“Once in a blue moon” English has lots of moon-related idioms, including ‘to be over the moon’ (to be delighted) and ‘to ask for the moon’ (make excessive and impossible demands). The phrase once in a blue moon refers to something that doesn’t happen very often. A blue moon doesn’t actually refer to the color of the moon, but when we see a full moon twice … Continue reading Daily Tidbit: Idiom
Idiom of the Day: “Take with a grain of salt” Definition: To “take with a grain of salt” means to not take what someone says too seriously. You accept what they said, but also remain skeptical about the validity, or truth, of their statement. This idiom comes from the idea that food is more easily swallowed if taken with a small amount of salt. Example … Continue reading Daily Tidbit: “Take with a grain of salt”
wolf in sheep’s clothing- “Figuratively, anyone who disguises a ruthless nature through an outward show of innocence. JESUS taught his followers to “beware of false prophets , which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” – Cultural Literacy, What Every American Needs to Know by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.,Kett and Trefil Click the link to check out the definition for idiom. idiom https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/idiom Continue reading Daily Tidbit: Idiom of the Week!
“(To) leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth” Definition: To leave a negative impression on someone. Example Sentence: The experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “(To) leave a bad taste in someone’s mouth”
“Just between you and me they will do it.” Idiom I’m telling you this in the strictest confidence: they will do it. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “Just between you and me they will do it.”
“They will try to put the bite on us.” IDIOM They will try to borrow money from us. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “They will try to put the bite on us.”
“Devil’s Advocate” IDIOM Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument without believing in that particular side of the argument. It can also mean one who presents a counter argument to a position he/she actually believes in for the sake of the argument. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “Devil’s Advocate”
“Method To My Madness” IDIOM Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless are done, from the perspective of the person doing them, for a good reason. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “Method To My Madness”
“He’s got a finger in every pie.” IDIOM He has many deals going. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: He’s got a finger in every pie.
Beg the question IDIOM To assume what has still to be proved. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: Beg the question
Ad nauseam IDIOM To go on endlessly; literally, to continue “to seasickness”. Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: Ad Nauseam
“rule of thumb” IDIOM A practical principle that comes from the wisdom of experience and is usually but not always valid: “When playing baseball, a good rule of thumb is to put your best hitter fourth in the batting order.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “rule of thumb”
“semper fidelis” IDIOM Latin for “always faithful”: the motto of the United States Marine Corps Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “semper fidelis”
“play second fiddle” IDIOM To play a supporting or minor in relation to someone else: “Tired of playing second fiddle, she resigned and started her own company.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “play second fiddle”
“pull someone’s leg” IDIOM To tease or fool someone: “Helen had me fooled for a while, but finally I realized she was just pulling my leg.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “pull someone’s leg”
“make ends meet” IDIOM To earn enough income to provide for basic needs: “The workers complained that on their present wages they could hardly make ends meet, let alone enjoy any luxuries.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “make ends meet”
“no-brainer” IDIOM Something that is absurdly simple or easy and requires little thought: “Making pumpkin pie can be a no-brainer if you can use frozen pastry and canned filling.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “no-brainer”
“down in the dumps” IDIOM In a gloomy or depressed mood: “After losing the student election, Jack really felt down in the dumps.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “down in the dumps”
“Pull strings” IDIOM To use personal connections to obtain a position. This phrase makes reference to the operation of string-controlled puppets, or marionettes. “Pat was officially interviewed for the job, but he also had his uncle pulling strings behind the scenes.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “Pull strings”
“castles in the air” IDIOM Extravagant hopes and plans that will never be carried out: “I told him he should stop building castles in the air and train for a sensible profession.” Continue reading American Cultural Literacy: “castles in the air”
