Useful Idioms – part 27
Talk shop = talk about work/job when you are not at work( with those you work with). Even at a party they have to talk shop , i.e talk about one’s work and this is boring for the other people who do not do the same work. Please don’t talk shop. It’s too boring for the rest of us. Spread the word = communicate a message to a lot of people. We have arranged a meeting for next Thursday so if you see anyone do…
Useful Idioms – part 26
Put on hold = left until a later date ( usually used in the passive) Plans for building the extension have been put on hold until our finances are in a better state. He put his retirement on hold until he had found a solution. I am afraid that the whole matter is on hold just now. On paper = when you read about it, it may seem OK , but might not turn out to be so. The plans look great on paper, but…
Useful Idioms – part 18
wouldn’t dream of = wouldn’t even remotely think of/ wouldn’t do because you think it is wrong or silly. Even if it were lying open on my desk, I wouldn’t dream of reading another person’s letter. My father is very generous , but I wouldn’t dream of actually asking him for money. 2. Lead someone astray = cause someone to act or think foolishly or wrongly. I’m afraid that this young man has been leading you astray. Nobody can lead him astray. 3. Necessary evil…
Useful Idioms – part 17
Take kindly to = be receptive to , attracted by or pleased with; like something. He won’t take kindly to your stepping on his newly planted grass. She doesn’t take kindly to anyone drinking her soft drinks. I hope they will take kindly to our request. Don’t know which way to turn or where to turn = to be unsure of what to do or whom to ask for help. When he lost his job, he didn’t know where to ask for help. When I…
Useful Idioms – part 16
Take pot luck = take whatever food happens to be in the cooking pot ; come to eat whatever happens to be served (without choice). You are welcome to join us for supper but you’ii have to take pot luck. Come home with me and take pot luck. Be the luck of the draw = be the result of chance and something that you have no control over. You cannot choose who you play against, it is just the luck of the draw. It was…
Useful Idioms – part 15
Have it out with someone = to talk to someone about something they have done that makes you angry , in order to try to solve the problem. He decided to have it out with her about the troubles caused by her pet dog. We wanted to have it out with the domestic help as she had been late for work everyday. A small fortune = a large amount of money. That dusty old painting on the wall could be worth a small fortune. You…
Useful idioms – part 14
1. As easy as taking candy from a baby = extremely easy. Beating them was the easiest thing in the world. It was as easy as taking candy from a baby. 2. I would give anything = to want something very much. I would give anything to see the pyramids of Egypt. 3. A foregone conclusion = a result that can be predicted with certainty. The result of the election seems to be a foregone conclusion. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that you…
Bony vs. Bonny
Bony = of or like a bone. Renz likes the antics shown by his grandfather with his bony fingers. He was all skin and bone after his illness.(ie = emaciated , abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or lack of food) she had a bony intelligent face. He poked a bony finger in David’s chest. a delicious but extremely bony fish. . Bonny = attractive and beautiful. You will find the bonny lass , Glory, sitting there reading some book. A bonny child…
Sensitivity vs. Sensibility
Sensitivity = responsiveness, reactivity, the condition of being sensitive. The eyes are sensitive to light. Her skin is easily hurt because of its high sensitivity to the sunshine. As an author he should not have so much of sensitivity to criticism. When it comes to religious matters people in India tend to have more sensitivity. Mammootty has the sensibility and sensitivity as to how to deal with his characters. . Sensibility = feelings, discernment; the ability to decide what is good or valuable, especially in…
Satisfactory vs. Satisfying.
Satisfactory = Good enough to be acceptable. Her examination results were not satisfactory. The service in the hotel was not at all satisfactory. The salary they offered was more than satisfactory. You may be dismissed from service if your performance is not satisfactory. . Satisfying = giving pleasure or contentment. For many people , a part-time job can be very satisfying. It’s a most satisfying meal. It can be very satisfying to cook our food ourselves. As far as I am concerned it is very…