English word for confession was shrift and so short shrift was the short confession that the prisoner made in order to receive forgiveness from God.

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Heath Robinson

Strange-looking/appearing to be homemade or improvised ( used about machinery/vehicles )

 

A : Bob's father wouldn't buy him a VW for his birthday so Bob built himself a Heath Robinson car out of a bath, a motor bike engine and six bicycle wheels ! He was really pleased with the result.

B : But surely it wasn't as good as a VW car.

A : No it wasn't, but Bob's father was so embarrassed every time his son drove around in it that he agreed to buy him a proper car !

 

W Heath Robinson was a British artist who lived from 1872 to 1944. He became famous for his incredible cartoon drawings about inventors and their mad inventions. Today his name has entered the English language to describe any machinery or contraption which looks like part of one of his cartoons.

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Hobson's choice

A situation in which there appears to be a choice when actually there is none at all

 

A : Have you been to that chic new restaurant yet ? I've seen the menu and there seems to be lots of delicious food.

B : Take my advice -- don't go. The menu looks very varied but it's always Hobson's choice. They never have anything available but fish and chips !

 

This expression was inspired by an Englishman called Thomas Hobson who lived in Cambridge during the early 17th century. He earned his living by working as  aliveryman, hiring out horses to many of the university students. To make sure that every horse was used equally Hobson invented a special system. when a customer came to the stables, Hobson insisted that he chose the horse nearest the door. So although there were in theory many horses to choose from, in reality there was only one choice !

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One for the road

One last drink, usually alcoholic, before leaving a pub, house etc

 

A : It's a pity you have to leave the party so soon. If you're not in a hurry how about one for the road ?

B : Yes of course I can stay a little longer.

A : Great. I've just invented a special cocktail. It's warm beer mixed with orange juice, whisky and strawberry jam !

B : Err ... Actually I think I'll go now. I've just realised that I forgot to fed the cat. Goodbye !

In London during the Middle Ages, prisoners who were condemned to death would be taken from the Old Bailey prison ( now law courts ) to Tyburn ( now Marble Arch ). The journey was along the straight road from the City to the West End in a wagon pulled by a horse. Before leaving, it was traditional fro the prisoners to visit the pub opposite the Old Bailey. In the pub, the Magpie and Stump, they could have a large glass of beer or one for the road. The prisoners would arrive at Tyburn drunk and therefore would not worry about the execution to come !

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Sour grapes

Bitter comments about something which one wants but cannot have

 

A : That's a beautiful salmon you've caught. It must weigh over five kilos ! Are you going to have it for dinner ?

B : Well I was, but when I showed it to Mr. Surly he told me it was diseased and that it would be dangerous to eat.

A : Don't listen to him -- it's just sour grapes. He's fished in that river for years and he's never caught anything larger than an old boot !

Aesop, the ancient Greek author wrote one of his many fables about a fox. The fox tries to reach a bunch of delicious grapes which is just out of his reach. After trying for many hours he eventually gives up. As he walks away he says to himself that the grapes are not worth having because they are probably sour. Of course the fox only has this opinion because he cannot have them -- his opinion is just sour grapes. Remember that the expression is never used in the singular ( sour grape ).

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Steal someone's thunder

Spoil the effect of someone's actions or words by doing the same or better first

 

A : In December I decided to wear a big hat with the words HAPPY CHRISTMAS on it. I thought that it would surprise everyone when I walked into the local bank.

B : And did it ?

A : Not at all ! I found that they'd stolen my thunder. The cashiers were in special fancy dress costumes -- even the bank manager was dressed as Charlie Chaplin ! so no one even noticed me !

This expression was first used by an English playwright called John Dennis who lived at the beginning of the 18th century. For one of his plays h invented a way to create the noise of thunder. Although the play itself was a disaster and soon closed, everyone loved the thunder sound effect ! It was used by others so much that Dennis said, 'Damn them ! They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder'.

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Toe the line

Obey orders/accept the policy or ideas of a group

 

A : My friends are going on a protest march in Trafalgar Square. They say it's very important and they expect me to come too. The problem is, I don't really want to.

B : Don't worry. You don't have to toe the line. Just tell your friends you're going to do something else. What's the march about anyway ?

A : Human rights !

This expression comes from the House Of Commons, in the British Parliament, where two red lines are painted on the floor separating the members of the government from the opposition. A Member of Parliament who speaks is allowed to stand on the line but not to cross it. Originally the lines were set two sword lengths apart at a time when the MPs were allowed to take weapons into the room. If two MPs from opposing sides drew their swords they wouldn't be able to touch each other without crossing the line and breaking the rules of the House.

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Underdog

Someone who is almost certain to fail / lose a competition / argument / war etc

 

A : Kevin Klumsy is the British entry at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this year. He'll be the underdog as usual.

B : Why do you say that ? He might win !

A : Well, for a start he's very shortsighted and has a wooden leg !

An underdog can be a person, animal or country. A common way of using it is in the expression support the underdog. One theory about its origin is that it came from the time when dogfighting was popular. The dog who was strongest was called the top dog ( which can be used of people today ) and the animal who was more likely to lose was called the under dog.

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Upset the applecart

Spoil a plan, arrangement or expected course of events

 

A : Did you go to Veronica Vain's wedding ? I heard it was going to be the most spectacular social event of the year.

B : Yes it was. On the morning of the wedding the groom upset the applecart by saying he couldn't go through with the marriage and wanted it all stopped.

A : Oh no ! What happened to the bride ?

B : Well, Veronica didn't want to disappoint the guests or waste the huge cake, so she married me instead !

In the days when apples were taken to market in a cart along badly-made roads, it was easy for one of the cartwheels to become stuck in a hole. This would cause the cart to tip up or be upset unexpectedly and spill the apples on the ground. It is this image which is captured in the expression which is used today. Inanimate things as well as people can upset applecarts. For example, The discovery upset the applecart. or His opinion upset the applecart. It is also common to use an adjective to make the phrase more informative. For example, upset the financial applecart or upset the domestic applecart.

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White elephant

Something which is expensive but useless / something which is costly to keep and has no apparent benefit

 

A : I don't like my brother so when my uncle died and left him his MG sports car in his will, I was really pleased.

B : That's funny ! Weren't you jealous ?

A : No, not at all. You see the car is a complete white elephant; it uses an enormous amount of petrol and breaks down all the time. It's costing my brother a fortune.

This expression comes from Thailand where a long time ago there was a custom which the king would follow. every time a white elephant was born in the country, the king would claim the rare animal immediately and keep it for himself. However if someone made the king angry or displeased him he would give the white elephant to that person. the reason was that the elephant was very expensive to look after and so would very quickly ruin the person who had annoyed the king.

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Bimbo

A young woman who is not very intelligent but is particularly attractive

 

A : Frank's new wife Marie looks exactly like the film star Marilyn Monroe. She's got blonde hair and always wears sexy clothes.

B : She sounds like a bimbo to me. I thought frank preferred intellectual women. What do they talk about ?

A : Marie is certainly not a bimbo -- she's very brainy and works as a scientist. Most of the time they talk about nuclear physics !

This word was originally used in America in the first part of this century. It was short for the Italian bambino meaning baby. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the word became popular again and found its new meaning of an attractive but stupid young woman. A variation is himbo which can be sued to describe a man with similar characteristics.

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Buzzword

A new word or expression which is fashionable

 

A : I've just started work in a record company and I can't understand a word anyone there says.

B : Well there are so many buzzwords in the music industry, it takes time to learn them all.

A : No that's not the problem. It's because they play music so loudly, I can't hear anyone speak !

Examples of Sixties buzzwords are cool and groovy ( very good, enjoyable ); examples of Eighties buzzwords are street cred ( in touch with fashion/ideas/opinions of the young people ) and power dressing ( dressing in clothes which indicate authority/power ) and examples of Nineties buzzwords are green ( not harmful to the environment ) and ozone-friendly ( not harmful to the ozone-layer which protects the earth from the sun ). Buzzwords often go out of fashion very quickly.

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Culture shock

Feeling uncomfortable in a strange country or place because of the different habits and way of life

 

A : Bobby is nine years old and has lived in London all his life. When his parents took him to the countryside for the first time it was a complete culture shock.

B : What was he most surprised by ?

A : The cows. He'd thought that milk came from bottles !

This expression refers to any environment which is new and very different from one's own, and is therefore a shock.

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Flagship

Something which represents the best that can be offered

 

A : The 'beard tax' was the flagship of the last government. They said it was an important contribution to society. I agree with them.

B : But nobody likes new taxes and a tax on men's beards seems very unfair. Why do you agree with them ?

A : Because it was so unpopular they lost the next election !

A flagship is the most important ship in a fleet. The expression can now be used to describe the most important or prestigous item of a series or group. For example, a radio program, department store or publication can be a flagship.

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Flavor of the month

Currently popular / famous for a short while

 

A : Harry used to have no friends but now people phone him all the time to invite him to the pub.

B : Why is he suddenly flavor of the month ?

A : Because he's started paying for everyone's drinks !

This expression is thought to come from American ice-cream parlors which promote a different flavor every month. another variation is flavor of the week which refers to something which is popular or famous for an even shorter time !

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Ghetto blaster

A type of portable cassette player which can play music extremely loudly

 

A : My grandmother moves music but she's getting deaf and couldn't hear her record player very well. She's solved the problem now.

B : What did she do -- buy a hearing aid ?

A : No. A ghetto blaster.

This expression came from America and became popular during the 1980s. Ghetto means a poor, urban area and blast means an explosion -- in this case of noisy music. They are popular with young men, who carry them around in city streets ( often in deprived areas ). The volume is designed to impress other people rather than to entertain.

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Headhunt

Fill a vacancy for a job by directly approaching someone who is already working for another company

 

A : I'm worried about my job. All the people who have held this post before me have been headhunted.

B : Why are you worried ? All people who are good at their job are headhunted.

A : Yes I know. The problem is that I've been working here for five years and not a single headhunter has approached me !

This expression usually refers to the treatment of very highly paid executives, often heads of departments within companies. Someone who looks for candidates for executive jobs is a headhunter.

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High-flyer

An exceptionally talented professional person who receives rapid promotion

 

A : Jamie is a high-flyer who works in an advertising company. Last week he announced that he was going to give it all up and become a farmer.

B : I suppose he realized there are more important things than money. When is he leaving the company ?

A : He's not. His boss was so worried about losing him that he gave him a $30,000 pay rise and Jamie has decided to stay.

This expression always refers to people who have exceptional ability in a particular field and therefore rise very quickly through an organization.

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Nightmare scenario

The most awful series of events that can be imagined

 

A : I'm very worried about nuclear weapons. If every country has them I don't see how we can avoid the nightmare scenario of a world war which destroys the whole Earth. There's only one solution.

B : What's that ?

A : Move to another planet !

This expression was first used during the Gulf War in 1991. The Americans and their allies were using military force against Iraq, which had occupied its neighbor Kuwait. according to the Americans, the nightmare scenario was the possibility of Iraq retreating very quickly from Kuwait without being defeated. This would mean that the Iraqi army would still be powerful and able to attack against the future.

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Sell-by date

The point at which something is no longer at its best and is beginning a natural decline

 

A : Most footballers are past their sell-by date at thirty-five but Bobby is still a brilliant player. In his last match he scored four times -- here was only one problem.

B : What was that ?

A : They were own goals !

This term was first used during the early 1970s to indicate when a food product should be sold. the sell-by date is printed on edible products in shops so that the consumer can check their freshness. Food which is past its sell-by date cannot legally be sold.

Today the expression is also used in a wider, and slightly humorous, way to describe anything which is past its best, or anyone -- as in the example above.

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Gobbledegook

Complicated / obscure / meaningless language ( written or spoken )

 

A : My solicitor has sent me a letter which says something about $450 ! The problem is that he's used so much jargon I can't understand it. I really hate gobbledegook -- can you help ?

B : Yes of course. I used to be a solicitor myself so I'm sure I can tell you what it means. Let's ..... Yes, he says that you owe him $450.

A : Are you sure ? Oh dear. I don't want to understand goobledegook.

This word was invented by Maury Maverick, an American politician. He was very tired of language which was unnecessarily complicated and hard to understand and so decided to think of a name to describe it. In English the sound a turkey makes is gobble and the image of this stupid bird making a sound no one can understand gave Maverick the idea fro gobbledegook.

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Hotchpotch

A mixture of different things or ideas which do not go together

 

A : I hate writing reports but my boss says I should do more. What do you think of the latest one I've done ?

B : To be honest it's a hotchpotch of ideas and opinions. I don't think your boss will like it at all.

A : That's wonderful. It means she'll never ask me to write one again !

The origin of the word is hotchpot which comes from the French hochepot which was used to describe a dish made of a mixture of lots of different ingredients. An alternative form of this word is hodgepodge which has an identical meaning.

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Humdrum

Boring / ordinary / repetitive

 

A : Betty Boring leads a really humdrum life. She spends twelve hours a day at the factory, putting chocolates into boxes. At the weekends she stays at home and watches television all day.

B : That sounds very depressing. Why does she look so happy all the time ?

A : Betty says it's because she's a humdrum person.

The origin of this word is a mystery but it is thought to have a connection with hum which can describe a continuous unchanging sound and therefore imply that something is monotonous or uninteresting.

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Hurly-burly

Intense, noisy activity

 

A : My grandmother goes to Morello Market everyday. She's there when it opens and doesn't leave until it closes.

B : Yes I've heard that it's a very good market. It's very busy with lots of stalls selling everything from food to antiques. does your grandmother go early so that she can buy the best things ?

A : No she doesn't buy anything. she only goes because she enjoys the hurly-burly !

This expression is based on the word hurling ( now meaning throwing with force ) which once described the sound of thunder and strong wind. It was originally rhymed with the nonsense word burling in the phrase hurling and burling before it developed to its present from.

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Mumbo-jumbo

Language, ideas, beliefs which are either too complicated and difficult to understand or nonsensical

 

A : I met a scientist last week who explained Einstein's 'Theory of Relativity' to me.

B : I've always been interested in that. What's it all about then ?

A : I don't know. He talked a lot of mumbo-jumbo about space and time and I didn't understand a word !

When British merchants visited West Africa in the 18th century, they discovered tribes who worshipped a god called Mama Dyumbo. Because they didn't believe in the god themselves, the merchants thought that the Africans' religion was silly and meaningless. They called it mumbo-jumbo ( their pronunciation of Mama Dyumbo ) and the expression became part of the English language.

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Namby-pamby

Weak sentimental

 

A : My boyfriend says that he wants me to give up smoking. He says that I must choose between him and cigarettes. Do you think he'd be happy if I just smoked less ?

B : No, I don't think so. You need to be brave and make a clear decision. It's no good being namby-pamby.

A : Yes you're right. I'll tell my boyfriend that I can't see him anymore !

Ambrose Phillips was an 18th century writer and politician who liked to write poetry. Unfortunately he was not very good ! Another writer, called Henry Carey, gave Ambrose the nickname Namby-Pamby after he wrote a very sentimental poem for Lord Carteret's children. Over the years the nickname has become part of the English language and can be sued to describe a person or action which is feeble.

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Pooh-pooh

Completely turn down / treat with contempt an idea or suggestion without further consideration or discussion

 

A : I asked my parents if I could go to Australia with my friends but they pooh-poohed the idea. They said that I wasn't old enough to travel so far on my own.

B : How did you change their mind ?

A : I told them I'd pay for the trip myself !

One of the first known appearances of this word was in Shakespeare's play, 'Hamlet' in the form puh ; 'Affection, puh ! You speake like a greene girle.' During the 17th century the word became a double word -- pooh-pooh -- in order to provide greater emphasis.

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Riff-raff

Undesirable and untrustworthy people who are of a low social class

 

A : Would you like to go to the Queen's Head pub ?

B : I don't think so. It seems to attract all kinds of riff-raff. Why on earth do you want to go ?

A : I'm meeting my friends there !

 

This word is normally used to refer to a group of people. Its origin is the Old French expression rif et raf which meant everyone / one and all.

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Slapdash

Inefficient / of a low standard

 

A : I paid two decorators to paint my flat. What do you think ?

B : It looks like a really slapdash job to me -- I think you should ask for your money back. They obviously aren't very experienced.

A : But they must have lots of experience -- they are both over ninety years old !

This word is based on the phrase a slap and a dash. The verbs slap and dash both indicate hurry and communicate the idea of not being careful.

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Tit for tat

An unpleasant action given in return for one received

 

A : Andrew was furious when I got the job which he wanted. He came round to my house with a ladder in the middle of the night to splash red paint over my windows.

B : That's outrageous. If I were you I would go round to his house and pour paint over his car.

A : No, I don't believe in tit for tat. Anyway Andrew fell off the ladder and broke his leg -- so now he's even more angry !

In the 16th century tip and tap both meant a hit or a blow. The expression tip for tap therefore meant a blow in exchange for a blow. Over the time the spelling has altered to the current tit for tat.

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Topsy-turvy

Chaotic / upside down; reversed / having changed places

 

A : When we returned home from holiday last night we found everything was topsy-turvy. Books and furniture had been thrown around, plates and glasses had been smashed -- the flat was a complete mess.

B : Oh my goodness, you must ell the police immediately that you've been burgled.

A : But it wasn't a burglary. Our daughter had thrown a party for her friends while we were away !

This expression comes from two words, top and the Old English verb terve which meant turn or turn over.

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Whodunnit

A detective novel or play

 

A : My Aunt Nellie loves to read whodunnits so I send her an Agatha Christle each birthday. She's read about so many murders over the years she must be an expert by now.

B : Yes I'm sure. How is her husband, Uncle George ? Do you send him presents as well ?

A : Now that's strange. You know I haven't heard from him for ages.

This expression is an abbreviation of the question 'Who has done it ?' This of course means' Who did the murder ?' All crime novels and plays contain this puzzle which the reader attempts to solve.

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Brouhaha

Loud noises due to intense activity or a long and heated argument

 

A : What's the matter with Harry ? He's in such a bad mood.

B : Oh, there's been a bit of a brouhaha because I left a tube of glue in the bathroom.

A : What's so awful about that ?

B : He mistook it for toothpaste and brushed his teeth with it !

The French word imitates a loud noise : it sounds like the noise it is describing. The use of the sound of  word to imitate what the word refers to is called onomatopieia.

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Carte blanche

Freedom to decide everything / anything

 

A : The new art gallery is certain to look awful. I've heard that the architects, 'Devastating Designs', have been given carte blanche.

B : Some modern architecture is very attractive -- so it might not look as bad as you think. What was their last building like ?

A : A rabbit hutch !

This French expression literally means blank sheet of paper. It originated from the military tradition of giving a blank piece of paper to the leader of a beaten army. The leader had to sign his name on the paper so that the victors could write above it all the conditions which they wanted. Obviously anything could be written so the defeated side were giving the victors carte blanche.

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Tete-a-tete

A private / intimate conversation between just two people

 

A : I don't like Chris -- he has no sense of humor.

B : That's rubbish. I saw you having a tete-a-tete with him last night. You looked really amused.

A : Yes I know. Just before he sat down next to me I noticed there was a great lump of chewing gum on the chair !

This French expression literally means head to head. It describes the tendency for two people to lean their heads near to each other when talking so that others cannot hear.

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Tear someone off a strip

Talk to someone angrily

 

A : The next time I see Charlie I'm going to tear him of a strip. I lent him a book called 'Improve Your Memory' and he hasn't given it back. He's had it for over a year now.

B : Why doesn't he return it ?

A : He says he keeps forgetting.

This is based on the Old English verb tear which meant rage/ be violently angry. As is quite common in the evolution of a word, it has become confused with the more modern version, nowadays tear means pull apart/rip.

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Wind someone up

Tease someone

 

A : My goodness, there's a huge black insect on your head. It's got five pairs of eyes and hairy legs.

B : How horrible ! Please get it off me ! Quickly !

A : No don't worry, I'm winding you up. There's nothing there at all.

The expression comes from the action of winding up a clock in order to make it go. The idea of being in control is carried over to its slang use. One can control or affect the behavior of a person by winding him up.

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Bete noire

Something or someone one hates / detests

 

A : Gardening never stops; every day something has to be done -- weeding, pruning, digging, planting ...

B : Yes, I can see you work really hard; the garden looks beautiful.

A : Actually gardening is my bete noire so I never do any. I pay my gardener, Mr. Rake, to do it all for me !

This expression literally means black beast in French. The plural form in English is bete noires.

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Faux pas

Embarrassing social mistake

 

A : I had a drink with our new neighbor, Mrs. Zambuni. We talked about all sorts of things, even politics. I said that all politicians were liars and should be put in prison !

B : Oh dear you've made a huge faux pas. Her father has been a Member of Parliament for twenty-five years !

 

Meaning false step, this French expression only describes mistakes which are made in a social situation, for example, at a meeting or party.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 11 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Penny wise, dollar foolish

In the money sense, this describes someone who is cautious about spending small amounts of money but is reckless when spending large amounts. In a non-money sense, this describes someone who is careful in small matters but incautious when tending to larger matters. "Paul is penny wise and dollar foolish in both senses of this expression !"

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Play a waiting game

In a situation or an activity in which a person plays a waiting game, he withholds action -- or actions -- until his chances for success improve or seem certain. "Tony would like to be team captain. Meanwhile, he's playing a waiting game hoping the coach will recognize his great talent."

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Play possum

The possum ( or oppossum ) is a small animal that pretends to be dead when it is threatened. People play possum when they hide from unpleasant things or avoid responsibilities by pretending they know nothing about them, " We can't play possum and hope our problems will disappear," the sales manager warned.

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Play up

Play up can mean (1) something that causes trouble or annoyance, or (2) to give special attention to something. "I'm worried that all this exercise will cause my sore leg to play up." ( Cause annoyance ) "The newspapers played up the story about a little boy being carried away by a kite." ( Gave it special attention )

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A pretty penny

This is one of the prettiest idioms in the English language. Some people might even think it's beautiful. Why ? Because a pretty penny means lots and lots of money !" Max has a new car. He must be earning a pretty penny." "I'm saving my money. It's going to cost me a pretty penny to fly to Europe this summer," Jenny said.

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A price on someone's head

When a person has a price on his head it's because he is wanted by someone -- and the reason he's wanted is because he is considered a criminal. In this expression, "price" means a reward. "The police are looking for a guy with a patch over one eye. They've placed a large price on his head.

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Promise the moon

Here's a riddle : what does a politician campaigning for office have in common with a young man in love ? Answer : they are both likely to promise the moon. That is, they make generous promises that aren't likely to be fulfilled. "Don't promise the moon, Henry. Just tell me you'll love me forever," Cathy sighed.

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Put someone on a pedestal

People we respect or think of as heroes often end up as statues in parks and museums. The base of a statue is called a pedestal. Metaphorically, to admire a person to an extreme degree is to put him on a pedestal. "I think Alvin and Susan have put their teacher on a pedestal."

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Read oneself to sleep

Mrs. Maple is reading herself to sleep. She's doing what many people do to relax their minds and put themselves in a calm state before turning out the lights and going to sleep. "I'm reading my autobiography," Mrs. Maple yawned. "I find it's an ideal book to read oneself to sleep."

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Rogue's gallery

Officer Snupp has been a policeman for many years and in that time he has met a lot of dishonest citizens. That's the reason he ahs such an extensive rogue's gallery in his office. A rogue is a wicked person and a rogue's gallery is a police file of photographs of dangerous or undesirable people.

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Sing for one's supper

In this expression, "supper" can mean money, food, or a home to live in. "Sing" means about the same as "to work". Therefore, the expression says that one must work to have what one desires. "Long ago I learned that I would have to sing for my supper if I wanted to succeed," Benny said.

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A skeleton in the closet

A closely kept secret that, if revealed, would be a source of shame to a person, a family, a group -- or even to a country or government. Except for Emma, no one knows that her husband had once been in prison. The secret remains a skeleton in the closet and Emma, of course never talks about it.

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Speak with a forked tongue

Things that are forked are divided into two or more branches. A person speaking with a forked tongue, however, is saying one thing while thinking something else. In other words, he is lying. "Long ago I learned not to believe any of Rod's promises. He speaks with a forked tongue."

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Square deal

Robert has just sold a very original work of art to Mr. Kane. Mr. Kane is convinced he's made a square deal. Robert is happy because he's sure he has received a square deal for his masterpiece. A square deal is a fair and honest agreement or business transaction.

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Status symbol

Some people believe that possessing certain material objects are signs of prestige or success or wealth. Things that fall into this category -- like expensive watches or fancy cars -- are called status symbols. "A new car might be a status symbol to a bank manager, while a pair of designer jeans may be a status symbol to his secretary," Philip explained.

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Steal the show

A person stealing the show takes attention away from an important actor ( in a play ) or gets more notice than a prominent personality ( at an event such as a party, meeting, etc )  "Lucy gave a wonderful performance but an unknown comedian stole the show with his funny jokes."

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Sweets for the sweet

If we reworded this expression to read, "I am giving something sweet to someone who is very sweet," perhaps you would understand why it is used when giving sweets or candy to a person -- especially to a child or a young girl -- considered sweet and wonderful. "The rest of this is for you, Jessie. Sweets for the sweet," Jerard said.

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Take pains

To take pains is to give careful attention -- or make a special effort -- to do something thoroughly and correctly. At his circus performances, for instance, Ranjit takes pains to see that his act is genuine and worth watching. "I also take pains to see that I don't injure myself," Ranjit muttered.

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Talk a mile a minute

Sybil is a continuous talker. When Winston bought a new motorbike he thought he might be able to silence her. But no. Fast a she goes, she still talks a mile a minute. To talk a mile a minute is to talk on and on rapidly.

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Crack of dawn

"I know Sean likes to get up early but this is ridiculous !" he cat cried. "Look, he's getting up at the crack of dawn !" What the cat is complaining about is that Sean is getting up just as the sky is showing the first light of day that is called the crack of dawn.

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The old guard

The people who have been associated with a group for a long time and support its ideals and policies are referred to as the old guard. Usually they are old, powerful, and their ideas may be out of date. "There won't be any changes in company policy as long as the old guard still works here." Frank complained.

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The world is someone's oyster

Shakespeare used this remark in one of his plays. If he were alive today there's no doubt the world would be his oyster for it means to be able to do whatever or go wherever one wants in life. Having luck and some money would be an advantage, of course. "I've just sold a play ! The world's my oyster," William cried.

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Time and time again

Time and again Oliver's parents warned him about playing in the sand near the clock factory. Oliver didn't heed their warnings .. and that's why time and time again he finds himself riding back and forth inside an hourglass. Time and ( time ) again means often or on many occasions.

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A tongue twister

If you can say "Certain savory soaring insects sailing skyward at the seaside certainly cause Cecil confusion" without making a mistake, you have just done something Cecil can't do. That is, you have said a tongue twister. A tongue twister is a sentence, phrase or word that is difficult to say without making an error.

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Tourist trap

A shop, a restaurant, a bar, or any place that uses tourists greedily to profit from them is called a tourist trap. "Wilcox returned from Miami saying it was a terrible tourist trap." "Kitty and Floyd visited a tourist trap in Paris where they were charged $250 for just two drinks !"

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Turn over a new leaf

Walter was greedy. He ate so much he couldn't move. Then a bird swooped down and ate him. Walter's last words were, "If I could live my life again, I'd turn over a new leaf and learn to control my appetite !" "To turn over a new leaf is to change one's way of acting or thinking in order to improve oneself.

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Turn the tables

In this illustration we see that the cook and the waitress have grown tired of working. Today they have turned the tables on their customers and are insisting that they wait on them. To turn the tables is to change a situation completely around so that you gain an advantage over those who once had an advantage over you. ( In this idiom, it's always tables -- never table )

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Under someone's spell

There's something so enchanting, so compelling, so overwhelming about her that Marvin has come under Lizzie's spell. If you should ever be near Lizzie, be careful ! To be under someone' spell is to be unable to resist his or her influence. "I can't explain it but Lizzie has me under her spell," Marvin sighed.

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Use one's head

It seems to me if I use my head I should be able to think of a way to get out of this place," Albert thought. Apparently Albert doesn't know that to use one's head is to use one's mind to think intelligently. "Give me some help, "Albert said. I've used my head and have thought of a way to get out of here."

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Walk a tightrope

This idiom originated with acrobats who perform dangerous acts on tightropes. When someone walks a tightrope he's in an awkward or hazardous situation where he cannot afford to make mistake. "I walk a tightrope trying to please my boss, keep the audience happy, and not make any errors," Eric sighed.

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Walls have ears

If you have a secret or information that you'd like to keep private, it's well to take care how you reveal it to someone. Walls have ears. It is said and too often our most intimate conversations have a way of being overheard. "Pass this on to Julia -- but be careful about it. Remember, the walls have ears," Agnes whispered.

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Never take no for an answer

Mandy is a very, very determined girl. When she wants something she usually gets it for she will not take no for an answer. People like Mandy refuse to pay attention when a person says "No !" "Hurry along, Harry. You know I never take no fro an answer," Mandy smiled.

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Work hand in glove

"We've got a new patient today," the doctor said, "but working hand in glove we'll soon have him well and on his feet, nurse." what the doctor is saying is that by working together he and the nurse will accomplish the tasks, for to work hand in glove means to work in close partnership with someone.

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Worlds apart

I thought we all lived in one world. This idiom, though, says that there is more than one. What's more, to be worlds apart means to be completely different or in total disagreement. "The twins look alike but their characters are worlds apart." "Jack and Anna never agree on anything. They're worlds apart in their thinking."

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Worth one's/its weight in gold

Winnie is so proud ! She says her new baby ( it's her first ! ) is such a wonderful little fellow that he's worth his weight in gold. What Winnie means is that her child is exceedingly valuable. "A little silence in the house world be worth its weight in gold to me," her husband sighed.

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Worth one's salt

Long ago workers were paid wages in salt. In fact, our word salary comes from the Latin word for salt. From that, a person worth his salt is very worthy, either because he has a good character or because he is a competent and valuable worker. "You're sure worth your salt here," the boss said to Ryan.

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Chips are down ( the )

A point during an important situation when you are forced to make a decision or take action.

 

A : I heard about a woman who survived a plane crash in the jungle and had to live for three weeks on worms and insects ! I could never do that -- I'd rather starve to death.

B : I disagree. I think that if the chips were down you'd eat anything.

A : Perhaps you're right. After all I do eat your cooking !

This expression originates from gambling. Bets are sometimes placed in the form of plastic counters called chips. when the chips are down or placed on the table the game is at a critical point because the players have committed heir money.

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Eat humble pie

Be very submissive after regretting an action or words

 

A : Last week Charles accused his new secretary, Fiona, of stealing his wallet. It disappeared from his briefcase during lunchtime.

B : How awful ! I expect she lost her job immediately.

A : No, Charles gave her a pay rise. The next day he found his wallet at home. It hadn't been stolen after all, so he had to eat humble pie all week and offer Fiona more money before she agreed to stay !

In the Middle Ages umbles were the unpleasant but edible parts of a deer which were cooked in a pie. The best deer meat was eaten by the rich, whereas the umble pie was eaten by their servants who were of a lower social class. Over time the word umble became confused with the word humble which means meek or submissive to give the current expression. It is often used in the following forms, have to eat humble pie and make someone eat humble pie.

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Blow hot and cold

Continually change one's mind about something/someone

 

A : I can't understand it. First my wife says she wants to go to Paris with me and then she doesn't. Why do you think she's blowing hot and cold ?

B : Well it's a lovely romantic idea to take her there but perhaps she's worried that it will cost you a lot of money -- hotels, air tickets, restaurants ... you know.

A : No, it can't be that. She'll be paying for everything !

This expression originates from one of the famous fable written by the ancient Greek author, Aesop. The story is about a man who meets a demon in a wood. The man blows on his hands to warm them and so the demon invites him home and gives him a bowl of hot soup. When the man starts blowing on his soup to cool it the demon is terrified and throws him out of the house. The reason is that he is frightened of anything which can blow hot and cold from the same mouth !

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Like water off a duck's back

Be unaffected by an unpleasant experience

 

A : Anita, the ageing ballerina, is starring in a new production of 'San Lake'. All the newspaper critics said she was too old and should retire.

B : Oh dear, I'm sure Miss Anita was very upset when she read the reviews.

A : No, the comments were like water off a duck's back to Anita. She invited all the critics to her house and told them she was still the best dancer in the world !

It's very common to shorten the saying by omitting like. E.g. : It was water off a duck's back to Anita.

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Run the gauntlet of something/someone

Suffer an attack/pressure/criticism

 

A : Did you hear about Freda ? Apparently she had to run the gauntlet of dozens of newspaper reporters when she arrived at a charity dinner in a real fur coat.

B : But lots of people wear real fur, why did they decide to pick on Freda.

A : Well, the dinner was in aid of the local animal rights group !

Although gauntlet is an English word meaning glove, this expression has nothing to do with either England or gloves. It originates from the Swedish expression, gatlopp ( gata means gate and lopp means course ) which was a military punishment in the 17th century. Two lines of soldiers would stand facing each other and hit the punished man as he ran between them. Now running the gauntlet can refer to any situation which is unpleasant to bear because of the way you are treated.

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Grasp the nettle

Deal with a problem quickly and directly even though it may require some courage

 

A : I borrowed Harry's best suit for a job interview. Unfortunately, afterwards I spilt black ink on it and now it's ruined.

B : My advice is to grasp the nettle and tell Harry what's happened. The longer you don't tell him about it the more angry he'll be when he finds out.

A : Yes, You're right -- I must do it. But how do I tell him about the interview ? It was for his job !

A nettle is a plant which grows wild and can sting if touched. The only way to avoid being hurt is to take hold of it quickly and grasp it firmly. Obviously this takes some courage !

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Blue stocking

A woman who is very intellectual or academic

 

A : My brother's fiancee is definitely a blue stocking -- quite honestly I'm surprised she wants to marry him. Sam left school at fourteen and has never read a book in his life !

B : That's true, but on the other hand he does look like that tall, handsome actor, Tom Hank !

Lady Elizabeth Montagu lived in London during the 18th century and held 'intellectual' parties at her home. Instead of gambling and gossiping, the guests listened to lectures given by learned people. A favourite speaker was the academic Benjamin Stillingfleet who talked about natural history and always wore blue stockings. As intellectual parties became popular, blue stocking clubs started all over London and their members wore blue stockings in admiration of Stillingfleet.

The reason that the expression is now only used to describe women may be because of the evolution of stockings. In the 18th century these were garments for both men and women. today, stockings are only worn by women.

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Up to scratch

Be of an acceptable /desired standard

 

A : I think you should go to the optician and find out if your eyesight is up to scratch.

B : Why do you say that ?

A : Well last week I saw you talking to a lamp-post and asking it round for dinner !

Boxing was a common sport during the 18th and 19th centuries, but the rules were very different from those of today. The fight was not divided into bouts of a few minutes but continued non-stop until one of the men was knocked to the floor. Both fighters then had to go to a mark which had been scratched in the middle of the ring. If a man had been so badly injured that he could not come up to scratch within thirty seconds, he lost the fight and his opponent won.

The expression is often used in the negative -- for example, She wanted to be a singer but her voice wasn't up to scratch.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 10 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Gift of gab

Some seem born with a gift of gab. Others might study to acquire it. Many more never have it at all. That's because a gift of gab ( or the gift of the gab ) refers to having the ability to speak freely and easily. "Mona's such a quiet girl. No one could describe her as having a gift of gab," Linux said.

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Give a helping hand

Penny is such a nice little girl, always ready to give a helping hand. At the museum, for instance, a lady asked if she'd please lend her a helping hand. To give or lend a helping hand is to give someone help or assistance. "I wasn't busy so I gave the lady a helping hand," Penny said.

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Go begging

The other day I saw a newspaper item that said : "Luxury flats go begging." Naturally, I thought the flats were begging for charity. I was wrong, for when something goes begging it is available ... but nobody wants it. "Those flats are so nice," Mr. de Silva said. "It's a shame they should go begging."

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Go fly a kite

This chiefly North American idiom can mean either "no" or "go away". It's always used informally. "When Bert asked Mill to dance she told him to go fly a kite." ( No ) "Please go fly a kite. I haven't time to discuss sale figures this morning, " the boss said to Bill. ( Go away )

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Go off someone/something

Mr. and Mrs. White have been married for forty-three years. While having tea the other day Mr. white's chair overturned and he fell to the floor. "I suspected you had gone off me," Mrs. White said. To go off someone ( or something  ) is to begin to dislike someone ( or something ) once loved.

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Good clean fun

When we do something for fun, we do it for amusement. There are times, though, when people have fun in a way that does not amuse us -- such as when they ridicule us or play tricks on us. That's why to have good clean fun is to have fun or pleasure in a way that doesn't harm anyone.

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Hands off

This is a command meaning "do not touch". While you would probably never say this to your boss or to your teacher, I am sure you wouldn't hesitate shouting it to a friend or a stranger. "Those are my books. Hands off !" Dick cried. "hands off my bicycle !" Dennis shouted.

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Happy as the day is long

What joy ! What happiness ! At last school is over for the summer. No more books, no more studies ! Clark is happy as the day is long. When a person is content, cheerful and happy, he is happy as the day is long. "Oh, how I wish the summer would last forever," Clark smiled.

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Hard-boiled

Never ask a hard-boiled person for help. He'd probably refuse you. People who are hard-boiled are uncooperative and unsympathetic. In the extreme, they have no feelings at all. "What's wrong with Henrietta ? When she's happy she's so nice -- but when she's angry she's really hard-boiled !"

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A head for figures

To have a head for something is to be good or smart at it. A successful businessman, for instance, obviously has a head for business. A person good at mathematics is said to have a head for figures. "Andy has a good head for geography but she sure doesn't have a head for figures," Professor Osborn said.

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Have one's head screwed on the right way

A person said to have his head screwed on right ( or the right way or properly or correctly ) thinks and acts in a reasonable and thoughtful way. He is wise and logical. "If Mr. Bob had his head screwed on the right way he wouldn't have used a match to try to locate a leak in his gas tank," the doctor said.

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Heat wave

Last winter Stefan left his home in Sweden to spend Christmas with his Uncle Oscar in Los Angeles. When he returned home he said the weather had been terrible. "The whole time I was there Los Angeles was having a heat wave," he gasped. A heat wave is a period of very hot weather.

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Hold one's peace

"Who ate the fish I was saving for supper ?" Emily screamed. One look at the anger in Emily's eyes was enough to convince Eric to hold his peace. To hold one's peace is to remain silent. "I just wanted to sample it," Eric wanted to say -- but he wisely held his peace and said nothing.

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Horse opera

Several years ago Hollywood produced a great many films about cowboys and the wild American West. Technically the films were called Westerns but because everyone galloped about on a horse they became known as horse operas. "There's an exciting new horse opera playing at the Pearl. shall we go see it ?"

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Hot off the press

Before advances in modern technology, books, magazines and newspapers were printed from plates of type that had been formed from hot molten metal. That has led to our saying that just-published material is hot off the press. "Yes, that's the latest edition of the newspaper," Hilda said. "It's hot off the press."

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In a tight squeeze

To be in a tight squeeze is to be in a difficult situation. "I'm in a tight squeeze trying to do two jobs at the same time," Lenny complained. Also, someone who is in financial trouble is in a tight squeeze. "The reason I'm doing two jobs at the same time is because I'm in a tight squeeze trying to pay my bills," Lenny said.

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In fine fettle

It's not likely that you'll find the word fettle ( it rhymes with kettle ) used anywhere else. It's an old word meaning "condition" or "state of mind". For that reason, when a person is in fine fettle he is physically or mentally fit. "I'm looking and feeling in fine fettle this morning," Alex grinned.

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In for a penny, in for a pound

The pound here is the British pound sterling. A penny is 1/100 part of one. This old saying tells us that if we decide to do something, we should commit ourselves to it boldly and completely. "I'm going to devote myself to earning as much as possible this summer," Carl said. "After all, in for a penny, in for a pound."

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In stitches

Desmond is very ticklish. He laughs whenever he's touched. That, I suppose, explains why he's presently in stitches. When a person is in stitches he laughs and laughs. "Oh, Doctor Wong, you've got me in stitches," Desmond laughed. "You'll have the entire hospital in stitches if you don't be quiet," Doctor Wong replied.

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It's later than you think

David rarely looks at the clock. That probably explains why he spends all his time working. But beware, David, it may be later than you think ! That is , time moves by quickly so if you have something to do or you want to enjoy yourself you should seize the opportunity. You may have less time than you realize !

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Kick back

I'll introduce you to the man in charge of the building project if we can agree on a kick back," Ambrose said. What he means is that he expects to receive a fee or a commission for his service. "If the meeting leads to a contract I'll give you a 15% kick back," Ambrose's friend agreed.

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Knit one's brows

As you might have noticed, Mr. Singh is in deep thought. You can tell because he is knitting his brows. Brows are one's forehead or eyebrows, and to knit one's brows is to wrinkle them while thinking. "I'm knitting my brows trying to solve a problem," Mr. Singh said.

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Know the ropes

A good sailor knows all about ropes and how to tie them into knots. From that we have this idiom, and it means to know all there is about a job, a hobby, a business or a method. "You'll never get to know the ropes if you continue to daydream," Lynx said.

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Last resort

When Hubert got off the train at Microville all the hotels were full. As a last resort he stayed in an old inn on the edge of town. "It was my last resort," Hubert sighed. ( As a ) last resort is a course of action taken when all other methods or attempts have failed.

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Laugh one's head off

"I was chatting with Felicity Frump at a party the other day," Michael grinned. When she began telling jokes, I laughed so hard I laughed my head off." What Michael is saying is that Felicity's jokes were so funny they made him laugh and laugh. In fact, he laughed so much he couldn't stop.

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Laugh up one's sleeve

From the fact that people sometimes hid their laughs behind their hands, we have this idiom. It means to be secretly amused -- and usually because a person is quietly laughing at someone for failing or for being wrong. "I could sense that Jerome was laughing up his sleeve at me when I didn't pass my history quiz," Ron said.

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Lay the blame at someone's door

To lay the blame ( or fault ) at someone's door is to state that a person, group, company or organization is responsible for the fault or failure of something. "The coach laid the blame at the door of the players after our football team lost the championship match."

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Left at the altar

Altars are found in churches. People getting married stand before them and say "I do." If one of the parties fails to appear, the other is left at the altar. That has come to mean someone is rejected or his hopes are not fulfilled. "I wasn't promoted. I was left at the altar again," Rooney frowned.

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Let fly

To let fly can mean (1) to throw something forcefully; or (2) to shout angrily at someone. (1)"Paul leaned back and, aiming a stone at a log in the water, let fly with it. He missed." (2)"Irine was so furious that Ivan had let his pet bird free that he let fly at him and didn't talk to him for a week."

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Like a pig in clover

Food is food to a pig. Therefore, sweet tasty clover wouldn't be considered special and worth saving. A pig would waste it, and that's why a person who wastes riches is like a pig in clover. "Tommy has a fine job with a big salary but he's like a pig in clover the way he spends his money foolishly," Derek exclaimed.

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Live out of a suitcase

People who do a lot of traveling and stay in various places away from home often say they live out of a suitcase. Mr. Howe, for example, is tired of traveling. When I accepted this job I had no idea I'd have to live out of a suitcase six or seven months of the year," he complained.

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Measure up

Danny thought it would be great to wear a soldier's uniform. Hurrying to the nearest enlistment office, he asked if he measured up. "I'm sorry to say, young man, that you don't measure up," an officer said. To measure up means to meet a required standard or have the necessary qualifications for something.

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Mend a broken heart

When Nora's boyfriend moved away she was left with a broken heart. That is, she felt sad and unhappy. Eventually she met someone who helped mend her broken heart. To mend a broken heart is to make an unhappy person feel better. "I'm so glad we met. You've mended my broken heart." Nora smiled.

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No oil painting

People who believe that oil paintings are only of pretty things should have no difficulty thinking that unattractive people or ugly things are no oil painting. "Martha's a wonderful person, but you must admit she's no oil painting to look at." "This is an interesting town, but it's certainly no oil painting, is it ?" Nellie said.

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Old as the hills

This expression -- which means that something is very old or ancient -- can be used when referring to just about anything or anybody. "I need a new hat. This one is as old as the hills." "Grandpa's old as the hills but he stays in shape by jogging two or three miles every day."

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An old hand

We need someone for the information desk so I think I'll give the job to Ralph. He's an old hand here," Mr. Drudge said. That's how Ralph got his promotion at the museum, for an old hand is a person very experienced at doing something. "I'm becoming an old hand at answering questions," Ralph yawned.

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On a fool's errand

To go on a fool's errand is to go on a useless or unnecessary trip. Sidney, for example, has been told to deliver a package to someone living in the middle of the desert. "There's no one here," Sidney frowned. "I think I've been sent on a fool's errand." I suspect Sidney is right.

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On the run

The last time I saw Fred he was in jail. He must have escaped for I  see he's on the run again. A person on the run is hiding from the police. Looking at the man at his side, Fred said : "This is rather fun. Are you on the run too ?"

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On the warpath

Mr. Wilson's employees are very, very upset. "The workers are on the warpath," the supervisor said. "They are demanding shorter hours and more pay!" The expression the supervisor is using was given to us by the American Indians. To them it meant going to war. To us it means to be in a threatening or angry mood.

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One's face fell

For a dozen or more years Webster has worked for the ABC Company. Yesterday he was called into the boss's office and told he would be replaced by a computer. Webster's face fell. When someone's face falls he looks terribly disappointed. If I were Webster, I'm sure my face would fall too.

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Paint the town red

Perhaps someday we will know why, when people go out to have a happy time spending a lot of money, they paint the town red. Until then, all we know about this idiom is that it has been around since the 1800s. "I got my promotion ! Let's go out and paint the town red !"

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A pat on the back

To give someone a pat on the back is to praise him for doing well. "In his speech, Mr. Black gave his employees a pt on the back for being so loyal to the company." "After losing the competition. Gary gave his opponent a sportsmanlike pat on the back.

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Pay one's respects

When Peggy was told that Grandmother would be coming to pay her respects, she immediately imagined that she would be coming to distribute money. Happily Grandmother did give her a coin when she arrived, but this expression actually means "to honor someone with a visit." "I've come to pay my respects to all of you," Grandmother smiled.

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A penny for your thoughts

A penny is a coin of little value. About the time of Shakespeare ( 1600 ) people began using this expression to ask a person what he was thinking. The complete expression is often shortened to a penny ? or a penny for them ? "You're awfully quiet today. A penny for your thoughts ?"

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 9 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Rock hound

Rover is thrilled with his collection of rocks. If I were a rock hound I suppose I'd be thrilled too, for a rock hound is a person who collects various kinds of rocks and minerals. "I'm only an amateur rock hound," Rover smiled. "My collection is small compared to those of my rock hound friends."

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Run up an account

Instead of paying cash each time he shops, Mr. Long finds it more convenient to run up an account at the stores where he makes his purchases. To run up an account is to increase the money you owe. You can also run up a bill or a debt, which means the same as run up an account. Mr. Long does this ( very easily, I might add ! ) by using credit cards.

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Separate the sheep from the goats

This ancient expression is found in the Bible ( Matthew 25: 32 ). It means to recognize the difference between competent and incompetent, useful and useless people in a group and, when a selection is made, to choose only those who are capable, valuable or useful. " Our new examination to select workers for promotion is designed to separate the sheep from the goats."

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Set someone's teeth on edge

Things that cause us to feel irritated, angry or uncomfortable can be describe as setting our teeth on edge. "The squeak of the chalk on the blackboard sets my teeth on edge." "Her high-pitch voice sets my teeth on edge."

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Skirt around

Girls know what it means to have a skirt around somewhere for they probably have several in their wardrobes at this very moment. Those aren't the kind of skirts referred to in this idiom, though, for to skirt around means to avoid something. "Let's not skirt around the facts. We've skirted around them too long."

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So long

Some people say that so long is a corruption of the Arabic word salaam, meaning "peace". Others suggest it is from the Hebrew salah meaning "God be with you". Whatever its origin, so long is a way of saying goodbye. "So long, Time, "Tina wept. "I hope to see you soon."

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Spitting image

Mr. and Mrs. Toad had a beautiful baby earlier this year. Mrs. Toad says it is the spitting image of its father, while Mr. Toad says it's the spitting image of its mother. Whoever is correct, when someone is the spitting image of a person, he/she looks exactly like that person.

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Achilles' heel

Achilles was a hero in Greek mythology. His body was protected from harm except for one heel. He died when he was wounded in that heel. Today, any single weakness a person has is his Achilles' heel. "Felix is very kind -- but his Achilles' heel is that he's almost too generous !"

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Play the giddy goat

In ancient times it was thought that goats were associated with the devil. Perhaps that's why we have this idiom which refers to acting or behaving foolishly. Giddy means to be dizzy or silly. "When Raymond began acting the giddy goat I insisted that we leave the party," his wife sighed.

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All eyes

If I appeared before you with a package and, saying it was a gift for you, began slowly to unwrap it, I think you would be all eyes. To be all eyes is to be totally engrossed in looking at something. "Mr. Winkle was all eyes as he walked the streets on his first visit to Vancouver."

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All rolled into one

Charles is handsome, intelligent, talented, clever and witty. He's what some would say would be the perfect man all rolled into one. That is to say, he's a combination of things which, when viewed together, form a single -- and complete -- unit. "You, my dear, are greatness and beauty all rolled into one," Charles whispered to Sylvia.

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As free as air

Last year Manfred retired. "My time is my own now," he smiled. "I'm as free as air." To be as free as air is to be unrestrained and to have no obligations. I imagine we have this expression because, as no one owns the air, it costs us nothing to use it.

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Bear up

Walking through the forest, David encountered a bear in his path. "I can't hide so I must bear up and not be afraid," David said. Bear up he did, and in the end the bear turned and walked away. To bear up is to stay strong and brave in an annoying or difficult situation.

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Smart money

"When we talk of smart money we are not really speaking of money but of professional investors and the places where they invest their money," Professor Bridge said. Here is an example of what he means : "Much of today's smart money is being invested in antiques and old paintings. Smart money seems to be avoiding the bond market."

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A bed of roses

Mimi is absolutely convinced that life is a bed of roses. "The only time it's not a bed of roses is when I'm called upon to chase mice," Mimi yawned. A bed of roses describes a situation that is agreeable and gives peace, comfort and pleasure.

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Been around since the flood

The Great Flood ( or Noah's Flood ) written about in the Bible ( Genesis 7,8 ) happened a long, long time ago. For that reason, someone or something that has been around since the flood is very old. "I think these buses have been around since the flood." "I've heard that joke. It's been around since the flood."

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Behind the times

Some people think that Mr. Potts is behind the times. That is, they believe his way of thinking and doing things is old-fashioned. It is not fresh or modern. "I'm not behind the times,' Mr. Potts exclaimed. "I'm just not interested in updating my business. And I have no wish to get into one of those awful-looking modern suits !"

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Break one's word

Every year Billy makes the same old promises," the crowd hissed, "and every year he breaks his word." Apparently Mr. Billy can't be trusted for to break one's word is to fail to keep a promise. "Vote for me one more time and I swear I'll never break my word again," Mr. Billy declared.

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Bring someone to heel

Dogs that are well-trained have been taught to follow closely behind the heels of their masters. That is the origin of this idiom which, when applied to people, means to make them obey our wishes or to act as we desire. "I have a new boss. He's re-organizing his staff to bring everyone to heel," Hilbert said.

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Bring down the house

This term originated in the theater. It refers to an act, a play, or a performance that is so enjoyable it produces loud cheers, applause or laughter. "The audience brought the house down at the end of our school play." "Lydia is so funny ! The moment she steps on stage she brings down the house."

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Button one's lip

"There's an important football game on television tonight," Mr. Bush said to his wife. "Could I ask you to button up while I watch it ?" "Sure, I'll be glad to button my lip -- if you'll agree to wash the dishes after supper," she replied. Both these slang expressions mean to keep quiet, to stop talking.

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Chained to the oars

Once upon a time slaves on ships were chained to the oars and forced to row for their masters. In today's world this idiom means to be forced to work hard and long. "I'm just a little kid and I feel I've been chained to the oars all my life," Angela sighed. "Maybe we're slaves," Jimmy said.

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Close call

Henry sure had a close call yesterday. He was hiking with his wife when he fell over the edge of a cliff. Luckily there was a tree he could clutch, and that saved his life. A close call is a lucky escape from danger. "Wow, what a close call that was." Henry gasped. "I don't think I'll ever take a hike again !"

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Coffin nail

Since about 1890 people have recognized that cigarette smoking does indeed damage one's health for even then they said that each cigarette a person smoked drove another nail in his coffin. That led to a cigarette being called ( in slang ) a coffin nail. "I stopped smoking," Hank said. "I haven't had a coffin nail in three months."

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Come up smelling of roses

I'm sure we all know people who, no matter what they do, always manage to turn a bad situation to their advantage. They -- and anyone who manages to overcome a serious problem -- come up smelling like a rose or of roses. "No matter what strange things Alvin gets into, he always seems to come up smelling of roses."

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Cool as cucumber

If you are in a difficult situation or have an important job to do, you'll perform better if you remain cool as a cucumber. Those who are cool as cucumbers are calm and relaxed. "You'd never know that Paul has examinations tomorrow. Look at him, he's cool as a cucumber."

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Cool customer

this idiom has nothing to do with a customer -- and it has nothing to do with a customer lacking warmth. That's because a cool customer is someone who is calm, completely in control of himself, and shows little emotion. Being relaxed under pressure is this person's distinctive quality. "With no display of fear, Harry traveled all the way to the North Pole alone. He sure is a cool customer."

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Davy Jones's Locker

A locker is a chest for storing things. Many years ago, sailors called the evil spirit of the sea "Day Jones". Anything sinking to the bottom of the sea -- even an entire ship with all its crew -- ended up in what they called Davy Jones's locker. To this day, Davy Jones's locker means the bottom of the sea.

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Dead letter

A letter that the post office is unable to deliver -- maybe it's addressed incorrectly or the person to whom it's addressed has moved -- is a dead letter. So, too, is a law, an order or a directive that has lost its effectiveness and is no longer used. "That order from the boss is a dead letter. Nobody obeyed it anyway."

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Dead ringer

Contrary to what you might think, a dead ringer is very much alive. Used here, dead means "absolutely" and ringer means a person who resembles another. Therefore, a person who is a dead ringer strongly or absolutely looks like someone else. "Charlie is a dead ringer of his father."

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Dear John letter

Originally, a dear John letter was a letter written by a wife or a sweetheart telling a man she was leaving him. Today it can be a note or a letter from a person of either sex telling someone that their romance is over, "Peggy left a Dear John letter on the table and went home to mother."

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Done to a turn

Good grief, I'm done to a turn !" Alex cried. The term Alex is using is one that is borrowed from cooking where meat is roasted over a fire. It refers to food that is cooked just right. "While you were sunbathing I had a wonderful dinner," Alex's wife said. "Everything was done to a turn."

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Donkey's years

Donkeys have very long ears. The reason we have this funny expression ( it is assumed ) is because the word "years" rhymes with "ears". It means a long, long time. "I wonder how my old friend and stablemate Oliver is ?" Alfonso wondered. "He hasn't visited me in donkey's years."

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Down and out

To be without money, a job -- and sometimes a home -- is to be down and out. Fergus is in that unfortunate position. He's a down-and-outer. "I may be down and out but I don't intend to remain down-and-outer. I'm going to find a job soon," he said with determination."

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Down in the mouth

Winnie is feeling miserable. She should be for she's down in the mouth today. She had planned to go on a trip but the rain has caused her to change her plans. "I'm sad, discouraged and unhappy," Winnie moaned. "I'm down in the mouth because this storm has forced me to cancel my flying lesson."

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Dressed like a million dollars

Claudia wouldn't dare leave her house without dressing a million. When I saw her yesterday, she was dressed like a million dollars. To dress a million/dress like a million dollars is to be exceedingly well dressed. Here are more examples : "Tim went to the party dressed a million." "You don't have to dress like a million dollars to attend a concert."

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Drop a line

Here's a riddle: when does drop mean "to write" and a line mean "a letter"? Answer : when it is used in the expression drop a line. "Dear Liz," the letter began. "I thought I would sit down and drop you a line. Now that I have, when are you going to drop me a line ?"

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Duty calls

I'd like to spend more time talking to you but duty calls, you know, and I have to hurry off to do my shopping," Helen said. Duty calls is another way of saying one must attend to one's obligations. "Hey ! Duty calls ! Stop nodding off at your desks and get to work !" the boss shouted.

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Feel under the weather

Poor Mr. Lee. He says he's feeling under the weather. I hope it's nothing serious for to feel under the weather is to feel unwell. Literally, it means to be affected by changes in the weather. "I'm feeling a little under the weather today but I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow," Mr. Lee sighed.

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Find one's bearings

Our three lost sailors are convinced that they have found their bearings. To find/get one's bearings is to know where one is or where one is going. "The shore is over there," Tom shouted. "You're wrong. I've found our bearings and the shore is that way," Dick replied. Harry finally said, "I don't think we've got our bearings yet."

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Flea in one's ear

When a dog has a flea in his ear he's confused and distressed. When a person gets a flea in his ear, he too is distressed for a flea in one's ear is a harsh scolding. "Howard's feeling miserable. The boss gave him a flea in his ear for being late to work today."

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Scare the living daylight out of someone

An unconscious person wouldn't be able to see anything, let alone daylight. That's why to scare the living daylights out of someone is to scare him so badly he feels he'll faint or lapse into unconsciousness. "Eeeeek, a mouse !" Iris screamed. "It's scaring the living daylights out of me !"

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Get lost

The job of a shepherd is to make sure sheep don't get lost. Possibly because Jacob has spent so much time away from people he's becoming temperamental !" Whatever his problem is, he's telling his sheep to get lost ! This is an emphatic way of telling someone to go away. "When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it," Jacob complained. "Meanwhile, get lost !"

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Get wind of

To get wind of something is to receive news or information indirectly. It's usually information that's meant to be a secret. "I just got wind of the news that Shirley is moving to Canada." "I wonder how Wenger got wind of the fact that I baked cakes today ?" Orion asked.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 8 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Eyes popped out

My eyes popped out when I saw my electricity bill last month. In that case, I was surprised -- even shocked -- at what I saw. It's much better, though, to have one's eyes pop out when he or she is nicely surprised. "My eyes popped out when I saw Miriam. I hadn't seen her in years."

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Feather in one's cap

The American Indians used to wear feathers as a sign of bravery. From that comes a feather in one's cap which refers to an honor or a special achievement that a person can be proud of. "It must be a feather in your cap to have graduated from school at such an early age," Sylvester said.

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Fed up to the teeth

To be fed up has nothing to do with food : it refers to a feeling of unhappiness when a person is bored or disturbed. One can also be fed up to the teeth or fed up to one's back teeth depending on how bored or disturbed one feels. "I'm fed up with work, fed up to the teeth with this cold weather and fed up to my back teeth with worry," Winston said.

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Filthy rich

It's not often that you'll see Paddy gambling -- probably because he's too poor to waste his money. Recently, though, he placed a small bet and now it's rumored that Paddy's filthy rich. To be filthy rich is to be very, very rich. "I can get used to being filthy rich very easily," Paddy smiled.

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Fly-by-night

Fly-by-night businesses, people or organizations have no established reputations in a community. They begin business only to make a quick profit, often by dishonest means. Having made their money, they often disappear without a trace. "The fly-by-night agency that sold me my air ticket promised me a first-class seat to Athens."

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Flying visit

A flying visit is a very brief visit. The last time I went to Thailand, for example, it was a flying visit for I was there only one day. When I returned home, grandmother paid us a flying visit while she was out doing her shopping.

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Get carried away

To get carried away is to become so emotionally affected that we are unable to control our actions. "When we gave Doris a gift, she got so carried away she began to cry." "The robbers got carried away and took everything they possibly could."

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Give the willies

Simon has never been fond of camping out. The sounds he hears in the night give him the willies. The willies are uncomfortable, nervous or fearful feelings. "I have the willies," Simon shivered. "I always get the willies when I'm alone in the forest."

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Get the third degree

When arrested, people suspected of committing a crime are often given the third degree by the police. This means they are subjected to intense questioning. Form that, when a person is severely questioned he or she can be said to be given the third degree. "If I'm late getting home, I ways get the third degree from my wife."

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Go halves

Have you ever gone halves ? You have if you've ever agreed to share half of something with someone. The thing we most often go haves on are expenses. "Let's go halves and buy a car." "No, I'm not interested in buying a car. I'll go haves on dinner, though."

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Go to any lengths

A person who will go to any or to great lengths to do something is very determined. That's because this expression means to do everything possible to achieve a desired result. "Penelope would go to any lengths to be an astronaut." "Ken has gone to great lengths to develop a new and unusual business."

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Good egg

However wonderful your favorite teacher or your boss might be, it isn't likely that you would ever call him or her a good egg. This expression means "a nice person" and it's used informally. "My mother-in-law is so generous she would do anything for me. She's a good egg."

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Grease someone's palm

The only time Mr. Clark tried to grease someone's palm, he made the mistake of choosing the wrong man. To grease/oil someone's palm is to give someone money in the hope of gaining a favor or information. In other words, Mr. Clark tried to bribe someone ... and that's why Mr. Clark is in serious trouble today !

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Hang in the balance

It's an uncomfortable feeling when something hangs in the balance. That includes our lives or the things important to us, for when they hang in the balance, the result of an event is uncertain and the future is unclear. "David failed the examination and his future here now hangs in the balance.

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Have a nice day

Most cultures have, at various times, sayings that quickly spread until they are used by almost everyone. One of those currently very popular in the United States is have a nice day. It is used when people wish to say either goodbye or thank you. "You are very thoughtful, sir. Have a nice day," Bobby grinned.

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Have a nodding acquaintance

When passing people we know only slightly, we sometimes politely nod our heads at them. From that comes this idiom which means to know a person or a subject only slightly. "I have a nodding acquaintance with my neighbors," Brian said. "I only have a nodding acquaintance with the works of Rembrandt," Cameron said.

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Mud in your eye

This rather unusual expression is used as a toast or a salute when people are drinking. It is thought that it began during World War I when soldiers returned to their camps all muddy from battle. "Let's drink a  toast to Dick's success. Here's mud in your eye, Dick."

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In a flutter

Whenever Gordon is with Isabella he finds himself in a flutter. As for Isabella, she gets in a flutter being near Gordon. It may be that Gordon and Isabella are in love for to be in a flutter is to be in a state of nervous excitement.

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In bad odor

Chadwick's owner may think he's a sweet and adorable pussy cat ... but he's certainly in bad odor with the mice ! "He's been in bad odor with us since the moment we saw him," one of the mice frowned. To be in bad odor with someone means to have a terrible reputation and to be thoroughly disliked. This expression is primarily British.

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In the cold light of day

When making plans we should be careful and thoughtful, always considering them in the cold light of day. That is, we should be unemotional, use good common sense and look at things realistically. "My ideas seemed wonderful last night, but in the cold light of day I can see they wouldn't work."

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In the driver's seat

Some people enjoy being in the driver's seat. One doesn't even need a driver's license to be there. That's because to be in the driver's seat is to be in a position of authority or in a position where one can control events. "Jack's in the driver's seat now that he's been made supervisor."

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In the soup

This colloquial expression originated in the United States. It means to be in trouble. "I'll be in the soup if I don't remember to buy my wife a birthday gift." "Penny and her brother got in the soup playing with the carts at the supermarket."

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Know someone in high places

Long ago villages and towns constructed buildings of worship on hilltops to stress their importance. Today, however, we find that "high places" means a position of importance in business, industry or government. To know someone in high places is to know someone holding an important position in one of those areas.

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Labor of love

We do most jobs because we have to. Those that give us the greatest satisfaction, though, are those we do purely for pleasure. Such a job is called a labor of love. "It took me days to make this," Martin smiled, "but what does that matter ? For me it has been a labor of love."

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Long arm of the law

Police forces have remarkable ways of finding and capturing criminals. Regardless of where they hide, the police are able to use their powers to locate them. This power is called the long arm of the law. "Years after the criminal had committed his crime, the long arm of the law caught him and sent him to prison."

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Lose one's marbles

In slang, the term "marbles" refers to (1) a person's common sense; or (2) his or her sanity. "What ? You're going to bet all your money on one horse ? Have you lost your marbles ?" ( Common sense ) "The way Yvonne keeps shouting makes me wonder if she hasn't lost her marbles." ( Sanity )

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Lounge lizard

Some idioms are popular for a while, disappear, and then return. This is one of them. A lounge lizard is a particular type of man who dresses neatly, is a good conversationalist, and shows a fondness for meeting wealthy ladies at social events. "Lance has a reputation of being a lounge lizard. It's said he's seeking a rich wife."

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Make a pig of oneself

If we know that when pigs eat or drink they exercise no control and don't seem to know when to stop, the meaning of this expression shouldn't be difficult to understand. "The food was so good that I made a pig of myself at the party and sampled everything on the table."

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Make one's mark

For years and years Joe struggled to be recognized as an important artist. Now that his paintings are in great demand, he has finally made his mark. "It's wonderful to know I've been able to make my mark," he said. He is saying it is wonderful to have made a contribution to art and to be recognized as a successful person.

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Miles away (1)

If a person answers a question incorrectly -- and if his or her answer is very, very wrong -- it can de described as being miles away. That is, the answer is nowhere near being correct. "No, no, no ! That's not the answer to this. Your answer is miles away," Izzy frowned.

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Miles away (2)

When applied to people who are thinking, if they are miles away they are not listening to or concentrating on the subject immediately before them. "Sorry, I didn't hear you," the stranger said. "My mind was miles away. i was wondering what my mother would be serving us for dinner tonight."

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Mince words

In this idiom, "mince" is an old word meaning to choose words carefully for the sake of politeness ... or even deception. Those who mince words, therefore, aren't speaking as openly or as honestly as they could. "I like people who speak truthfully and frankly without mincing words," Berg said.

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Money to burn

Simon has inherited a fortune from his uncle. Since then, he has been spending freely as he had money to burn. This is a sarcastic way of saying Simon is so rich he could burn some of his money and never miss it.

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My lips are sealed

This statement is used -- sometimes humorously, sometimes sarcastically -- to say, "I'm not going to tell you," or "I'm not going to answer that question." "I know the answer to the riddle but my lips are sealed. You'll have to discover the answer for yourself."

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Not one's scene

"I'm not sure I want to be an actor," Fed said. "It's not my scene." What Fed is saying is that acting doesn't appeal to him .. and it's certainly not something he does well. "Now I'm certain it's not my scene," he said as he walked on to the stage at the wrong moment.

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Not for love or money

When Max asked Ayala to marry him she said not for love or money. Mike promised to give her riches if she would marry him. Again Ayala said not for love or money. From this it should not be difficult to guess that this is a strong and emphatic way of saying "No".

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Nurse a grudge

A grudge is a feeling of ill will or resentment. A person who refuses to stop thinking about something -- or someone -- that has caused him or her unhappiness or pain is said to nurse a grudge. "Mr. Grundy is furious. He'll nurse a grudge against the person who caused him his injuries for years to come."

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A nutcase

In slang, a nut is a silly, crazy, foolish or stupid person. A case is a person being treated by a doctor. A person who is describe as a nutcase thinks, speaks or acts strange, the idea being that he or she is mentally disturbed and in the care of a doctor. "I'm going to become a nutcase if I don't get a holiday soon," Lionel moaned.

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On the rocks (1)

A business that is on the rocks is in serious financial difficulty. It does not have enough money to pay its bills. "I understand that the JP Mongoose Company is on the rocks. If sales don't improve, Mr. Mongoose may have to cease doing business."

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On the rocks (2)

People asking for an alcoholic drink ( but never beer ! ) on the rocks are asking for one poured into a glass containing nothing but ice cubes. "Rocks" is a slang term for ice cubes, but this idiom is not slang. "Charles asked the hostess for a whiskey on the rocks."

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Once in a blue moon

On rare occasions if you look at the moon on a certain night and in a certain way, you will find that it seems light blue in color. Because that doesn't happen often, once in a blue moon means "rarely". "I miss my school friends. I only see them once in a blue moon."

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Poison-pen letter

Poisonous things can injure or kill. While a person writing a poison-pen letter to someone doesn't kill, he or she often succeeds in causing injury for such letters contain evil and untrue things about that person. They might even contain threats. Writers of poison-pen letters are usually too cowardly to sign their names on them.

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Pull up one's socks

When it is suggested that you pull up your socks it's because you're acting or performing badly. Therefore, to pull up one's socks means to attempt to do better, either in one's behavior or at a task one is doing. "I'll have to pull up my socks if I want to make sure that I don't get fired by the boss."

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Put someone in his place

George made the mistake of criticizing his boss. His boss responded by putting him in his place. When we put someone in their place we punish them, often by telling them in an angry way that their thoughts or opinions are of little importance. "Having been put in his place, I doubt that George will ever criticize the boss again."

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 7 AMERICAN IDIOMS

See reason

"Why must I go to school ?" Mary asked. "Because in today's world one can't succeed without an education," her father replied. "Surely you can see reason and understand that." Mary nodded yes, for to see reason is to think or act sensibly, particularly after learning the facts or accepting advice about something.

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Send somebody packing

Several weeks ago an old friend came to visit Wilson. Apparently he enjoyed his visit for he settled in and stayed and stayed. "Good heavens," Wilson exclaimed in despair. "I've got to think of a way to send him packing." To send somebody packing is to dismiss or send a person away firmly and quickly.

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Sick and tired of

"Morgan, Morgan, you're always moaning," the boss complained. "I'm getting sick and tired of you and your complaints." Morgan moaned even louder. "It's this job. I'm sick and tired of it. If I wasn't so valuable to you I'd quit !" To be sick and tired of someone/something is to be unhappy, weary, irritated ... or disgusted.

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Sign of the times

Don't look for signs to direct you to a sign of the times for this type of 'sign' isn't a sign but a characteristic of the times in which we live. "I used to be able to swim and fish here," Kevin sighed. "I can't now, though. The water's polluted and there aren't any more fish. It's a sign of the times.

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Sleep like a log

Once a tree is cut and made into logs, the logs don't do anything. They simply lie quietly on the ground. It's from that idea that we get this idiom. When someone sleeps like a log he sleeps very well. "I feel great," Brian yawned. "I slept like a log last night."

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Smoke like a chimney

Alan's doctor suggested that he should give up smoking. "You smoke like a chimney," he warned. "It's a threat to your health." Alan's wife is also concerned. "You smoke too much," she said. "You sit there smoking like a chimney." A person who smokes like a chimney smokes a great deal ... and usually continuously !

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Someone's better half

Sean never makes a decision without talking over with his better half. His wife is pleased that Sean, her better half, is such a thoughtful husband. Often used humorously, someone's better half is their husband or wife. "I would like to introduce you to my better half," Sean said.

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A stag party

We've seen that when women get together to have a party it's a hen party. A party consisting of only men is a stag party. A stag is a male deer. Frequently stag parties are held to honor a man who is about to get married. "The men in our office went to a stag party last night.

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That's the story of my life

This remark doesn't refer to a historical account of a person's life : it's usually spoken when something goes wrong. And the more that things go wrong, the more often a person is likely to say this. "I spent six years writing a book but no publisher wanted it. That's the story of my life," Victor frowned.

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The world owes one a living

If you ask Buddy why he doesn't work he'll tell you it's because the world owes him a living. People like Buddy -- and there are lots and lots of them around ! -- think that they should be financed or provided for simply because they exist. Shame on you, Buddy !

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Think big

"Be confident ! Be positive ! Tell yourself you are the greatest ... and don't forget to think big !" Robert said. To think big is to believe in one's ability, purpose and power to perform or succeed. "I'll think big -- and maybe tomorrow someone will buy one of my paintings," Robert grinned.

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Think tank

Professor Lee is a member of a think tank that is investigating new methods of teaching vocabulary improvement. A think tank is a center or an institution devoted to research and problem solving. "Our think tank has concluded that it would be easy to teach vocabulary improvement if we all used fewer words," Professor Lee said.

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A tidy sum

"Nine hundred and eight-five nine hundred and eight-six, nine hundred and eight-seven," Felix smiled. "That's a nice tidy sum." A tidy sum is a large amount of money. "I'll need every penny of this for it's going to cost me a tidy sum to buy a new house," Felix explained.

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Tie oneself in/into knots

"It was easy getting out of this basket when my master played simple tunes," Sidney grumbled, "but these complicated new melodies of his tie me into knots !" Sidney is complaining for to tie oneself in/into knots is to be -- or cause someone to be -- confused and bewildered.

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Time hangs heavy on one's hands

"I'm bored," Simon said. "It's raining outside and there's nothing to watch on television. Time hangs heavy on my hands. " Simon is saying time is moving slowly because he has nothing to do. "Time wouldn't lie heavy on your hands if you helped me clean the house," Simon's wife smiled.

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Tower of strength

Those who know Hacken back home in Kansas say he's a tower of strength. This metaphor ( from Shakespeare's Richard III ) describes someone who is helpful, sympathetic, and can always be relied on in times of trouble. " I don't think your reputation as a tower of strength means you should try solving problems here," Hacken's wife said.

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Turn turtle

A turtle's natural position, of course, is to be rightside up. The one thing they fear -- especially on land -- is to be turned upside down. that, I would imagine, is why to turn turtle describes something that has rolled or turned upside down. "Jim's new boat turned turtle in last night's storm."

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Watch one's language

Long ago when our ancestors wrote using pictorial characters it was probably easy to watch one's language. Today, however, watch your language is a command meaning to be careful how one speaks and especially to be careful not to say impolite or naughty things. "You boys watch your language or I'll send you tot he office," the teacher warned.

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Welcome someone with open arms

"Business has been terrible," Oscar's boss said. "Why don't you stand at the door and invite people in ?" Happy to get out of the kitchen, Oscar welcomed the idea with open arms. To welcome someone or something with open arms is to accept someone in a friendly way or perform something happily and eagerly.

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Windfall

Many words in English began as idioms. A windfall is one of them. It once referred to fruit that had been blown to the ground by the wind, but has now come to mean sudden good luck -- particularly in receiving money unexpectedly. "Fred won some money in the lottery and got a welcome windfall."

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Yes man

Murdoch is a happy boss, especially when he's talking to Howard. Howard, you see, is a yes man and a yes man is someone who agrees with everything a person says -- especially when that person is his superior. 'Being a yes man keeps me out of trouble," Howard said, " and it might even lead to a promotion !"

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After a fashion

Sara dresses after a fashion. She speaks French after a fashion and she cooks after a fashion. Most things she does are does after a fashion. This says that Sara dresses, speaks French, cooks and does things only so-so for after a fashion means only moderately well.

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Ask for someone's hand

In a thousand instances of marriage, I would guess that in nine hundred and ninety-nine of them it is the man who asks for someone's hand. I say that because this expression means to ask a person to get married. It's a marriage proposal. "Angela, I am here on bended knee to ask for your hand," Tim joked.

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Chow hound

My dictionary says that the word chow comes from the Chinese word for meat dumpling. In English it now means food of any kind ... and that's exactly what pleases a chow hound. "Even the thought of food makes me happy," Wilbur said. "I'm a chow hound and I never get enough chow."

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Bad apple

The apple in this idiom is a person. Just as it is to have a spoiled apple in a basket with good apples, a person said to be a bad ( or a rotten ) apple is likely to have a bad influence on others. "Every school has a couple of bad apples who damage the reputation of others. Clive is the rotten apple in our school."

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Beg the question

If I were to ask someone a question and he or she failed to answer it or replied with lots of words which still failed to be a reply, he or she would be begging the question. When I asked the boss for a holiday, he begged the question by telling me he was too busy to talk about it."

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Beyond the pale

Many years ago the pale meant a fenced area around a city in Ireland. People within the area obeyed the laws of English kings. Those living outside the area were said to be beyond the pale and were considered uncivilized. Today those beyond the pale are people acting in an unacceptable manner. "The children were beyond the pale at today's party."

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Cause tongues to wag

If you'd like to see people moving their tongues rapidly in conversation, tell them a secret or pass on an interesting rumor. That usually causes tongues to wag or sets tongues wagging. That is, they talk and gossip about what they've heard. "The news of Betty's engagement has certainly set tongues wagging.

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Bursting at the seams

The bus to the zoo is -- very obviously -- bursting at the seams. The passengers -- also very obviously -- are bursting at the seams to get there. From that you can see that this idiom has two meanings : (1) Something that is very full; and (2) a person filled with eager excitement.

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Buzz word

A buzz word is a word that looks or sounds big and important in a sentence but, when analyzed, means nothing. Those who use buzz words are generally trying to impress people. "The politician's speech was nothing but a lot of false promises concealed in a series of buzz words."

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Cock of the walk

If two cocks are together in the same pen ( called a walk ) they'll fight, the strongest usually winning. From that, a person who thinks of himself or herself as important or possessing power is described as the cock of the walk. "Ever since his promotion, Ivan thinks he's the cock of the walk around here."

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Cold comfort

There's nothing very warm or comforting about cold comfort. The Smiths know that as well as anyone. They have just inherited Grandma Smith's huge house -- but they've discovered it has no heating ! "There's cold comfort in having inherited this," they shivered. To get cold comfort means to get no pleasure or happiness at all out of something.

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Cost a bomb

Emma's husband is buying her a new diamond ring. It's costing him a bomb but he's glad to make Emma happy. When something costs a bomb it costs a lot of money. "My new ring costs a bomb," Emma smiled. "I hope it doesn't cost a bomb to insure it," her husband answered.

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Crocodile tears

Some say that crocodiles shed tears when eating their prey. This has led to the belief that they pretend to be unhappy about eating their victims. From that, when people have crocodile tears they are only pretending to be sad. "The students wept crocodile tears when told that examinations had been canceled.

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Scream blue murder

The way Johnny complains when he's about to be bathed might make the neighbors think he's being murdered. That's not true. He's complaining by making a lot of noise, and that's what this expression means. "What am I to do ? Just the sight of water and Johnny begins to scream blue murder," his mother sighed.

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Cut down to size

When we cut people down to size, we show them they aren't as important as they think they are. "Mary thinks too highly of herself. Someone should cut her down to size." When an object or a project is cut down to size, it is reduced. "Let's cut this job down to size so we can get it done as quickly as possible."

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Cut one's losses

When the company directors told Mr. Jones to cut his losses, he took out his scissors and began cutting. That's not the way to cut one's losses. When we cut our losses we stop spending time, money or energy on unprofitable projects. "Jones, cut our losses or we'll soon be bankrupt !" the manager shouted.

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Do a hatchet job

A hatchet is a short-handled ax. To do or perform a hatchet job is (1) to say or write terrible things about someone or something; or (2) to remove great sections of a plan or story. "The critics did a hatchet job on Bob's new book ( Criticizing ) "Saying it was too long, the editor performed a hatchet job on Sam's newspaper article." (Removing )

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Dog's life

Most dos I've seen appear to live comfortable lives : they are generally well-fed and nicely treated. People who live a dog's life, though, are miserable and unhappy. Often it's because they are made unhappy by another person. "For twelve years Jack has live a dog's life working for the same boss."

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Double Dutch

Long ago, British merchants trading with The Netherlands said the Dutch language was so difficult that only the Dutch could understand it. In frustration they called it double Dutch. Today double Dutch is anything written or spoken that can't be understood. "I don't know what they're saying," Paul frowned. "It's all double Dutch to me."

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Drive someone round the bend

"Slow down this instant, Percy ! You're going to drive me round the bend !" Mrs. Marple cried. Anything that drives us round the bend upsets us so much that we think we're going crazy. The manner in which Percy behaves when driving a car, for instance, is doing just that to Mrs. Marple.

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Dutch courage

Unfortunately, the Dutch haven't been treated very kindly in English idioms. From the fact that they were thought to consume great quantities of alcohol, for instance, Dutch courage refers to false bravery gained by drinking alcohol. "Sam dislikes flying so much he's gone to get some Dutch courage before boarding his plane."

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End of the road

Dick and Jane's romance looks as though it's about to come to the end of the road. In fact their very lives appear about to come to the end of the road. The end of the road is a time when one's interest, desire, a relationship or even life itself comes to an end.

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Every inch

Shakespeare used this expression in King Lear. It means "totally, completely, in every way". "He is every inch a king," Lear said. "I am every inch a believer in freedom," the teacher said. "You are every inch lovely lady," Betsy's mother smiled.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 6 AMERICAN IDIOMS

A holy terror (1)

Jaime doesn't seem to understand that he's supposed to act like a little angel in his new abode. He's so full of energy and tricks he's a holy terror. In Jaime's case, a holy terror is a badly-behaved child. " I think we'd better have a look into Jaime's past," the director in his neighborhood sighed. "He's a holy terror up here !"

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A holy terror (2)

New visitors to the dining room have found that Cavendish can be very demanding. "He insists that we conduct ourselves like proper ladies and gentleman," Jaime frowned. "He can be a holy terror at times." In this case a holy terror is someone -- a boss or someone in a position of authority -- who causes fear in people.

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Hopping mad

"Hey, down there ! Quiet down 1 You're supposed to be taking your afternoon nap," Mrs K cried. "All that jumping about is making me hopping mad !" What Mrs K is saying is that her sweet little infant is making her very angry. It's not necessary to be a kangaroo to be hopping mad: simply being extremely mad will do.

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Hot air

"Elect me and I promise I will reduce taxes, shorten the work week, and see to it that everyone gets paid a higher wage," Blah declared. "Blah is full of hot air," Someone said. "Yes, and everything he says is hot air," another replied. Promises and boasts that won't or can't be kept are called hot air.

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It's a small world

"That foot looks familiar," Fenton cried. "It sure does," Oliver replied. "I saw it when we lived in Zanesville. It's a small world, isn't it ?" The phrase Oliver hurriedly uttered is used to express surprise when seeing someone or something from the past.

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Keep one's head

Ben's trail of crime has come to an end. I was amazed, though, to learn how he kept his head when his sentence was carried out. To keep one's head is to stay calm, not get excited or frightened. "I'm a relaxed individual," Ben smiled. "I keep my head no matter how bad things get."

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Keep open house

Nothing pleases Fergus more than visiting someone keeping open house. To keep open house is to welcome all guest or visitors to a house -- and not only that, but to entertain them 1 This is often shortened to open house. "Wow, the people who lived here must have had some great open house parties !" Fergus exclaimed.

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Land on one's feet

If a cat falls, it always seems to land safely on its feet. That has given us this idiom, so when a person escapes misfortune or survives an unpleasant situation we say he lands on his feet. "Maxwell was born lucky. No matter what he does wrong he always seems to land on his feet.

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Lay down the law

"The way my employees are behaving is terrible," Grouch grumbled. "I'm going to lay down the law and tell them to concentrate on their work." To lay down the law is to say something or give an order in a way that says "you will obey me or accept my word without argument or question !"

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Like it or lump it

No one seems to know where this expression comes from. What we do know is that it means to put up with something unpleasant -- such as a decision or a situation -- without protesting or complaining. "It's no use making a scene, " Willy's mother said. "Like it or lump it, I insist that you finish eating your breakfast."

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The lion's share

After a hunt, lions always take the largest amount of food for themselves -- and few animals dare dispute their right to it. That's why we have the lion's share, which means the largest part or the greatest amount. "I'm certain I've read somewhere that I'm entitled to the lion's share," Cecil complained.

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Liquid assets

A liquid is something that, like water, flows freely and easily. Assets are all of someone's belongings, including property. Those belongings that can be easily converted into cash are called liquid assets. " Herbert asked for a loan and the bank manager told him to bring in proof of all his liquid assets."

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A lone wolf

Most people enjoy companionship and like doing things in groups. There are some people, however, who are very private and prefer being alone. A person like that is often called a lone wolf. "No wonder Wally is a lone wolf." Martin said. "Listen to the way he sings to the moon !"

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Love is blind

According to this old saying a person in love doesn't see -- or admit to seeing -- faults in the person he loves. Pierre, for example, thinks Lulu is the sweetest and dearest girl on earth. "I see what people mean when they say love is blind," Lulu laughed, "but you'd better watch your step, Pierre."

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Make a clown of oneself

In a romantic mood, Humphrey sat down to serenade Hermione. "Oh, Hermione, you've made a clown of me," he said as she rejected him. "Nonsense," Hermione replied. "You've made a clown of yourself. Your singing is awful !" To make a clown of oneself is to make oneself or appear foolish or stupid.

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Make things hum

Until Gustav joined our company we had all sorts of problems on our production line. Gustav has corrected the problems and has really made things hum. Not only that, Gustav has been keeping things humming. To make things hum is to cause things to perform smoothly and efficiently. To keep things humming is to keep them performing well.

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Marry above oneself

For a long, long time Manfred has been afraid to express his love for May. "After all," he said, "May is in what some people call 'the upper class', and people in low positions ( like me ) don't usually marry above themselves." To marry above oneself is to marry someone in a higher social class than one's own.

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Marry beneath oneself

To some people the social position of the person they marry is very important consideration. "People who believe in that kind of nonsense almost never marry beneath themselves, do they Myrtle ?" "No," Myrtle answered " because marrying beneath oneself means to marry a person of a lower social class than the one -- real or imagined -- they belong to."

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Miss the boat

They stood on the shore with the rain beating down and the water rising about their feet. "If you hadn't forgotten our tickets we would have been on time," Amelia scolded. "You've caused us to miss the boat." To miss the boat is to be too late for something or to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.

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Not just a pretty face

"Personally, I favor that girl in the middle to win," John said. "Her name's Miss Leung, and as you can see she's not just a pretty face." A girl characterized like this possesses hidden skills, talents or intelligence. "See, she's loaded with talent. If I were the judge I'd vote for her. She's much more than a pretty face !"

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Narrow-minded

"There's nothing wrong with you that can't be cured," Dr Grouse said. "Just be more tolerant, stop being so critical, show more concern for others, and open your mind to new ideas. " Willies looked shocked. "Are you telling me I'm narrow-minded ? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard !" Willies shouted -- thus proving his narrow-mindedness.

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Hole in the head

"I need space there like I need a hole in the head !" Bridget screamed. "Madam, that's my style," the artist replied, " and your advice is as welcome as a hole in the head." You'll understand this conversation better if you know a hole in the head means something that is unnecessary or unwelcome.

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No frills

A frill is an extra. It may be nice to have but it's not necessary. An airline, restaurant, tour company, hotel, etc. offering a basic service without extras ( frills ) can be called a no frills airline, no frills restaurant, no frills tour company, or a no frills hotel. "We went on a no frills trip to Europe," Ben said.

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Off the hook

A fish that is able to get off the fishing hook and swim away is free of trouble. That's the idea behind this idiom which means to avoid difficulty or get out of trouble. "I'm late for school," Mack said. "I had better think up a good excuse to get off the hook."

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An old master

Sorry, Paul, you don't qualify as an old master. It's possible you and your paintings will last forever but an old master is an artist or a painting dated before the 19th century. "If I change my name to Rembrandt or Michelangelo, maybe people would call me an old master and my paintings old masters, " Paul sighed.

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One in a million

"My wife is the greatest person in the whole wide world," Peter said. "She's one in a million." What Peter is saying is that his wife is very, very special. She's unusual in every wonderful sense of the word. "I think you are one in a million, too," his rare and wonderful wife answered.

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One's nearest and dearest

"I'm not as rich as Rocketfeller or as strong as Rambo, and no one has ever asked me to star in a film," Herbert said humbly, "yet my nearest and dearest tell me I'm the world's most wonderful husband and father," he grinned. Herbert should be very proud for one's nearest and dearest is one's family.

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Out of action

I'm sure Chad would like to help his friend win an argument with the neighbor's dog but, unfortunately, he's out of action. "Personally," Chad whispered, "the way things are going in there I'm glad I'm out of action today." A person ( or a cat ) out of action is unable to work or perform, usually because of an illness.

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Over and done with

"That's it, it's finished," the supervisor said. "I'm glad that job is finally over and done with." There's nothing difficult about this idiom for it's another way of saying that something -- a job, a relationship, etc. -- is finished. "I've enjoyed working with you," Aarok said. "I hope our association isn't over and done with and that we'll work together again."

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Pack one's bags

"This place is beginning to bother me," Albert mumbled. "I'd like to pack my bags and say goodbye." In anticipation of making an escape, he practiced putting his valuables into a bag. "To pack one's bags is to leave a place in anger or annoyance or after a disagreement," the guard whispered. "And Albert isn't going anywhere !"

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Paint a gloomy picture

Robert is depressed. That may be why he is painting a gloomy picture. To paint a gloomy picture is to describe something -- an event, a situation, the future, etc. -- in a cheerless, gloomy or unpromising way. "I'm sad because the weatherman has painted a gloomy picture for the weekend," Robert sighed. "he said it's going to rain."

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Part of the furniture

Colin has been waiting in the doctor's waiting room so long that he's beginning to feel that he's now part of the furniture. For a person to feel that he's part of the furniture, he has been at one job or in one place so long that he actually feels he has become part of the environment.

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Patch something up

When we patch something up -- something torn or broken -- we repair something that is damaged. Disagreements between people can also be patched up, though it must be remembered that such repairs are sometimes only temporary. "The manager was called in to try to patch up a quarrel between the two departments," Molly said.

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Pin money

When we speak of pin money, we are always referring to a small amount of money. "I'm going to look for a better job. I'm working for pin money here," Ned said. It can also refer to a small allowance a man gives his wife, or moneys he saves from other sources. "Sarah saved her pin money to buy a new dress."

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Plain Jane

A plain Jane is a girl or young woman whose looks are ordinary or common. Because "plain" and "Jane" rhyme, this is a rhyming idiom used to describe a girl -- regardless of her name -- who is neither pretty nor ugly. "Betsy was a plain Jane when we were in school but she's certainly a beautiful girl today."

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Pot-luck dinner

A pot-luck dinner is an informal dinner where each of the guests brings a pot of food to share with others. Because nobody knows what anyone is bringing, the guests hope they'll be lucky and the food will be interesting. "Good heavens ! Look what Egbert's bringing to our pot-luck dinner !"

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Pour oil on troubled waters

Before its dangers to the environment were known, oil was poured on rough seas to calm them. Today this idiom refers to settling disputes or bringing calm to a troubled situation. "This isn't working," Alex said. "Let's see if we can pour oil on troubled waters by sitting down and having a quiet talk about it."

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Pull the wool over someone's eyes

This expression means to trick or deceive someone. "Vote for me and I promise to reduce taxes, increase wages, and give everyone a guaranteed job for life," Blah proclaimed. "I think Blah is pulling the wool over our eyes," someone in the audience muttered. I suspect they're right.

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Puppy love

The word puppy is from the French word 'poupee' meaning a little doll. Perhaps that's why puppy love describes a temporary feeling of affection experienced by a young boy or girl. "It doesn't take a genius to see that Angela and Tim like each other," Billy winked. "I think it's puppy love."

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Put all one's eggs in one basket

"A wise and cautious bird does not put all her eggs in one basket," Winifred said. "To do that would be to invite disaster." Those who put all their eggs in one basket place all their hopes, money or trust in one plan, scheme or adventure. And that, as Winifred will tell you, is risky !

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Rank and file

Are you a leader in a club or an organization ? If not, you could say that you belong to the rank and file. The rank and file refers to the ordinary people within a group, a club, or an organization. "The general is very busy today. He's out inspecting the rank and file."

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Rat race

"Hey, Rupert, why do people call their struggle to succeed a rat race ?" "Don't ask me, Roger. I'm too caught up in the rat race to think about it." For their information, a/the rat race is a term that describes our daily struggle to live, compete or survive.

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Read someone

We often reveal how we think or feel by the gestures we make. If we know the meaning of these gestures we often understand what a person is thinking simply by looking at him. We say we are able to read him. "I wonder if Millie and Clarence have ever been able to read each other ?"

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Safety in numbers

I wish someone would tell the boss that when a person talks about safety in numbers he isn't talking about a safe with a number of locks: he's saying that there's greater protection against misfortune when a person is in a group. "If it's true that there's safety in numbers my records should be secure now," the boss said.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی5 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Bore the pants off someone

"If I have to listen to any more of these dull speeches I'm going to go crazy," Irwin yawned. "They're awful, aren't they ?" Cedric yawned too. "They bore the pants off me." The colloquialism Cedric is using -- and it's perfectly acceptable to use it in mixed company -- means to be extremely bored.

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A bosom friend

You've seen Chadwick and Timothy disagreeing or playing tricks on each other often on these pages. If you want to know the truth, they are really bosom friends. As used here, bosom means a close relationship, and a bosom friend / pal / buddy is a very dear friend.

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Brain drain

A / the brain drain is defined as movement of "brains ( eg., teachers, scientists and other skilled people ) out of one country to another where conditions and salaries are better. "If we hope to prevent a brain drain we're going to have to make nursing a more rewarding profession," a health officer declared.

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A bundle of laughs

"Lester's latest book is terribly funny," Winnie smiled. "It 's a bundle of laughs. I guess that's because Lester is such a bundle of laughs," she continued. "He has everyone laughing at parties. I wonder where he gets all his jokes ?" What Winnie is saying is that Lester and his book are very, very amusing.

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A clean bill of health

Long ago ships leaving a port had to have a certificate ( called a bill of health ) stating that they were free of infectious disease. Today a clean bill of health is a way of saying a person or thing is healthy or satisfactory. "The doctor gave Mr. Lee a clean bill of health and is sending him home today," Nurse Rose smiled.

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Clear one's name

"You will remain after school and clear my name by writing the following statement 100 times: 'I am sorry I said naughty and untrue things about my teacher'," Professor Oxford frowned. To clean one's name is to prove someone is innocent of a crime or misdeed of which he's been accused.

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Cock and bull story

"Long ago and far away there was a wonderful kingdom in which nobody worked and everybody was rich and happy,' the bull said. Ha, the cock laughed. "If you believe that you'll believe any old cock and bull story." A cock and bulls story is one that is too absurd or silly to be true.

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Come hell or high water

Parker has been so busy he hasn't had time to attend to his jobs around the house. "This Sunday I'm going to mow the lawn come hell or high water," he said. Parker is saying that no matter what happens, absolutely nothing is going to prevent him from carrying out his plan.

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Come into money

Daydreamers spend their time thinking about coming into money, and gamblers visit racetracks hoping to come into money. To come into money is to receive a large sum of money suddenly. Sometimes it is inherited, sometimes it is won -- though a successful artist, writer or musician coming into money might say it's the result of many years of hard work.

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Corridors of power

Something is happening in the corridors of power. How do I know ? Because in the corridors of power something is always happening. This term refers to the high ( administrative ) levels of government or an organization where important decisions are made. "Things are rather quiet in the corridors of power during he holiday season, though, " Rodney whispered.

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Day of reckoning

This is a time when (1) someone will be made to account for his misdeeds; or (2) a time when his will or judgment will be severely tested. (1) "Many children think Christmas is a day of reckoning when Santa evaluates their behavior and rewards them accordingly." (2) "It's examination time again," Aaron sighed. "The day of reckoning is approaching !"

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Devil finds work for idle hands

When Maurice was young his parents warned him that the devil finds work for idle hands. They were telling him that unless he kept busy doing useful or constructive things he could be tempted into mischief or evil. "Sorry, but I don't think the saying the devil finds work for idle hands means I should waste my time sweeping floors," Maurice said to a stranger.

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Dressed like a peacock

A peacock is actually the male of the species. A female is a peahen. In the world of idioms, however, a person of either sex who is dressed handsomely and colorfully can be said to be dressed like a peacock. "Nelly is dressed like a peacock tonight. She's been invited to have dinner with her boss.

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An eagle eye

"Since I appointed a new department head, business has certainly improved," the boss smiled. "The new fellow keeps an eagle eye on all aspects of our operations. He watches the staff with an eagle eye, too." Someone with an eagle eye watches things closely and carefully. Nothing escapes his attention.

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Easy as ABC

It may not be easy for everyone to learn the alphabet but this idiom says it is. when something is (as) easy/simple as ABC it's very easy. "That was an easy examination. It was simple as ABC." "Who said sign painting was difficult ?" Rubin smiled. "I found it as easy as ABC."

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Eat one's heart out

"Life can be terrible at times," Mike sighed, "and this is one of those times. I'm in love with Mandy and Mandy doesn't care for me. Oh, Mandy, you have me eating my heart out !" Poor Mike. If he doesn't look underfed it's because to eat one's heart out is to feel miserable wishing for something -- or someone -- one can't have.

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Eat someone out of house and home

It's usually a hungry guest that leads us to make this statement, though a father might use it humorously to complain about the eating habits of his teenagers. It means someone is so expensive to feed that he can't be afforded. "You kids are eating me out of house and home !" Agatha cried.

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Elbow room

"Don't worry about me," Harold said as he got into the lift. "There's plenty of elbow room for all of us." Six foot three inches tall, Harold can say that -- but the other passengers might not agree for elbow room refers to having adequate space to work or move around.

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Fairy tale

In one sense, a fairy story or fairy tale is a children's story about goblins, spirits, and other imaginary things. "Sybil is telling a fairy story to her little friends." In another sense, it's an inaccurate -- even false -- account of something. "Martin said he's going to be promoted soon. I suspect he's telling another of his fairy tales."

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Look / feel small

"Golly, when I think of the wonderful works of the world's great artists I look small," Robert sighed. "And it sure doesn't make me feel any better when people criticize my painting. Their criticism makes me feel small." To look or feel small is to seem or feel insignificant, foolish, or humiliated.

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Fickle finger of fate

Fate is said to be an unseen power that directs our lives. Fickle ( it rhymes with pickle ) means changeable. Because fate often seems to point us in various directions as it pleases, we speak of it as the fickle finger of fate. "Once I was rich, now I'm not," Buddy said. "The fickle finger of fate works in strange ways."

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Fight fire with fire

"Business is terrible and it's your fault !" Wigby cried as he stormed out of his office. Knowing his boss would soon calm down, Gustav decided not to fight fire with fire by arguing back. To fight fire with fire is to defend oneself with defiance or force when threatened or attacked.

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Fill the bill

If something fills the bill it is just what one wants. It is exactly what is required or needed. "Isn't it wonderful to have such mild weather ? It certainly fills the bill for our picnic, doesn't it ?" "I was really hungry so this little snack sure fills the bill," Albo said.

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Fresh as paint

Kitty and Clive have been married for years, but to look at them you'd think their love was fresh as paint. Things described as being fresh as paint look fresh and new. A person fresh as paint is full of vitality. "My old suit came back from the cleaners fresh as paint," Clive said.

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Gate-crash

Jim and Violet's neighbors were having a party. Jim and Violet weren't invited but they decided to attend anyway. "We'll gate-crash the party," Jim said. "How exciting. That will make us gate-crashers," Violet laughed. To gate-crash is to attend a social event without an invitation, and a gate-crasher is an uninvited guest.

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Generous to a fault

"Now just a moment, dear !" Snod sighed. "I married you because you were generous and kind. But really, you're generous to a fault !" Snod is saying his wife is overly generous. In fact, if she has a fault it is that she's too generous. That's what generous to a fault means.

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Have butterflies in one's stomach

People who have butterflies in their stomachs are experiencing tension or excitement, usually brought on by anxiety while waiting to do something. This is often shortened to get/have butterflies. "I have butterflies in my stomach waiting to go on stage," the actress said. "I've got butterflies," the patient said as he was about to go into surgery.

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Off to a flying start

When the gun sounded cark was off to a flying start. A flying start is a fast or successful beginning. "I get up early so I can begin my day with a flying start," Clark said, "and my team has got off to a flying start by winning its first five races this season," he grinned.

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Rise with the lark

A lark is a bird, and birds always wake up and begin the day at dawn. "I like getting up with the lark" Alan yawned, "but I know one bird that doesn't always rise with the lark." To get up/rise with the lark is to get up/rise early in the morning.

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Give a good/bad account of oneself

To win a promotion, Ken has to give a good account of himself. That is, he must win approval by showing that he has done well. If he gives a poor account of himself he's likely to be demoted. "I once helped an old lady to cross the street," Ken said, hoping to give a good account of himself.

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Put on airs

Since her promotion Fecilia has been giving herself airs that her fellow workers regard as rather foolish. " We know you're an excellent worker," they assured her. "You don't have to put on airs." To give oneself airs or put on airs is to act as if one is better or more important than others.

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Give the game/show away

"No, no, no ! You're not supposed to tell the audience who the murderer is ! You're giving the game away, Foyle !" To give the game/show away is to reveal a plan or information that is supposed to be kept secret. "OK, I won't give the how away," Foyle shouted. "The butler had nothing to do with it !"

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Go down the drain

Work, time or money wasted or lost is gone forever. It has gone down the drain. "If I don't pass tomorrow's examination all my years of effort will go down the drain," Fiona said. "Hey, I worked hard to earn that money !" Buddy cried. "I want to spend it carefully, not see it go down the drain !"

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Go like a house on fire

Mr. Bell's gas heater wouldn't work. He thought he would repair it himself. That proved to be a terrible mistake and he had to go like a house on fire to the nearby fire department for help. When a person goes like a house on fire he moves very, very quickly.

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Go places

Those who know Anderson are convinced he is going to go places. "Anderson's young, intelligent and full of ambition," one of his neighbors said. "He's a man who will go places someday." To go places means to become successful. "If I'm going places I had better start now," Anderson said.

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At great length

Todd has been talking at great length to his Uncle Freddy. In that sense, he's been talking a long time. He has been explaining at great length his new invention. In this sense, he's explaining something in great detail. Therefore, at great length can mean (1) for a long time; or (2) in great detail.

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Half a chance

Either way you say this -- a half chance or half a chance -- it means an opportunity, a reasonable chance. "Give yourself a half chance and you'll quickly get used to your new computer," Jim said. "Fear not, Mickey. With this magic sword you have at least half a chance of winning, " Larry grinned.

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Have a change of heart

Matthew was about to give Angela a big box of chocolates when he saw a poor beggar. "Sorry, Angela," he said, "but I've had a change of heart. That man looks like he needs chocolates more than you do." To have a change of heart is to change one's aim, opinion or behavior about something.

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Have a way with words

Cameron can be very charming when he wants something. Idiomatically, he has a way with words. That is, he knows what to say and how to say it to get what he wants. "It's not your birthday and it's a long time till Christmas but you have a way with words, Cameron. Sure, I'll buy you that bicycle" Uncle Bob smiled.

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Have no stomach

People once believed that courage came from the stomach and that those who lacked courage had weak stomachs. From that, to have no stomach for ( something ) means to lack ambition or desire to do something. "Eat this or go to bed hungry," Kate frowned. "I have no stomach today for arguments about my cooking."

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Have two left feet

"Grace, Lincoln, what an exciting dance that is !" Murray exclaimed. "To do it, though, I'd have to have two left feet like you have." Murray is being unkind for to say a person has two left feet is to say he or she is an awkward or clumsy dancer.

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A hen party

You only find girls and ladies at a hen party. The reason for that is that this colloquialism defines a gathering of women. Frequently it's a meeting or a party where they exchange talk and gossip. "Helen and Pauline are attending a hen party to honor a friend who is getting married next week."

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High as a kite (1)

Dillon has just learned that he's going to be promoted and be given a large wage increase ! "Wheee, I'm feeling high as a kite,' he laughed. To be high as a kite is to feel very excited or happy. "When I tell my family the news they'll be high as a kite too," Dillon grinned.

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High as a kite (2)

Ron's been celebrating and we now see him on his merry way home. Obviously he has had too much alcohol to drink and he's high as a kite. That is, Ron's drunk !

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 4 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Dance attendance on someone

It used to be the custom for a bride at her wedding to dance with every guest - no matter how tired she was. That's the origin of this expression, but it now means to be at the service of someone to carry out his or her every wish. "I suspect that Ray is interested in Fiona. Look how he is dancing attendance on her.

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Beard the lion ( in his den )

In this British idiom, 'beard' means to defy or oppose someone, and 'in his den' means in his territory. Therefore, to beard the lion ( in his den ) is to confront a person of authority ( in his own office, for example ) and to challenge him. "I'm going to walk right into the boss's office and beard the lion by demanding a nice big raise," Alex said.

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Give someone a rocket

Oh, oh ! The boss is about to give Edna a rocket - and if you ask me I really think she deserves it ! That's because this British idiom means to give someone a severe scolding or a reprimand. "You know it's amazing how much better Edna performs at her job since I gave her a rocket yesterday morning," the boss smiled.

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( and ) Bob's your uncle

No one knows why Bob is the name of the uncle in this expression, but that needn't concern us as long as we remember that ( and ) Bob's your uncle means that everything is satisfactory or will work out well. "I will put a little more ice cream on the top of this, and Bob's your uncle ! This should make a real nice treat for you," the ice cream man smiled at Teddy.

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Break out of the mold

Have you ever had a desire to break old habits and change your way of living ? If so, you would understand this expression because break out of the mold describes doing something completely different or changing one's way of doing things. "Why don't we break out of the mold and go somewhere new on our holiday this year," Steven said.

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Do a power of good

"For goodness sake, Mr Blogs ! Don't be so stingy. A small coin to that poor little fellow won't hurt you," Bessy frowned. "It would do him a power of good for he looks hungry !" To do a power of good means to help or to do a lot of good. "It might even do you a power of good to be generous to people now and then," Bessy said.

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Give someone the message

Jerome has had a nice warm feeling for Ruth for a long, long time. Being modest, he didn't know how to give her the message. Finally, on Valentine's Day he gathered up all his courage and gave her the word. When we give someone the message or the word we convey a piece of information to him or her. Ruth gave Jerome the message by giving him a think you kiss !

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Burn someone up

"Doesn't it burn you up when people refuse to wait in line at the bus stop !" Barbara said. "It sure burns me up !" Barbara is saying she is irritated or annoyed. "I get burned up by people who don't do their work properly," Jack answered. "My secretary, for instance, burns me up because she's always knitting on the job !"

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Does not add up to a can of beans / sardines

I guess it didn't cost much money to buy a can of beans or sardines when this North American idiom was first used. What it means is that someone's plan, theory, idea, opinion, etc is thought to be of little value. In fact, it's worthless. "That's an interesting idea, Frank, but I'm sure the boss will tell you that it doesn't add up to a can of beans. In fact, it does not add up to a can of sardines to me either," he frowned.

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Give someone enough rope and he will hang himself

If a person who is doing something wrong is allowed to continue his bad ways, it is said he will soon bring about his or her own defeat or destruction. That's the meaning behind this idiom. "I told you not to cheat or tell lies," Officer Mutt said. " Don't you remember hearing me say, give Willy enough rope and he will hang himself ?"

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Look / feel bushed

"Oh, you poor, poor man ! You look absolutely bushed !" Mrs. Bond said when her husband returned from work. "I've had a bad day," he answered, "and you're right ! I feel bushed." "What you need is a nice cool glass of lemonade," Mrs. Bond smiled. I'll get one for you." That should help to make Mr. Bond feel better because to look / feel bushed is to be completely exhausted.

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For a song

Felix saw a pretty bird in a pet shop window. "How much is that bird ?" he asked the man in the shop. "That would normally cost a lot of money, but you may have it for a song." the man replied. You may think that Felix had to sing a song to get the bird, but that's not true. The idiom for a song simply means for very little money. "I bought my bird for a song," Felix said later.

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Get the elbow

Craig has been working for the Ga-Ga Company for about six years. Imagine his shock when he went to work yesterday and found he had got the elbow ! To get the elbow is to be fired - though in a personal relationship the same expression can mean the relationship has ended. "Have you heard Lily got the elbow from her boyfriend !"

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Country cousin

"I am taking Ashley, my country cousin, to the theater today," Teddy explained. Ashley isn't really Teddy's cousin though : we just use this expression when referring to people who live in small country towns or who actually live on farms in the country. They are called country cousins because it is thought that their manners and habits are simple and uncomplicated. "That's not always true," Ashley smiled.

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Butter both sides of one's bread

"I have a great idea," Frank said, "I can butter both sides of my bread during my summer vacation if I offer swimming lessons to young people. In that way I can have fun at the swimming pool, and at the same time I will earn some spending money !" To butter both sides of one's bread is to do two things at the same time - and to profit from them both.

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Cry bucket

If this isn't a sad sight ! There is Grandma watching her favorite afternoon television drama - and it is so sad that everyone in the room is crying buckets ! "To cry buckets means to cry lots and lots of tears," Grandma explained. "Grandma is crying buckets, and that has caused me to cry buckets too," Grandma's cat wept.

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Get in on the act

Professor Alan is having trouble. Everyone in the auditorium seems to be getting in on the act today ! This idiom ( it's a term from the theater ) refers to taking part in something while others are doing it. "I can tell that everyone enjoyed my lecture today," Professor Alan said, "because so many people wanted to get in on my act," he smiled.

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Cast something in someone's teeth

Otto is furious ! His dentist keeps casting his bill in Otto's teeth. "I won't pay it !" Otto cried. "It's far too much - and besides, the dammed teeth don't even fit properly ! I'd like to fling them back in his teeth !" To cast / fling / throw something in someone's teeth is to continually remind someone of something disagreeable or unpleasant. "If I made a mistake, I'll correct it. But please don't fling my error in my teeth," the dentist pleaded.

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The fat is in the fire

Putting fat near an open flame is dangerous for it can easily ignite and cause a serious fire. That's the idea behind this idioms, which refers to the start of something troublesome or dangerous. "Someone has stolen our food supply !" Max cried. "The fat is in the fire unless we can get back to our camp before it starts to snow !"

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Give no quarter

In this idioms the word 'quarter' refers to mercy or understanding. Therefore, to give no quarter is to be firm and show no mercy. "You have made me very, very angry," Billy's mother said. "If you don't return that piece of cake this instant I will give no  quarter and you will be severely punished !" That convinced Billy, and he returned the cake.

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To enter the lists

In days of old when knights were bold, the arenas in which they held tournaments were called lists. From that, to enter the lists means to begin a competition, a contest - or an argument ! "Unless you are prepared to enter the lists and play as well as you can, you have no business being on this team," the football coach said to his players.

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A closed book

"I am supposed to know just about everything," Professor Olson said, "so I can't let anyone know that I have just come across something that is a closed book to me." As it is used here, a closed book is something - a topic, a subject, an idea - you don't know anything about. "But I have to confess that physics is a closed book to me," the Professor said with a huge sigh.

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Fight like cat(s) and dog(s)

Since the beginning of time, cats and dogs have been natural enemies, and when they meet they usually get involved in fierce fights. From that, when people argue or fight bitterly they are said to fight like cats and dogs or fight like cat and dog. "If we invite the Smiths to our party, we can't invite the Waltons. I don't know why, but they fight like cats and dogs.

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Can't carry a tune

Most people have no problem singing, humming, or whistling a tune. But Ozzie is different. He isn't able to distinguish one note of music from the other. "It's lucky I wasn't born a canary," Ozzie said, "because I really can't carry a tune." Those who can't carry a tune cannot sing, hum or whistle properly. "They make mistakes and sound terrible," Ozzie added.

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Draw the longbow

"I have played my violin in Paris in front of thousands of people," Buddy smiled. Personally, I think Buddy is drawing the longbow. To draw the longbow means to make an exaggerated remark or to tell an elaborate story in order to impress someone. A longbow is a large bow used to shoot arrows great distances. This is a British expression.

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A blank check

It must be a great feeling to receive a blank check. "I got a blank check from my father to buy any car I wanted," Harry said. See, I told you it's a good feeling to get a blank check ! Actually, the idiom means to be given complete freedom to do whatever you want. Here's another example : "Our teacher gave us a blank check to work on any project we desired."

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Catch someone red-handed

"Ah ha, so you're the one who has been painting pictures on my blackboard !" Professor Michael exclaimed. "At last I have caught you red-handed !" To catch someone red-handed is to discover him or her in the process of committing a naughty or forbidden act. "I'm sorry, I thought a little color would help to brighten up our classroom," Danny pleaded.

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Draw and quarter

It was once common to execute criminals by having their four limbs drawn ( pulled ) off. Thank heavens criminals are not drawn and quartered any more, though we still use this idiom ( humorously ) to threaten a person ! "My wife said she would draw and quarter me if I came home late again," Ken said. "I hope she doesn't mean it !"

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Fight / tilt at windmills

"Ha, there you are again making threatening gestures at me !" Aaron cried. "I'll show you that you are not fighting windmills !" To fight or tilt at windmills is from the novel Don Quixote de la Mancha in which the hero attacks windmills thinking they are giants. The idiom means to struggle against an imaginary opponent or to oppose things that are not important.

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Chew the fat

After a hard day, Nani and his friend like nothing better than to sit around a nice warm fire chewing the fat. "Normally we are so busy hunting and fishing that we don't have much time to get together to chew the fat," Nani noted. To chew the fat is to have a casual chat or a nice little talk. "Our wives have just gone to one of their friend's igloo to chew the fat," Nani smiled.

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Feel / know in one's bones

"I feel in my bones someone is watching us," Angela whispered. "I know in my bones you are right !" John answered. John and Angela are saying that though they do not have absolute proof of something, they feel or believe it by instinct. "I know in my bones my mother would be upset if I did not hurry home after school," Angela said.

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Close one's eyes

When we deliberately ignore something we don't wish to admit it is there -- usually because it isn't approved of or because we don't approve of it -- we close our eyes to it. "I sometimes think the authorities close their eyes to the indecent way people dress in the streets.

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Fast and furious

Albert was strolling along outside the prison gate when Officer Derek caught him. A struggle raged fast and furious, but in the end Albert was safely back inside. "If I had been quicker, Derek would not have caught me." Albert sulked. "But I learned something," he said. "I learned that fast and furious describes an activity that is full of noise and excitement !"

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Come to a pretty pass

'Pretty' in this expression means terrible and 'pass' refers to a distressing situation. Therefore, a pretty pass is a bad condition or an annoying state of affairs. "It has come to a pretty pass when a gentleman can't look at an attractive young lady without ending up in a hospital bed !" Andy complained as he was rescued from a hole in the street.

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Dog Latin / English / Chinese, etc

"Dogs are friends of the whole human race," Fido barked in rather bad Latin. "A role in which I played a significant part," Scotty added. Fido and Scotty are conversing in dog Latin. To speak or write dog Latin / English / Chinese, etc. is to speak or write bad Latin, English, Chinese, etc. In other words, not like a native would speak or write it.

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Mad as a wet hen

Gustov is mad as a wet hen. "You are the most annoying chicken I have ever seen ! You must stop running," he shouted. Gustov knows a lot about chickens because he has been cooking them for many years - and to be mad as a wet hen is to be very angry ! "I would rather see you mad as a wet hen than see me in your cooking pot !" the hen replied.

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All's fair in love and war

In love and war the rules of proper social behavior aren't always obeyed. From that, there are times when people justify their selfish behavior by saying all's fair in love and war. "It's hard to believe there are people who think all's fair in love and war so it's OK to cheat in an examination." Ted said.

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Answer one's calling

The "calling" in this expression is someone's profession, particularly one he seems strongly motivated to do. This is usually due to his special ability or exceptional desire to do it. A person who does well or is successful in his job has answered his calling. "When John grows up he'll probably answer his calling and become a leader of men."

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The baby boom

A boom is the rapid expansion or sudden numerical growth of something. since our topic here is babies, a/the baby boom refers to sudden increase in the birth rate. "The universities are filled to capacity due to the baby boom that followed the war." "We've had a baby boom and our hospital is becoming overcrowded," Dr Gabriello said.

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A back number

An outdated newspaper or periodical is a back number. "I'm researching back number newspapers for an article I'm writing."  the reporter said. A person is a back number when he has lost his influence or his thinking is considered old-fashioned. "No one seeks my opinion anymore," Neil sighed. "I feel like a back number in this office."

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Feel the pinch

It hurts to be pinched. It also hurts to be without money. I guess that's why be pinched is a colloquialism for having little or no money, and to feel the pinch is to experience hardship because of a shortage of money. "If we have a recession everyone is going to feel the pinch," Andre said.

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Bear fruit

When trees or vines bear fruit they produce fruit. Idiomatically, bear fruit means to produce a desired effect or to achieve a successful result. "I've studied hard. I hope my efforts will bear fruit," Josh said. "Ha," Robert laughed. " MY work bore fruit this morning when I sold a painting.

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A bird of a different feather

People who are different or unusual would never object to being called a bird of a different feather for this particular 'bird' is a person who is independent and free-thinking. "Kate refuses to wear the same fashions everyone else wears. She's a bird of different feather who designs and makes her own clothes."

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A blind alley

An alley is a narrow street between buildings. One that is "blind" has no exit. It is enclosed on three sides. Idiomatically, however, a blind alley refers to a situation or physical activity that leads nowhere. "I've got to change jobs. The one I have is truly a blind alley," Ezra complained.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 3 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Teacher's Pet

A teacher's pet is a student who is favoured and given special attention by the teacher. "I am worried that the other kids might get jealous if they think I am teacher's pet," Teddy said. I don't think Teddy has to worry, for even though the students can see that he is teacher's pet, they know there are serious disadvantages to that. "That's because Professor Oxbridge can be pretty difficult to please !" Teddy explained.

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The King's / Queen's English

The King and Queen act as though they have just met ! "Actually, we are here to explain the difference between the King's English and the Queen's English, " the King said. "In reality, there is no difference," the Queen added, " because these terms describe the very best and most correct English, and whether you call it the King's English or the Queen's English depends on who is on the throne of England at that moment, " she smiled

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Meet someone halfway

When Chief Totem got news that explorers had set sail for his continent, he decided to meet them halfway. Hopping into his boat, he soon found them somewhere in the middle of the ocean. "I'd be ever so happy to show you the way to my lands if you will show me the way to yours," he smiled. There is no record of what the explorers replied, but it is well-known that to meet someone halfway is to cooperate with someone by agreeing to make compromises.

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Count sheep

You won't find him counting sheep. He sleeps very well, thank you. I if this sounds odd it's because to count sheep is an old method of trying to get to sleep by counting imaginary lambs jumping over a fence in one's mind. "Poor father. I know I've disappointed him. I hope he doesn't lie in bed counting sheep thinking that I have failed him, " Sal sighed.

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Blue Monday

To be blue is to be sad. Many people feel sad returning to work after a weekend of rest -- and that's the meaning behind blue Monday. "The weekend's over," Felix sighed, "and here it is, blue Monday, time to get back to the routine of work."

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Play (a) cat-and-mouse (game)

Play a cat-and-mouse (game) is to deliberately confuse someone so that he or she does not know what is happening. "Christopher played a cat-and-mouse game with the management until finally resigning to go to work for our competitors. Until then, no one knew if he would stay or leave." "That fellow was playing a cat and mouse with me!" the boss exclaimed.

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Go Bust

When a store or company has no money, it goes out of business. Colloquially, it goes bust. That makes me think of the time Felix sold balloons at the fair. "One by one, my balloons broke!" he said. "In no time at all, my business went bust!" Today, Felix has a much better job working for a large company. "There is no chance of it every going bust!" he said.

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Live in a fishbowl / goldfish bowl

A person described as living in a fishbowl ( or in a goldfish bowl ) has absolutely no privacy. His every movement can be observed and he has no place to hide ... just as a fish living in a glass bowl. "I don't think I'd enjoy being a television star. It must be like living in a fish bowl."

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(Like) water off a duck's back

Ducks aren't bothered by water because the oil in their feathers keeps moisture from reaching their bodies. Any water that gets on them runs right off. That has given us this expression, which we use to say that we are not annoyed by something. "School doesn't bother Mary. To her, doing homework is like water off a duck's back." Someone criticized Teddy, but he isn't bothered. " What do I care ? It's water of a duck's back to me," he said.

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Top dog

A top dog is a person of authority and importance. One's boss, for instance, could be said to be the top dog in a company. Or it could be someone of importance politically. "I'm curious to know who the new top dog will be at the Office of trade," Winnie said.

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A golden key opens every door

"Look what I found!" Albert cried. "Why, it's a golden key!" Officer Mutt observed. "It reminds me that a golden key opens every door," Albert smiled. "Yes, I think it will open a door for you at my nice jail, " Mutt replied. Actually, the golden key here is money for it is  assumed that money will let a person do anything he wants.

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An Old Salt

"Look, there's an old salt coming off that ship!" Teddy exclaimed. "That looks like a sailor," Angela answered. "An experienced sailor is often called an old salt,"Teddy explained. "Is that because the sea is salty?" Angela asked. "That's right, but we don't call people who sail boats on weekends old salts,"Teddy said. "The term is reserved for sailors who have been to sea a long time.

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Save one's breath

"It's too hot to work today," Eddie said. "Why don't we ask the boss if we can have the afternoon off ?" "Save your breath," his co-workers advised. Eddie asked the boss anyway, and she said the same thing. To save one's breath means to say nothing, usually because one's words have no value or will have no effect.

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Stand up and be counted

Those who express their private opinions openly have concluded that it is time for them to stand up and be counted. They do this by writing, speaking, or voting on issues they consider important. " Excuse me, what's your opinion ? Why don't you stand up and be counted ? If you want to see some changes made, stand up and be counted !" " How many of you little fellows would like to go to market ? Hurry, stand up and be counted !" Henrietta Hen called.

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Back to the salt mines

In Siberia, salt is found deep underground. Many years ago, prisoners were sent there and were forced to bring the salt to the surface. From that, back to the salt mines has come to mean hard work of any kind, and this humorous expression refers to going back to work. "The weekend is over it's time to get back to the salt mines." Oliver sighed as he and his friends walked to work.

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Lead by the nose

"I fully understand that people don't like being led by the nose," Timothy said. " Most mice object to that too," he noted. "How do you elephants feel about it ?" I asked. The elephant he was leading didn't reply. To lead by the nose is to control someone. " And make them do what you want, " Timothy added.

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Snatch something from under someone's nose

"When I go to bed at night I count sheep, "Angela said. "Where do you put the sheep when you are done counting them ?" Teddy asked. "If I told you, you would probably snatch them from under my nose," Angela replied. They both laughed, because to snatch something from under someone's nose is to take or steal something directly in front of someone.

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Money does not grow on trees

William asked his boss for a raise. "I need more money because the cost of everything is going up," he said. The boss looked at William and sighed. "Let me be frank with you, William: Money doesn't not grow on trees." William signed and departed empty-handed because he knew that this expression means that money is not so plentiful that one can pick it off the trees like leaves.

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Say cheese

If you look into a mirror and say the word "cheese", you will notice that you appear to be smiling. For that reason, photographers often ask you to say cheese when they are about to take your picture. "If you don't mind, would you look into the lens of my camera and say cheese?" Timothy asked. "And though you may look at my cheese and admire it, you may not have it. Just gaze at it, say cheese, and then I will return to eating it."

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Get the hang of something

When Teddy trained for the circus, it took him no time at all to get the hang of being a trapeze artist. "Everything depends on getting the timing right," he explain. Meanwhile his partner has been having trouble getting the hang of working with him. "It's hard to swing and chew gum at the same time," she said. To get the hang of something means to learn how to do something.

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Live in a vacuum

Timothy and Tina have moved to a new home. "It's so far from our family and friends that we feel isolated!" Tina said sadly. "We are so remote from everything that someone even accused me of living in a vacuum!" Timothy added. When people are said to live in a vacuum they are unaffected, unaware or don't care about what goes on in the world around them.

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On a high horse

Someone on a high horse can be difficult to deal with. "There's an explanation for that," Hallaway said, " because someone on a high horse is haughty and proud -- and he may think he's better than anyone around him." Hallaway should know : he's been on his high horse ever since he got promoted. "Yes, I'm the boss of the riding club now," Hallaway declared.

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Rest on one's laurels

The ancient Greeks awarded crowns of laurel leaves to the winners of games and competitions as a symbol of achievement. From that, those who are satisfied with past honors and do nothing to improve upon their successes are said to rest on their laurels. "Several years ago Haliburt won a trophy for excellence, but ever since then he has been resting on his laurels. Some people have said it's because he's lazy !

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(as) black as one is painted

In this idiom, black doesn't refer to a color. Instead, it refers to someone's evil or wicked qualities. And the word painted here means 'describe'. Therefore, someone who is ( as ) black as he/she is painted is truly as sinister as he or she is portrayed. "I'm painting a picture of someone who is said to be a very naughty person," Robert said, "but to me he seems rather nice. Surely he can't be as black as he is painted !"

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A (The) moving spirit

The spirit in this idiom is a lively, energetic person who plans an action and then sets it in motion. That's why he or she is described as a moving spirit. "If we want to win the championship, our team will have to find a coach who can be a moving spirit." Here's another example of the idiom: "Mr. Becker is the moving spirit behind our company's expansion plans."

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In someone's shoes

To understand how someone feels or thinks, we should try to be in their shoes. To be in someone's shoes means to attempt to think as they think, or to put ourselves in the same situation that they are in. It may not be easy, but it's a valuable thing to keep in mind. "My grades aren't very good," Angela said. "If you were in my shoes, what would you do ?" "Well, if I were in your shoes I would discuss the matter with the teacher," Teddy replied.

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With a light heart

Angela's teacher asked her to write a paper describing her weekend. "It was with a light heart that I went to the park," she wrote, " and with a light heart I went home. Furthermore, it is with a light heart that I look forward to going to the park next weekend," Angela concluded. This describes being filled with joy.

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A flight of fancy

"Do you know what it's called when someone dreams or imagines something highly unusual or imaginative ?" Felix asked Sylvester. "I believe that is called a flight of fancy," Sylvester answered. "Correct," Felix smiled, "and yesterday, in a flight of fancy, I imagined I could fly !" "What good is a flight of fancy if nothing becomes of it ?" Sylvester smiled. "Climb on board and dream no more !"

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Rock bottom

(1) Physically or emotionally, rock bottom means the very lowest. "It's like being way, way down at the bottom of the sea," Bighead said. "My spirits have touched rock bottom today and I feel miserable!" "If I were you, I wouldn't worry about him," Eggmont said. "He always says that he hits rock bottom when the tourist boats are due to arrive."

(2) When you visit shops that advertise things at rock bottom prices, you expect to find the lowest prices in town. In money terms, rock bottom means the cheapest price. "A real estate agent told me it was still possible to find land selling at rock bottom on one of the nearby islands."

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Starry-eyed

"I notice that today's tourist boat had some pretty big Hollywood celebrities on it," Petrock said. "How can you tell ?" Bighead asked. "Look over there at Eggmont. The boat may be gone, but he's looking all starry-eyed just thinking about it," Bighead said. When a person is described as being starry-eyed, he or she is dreaming fanciful dreams. "And they are usually impossible ones that are never likely to come true," Petrock added.

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Sweat Bullets

"I I have asked Bob and Ben to join me today to demonstrate an American idiom," Manfred said. "The idiom is sweat bullets, and here is an example of it : prior to an examination, a student might say he or she is sweating bullets. What does that mean ?" "It means to be dreadfully worried about something," Bob mumbled. "That or scared silly !" Ben stammered.

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A golden parachute

Winston has just been given a golden parachute. He's absolutely thrilled, of course, and I think you'd be thrilled, too, if you were given one because a golden parachute is a large sum of money given to an employee to encourage him to leave his position before retirement age. "Wheeeeee, " Winston whooped.

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A scandal sheet

Felix was telling Teddy about a time in his youth when he worked as a reporter for one of the town's leading scandal sheets. "What's a scandal sheet ?" Teddy asked. Felix blushed. He was so embarassed that he didn't want to explain. That's understandable because a scandal sheet is a newspaper that features lots of gossip and sensationalism, but very little real news.

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In a fix

The mechanics at Joe's Garage are in a fix. "Our new robot isn't responding to our signals," Joe said. "What's more, I am in a fix because I promised I'd have it ready today !" "What's the robot supposed to do ?" I asked. "Its purpose is to explain English idioms," Joe said. Suddenly the robot began to speak. "If you get me working I will be able to tell everyone that in a fix means to be in trouble !" the robot said.

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Have the field to oneself

When the folks from Mars visited Earth they invited Winston to join them on Mars for a friendly game of football. It was a long time before Winston got to Mars, though, and by then it was too late. "There was no one there," he said to reporters when he returned to earth. "I guess you could say I had the field to myself !" This expression means to have no opposition or competition. "I'm selling rocks I brought back from Mars, " Winston said. " Since no one else has any, I have the field to myself."

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The sticker price

"This is sensational !" Felix said as he struggled to remove a price marker from a large vase. "I just bought this wonderful vase. The sticker price was $900, but I bought it on sale for $599!" The sticker price is the original or normal selling price of something, and even large items can be said to have a sticker price. "That's true, I have a cousin who can get me a new car much cheaper than the sticker price, "Felix said.

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Cook the books

The books referred to here are those used to keep business accounts, and naturally they are supposed to be precise and accurate. "Except, of course, when someone cooks the books !" the boss said. Cooking the books is a very serious matter because when one does that he or she makes false or inaccurate entries to make profits look better, or worse -- or even to hide stolen funds !

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Old as Methuselah

One day Methuselah ( meh-THU-zeh-la ) was sitting on a rock waiting for a bus when someone came along and wished him Happy Birthday. Poor Methuselah, he forgot it was his birthday, but when you are as old as Methuselah ( the Bible says he was 969 years old ) you tend to forget things like that. From that, anything or anyone said to be as old as Methuselah is extremely old.

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Like the sound of one's own voice

"I have a pretty little bird that sings ail the time," Melissa said. "Maybe it likes the sound of its own voice," Patsy said. I don't think Patsy is being sarcastic, but this idiom is often used in a sarcastic manner when referring to a person who talks on and on and doesn't give others an opportunity to talk.

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Go straight

This is the world-famous criminal Dennis Dimwit on the day of his release from prison. He has not exactly enjoyed his stay in jail and that has convinced him to go straight. When someone goes straight - it's usually a criminal - he changes his way of life and becomes an honest, law-abiding citizen. "I'm sincerely glad I have gone straight." Dennis smile.

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Go on the stump

In years past, when politicians traveled around the country talking to people they discovered that the stumps of old trees made useful platforms on which to stand to give a speech. That's the origin of this idiom, and it now means to campaign for political office. "Fredrick has decided he'd like to be President and he's gone on the stump to speak to the voters."

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All of a piece with your clumsiness

"Chadwick, you silly cat !" Millie cried. "The way you keep bumping into things is all of a piece with your clumsiness !" Millie is saying that Chadwick's actions are consistent with his nature of character. In other words, it is what you would expect from someone such as Chadwick. "Getting caught is all of a piece with me, too," Chadwick complained.

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A bag of wind

"I wonder why people say Howard is such an interesting man," Lily yawned. "To me he is nothing more than a big bag of wind." Lily is either very unkind or she is awfully honest because a bag of wind is someone who talks a lot. "Especially if he boasts and tells exaggerated stories that are hard to believe," Lily added.

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 2 AMERICAN IDIOMS

Break the ice

Our Eskimo in the illustration doesn't seem to understand that to break the ice doesn't mean to knock someone's house down. It means to do something friendly in order to overcome shyness or to ease tension in a social situation. "To break the ice, let's invite our new neighbors to lunch."

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Call it a day

"Let's call it a day and go home," Teddy said. Because the person he's addressing doesn't understand the expression, it's up to me to explain that when we call it a day, we stop whatever we are doing, regardless of the time. "After twenty years as a postman, Mr Burr called it a day and retired."

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Do things by halves

I don't know what's wrong with Mr. Long. He's either lazy or disorganized for he always does things by halves. That is, he does things in a careless and incomplete way. "When I read a book, I do it by halves. I never finish it." Mr. Long said. " I guess I've decorated my house by halves too."

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Put someone in their place

George made the mistake of criticizing his boss. His boss responded by putting him in his place. When we put someone in their place we punish them, often by telling them in an angry way that their thoughts or opinions are of little importance. "Having been put in his place, I doubt that George will ever criticize the boss again."

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On the cheap

Things that are cheap are inexpensive. To do something on the cheap is to do it without spending much money. Last summer, for instance, Felix joined a tour to Europe and that it discovered was done on the cheap as the hotels were inexpensive and lunches were from hot dog stands.

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Make a splash

For several years Gilbert has been studying acting. At last he's ready to appear in a play and make a splash as an actor. When we make a splash, we do something that attracts attention. "Did you see Gilbert in the play last night? He made quite a splash playing Macbeth."

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Hands are tied

Angela and Bruce would like to be free to do as they wish. Unfortunately they can't for their hands are tied ! When people's hands are tied they are unable to do as they would like. "I'd like to go shopping with you but my hands are tied for I have to stay at the office today," father said.

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Go Dutch

It takes at least two people to go Dutch for the simple reason that when we go Dutch we share the cost of something, each person paying his or her own expenses. "Hans invited Gretchen to join him for lunch. Knowing he hasn't much money, Gretchen has insisted that they go Dutch."

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Cost an arm and a leg

Whatever is said to cost an arm and a leg is very expensive. "It cost me an arm and a leg to get my car repaired." "George flew to Austria to go skiing. He said that the trip cost him an arm and a leg."

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Catch-22

This expression comes from the title of a book. Situations referred to as catch-22 are unreasonable and unfair in which a person has no chance of winning or succeeding. "If I study medicine, I'll be unhappy. If I study art, my parents will be unhappy. I'm in a catch-22 situation."

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Burn the midnight oil

Mr. Wilcox works all day and attends school at night. When he goes home he burns the midnight oil by studying until dawn. If you are like Mr. Wilcox and work or study long hours at night, you too can say that you burn the midnight oil.

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A big hand

Last night, Fiona was given a big hand at the end of her wonderful performance. Fiona was overjoyed, of course, for a big hand refers to loud and enthusiastic applause. The newspapers say that Fiona performed very well and received a big hand for her role in the play.

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Chew the fat

After a hard day, Nanook and his friend like nothing better than to sit around a nice warm fire chewing the fat. "Normally we are so busyhunting and fishing that we don't have much time to get together to chew the fat, " Nanook noted. To chew the fat is to have a casual chat or a nice little talk. "Our wives have just gone to one of their friend's igloo to chew the fat", Nanook smiled.

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At each other's throats 

Ian and Alfonso have never gotten along together. As Long as I can remember they've been at each other's throats. That is to say they have always been quarrelling, arguing and - on occasion - fighting. ''We've been at each other's throats so long we've forgotten why we're mad at each other,'' Alfonso said.

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Child's play

Jaime truly enjoys his new job. It's so easy that he has been able to make child's play of it. Any job or task can be called child's play if the person doing it finds it almost too easy to do or to perform. "Jaime's new job seems like child's play." Helen smiled. "He makes it look so easy."

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All keyed up

Teddy has had a terrible day. It began when he overslept and was late getting to school. Then it rained and he got all wet coming home from school. Not only that he forgot to study for a history quiz! "Now you know why I returned home all keyed up," he explained. To be (all) keyed up is to be nervous, tense or excited. "That's exactly how I feel," he nodded.

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Come clean

"We have ways to make you talk," Officer Mutt grinned. "If you don't tell us the truth, I will find a way to make you come clean." Officer Mutt's dog ground his teeth together and agreed. To come clean is to confess or reveal all the facts about something - expecially after telling lies or hiding the truth. "I'll come clean if you keep your dog away from me," the criminal cried out.

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Give someone the cold shoulder

The snowman in this illustration is happy to allow a bird to rest on its cold shoulder ... but that's not what this idiom means. To give someone the cold shoulder is to be unfriendly, usually by ignoring them. "I'm going to give donald the cold shoulder for not inviting me to his party."

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Gut feeling

Until recently it was considered somewhat vulgar to use the word "gut" when referring to the human abdomen. Gut feeling isn't vulgar, though. It refers to a feeling or an impression that comes from one's innermost self. "I have a gut feeling I shouldn't be here." Wilbur said to himself.

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Get to grips with

Kenneth had difficulty adjusting to his new job but he soon got to grips with it. He was uncomfortable living in a strange city but he came to grips with that too. To get/come to grips with ( something ) is to deal satisfactorily with a problem or a situation that initailly proved difficult or confusing.

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Tie the knot

Colloquially, when two people get married they tie the ( marriage ) knot. "Peter and Elizabeth have decided to tie the knot. They make a lovely couple, don't they ?" Also, the person performing the wedding ceremony ties the ( marriage ) knot. The priest at St Teresa's tied the marriage knot for Peter and Elizabeth.

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Get hitched

Trevor and Janet have known each other since they were children. "You love me and I love you." Janet said one day. "Isn't it time we got hitched ?" Trevor resisted a little, but in the end he and Janet did gt hitched. When people get hitched, they get married.

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Drink like a fish

I don't know if people are aware of it but Tim drinks like a fish. When a person is described as drinking like a fish, he drinks great quantitles of alcoholic beverages. Not water or cola or lemonade, mind you, but beer, whiskey, wine and other alcoholic drinks ... such as Tim is doing now?

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Top off / up

Bob and Tim are celebrating. With a bottle in one hand, Tim asks: "May I top your glass up!".

"Certainly, old pal, top it off," Bob said. Glug, glug, glug went the bottle as his glass was topped up, for this expression means to fill a partly full container - a glass, a tank, etc. - to the very top with liquid.

"Thanks," Bob smiled. "My pleasure," Tim replied.

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A lame duck

A person described as being a lame duck is helpless. If he is in a position of authority, he lacks power. " Shirley is such a lame duck. She can't do anything without ebing supervised. " ( Helpless ). "Harry's term of office ends next year. meanwhile, he's a lame duck president and none of his plans stands a chance of ebing acted up. " ( Powerless )

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Answer the call of nature

Teddy was on a walk in the forest when suddenly -- and without warning -- he had to answer the call of nature. "I really must obey the call of nature." he whispered. Fortunately for Teddy, there was a WC nearby for to answer/obey the call of nature is to go to the bathroom.

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Brush up on

Professor Oxbridge has been invited to give a talk on the history of his school. He hasn't read anything about it for so long that he'll have to brush up on it. That is, he'll have to refresh his knowledge of it. "There, I've brushed up on the subject." Professor exbridge smiled.

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To be on the safe side

Those who take extra precautions to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a mistake, an error or even danger are taking measures to be on the safe side. "To be on the safe side Felix always makes certain his valuables are kept in a secure place."

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Daylight robbery

One day Malcolm went shopping. He was so shocked at the cost of things that he got angry. "These prices are absurd !" he shouted. "It's daylight robbery to change such prices !" What Malcolm was saying was that in his opinion, the prices were so high that shopkeepers seemed to be robbing people of their money.

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Deliver the goods

The goods referred to in this idiom mean an expected -- or hoped for -- result. "Deliver" means to come forth with. "Now that I've had my car repaired it's running fine and delivering the goods." ( Hoped-for results ) "I knew Sam would deliver the goods once he understood his job. That's why I promoted him." the boss said. ( Expected results )

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Double talk

"I thought I understood you, but now I'm not sure." Patrick complained. "You're speaking double talk!" Double-talk is written or spoken langauge that seems clear and meaningful but, on close examination, proves to be ambiguous and nonsense. Sometimes, but not always, this is done in a deliberate attempt to confuse or mislead people.

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In black and white

In this idiom, black refers to words and white refers to the paper that they are written on. Very simply, then, when something is in black and white it is written or printed on paper. "Inever sign a contract without first looking carefuly at the conditions in black and white." Leon said.

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Whistle in the dark

To whistle in the dark means (1) to guess wildly about something or (2) to keep up your courage. "I don't know when the last bus leaves the terminal," Douglas said, " so I'd be whistling in the dark if I said it was at midnight.

 

During the terrible storm, we sat inside the house whistling in the dark hoping it would quickly pass."

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A walking encyclopedia

An encyclopedia is a book or a series of books containing a wide range of information about many subjects. A person who is a walking encyclopedia is someone who has a wide rage of information about many subjects. "By the time I finish college, I suspect I will be a walking encyclopedia, "Melissa said as she returned to her studies.

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Turn night into day

Robert certainly has strange working habits! But being a genius isn't easy, so when he is in a creative mood he turns night into day. You don't really have to be a genius to turn night into day, though, for this idiom means to stay up at night working or playing, and sleeping during the day. "You just reverse the order of doing things, "Robert explained. "I work all night and sleep until noon."

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The telephone is ringing off the hook

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, but it was the users of telephones who invented this remark. The hook is the cradle on which the receiver rests, and this remark refers to a telephone that is constantly ringing. " Steve won the swimming championship, and ever since his name appeared in the newspapers his telephone has been ringing off the hook.

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Toy with the idea

Teddy is toying with the idea of studying to be an engineer. That, of course, will be a few years away so he may change his mind between now and then. To toy with an idea is to think of one in an easy, light and speculative manner. "I don't know. I may or may not want to be an engineer," Teddy said. "I'm just tyoing with the idea."

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Run up an account

Instead of paying cash each time he shops, Mr. Long finds it more convenient to run up an account at the stores where he makes his purchases. To run up an account is to increase the money you owe. You can also run up a bill or a debt, which means the same as run up an account. Mr. Long does this ( very easily, I might add!) by using credit cards.

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Get up someone's nose

Hubert is unhappy. He's annoyed, too. The cause of it all is Franklin who has got up his nose. That means that Franklin is making a nuisance of himself .... and that's annoying ! "Go away," Hubert shouted. "You're getting up my nose today," he growled. This is a British expression.

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Go over someone's head

Poor Penelope, Mathematics has never been one of her favorite subjects. she simply isn't able to comprehend it. She often complains that most of what her teacher says goes over her head. As Penelope knows, things that are said to go over our heads are too difficult for us to understand.

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Look daggers at someone

A dagger is a weapon with a short, pointed blade. In fact, daggers look exactly like those things coming from this mother bird's eyes. She is looking daggers at a cat who is threatening her young. To look daggers at someone is to glare at him or her with mean, hostile, angry eyes.

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On pins and needles

When people are on pins and needles they are either very excited or very anxious. "The children are on pins and needles thinking about their trip to the zoo tomorrow." ( Very excited ) "Mr Singh is on pins and needles wondering if the noise he heard is from his pet cobra which escaped. ( Very anxious )

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A peeping Tom

When a little boy peeps through fences or windows he is probably just being curious. When a man does the same thing it's often because he has indecent intentions. A man who snoops like that is called a peeping Tom. "The neighbors are convinced that we have a peeping Tom in the area."

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No picnic

This outing is turning out to be no picnic, "Teddy declared. To say that something - a job or an examination, for example is a picnic is to say it is enjoyeable or easy. If it is unpleasant or difficult, it is described as being no picnic. "It was a picnic getting here," Angela said, " but trying to eat with all these ants around has been no picnic!"

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اصطلاحات آمریکایی 1 AMERICAN IDIOMS

 

Smell a Rat

How come the front door is open? Didn't  you close it before we went shopping? 

I'm sure I did. I can't understand it. Frankly, I smell a rat.

Me, too. I'm convinced that something is definitely wrong here. We'd better call the police.

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Go to the Dogs

Have you seen their house lately? It's really gone to the dogs.

It's true that it has become run-down and in serious need of repair, but I'm sure that it can be fixed up to look like new.

I guess with a little carpentry work and some paint it could look pretty decent.

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Fishy

When the security guard saw a light in the store after closing hours, it seemed to him that there was something fishy going on. He called the central office and explained to his superior that he thought something strange and suspicious was occurring.

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Take the Bull by the Horns

Julie had always felt that she was missing out on a lot of fun because of her clumsiness on the dance floor. She had been putting off taking lessons, but she finally took the bull by the horns and went to a professional dance studio for help. She was tired of feeling left out and acted decisively to correct the situation.

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Let the cat out of the Bag

Bob was going to retire from teaching in June, and the foreign language department was planning on presenting him with some luggage at his retirement dinner. He wasn't supposed to know about it, but someone let the cat out of the bag. At the dinner Bob acted surprised, even though someone had told him what he was getting before the official presentation.

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For the Birds

They went to a poetry reading, but they got bored and restless. As far as they were concerned, it was for the birds! They left during an intermission because they found the reading totally uninteresting and meaningless

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Straight From the Horse's Mouth

How did you find out that Jill was engaged?

I got the information from a very reliable source.

You mean Jill told you so herself?

That's right. I got it straight from the horse's mouth!

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Horse Around

Did you hear about Dave's back injury?

No. How did he get hurt?

Well, after the coach left the gym he decided to stay and horse around on the parallel bars. He somehow lost his grip and fell on his back.

That's too bad, but he shouldn't have been aimlessly playing around on the equipment without proper supervision.

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Cat Got Your Tongue?

Come on, Connie! Tell us what you think about our little ride down the rapids yesterday.

Well, uh...

Wasn't it exciting? 

I, uh...

What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?

If you must know, I'm keeping quiet because I was scared out of my wits!

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Get in Someone's hair

Children! Would you please stop making so much noise!

And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys!

It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!

Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.

Listen, Jim. I can't help it . The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.

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Shoot Off One's Mouth

Jim doesn't play tennis very much, but he's always shooting off his mouth about how good he is. Yet he's fooling nobody. Jim is somewhat of a braggart and everyone knows that he gives opinions without knowing all the facts and talks as if he knew everything about the game.

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Jump Down Someone's Throat

That's it, Greg! You'd better not come in after midnight again tonight!

I know, dad. You don't have to jump down my throat! I told you that I'd make it home around 11:30. I don't intend to be late!

Well, you've said that before and in you come at 2: 30 in the morning. You can't blame me for getting angry and scolding you. I've got good reason.

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Pay Through the Nose

At last Mr. Smith came upon the rare stamp he had been seeking at an auction. Since many other stamp collectors would also be bidding for it, he realized that he would have to pay through the nose in order to have it.

After considering the increasing value of the stamp, he decided that he would not mind paying such a high price for something so rare.

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Tongue-in-Cheek 

Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.

I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when i said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.

Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.

I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.

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Pull Someone's Leg

Hey, Al. I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!

Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!

No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?

Well, you've told me foolish stories before.

I can assure you that this one is for real.

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Play It by Ear

Let's go to the movies, agreed?

Sure. And what'll we do after that ?

Oh, I don't know. Let's play it by ear.

Well, I would like to have a more definite plan of action.

Don't be like that. It's always more fun not knowing what to expect and deciding what to do as we go along.

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Stick Out One's Neck

How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?

Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.

That jungle has danger lurking around every corner.

Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.

They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.

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All Thumbs

Hey Bea. Can you help me out ? I don't seem to be able to button up the back of my dress.

Sure. Let's see if I can do it for you.

I guess I'm all thumbs because I'm so nervous. I'm already late for my date.

Well, I suppose that being so nervous would make you clumsy and awkward. But don't worry. I'm sure your date will wait.

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On

Tom maintains that the firm owes him some back wages for having worked overtime. However, he won't have a leg to stand on unless he can prove that he put in all those extra hours. He doesn't stand a chance of getting his money without a strong foundation of facts to support his position.

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Get Off Someone's Back

Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.

Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.

You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break ? Come on! Let's go ! Forget studying for a while !

Look! Get off my back! I can't go anywhere!

OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.

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Drive Someone Up a Wall

Wow ! What a great set of drums!

Yeah, they're great, but I can't play on them when my folks are at home. They say I drive them up a wall with all the loud banging.

I get the same thing at home. My folks tell me that I annoy them and get them really angry whenever I turn up the volume on my stereo.

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String Someone Along

Liz had high hopes of marrying Dean. When he ran off with another woman, she realized that he was just stringing her along. She had felt very strongly about him and was really hurt to see that he was deceiving her and had no intentions of ever marrying her.

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Leave Someone High and Dry

Say, Jill. I thought that John was going to help you do the dishes tonight.

So did I. But he left me high and dry.

Where did he go ?

Well, he got a call from some of his pals at work to go bowling, and he left me alone to do all this work without any help at all!

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Spill the Beans

Did you know that Harry was going to take Kathy on a Caribbean cruise ?

Yes, I did. He was planning on surprising her with the tickets fro their anniversary, but someone spilled the beans.

What a shame ! That was supposed to have been a surprise.

Yes, it's too bad that someone told her about the trip beforehand and ruined Harry's surprise.

That's OK. Her enthusiasm was not dampened in the least!

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Bite the Dust

Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition. Much to the disappointment of his fans, he went down in defeat, losing to a competitor from the visiting team.

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Bend Over Backwards

When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty. Her fears turned out to be unfounded, since everybody bent over backwards to help her. Everyone tried very hard to help her feel comfortable and adjust to the school.

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Cough Up

Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much ?

Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.

Is it going to take you a while to raise the money?

It would have taken me forever, but dad said he'd cough up the money I need since I'm going to be using the computer for my school work.

Maybe it was difficult for your dad to give you the money but then, he knows that it's for a good cause.

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Jump the Gun

Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word. He was so excited that he became hasty and revealed the news before Denise had a chance to tell them.

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Scratch Someone's Back

Hey, Bea. I need some help stacking these boxes. Would you please give me a hand?

OK. And I need some help tidying up the house. How about your helping me out after that ?

OK. If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

I know you don't like doing housework, but I'll help you with the boxes if you promise to return the favor.

No problem. I'll even do the windows.

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Turn Someone Off

How was your date with Marty last night ?

Well, it started of OK, but he really turned me off when we went for a snack after the movies.

Did he say or do something to annoy you?

Frankly, he disgusted me when he tried to talk with his mouth full.

I don't blame you . That would have really bothered me too.

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Kick the Bucket

It's been said that the old man knew of a buried treasure, but he kicked the bucket before telling anyone where it was. If the treasure exists, the old man unfortunately took the secret of its location with him when he died.

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Wet Blanket

James was not invited to go on the outing with the rest of the group because he's such a wet blanket. On many previous occasions he has kept others from enjoying themselves by his pessimism and lack of enthusiasm. It's understandable that no one wants him around.

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Up One's Sleeve

All right, Sara. We know that you're planning something big for Jean's birthday. Mind telling us just what you have up your sleeve ?

I wanted to make his birthday a very special event.

Jean has a sister living in France, and I sent her an airplane ticket so that she could be here for his birthday.

Boy! That is something special. We kind of guessed that you had some concealed plan and were waiting for the right time to reveal it.

Well, I didn't want to say anything until I was sure she could come.

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Knock Someone's Socks Off

Hi, John. What's new ?

Oh, nothing too much with me, but you ought to see Fredo's new car. It'll knock your socks off!

So, he finally got that Italian sports car he's been dreaming about.

He sure did. When you see all the custom features that it has, you'll get so enthused and excited you won't know what to do.

Boy, I can hardly wait to go for a ride in it.

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Lose One's Shirt

I happened to bump into Dole at lunch yesterday afternoon.

What's new with Dole these days ?

He wasn't doing so well. For one thing, he told me he lost his shirt at the races.

Dole has always liked to bet on the horses. I'm not surprised that he lost a great deal of money.

Yeah. At this rate he'll never have a penny to his name.

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Lemon

Have you seen Joe's new car yet ?

Yeah. It looks good, but she's had nothing but problems with it.

That's too bad. It sounds like she got a real lemon.

She sure did. No sooner did she drive it home from the dealer's than it proved defective and started breaking down.

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Out of the Woods

Although Eric was well on his way to recovering from his bout with pneumonia, he was still not out of the woods. The doctors told him that he would have to take it easy and avoid exposure to cold, since he was not out of danger and difficulty yet.

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Eating Someone

Hey, Alice. What's been eating you lately ? Don't you realize how rude and irritable you've become?

I know. I'm really sorry for the way I've been acting.

Well, why don't you tell me what has been bothering and upsetting you and maybe we can work your problem out together.

I'll admit that it would help to talk to someone about it.

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On the Line

Lately Tom's been more conscientious about the accuracy and quality of his work with the company. He was warned that his job was on the line because of his lack of concern for his duties. When Tom was alerted that he was in danger of losing his job, he began to take his obligations with the company more seriously.

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Feel Like a Million Dollars

I bumped into Nick at the salon yesterday. He looked great, but I noticed that he had a slight limp when he walked.

I guess you didn't know that he had an operation on his knee.

No, I didn't. How's he feeling ?

He says he's feeling like a million dollars now. Apparently the pain in his knee is all gone.

It's good that he's feeling so wonderful. It must be a refreshing change not having to put up with all that discomfort.

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Hang On

During the depression years the Smiths had a great deal of trouble with their business, but somehow or other they were able to hang on. Although they almost lost their store, they managed to persevere until things got better.

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Make Ends Meet

It's almost impossible trying to keep up with the high cost of living.

It's true. Things are so expensive nowadays that it's very difficult to make ends meet.

You know, even with Lucie's salary, our combined income is hardly enough to pay all the bills.

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Money talks

We've been waiting for three months to get delivery on our car, and people who put in their order after us have already gotten theirs.

Well, money talks. Why don't you try giving the dealer a little something extra to move things along ?

I know full well that money has the power to influence people, but I refuse to pay extra for a service that is owed to me as a client.

If you want to have your car maybe you'd better reconsider.

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The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Marc, the lines for the rock festival are going to be miles long! If you expect to get tickets for you and Mary, remember that old saying. " The early bird catches the worm "

I guess you're right. Mary is looking forward to the concert, and I'd hate to disappoint her. I'll get up real early to get a place at the head of the line.

That way I'll get the tickets I want, for sure !

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