English Idioms

Beyond a shadow of a doubt

2009-08-23T19:19:00.003-04:00

Beyond a shadow of a doubt

When you think that something is beyond a shadow of a doubt, then no doubts remain.

Example

(A) I don't know which road to choose.

(B) I know that Pine Street will get us there.

(A) Are you sure, are you sure beyond a shadow of a doubt.

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Between the devil and the deep blue sea

2009-01-23T17:37:00.002-05:00

When you are in a dilemma and have to make a difficult choice you can use this idiom to explain your situation. "Between the devil and the deep blue sea" and "Between a rock and a hard place" both indicate that you are in a position where you have to choose between difficult or unpleasant alternatives, and either choice can cause you problems.

Example

(A) Do I take my brother or girlfriend on the free vacation?

(B) Sounds like you are between the devil and the deep blue sea.

(A) Yeah - both want to go. I don't know what to do.

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Between a rock and a hard place

2009-01-21T11:46:00.003-05:00

Between a rock and a hard place

When you are stuck between a rock and a hard place, you are in a position where you have to choose between difficult or unpleasant alternatives, and either choice can cause you problems. You may not be able to satisfy yourself or everyone with either choice.

Example

(A) Do I work overtime at my main job or quit my part-time job?

(B) Sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place.

(A) Yeah - I need the money but can not do both.

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Better the devil you know

2008-11-09T13:10:00.006-05:00

This is the shortened form of the full English expression, 'better the devil you know than the devil you don't'. This idiom means that it is often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unkown person or thing (which may be worse).

Example

(A) Should we go the usual route or take this new short cut?

(B) You know it's better the devil you know.

(A) Yeah, we don't know what shape the shortcut road is in.

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Better safe than sorry

2008-10-25T13:08:00.003-04:00

The idiom "Better safe than sorry" is used to recommend being cautious rather than taking a risk and esposing yourself to damages or loss.

Example

(A) Do I need Sunscreen for my bike ride today?

(B) Yeah, it's bright outside, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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English Idioms Blog URL
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Bet your bottom dollar

2008-06-14T22:11:00.003-04:00

When you are absolutely sure about something then you can bet your bottom dollar on something. (bottom means last)

Example

(A) Which horse will win the Triple Crown this year?

(B) Everyone says bet your bottom dollar on "Big Brown".

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Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Below the belt

2008-04-29T15:05:00.003-04:00

This is an idiom from sports. In boxing a punch below the belt is illegal. When someone makes a comment or says something that is cruel or unfair, it is "below the belt".

Example

(A) Did you hear all the John MaCain is old jokes?

(B) Yeah, some of them are really below the belt.

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Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Below par

2008-04-21T15:26:00.004-04:00

This idiom comes from the sport of golf. Native English speakers will say if a product or service isn't up to standard, or someone isn't feeling or doing very well, they are "below par".

Example

(A) What did you think of those dollar frozen dinners?

(B) They were all starch and food coloring. They were really below par.

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Bells and whistles

2008-04-10T15:23:00.004-04:00

When you want to describe someone having on all the extras you say "he has all the Bells and whistles. When describing objects with attractive features such as computer programs or luxury cars you can say they come with all the Bells and Whistles.

Example

(A) Are you ready for Fred's wedding?

(B) I have the tux, shoes, cummerbun, bow tie and all the Bells and Whistles for a formal.

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Behind the times

2008-04-03T12:43:00.004-04:00

We use the idiom "Behind the times" to describe someone who is old-fashioned and has methods or practices or technology or even ideas that are regarded as out-dated.

Example

(A) Some of my clients are so "Behind the times"

(B) Mine too, they have to call their trades in rather than use the web-broker.

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Behind your back

2008-03-26T14:49:00.005-04:00

When someone does something behind your back, the action or event or task was performed without telling you.

Example

(A) Did Fred tell you he was taking the car?

(B) No, he took the car behind my back. I didn't even know it was gone.

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Behind closed doors

2008-03-14T14:40:00.006-04:00

We say the idiom "behind closed doors" to idicate that a discussion or negotiation or decision is either private or being held away from the news press and public at large.

Example

(A) Where are all the managers?

(B) They are behind closed doors talking about Bill's resignation.

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Make a beeline

2008-03-09T17:28:00.006-04:00

When you "make a beeline" for a place or object or location, you head there directly and quickly without allowing distractions. Many people think that Bees fly directly to flowers without any delays so a "beeline" is named after this characteristic.

Example

(A) Did you see Ross make a beeline for those cookies?

(B) Yeah, he walked straight up to the dessert table and helped himself to the chocolate chips.

******

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Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Bee in your bonnet

2008-03-03T23:10:00.004-05:00

People use the idiom "Bee in your Bonnet" to describe someone who is very excited or agitated about a situation or event.

Example

(A) Did you see Alice after the results were announced.

(B) Yes, she acted like she had a bee in her bonnet.

******

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Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Beck and call,

2008-03-01T17:03:00.004-05:00

This idiom is used to describe the willing behaviour of someone who does everything for you, no matter when you ask.

Example

(A) How are we getting back from the airport at 3 AM?

(B) The company has 2 drivers on rotation so someone is always at our beck and call.

******

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Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

2008-02-29T15:53:00.005-05:00

When great differences in "taste" occur and there is no obvious relationship as to why something or someone is attractive to another then the idiom "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" means that some people will find different things maybe even ugly things beautiful.

Example

(A) Why does Carol have that ugly green frog on her desk?

(B) She likes frogs, you know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

******

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ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America

The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Beating a dead horse

2008-02-24T11:33:00.004-05:00

The "Beating a dead horse" idiom is used when someone is trying to raise interest in a project, activity or event that no-one supports anymore. The representation is that beating a dead horse will not make it do any more work.

Example

(A) I see Fred wants to have weekend training sessions for new staff.

(B) Yeah, he is beating a dead horse. No one will go to these on the weekend.

******

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ESL in Canada Directory
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The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Beat about the bush

2008-02-23T15:28:00.005-05:00

When someone doesn't explain directly and clearly what they mean and they try to make it more difficult or obscure to understand then we use the idiom "Beat about the bush" to describe this behaviour.

Example

(A) The English teacher couldn't answer my grammar question.

(B) Yeah he really beat about the bush talking about latin, monks and politics.

******

English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/

ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America

The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Bean counter

2008-02-16T13:53:00.007-05:00

This is a slightly insulting comment when used. A bean counter is an accountant or manager who uses numbers (and not what is considered reality) to manage or direct business affairs.

Example

(A) Why does everyone complain about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

(B) The Leaf fans blame the bean counters for just employing a few stars and not trying to build a team.

******

English Idioms Blog URL
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ESL in Canada Directory
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The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Bat an eyelid

2008-02-16T13:44:00.005-05:00

When someone does not bat an eyelid they do not flinch, freeze or react or when a situation occurs they are not surprised or shocked.

Example

(A) Did you see the video of those firemen last night?

(B) Yeah, they are so professional the building was collapsing and they kept rescuing the occupants without batting an eye.

******

English Idioms Blog URL
http://english-idioms.blogspot.com/

ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America

The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Basket case

2008-02-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

This idiom is used to describe a person or project that is so useless or helpless that you want to abandon it. Put it in a basket and walk away.

Example

(A) What did you think of the Dragon's Den show last night?

(B) It was OK, but they had some real basket cases presented to the investors.

(A) Yeah, sometimes they said "our best advice is drop it and get a job".

******

English Idioms Blog URL
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ESL in Canada Directory
Directory of ESL English schools teachers tutors classes lessons university colleges high schools, Canadian ESL English as a second language study programs, education coaching, consulting services, resources, homestay, visas, study information and advice across Canada, North America

The Travel Language Culture Network Club (TLC Club) organizes special member group prices, special events and activities to help provide visitors with both fun and educational programs. TLC recommendations assists club members with travel, language, culture, immigration, employment, shopping, homestay and professional services.

Sentence Master Games provide a fun practical hands-on learning experience that will help students write English sentences, practice their English grammar and improve their English writing.

Barrel of laughs

2008-02-05T16:31:00.000-05:00

A barrel of laughs is an idiom which describes someone who is always joking or telling funny stories and you find them funny.

Example

(A) Who should do the opening talks at the seminar.

(B) Get Bob, he is a barrel of laughs and could do an excellent job.

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Barking up the wrong tree

2008-02-04T14:42:00.000-05:00

This idiom is used to indicate that you or someone else has completely misunderstood something or are totally wrong or will not find what you seek if you continue your research in a particular direction.

Example

(A) I have been heating these plastics trying to get them to join together.

(B) I think you are barking up the wrong tree, why dont you see if a catalyst can do the job for you.

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Bark is worse than their bite

2008-02-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

You can describe someone by stating their bark is worse than their bite. The person described will get angry and shout, but doesn't take any physical action.

Example

(A) Jeff was yelling at all of the salesmen after the results were published.

(B) His bark is worse than his bite, none of the salemen will be fired or demoted.

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Barefaced liar

2008-01-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

A barefaced liar is a person who can look you in the eye and appear honest and sincere even when telling a huge lie. They do not show any shame or nerves when lying.

Example

(A) Can you believe those parents at the meeting.

(B) Even with the video showing the bad behaviour of their kids they said they were innocent.

(A) Those parents were barefaced liars.

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