Idiomatic Expressions in English
The meaning of under the weather When someone is under the weather, it means that the person: is slightly ill. feels a little sick. doesn’t feel well. Sometimes the person’s (body) defences are low and they feel tired or exhausted too. Under the weather can also refer to a person being intoxicated or even a little sad or depressed. […]
To throw in the towel = to quit; to give up; to concede defeat The origin of this idiom comes from boxing. When a boxer is being hit too much, is losing the fight and has great difficultly to continue, then sometimes his coach (or trainer) will throw a towel (or a sponge) into the boxing ring to […]
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To sit on the fence = to be uncommitted or undecided = to remain neutral on a certain topic = to not have a stance or open opinion about a topic = to be unable or unwilling to commit oneself to one side of an argument or dispute This English idiom is used when a person does not […]
First, before we look at the meaning of this idiom, what is icing? Icing = a sugary substance used as coating on cakes or cookies (biscuits) to make them look better or to enhance its flavour. The meaning of Icing on the cake Simple definition: Something that makes a good situation even better or a […]
Have your head in the clouds – Meaning This idiom can be said in a variety of ways. You have your head in the clouds. He has his head in the clouds. She has her head in the clouds. etc Note: When someone says this idiom, it is NOT a compliment. Meaning of Have your […]
Meaning of Put your foot in your mouth To say or do something that offends, upsets or embarrasses someone else. The thing you said (or did) usually gets you into trouble, especially if you hadn’t thought carefully before speaking or doing it. You embarrass yourself by saying something wrong or inappropriate, something that you should […]
Meaning of Couch Potato A couch potato is a person who spends a lot of time watching television with little or no physical activity. They can do this either sitting or lying down on a couch (or sofa) or even sitting in an armchair. The idea is that they don’t move very much and a […]
Meaning of Burning the candle at both ends This English idiom can mean: 1. To work (or do some other activity) from early in the morning until late at night without taking time (or very little time) to rest. 2. To try and do too much work (or an activity) in a short amount of […]
There are three ways of saying this Idiom in English. Zip your mouth! Zip your lip! Zip it! The meaning is the same no matter which you use. The meaning of Zip your Lip / Zip your Mouth This idiomatic expression can mean any of the following: Keep your mouth shut. Don’t say anything (usually […]