Idioms and expressions

‘Sleep on it’ or ‘Sleep in’?

When you cannot take a decision on something right away, and need some time to think about it, you say that you need to “sleep on it.” Example: I haven’t been able to make up my mind about your offer. Let me sleep on it and get back to you in a few days. “I’m … Continue reading →

Are you ‘mooning over’ somebody?

Over the moon: extremely happy Many moons ago: a very long time ago Once in a blue moon: something that occurs very rarely Cry for the moon: to ask for something that is difficult or impossible to achieve. Moon over (somebody): to spend time thinking about somebody that you love, especially when other people think … Continue reading →

‘Going back to the drawing board’: Idioms for change

Here are some idioms and expressions to talk about changes or the intent to change: Blow away the cobwebs To get rid of feelings of tiredness Out with the old, in with the new Accepting new ideas Shake things up Make significant/positive changes Give (something) a new lease of life Revive something Go back to … Continue reading →

Did you open up ‘a can of worms’?

Stumbling block: (a problem that bars you from achieving something or progressing): A stumbling block in my road to success now is lack of trained personnel in my team. Dire straits: (in a difficult situation): With all our money and even our mobile phones robbed by the rogues, we had no way of finding help … Continue reading →

What’s your ‘party piece’?

IT’S PARTY TIME! party piece š(a song/speech/joke/trick that somebody always does to entertain people, especially at parties) His common party piece was mimicry of politicians and celebrities. party pooper (a person who does not want to take part in an enjoyable activity and spoils the fun for other people) We had a costume party but … Continue reading →

Jumping on the bandwagon

working for peanuts: idioms to talk about low pay and lack of money

Expressions for low pay: A measly pay A meager salary A paltry wage Working for peanuts Working for chicken feed Idioms for not having enough money: Be short of I was short of money, so I had to borrow some from George.  Strapped for cash He sold the painting at an auction when he was strapped for … Continue reading →

‘blow over’ or ‘blow up’?

Blow over means to go away without having a serious effect. Blow up means to start suddenly and with force (as if to explode).   EXAMPLE: I listened to their arguments and wondered if their fight will blow up or blow over.

Are you ‘under a cloud’ or ‘on cloud nine’?

When you are under a cloud, you are suspected of something. Example: Someone stole money from the cash box and now everyone is under a cloud of suspicion. Even the manager is under the cloud. If you are on cloud nine, you are very happy. Example: Susan is on cloud nine these days; she just … Continue reading →

An ‘armchair quarterback’

An armchair quarterback is someone who offers advice or an opinion on something in which they have no expertize or involvement. An armchair general  is a person who sits in a chair behind a computer and leads people or at least attempts to, instead of doing something themselves. Such a person usually complains about government, organization, … Continue reading →