BBC Learning English - Today's Phrase_2012_2013

8/13/2019 BBC Learning English - Today's Phrase_2012_2013

1/190

To carry a torch for someone

27thJuly 2012

A man carrying the Olympic torch outside the BBC's offices in White City, London.Photo by BBC Learning English

Today's Phrase

If you carry a torch for someone, it means you are in love with them.

For example:

John has carried a torch for Jane for years but she doesn't seem to notice.

'George is such a nice guy, isn't he?

You carry a torch for him, don't you?

o! "ell yes actually# is it ob$ious?'

Don't confuse it with

To carry the canmeans to tae the !lame for something.

For example:

%he boss is so la&y but hen there's a mista(e ) alays ha$e to carry the can for him.

Interesting fact

"he Olympic torch relay passed through White City, which was the site of the very first London

Olympics held in #$%&. "he stadium was demolished in #$& and BBC offices were !uilt in its

place. A pla(ue on the wall mars the place where the stadium's finishing line was.


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Under starter's orders

27thJuly 2012

A man preparing to tae part in a running race. Photo by istoc(

Today's Phrase

If you are under starter's orders it means you are waiting for a signal to start a race.

For example:

%he athletes ha$e been aiting for this moment for years. %hey*re under starter*s orders. +nd

they*re off!

)t as only a second or to but the runners seemed to be under starter*s orders for hours

before the istol as fired.


Under armsmeans supplied with weapons and prepared to start fighting

For example:

%he rebels ere under arms and an attac( as -ust a matter of time.

Interesting fact

)%* nations will !e taing part in the London )%#) Olympics with a!out #%,%% athletes

participating in the competition. "here will !e +%) events in ) different sports. "his is the

third time London has hosted the games. "he first time was #$%& and the second in #$*&.


3/190

Like a duck to water

30thJuly 2012

-e hiwen wins gold for China in the London )%#) *%%m swimming event."he #/year/old also !roe the world record. Photo /a$id Gray.

Today's Phrase

If you tae to something lie a duc to water, it means that you discover when you start doing

a new activity for the first time, you are very good at it.

For example:

0e too( to golf li(e a duc( to ater. 0e'd ne$er layed before but hit a hole in one!

1ate ne$er seemed li(e the mothering tye but hen her daughter as born she too( to it li(e

a duc( to ater. 2he as a real natural!


A sitting duck.If someone is a sitting duc, it means they are an easy target.

For example:

%he soldiers ere left e3osed on the hill. %hey really ere sitting duc(s for the enemy.

Interesting fact

China's -e hiwen stormed to gold and set a new world record in the women's *%%m medley

with a time of * minutes )&.*+ seconds at the A(uatics Centre. "he #/year/old too a second

off Australian defending champion tephanie 0ice's record set at Bei1ing )%%&.


4/190

Splash out

31stJuly 2012

China's Cao -uan and 2hang -an(uan win gold in the men's synchronised#%m platform diving final in the London )%#) A(uatic Centre. Photo %im "iborne.

Today's Phrase

If you splash out, it means that you spend a lot of money on something that you don't

necessarily need.

For example:

) as feeling don, so ) slashed out on a ne comuter and then felt great.

%he shos ere full of eole slashing out after ay day.

) fancy sushi. Let's slash out and go to that ne restaurant don the road. )t's e3ensi$e but

the food loo(s delicious.


If someonemakes a splashit means they suddenly !ecome very successful or famous.

For example:

Bradley "iggins made a slash by inning the %our de 4rance. obody had heard of him and a

ee( later he started the 5lymic 5ening Ceremony.

Interesting fact

When Cao -uan and 2hang -an(uan won gold in the diving final, they dashed the hopes of

British competitors "om 3aley and 4ete Waterfield. "he local pair had led the competition in

the first three rounds !ut suffered as a result of a poor fourth dive.


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it out

1st!u"ust 2012

outh 5orea's 5im 6a 7a plays a shot during the women's dou!le!adminton match during the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo +de( Berry.

Today's Phrase

If you hit outat someone or something, you mae a ver!al attac on them.

For example:

%he 6P hit out at the -ournalists ho criticised the go$ernment's olicy.

6y friend hit out at e$eryone hen she disco$ered she asn't in$ited to the arty.

%he singer used her ebsite to hit out at fans ho had lea(ed her album early.


If you hit backat someone, you retaliate.For example:

%he resident hit bac( at the oosition's criticism of the budget by announcing that 78,888

ne -obs ould be created.

Interesting fact

"he Badminton World 9ederation has dis(ualified eight female Olympic dou!les players for not

using their :!est efforts to win the match.: "he players appeared to try to lose the game in

order to get an easier draw in the ne;t round. "he longest rally in the match !etween China

and outh 5orea lasted four shots.


6/190

#ide it out

2nd !u"ust 2012

Bradley Wiggins of 8reat Britain wins gold in the


7/190

To ha$e your eye on the %all

3rd!u"ust 2012

Wang 6ao of China watches the !all during the ta!le tennis men=sgold medal singles match against 2hang >ie. Photo 2aeed 1han.

Today's Phrase

If you ha$e your eye on the ball, you are very focused and alert.

For example:

)'$e got my dri$ing test this afternoon. ) really need to (ee my eye on the ball if )'m going to

ass.

)'m going on safari today. )f ) (ee my eye on the ball, ) might be luc(y and see a lion!

1ee your eye on the ball ith this ro-ect : e need to ma(e sure e deli$er it on time!


If you drop the ball, you mae a mistae or let something go wrong.

For example:

) really droed the ball in that inter$ie : there's no chance )'ll get the -ob.

Interesting fact

It was an all/China final in the London )%#) men's singles ta!le tennis. Wang 6ao too on

2hang >ie in this third consecutive Olympics final, !ut was outclassed !y 2hang's super! form

and was !eaten */#. China has always dominated this popular glo!al game, in which the !all

can !e hit over #&% times per minute.


8/190

! %olt from the %lue

&th!u"ust 2012

?sain Bolt taes 1ust $.+ seconds to win a gold medal in theLondon )%#) men's #%%m final. Photo +le3 Li$esey.

Today's Phrase

If something is a bolt from the blue, it is a complete and sudden surprise / lie a !olt of

lightning against a !lue sy.

For example:

%he rime minister's resignation as a bolt from the blue.

)t as a real bolt from the blue hen ) bumed into my first e$er boyfriend in the

suermar(et.

%he announcement about redundancies as a bolt from the blue for the or(ers in the office.


-ou can also use the phrase out of the blueto mean something which comes as a surprise.

For example:

0is marriage roosal came out of the blue 9 but she said yes!

Interesting fact

"he London )%#) men's #%%m final was a stunning race. even out of the eight finalists

finished in under ten seconds, maing it the fastest #%%m final in history. ?sain Bolt won gold

in $.+ seconds / the second fastest time in history. 6e also holds the world record for the

fastest ever #%%m, which he ran in a time of $.& seconds in Berlin in )%%$.


9/190

To sail throu"h somethin"

7th!u"ust 2012

@u Li1ia crosses the finish line to win gold in the women's Laser 0adialclass at the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo Pascal Lauener.

Today's Phrase

If you sail through something, you get through it very (uicly and with ease.

For example:

6y sister sailed through her e3ams and is loo(ing forard to starting uni$ersity.

/on't orry about your -ob inter$ie, you'll sail through it.

"e sailed through the traffic and arri$ed at the hotel ahead of schedule.


If someone issailing close to the wind, they are doing something dangerous or somethingthat is only 1ust legal or accepta!le.

For example:

) thin( that -ournalist sailed close to the ind ith the comments she made about the 02.

Interesting fact

Chinese sailor @u Li1ia raced against three others in the medal race of the women's Laser

0adial. he finished first, improving on her !rone medal from Bei1ing in )%%&. "he Laser

0adial is sailed !y a single person and has a shorter mast and reduced sail area, allowing light

sailors to manoeuvre the vessel in heavy winds.


10/190

all at the first hurdle

(th!u"ust 2012

China's Liu @iang falls after crashing into the first hurdle duringthe men's ##%m hurdles in London )%#). Photo Lucy icholson.

Today's Phrase

If you fall at the first hurdle, you mae a mistae at a very early stage, or fail to do something.

For example:

%he football team fell at the first hurdle hen they ere (noc(ed out of the tournament in the

oening game.

6y lan to tra$el the orld fell at the first hurdle hen ) realised )'d lost my assort before )

e$en left the country.

0is efforts to sa$e money fell at the first hurdle hen the ashing machine bro(e don and he

had to buy a ne one.


If you fall or bend over backwards, you do everything in your power to please someone.

For example:

) fell o$er bac(ards to ma(e a nice meal for my mother9in9la.

) alays bend o$er bac(ards to ma(e sure my or( is accurate.

Interesting fact

Chinese hurdler Liu @iang's Olympic dreams were shattered for a second time when the athlete

unfortunately crashed at the first !arrier in the ##%m hurdles heats in London. "he formerworld/record holder also had a hard time at the Bei1ing Olympics in )%%&, when he managed

1ust a few strides of the race !efore having to stop with an in1ury. @iang won gold in Athens

)%%*.


11/190

)ni"ht in shinin" armour

*th !u"ust 2012

British cyclist ir Chris 6oy cele!rates winning a gold medal in the London )%#) trac cyclingmen's sprint event. Photo 2ergey Ponomare$

Today's Phrase

A (night in shining armour is traditionally a man who gives help to a woman in distress.

7owadays it is also used to descri!e anyone who carries out a ind act to help someone in a

difficult situation.

For example:

/a$id came to hel me hen my car bro(e don 9 he's my (night in shining armour.

%han( you for bringing me that coffee 9 you're my (night in shining armour!

) -ust cannot get this comuter to or(. ) need a (night in shining armour to come and fi3 it

for me.


"he word knightrefers to a soldier on horse!ac who wears metal armour. It has the same

pronunciation as the wordnight, which means the opposite of day.

For example:

/uring the dead of night, a (night rode into the castle to rescue the rincess.

Interesting fact

ir Chris 6oy !ecame the most successful British Olympian of all time this wee, after winning

gold in the 5eirin trac cycling event. 6e has gained si; Olympic gold medals over his career

and was nighted in )%%$ for services to sport.


12/190

#ecord+%reakin"

10th!u"ust 2012

>amaica's ?sain Bolt, -ohan Blae and Warren Weir cele!rate winning gold,silver and !rone in the men's )%%m final. Photo 5li$ier 6orin.

Today's Phrase

If something is record9brea(ing, it surpasses any previously set records.

For example:

You ill ha$e to run $ery fast to achie$e a record9brea(ing time in the marathon.

)'m leased to say that the charity fundraiser has raised a record9brea(ing total of se$en

million ounds!

%he most an athlete could e$er ish for is to go don in history by achie$ing a record9

brea(ing result.


If something is off the record, it is intended to !e confidential and not made pu!lic.

For example:

5ff the record, ) ersonally thin( that the boss made a bad decision.

Interesting fact

3ay thirteen of the London )%#) 8ames was a record/!reaing day. >amaican sprinter ?sain

Bolt won gold in the men's )%%m, maing him the first athlete to win gold in the #%%m and

)%%m in two consecutive Olympic 8ames. 5enyan middle distance runner 3avid 0udisha alsowon gold in the &%%m, and managed to !rea the world record in a time of #*%.$#.


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,ut with a %an"

13th!u"ust 2012

9irewors over the Olympic stadium at the London )%#) closing ceremony.Photo 6i(e 0eitt.

Today's Phrase

"o go out ith a bang means something comes to an end successfully or impressively.

For example:

%he festi$al ent out ith a bang hen the orld9famous roc( band came on to lay.

John got a (arao(e machine for his lea$ing arty to ensure that he ent out ith a bang!

%he fireor(s at the closing ceremony ensured that the London ;87; 5lymic Games ent out

ith a bang.


If you bang something out, you do something very (uicly and in a rushed manner.

For example:

) had to bang out my last assignment o$ernight as )'d comletely forgotten about it.

Interesting fact

"he London )%#) Olympic 8ames went out with a !ang with a spectacular closing ceremony,

featuring iconic British pop groups, supermodels and the winning athletes. 3uring the

ceremony, the flame at the Olympic stadium was e;tinguished and the Olympic flag was

officially handed over to 0io de >aneiro, which will host the games in )%#.


14/190

To "o down like a lead %alloon

1-th!u"ust 2012

An Afghan man carries colourful !alloons to welcome the country's athletes!ac from the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo 6assoud 0ossaini

Today's Phrase

If something you say or do goes don li(e a lead balloon, it is dislied or !adly received.

For example:

/a$id's -o(e as in $ery oor taste. )t ent don li(e a lead balloon!

%he nes of Jenny's engagement ent don li(e a lead balloon hen she told the girls : they

cannot stand her boyfriend!

%he -ob cuts ill go don li(e a lead balloon hen the or(ers are told about them.


"he slang term to swing the leadmeans to pretend to !e ill so you don't have to wor.

For example:

)'m sic( of ha$ing to do the or( for my colleague : he's alays singing the lead!

Interesting fact

"he common ru!!er !alloon was invented !y


15/190

ands+on

1.th !u"ust 2012

A !a!y touches the face of ? president Barac O!ama during acampaign visit to the Iowa tate 9air. Photo Carolyn 1aster

Today's Phrase

If someone is hands9on it means they are closely and actively involved in the organisation and

carrying out of a tas. An activity can also !e descri!ed as hands9on if there is practical

participation.

For example:

5ur sho manager is really hands9on. 2he gets in$ol$ed ith e$erything from ser$ing

customers to stoc(ing shel$es.

5n our training course, you'll get hands9on e3erience of using grahic design ac(ages.

) hoe that the ne headmaster ill be more hands9on in the school and get in$ol$ed in

teaching the children.


If you shout "hands off"to someone, it means you don't want them to touch something.

For example:

0ey! 0ands off my ne m< layer : you'll brea( it!

Interesting fact

? 4resident Barac O!ama visited the Iowa tate 9air this wee and delighted some visitors!y !uying them a !ottle of !eer. "he president !ought ten !eer toens and proceeded to hand

them out to the crowd as part of his election campaign tour. "he ne;t ? presidential election

will tae place on th 7ovem!er )%#).


16/190

!s "ood as "old

1&th!u"ust 2012

A post !o; in Isleworth, London, which was painted gold to cele!rate


17/190

/akin" the "rade

17th!u"ust 2012

tudents at Clifton College in Bristol cele!rating their A/level results.

Today's Phrase

If someone or something Dmaes the gradeE, they achieve the e;pected result. "hey succeed.

It is often used in the negative when things are not good enough.

For example:

%he mar(ing of e3ams has been tougher this year and many students -ust didn't ma(e the

grade.

%his or( is aful. )t simly doesn't ma(e the grade.

) ha$e e$ery confidence in you and e3ect you to ma(e the grade.


If you grade someone down on something, you give someone a low score on their

performance, perhaps for a particular error.

For example:

)*m afraid ) had to grade you don on your essay for oor selling.

Interesting fact

"here has !een a fall in the proportion of A/levels awarded an A or AF grade for the first time

in over two decades.

"his summer's results show ).G of A/level entries achieved the top two grades / down from

)G last year.

A!out ++,%%% students in Hngland, Wales and 7orthern Ireland have !een receiving their

results / with many finding out whether they have made the grade for university.


18/190

acked like sardines

21st!u"ust 2012

isitors are paced lie sardines in a pool at a tourist resort in ichuan province, China.Photo =euters.

Today's Phrase

We use the e;pression 'paced lie sardines' to descri!e people in a very crowded space.

For example:

) hate getting the train in the morning. "e're all ac(ed li(e sardines and it's alays hot and

smelly.

0enry didn't stay at the arty for $ery long : he said there ere so many eole they ere

ac(ed li(e sardines.

%he fans ere ac(ed li(e sardines at the music festi$al.


Another e;pression you can use to descri!e a place that=s very full of people or things is

choc!a!loc#

For example:

)'m afraid )'m going to be late as )'m stuc( in traffic. %he streets are choc(9a9bloc( ith cars

today.

%he bar as so choc(9a9bloc( ith eole that ) couldn't mo$e!

Interesting fact

"here is evidence that Hgyptians practised swimming as early as )%% BCH. In 8reece and0ome swimming was an important part of martial arts training. It was only in the #$th century

that swimming !ecame a very popular sport and in #&$ it was included in the Olympic

8ames.


19/190

)eep an ear to the "round

22nd!u"ust 2012

A Carlos Jasso

Today's Phrase

"o eep an ear to the ground means to listen or watch out for new information or trends.

For example:

/a$id had his ear to the ground hen it came to nes about the latest and best technology to

buy.

)f 2usan had (et her ear to the ground, she ouldn*t ha$e missed the oortunity for a

romotion

/on*t orry, )'ll (ee my ear to the ground and let you (no hat's haening as soon as

ossible.


"o ha$e a word in someone%s ear#/ this means to tal privately with someone to give

advice or a warning.

For example:

/id you hear hat 2te$e -ust said to 6andy? )*d better ha$e a ord in his ear about it later on.

Interesting fact

3uring 0amadan,


20/190

Tom ick and arry

23rd !u"ust 2012

4rince 6arry smiles during a visit to Bacon's College in London. 0ecently, the British 0oyal9amily said nude photographs of 4rince 6arry cavorting with friends on holiday in Las egas

were genuine. Photo +4P>Chris Jac(son

Today's Phrase

D"om, 3ic and 6arryE is a phrase used to descri!e everyone, or people in general.

For example:

E$ery %om, /ic( and 0arry has a mobile hone these days.

+ny %om, /ic( or 0arry can tie their shoelaces 9 it's not difficult.

)t as so croded at the arty 9 hy did they in$ite e$ery %om, /ic( and 0arry?


& cle$er dic#, which is the name given to someone who tries too hard to show people how

clever they are and appear self/satisfied.

For example:

0e's alays tal(ing loudly in lots of different languages 9 he's such a cle$er dic(.

Interesting fact

Although the phrase D"om, 3ic and 6arryE means people in general, the picture a!ove is, of

course, not any "om, 3ic or 6arry !ut 4rince 6arry whose official title is 606 4rince 6enry of

Wales. 6e is third in line to the British throne Kafter his father 4rince Charles and older !rother

William, the 3ue of Cam!ridge.

A ?.. we!site recently caused a stir !y pu!lishing naed photos of 4rince 6arry partying in a

private Las egas hotel room. "he 4rince is a Captain in "he Blues and 0oyals, a cavalry

regiment of the British Army Air Corps.


21/190

! ray of sunshine

2-th !u"ust 2012

In !right sunshine, a model wals along the 'world's longest catwal' at 3arling 6ar!our inydney, Australia. Photo =euters>/aniel 6uno&

Today's Phrase

A ray of sunshine is used when something or someone offers hope in a difficult situation.

For example:

+fter failing both my e3ams, going to see my mum has ro$ided a ray of sunshine.

)t's been a really terrible fe days, but he's been li(e a ray of sunshine to me.

%he ne client ro$ided a ray of sunshine for 2te$e's business on 6onday.


"he phrase under the sun#, which means anything or anywhere that e;ists on Harth.

For example:

6atthe seems to ha$e an oinion on e$erything under the sun.

You can find almost e$erything under the sun in that sho.

Interesting fact

"he e;istence of nearly all life on Harth is thans to the rays of light emitted !y the sun. "he

sun's rays, in moderation, are !eneficial to the human !ody, which produces vitamin 3. A lac

of sunlight, however, can sometimes lead to a condition nown as seasonal affective disorder

KA3, a mood illness which can lead to depression.


22/190

The life and soul of the party

2(th!u"ust 2012

Performers dance in the streets of London at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Today's Phrase

We say someone is Dthe life and soul of the partyE if they are socia!le and at the centre of

activity during a social occasion.

For example:

Johnny as tal(ing to e$eryone and telling funny -o(es. 0e as the life and soul of the arty.

) lo$e going out ith George because he's alays the life and soul of the arty. + night out

ith him is ne$er boring!

Chloe is e3tremely sociable and chatty. 2he as the life and soul of the arty last night.


"he phrase heart and soul#means putting a lot of energy and enthusiasm into something.

For example:

2ohia as an e3tremely dedicated emloyee and ut her heart and soul into this ro-ect.

) really ut my heart and soul into this ainting, so ) hoe you li(e it.

Interesting fact

"he 7otting 6ill Carnival is Hurope's !iggest street festival and taes place every summer. "he

streets of West London come alive with parades of colourful costumes and thousands of

spectators. "he Cari!!ean/inspired carnival started in #$* and is now in its *&th year.


23/190


24/190

n the air

30th!u"ust 2012

Artists perform with um!rellas during the Opening Ceremony of the London )%#) 4aralympics.Photo Getty>/an 1itood

Today's Phrase

When something is in the air, it means something e;citing or significant is taing place or

a!out to happen.

For example:

2ring is in the air 9 it's a time for change!

%here's definitely something in the air 9 to of my friends ha$e announced they are getting

married.

%here as a feeling in the air that the athlete ould in gold.


& breath of fresh airmeans a different approach or a welcome change to something.

For example:

+nna has lots of onderful ideas and moti$ation 9 she's a breath of fresh air.

%he ne coat of aint in the lounge has gi$en the room a breath of fresh air.

Interesting fact

"he first 4aralympic 8ames too place following World War II in #$*&, when a sporting event

for in1ured soldiers was organised at toe


25/190

4i$e somethin" the thum%s up

31st!u"ust 2012

ini 2eng of China passes her coach on her way to a gold medal in the pursuit cyclingevent during the London )%#) 4aralympic 8ames. Photo Bryn Lennon>Getty

Today's Phrase

"o give something the thum!s up means to approve of it or show you support it.

For example:

/aisy's ca(e as delicious : )'d definitely gi$e it the thumbs u.

"ait until ) gi$e the thumbs u before you send that email to head office.

%he boss -ust ga$e me the thumbs u to ta(e three days off ne3t ee(.


"o thum through something#means to casually loo through a !oo or magaine.For example:

) as in a rush so ) only got to thumb through your no$el on the train.

+t the hairdresser's salon, 0elen en-oyed thumbing through their selection of maga&ines.

Interesting fact

"he gesture of thum!s up is often !elieved to originate in ancient 0ome following gladiatorial

com!at when the fate of a defeated warrior was decided !y spectators watching the event.

"hey would gesture either with thum!s downturned / to mimic the sta!!ing motion of a dagger

/ to indicate the warrior !e e;ecuted, or if the warrior had fought well, an upturned thum! / or

thum!s up / would signify the warrior could !e spared.


26/190

n the lon" run

3rdSeptem%er 2012

Brail=s Alan Oliveira is congratulated !y outh Africa=s Oscar 4istorius after winningthe


27/190

4i$e someone a hand

-thSeptem%er 2012

-aseen 4ere 8ome guides Arian Inaga of Cu!a around the trac in the men's )%%m, "## race.Photo 6ichael 2teele>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase

"o give someone a hand means to give someone assistance or help.

For example:

)*m really finding my homeor( difficult. Can you gi$e me a hand?

Loo( at all the ashing u! ) really need someone to gi$e me a hand!

Louise is so (ind : she's alays ready to gi$e you a hand ith anything.


"o go hand in hand#means two things are connected to or associated with each other.For example:

6aths and science go hand in hand : they're related sub-ects.

"hen atching a film, the images and sound go hand in hand.

Interesting fact

In the 4aralympics, !lind and partially sighted runners can compete with a guide. ?sually

tethered to the athlete !y a rope, the guide tals throughout the race, e;plaining to the athlete

where they are on the trac, flagging up !ends and maing a call on whether or not the athlete

should accelerate, hold the pace or rela;. "he golden rule of guide running is not to cross theline !efore the athlete, a crime punisha!le !y dis(ualification.


28/190

,$er and a%o$e

.thSeptem%er 2012

Brone medallist Luas ump 9*), while 8irisha 6osanagara

7agara1egowda gave India its first medal at the 4aralympic 8ames after winning a silver

medal. Luas


29/190

Swimmin"ly

&thSeptem%er 2012

8reat Britain's Oliver 6ynd races to victory in the


30/190

! tower of stren"th

7thSeptem%er 2012

Australian 4aralympic athlete 0ussell hort stands silhouetted against the sun duringthe men's shot put final at the Olympic tadium. Photo =euters>2tefan "ermuth

Today's Phrase

If someone is Da tower of strengthE they are someone who can !e depended on to provide

support and comfort in times of trou!le. -ou can also say 'a pillar of strength'.

For example:

+fter losing my -ob, 2tefan as a toer of strength and encouraged me to start loo(ing for

ne emloyment.

Jane as a real toer of strength for the family folloing their de$astating nes.

/a$id is alays a toer of strength hen things turn horrible at or(.


"o !e in an i$ory tower#means to !e distant from reality and sometimes superior or

arrogant.

For example:

5ur local olitician seems to li$e in an i$ory toer : he doesn't (no hat it's really li(e to li$e

in this area.

)f you didn't send so much time in your i$ory toer, you'd (no hat eole really thin(.

Interesting fact

Built ad1acent to the Olympic tadium is the Arcelor


31/190

5nd of an era

10thSeptem%er 2012

"he sun sets over the Olympic par for the final time during London )%#).Photo /an 1itood>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase

When a period of time, which is mared !y a significant event, comes to an end, we say it is

the end of an era.

For example:

"e're going to be lea$ing uni$ersity ne3t ee( : it ill be the end of an era.

%he defending chamion lost her title in the marathon, mar(ing the end of an era for her

athletics success.

6ost eole choose to donload music noadays. )t's the end of an era for C/s.


We also tal a!out the dawn of a new era, when descri!ing something new, which is

different to what came !efore it

For example:

"e're getting a ne manager ne3t ee( and )'$e heard she ants to change e$erything : it's

going to be the dan of a ne era in our office!

) finally decided to lea$e home and get a flat on my on : it's the dan of a ne era for me!

Interesting fact

"he 4aralympic 8ames closed in a spectacular ceremony in the Olympic stadium, maring the

end of an era for London )%#). "he 8ames have !een widely cited as the most successful in

history, with many world records !roen throughout the fortnight. e! Coe, chairman of the

London Olympic and 4aralympic 8ames, said last night :We will never thin of disa!ility in the

same way.:


32/190

/ay the %est man win6

11thSeptem%er 2012

Andy Getty )mages

Today's Phrase

"he phrase :6ay the best man in: is used !efore a competition to say that you hope the

most deserving person wins.

For example:

6y best friend and ) are both going for the same -ob inter$ie. +ll ) can say is, 6ay the best

man in.

)'$e got tic(ets for the "imbledon final! ) don*t ha$e a fa$ourite layer, so may the best man

in.

You'$e both or(ed $ery hard for this race, so ) (no you'll do your best. 6ay the best man

in!


If you are onto a winnerwith something, it means that something is liely to succeed. "his

phrase is often used when selling things.

For example:

) thin( )'m onto a inner ith these ne cuca(es : )'$e sold 788 this morning alone!

"e'll be onto a inner if e can set u our ice9cream business before the end of the summer.

Interesting fact"ennis star Andy


33/190

To rattle someone's ca"e

12thSeptem%er 2012

A tiger stares through its cage on the roof of a five/storey apartment in4athum "hani province, near Bango. Photo 2u(ree 2u(lang>=euters

Today's Phrase

If you rattle someone's cage, you do something to mae them angry, often on purpose.

For example:

) ouldn't aroach John at the moment, someone's really rattled his cage this morning and

he's in a horrible mood.

"hy are you so cross? "ho's rattled your cage today?

6y girlfriend deliberately hid my car (eys so that ) ouldn't go out ith my friends : it's really

rattled my cage!


If someone feels caged in, they feel confined to a small space.

For example:

%his flat is far too small, ) feel really caged in.

) don't li(e tra$elling on the tube during rush hour : you feel so caged in.

Interesting fact

"hai police found si; tigers in three cages on the rooftop of an apartment !loc near Bango,

this wee. "iger trafficing is a pro!lem in "hailand, where the animals are illegally sold fortheir sin, fangs and organs, which are used in medicines. "he animals are now !eing looed

after !y a government wildlife facility.


34/190

Up for "ra%s

13thSeptem%er 2012

A herring gull plucs a puffin from the ground.Photo +manda 0ayes>B"P+>P+ "ire

Today's Phrase

If something is Dup for gra!sE, it is availa!le.

For example:

)s this last biscuit u for grabs? )'m star$ing.

%here are some great ri&es u for grabs in tonight's ub ui&.

%here are three scholarshis u for grabs. )'m definitely going to aly.


"he e;pression up for gras#is always plural, even when we're taling a!out a single thing.

For example:

)ncorrect %here is still one ri&e u for grab.

Correct %here is still one ri&e u for grabs.

Interesting fact

"he photo a!ove won the 'animal !ehaviour' category in the )%#) British Wildlife 4hotography

competition. Amanda 6ayes too this picture in 7orthum!erland, in north east Hngland. "he

photographer spent a wee trying to photograph gulls stealing the sand eels from puffins.Lucily for the puffin, it managed to free itself from the gull's grasp.


35/190

To steal someone's thunder

1-thSeptem%er 2012

A thunder!olt lights up the sy a!ove the city of +4P>=euters

Today's Phrase

If you Dsteal someone=s thunderE, you tae the attention away from them, usually to your own

advantage.

For example:

2am stole my thunder hen he said he'd done all the or(. )t's not true : ) did most of it!

Please don't steal my thunder by announcing your engagement tonight. ) ant to tell e$eryone

that )'m regnant.

) as telling a -o(e and he -ust interruted me to tell a different one. 0e alays steals my

thunder.


3o you now the difference !etween the words thunder# and lightning# in HnglishM

Lightning is a flash of very !right light in the sy caused !y electricity, whereas the loud noise

that you hear afterwards is called thunder.

For example:

) en-oyed the storm last night and managed to ta(e hotos of the lightning. 6y dog hid under

the table because he's scared of thunder.

Interesting fact

"he spar of lightning can reach over five miles in length and can raise the temperature of the

air !y %,%%% degrees 9ahrenheit. Lightning doesn't only occur in thunderstorms, !ut also in

forest fires, volcanic eruptions and even snowstorms. One of the most dangerous places to

stand during a thunderstorm is under a tree, and taling on the phone isn't a good idea eitherN


36/190

! taste of your own medicine

17thSeptem%er 2012

A man administers a special medicine J a small, live fish J to a woman with asthma in6ydera!ad, India. Photo 6ahesh 1umar +>+P

Today's Phrase

"he phrase Da taste of your own medicineE means someone should have the same unpleasant

e;perience that they themselves have given to someone, to show them how !ad it is.

For example:

o you see ho it feels to ha$e someone call you names! You are getting a taste of your on

medicine!

0e got a taste of his on medicine hen she decided to turn u late.


3on't confuse with the phrase laughter is the est medicine#which means it is good for

your health to laugh sometimes.

Interesting fact

Hach year, appro;imately %,%%% people with asthma and other !reathing difficulties attend a

meeting in the southern Indian city of 6ydera!ad. "hey each swallow a small live fish, which is

!elieved to help cure !reathing pro!lems.


37/190

4et into the swin" of thin"s

1(thSeptem%er 2012

A young girl swings on a rope attached to a palm tree on Bonegi !each, 6oniara, in theoloman Islands. Photo /aniel 6uno&>=euters

Today's Phrase

"he phrase to get into the swing of things means you 1oin in, get involved or mae progress

with something.

For example:

"e're here to en-oy the music : hy don't you rela3 and get into the sing of things?

Jane started her ne -ob on 6onday and uic(ly got into the sing of things.

+fter returning from his holiday, John couldn't get into the sing of things bac( at or(.


"he phrase tae a swing at someone#means to attempt to punch them. 9or e;ample

/uring the Christmas arty Bob tried to (iss Barbara, so /a$e too( a sing at him.

Interesting fact

6onaria is the capital of the island of 8uadalcanal, the largest isle of the oloman Islands in

the outh 4acific Ocean. 4apuan/speaing settlers are !elieved to have inha!ited these islands

as long as +%,%%% years ago. "he islands are part of the Commonwealth of 7ations and this

wee the 3ue and 3uchess of Cam!ridge paid a visit as part of ueen Hlia!eth II's 3iamond

>u!ilee.


38/190

air+raisin"

1*thSeptem%er 2012


39/190

! window of opportunity

20thSeptem%er 2012

A Buddhist mon carries his ro!e as another loos out of the window of their monastery in-angon, Burma. Photo /amir 2agol->=euters

Today's Phrase

"he phrase Da window of opportunityE descri!es a short period of time in which an opportunity

e;ists for you to do something.

For example:

)'$e got a indo of oortunity to tal( to my boss about a ay rise tomorro.

6eet me in recetion : there might be a indo of oortunity for me to let you into the

concert!

2ometimes a roblem can actually be a indo of oortunity.


"he phrase out the window#means something has gone or has !een wasted. 9or e;ample

6y comuter crashed yesterday, so any chance of finishing my or( is out the indo.

Interesting fact

A D9rench windowE is actually a type of door, !ut one which has many small panes of glass so

that it can let light through. As well as 9rance, they are very common in Italy.


40/190

urst someone's %u%%le

22ndSeptem%er 2012

Bu!!le artist =euters

Today's Phrase

"he phrase Dto !urst someone's !u!!leE means to destroy their fantasy or illusion of

something.

For example:

) had a great idea for a ne ebsite, until George burst my bubble and told me someone had

already got there first.

)'m sorry to burst your bubble, but the arty has been cancelled.

) hate to burst your bubble, but you on't be getting a ay rise this year.


When something ules up#it means it rises or appears suddenly. 9or e;ample

+nger and unrest ha$e been bubbling u across arts of the city today.

Interesting fact


41/190

8ou can lead a horse to water999

2-th Septem%er 2012

usan 8ell e;ercises her horse in Loch Lomand, cotland.he regularly lets her horse swim to the mainland from the island she lives on.

Photo Jeff J 6itchell>Getty

Today's Phrase

D-ou can lead a horse to water !ut you can=t mae him drinE is a prover! which means that

you can give someone an opportunity !ut not force them to tae it.

For example:

) ga$e him the email address of the erson in charge of recruitment but he still didn*t contact

him about the -ob. You can lead a horse to ater but you can*t ma(e him drin(.

"e arranged e$erything for 1ate e aid for the train tic(et, ordered a ta3i from the station

and e$en made a hotel boo(ing but she still didn*t turn u to the edding. You (no hat they

say you can lead a horse to ater but you can*t ma(e him drin(.


orseplay#is rough or !oisterous play. 9or e;ample

6y nehes are alays fighting and getting u to all (inds of horselay.

Interesting fact

cotland has almost &%% offshore islands which are divided into four main groups hetland,

Orney and the Inner and Outer 6e!rides. Almost #%% of the islands have people living on

them. "he largest island is Lewis and 6arris, which is over )%%% s(uare ilometres.


42/190

an"in" around

2.thSeptem%er 2012

A truc hangs from the Chavantes !ridge near 9artuna, Brail.Photo 0elio )numaru>+P

Today's Phrase

If you are Dhanging aroundE, you are waiting, not doing anything particularly productive.

For example:

) li(e going shoing ith my friends but e send most of the day -ust hanging around in the

mall.

) don't thin( he really lo$es me. )'m getting sic( of hanging around aiting for him to call.

%here is nothing for teenagers to do round here. %hey -ust send their e$enings hanging

around street corners.


anging up on someone#is the action of putting the phone down suddenly when someone

is taling to you.

)f you don't sto shouting at me, )'m hanging u right no!

Interesting fact

Ale;ander 8raham Bell, who was !orn in cotland in #&*, is credited with inventing the

telephone. In #& he was awarded the first ? patent for his new invention. Bell was a British

citien for most of his early life. 6e applied for American citienship after #&, gained it in

#&&), and referred to himself as an American citien from that point on.


43/190

a$e your hands full

2&thSeptem%er 2012

A waitress carries glasses of !eer at the Oto!erfest in Getty)mages

Today's Phrase

If you Dhave your hands fullE, you are e;tremely !usy.

For example:

0e can't hel today because he has his hands full. 0e has to go shoing, ic( his children u

from school and then coo( dinner.

)'$e really got my hands full today. ) ha$en't e$en had a chance to ma(e a cu of tea yet.

Can ) call you later because )'$e got my hands full right no? )'$e got so much to do.


-ou can say someone is a handful#if they are difficult to deal with.

6y niece is a lo$ely child but she's a real handful. 2he made such a mess in my house

yesterday.

Christoher is such a handful hen he's been drin(ing. +fter a fe beers he starts hugging

e$eryone 9 e$en strangers!

Interesting fact

"he Oto!erfest is a #/day festival that taes place every year in 8ermany and ends on the

first unday in Octo!er.


44/190

all %ack on

27thSeptem%er 2012

outh 5orean soldiers of the special warfare command give a demonstration on theeve of the Armed 9orces 3ay anniversary in 8yeryong. Photo Lee Jae9"on>=euters

Today's Phrase

When you fall !ac on something it means you depend on it when other things have failed.

For example:

2te$e as finding it difficult to ma(e the reayments and had no sa$ings to fall bac( on.

=ebecca (ne that securing a mortgage ould be a roblem, but she alays had her arents

to fall bac( on.

)f ) can't get a -ob straight aay, )'$e alays got my e3erience as a teacher to fall bac( on.


To fall out with someonemeans to argue or disagree a!out something.

/a$e fell out ith Bob o$er his bro(en C/ layer.

Interesting fact


45/190

Shoo+in

2(thSeptem%er 2012

Chen =euters

Today's Phrase

When something is Da shoo/inE it means it is certain to win or succeed.

7ote the pronunciation is the same, !ut the spelling different to a 'shoe', which is worn on the

feet.

For example:

=achel thought she'd be a shoo9in for a romotion ithin the comany.

+fter such a successful role, the actor as a shoo9in for an aard nomination.

0e's a shoo9in to in the ne3t election. 0e'll in easily.


To e in someone else's shoesmeans to e;perience something from another's point of

view.

)f you ere in her shoes, you ouldn't ha$e gambled that money aay.

Interesting fact

It is !elieved the term Da shoo/inE is derived from horse racing when, during a corrupt or

Dfi;edE race, a slower horse would !e encouraged to finish ahead of the others.


46/190

:er$es of steel

1st,cto%er 2012


47/190

To teach an old do" new tricks

2nd,cto%er 2012

A dog wipes out during the urf City urf 3og contest in 6untington Beach.Photo Lucy icholson>=euters

Today's Phrase

"he idiom :you can't teach an old dog ne tric(s: means that it is difficult to get someone to

change their ha!its, especially if they have !een doing something for a long time.

For example:

) bought my mother a smarthone, but she refers her other one, hich is o$er ten years old!

5h ell, you can't teach an old dog ne tric(s.

6y friend (ees telling me that ) should sto smo(ing, but there's no chance : you can't teach

an old dog ne tric(s!

E$eryone (ees telling me that ) am too stressed and should or( less, but ) ha$e alaysbeen the same. You can't teach an old dog ne tric(s!


If something has gone to the dogs, its (uality has deteriorated.

Let's a$oid that bar, it's really gone to the dogs since the management changed.

+ll of the shos in the ton are boarded u. )t's really gone to the dogs.

Interesting fact

"he urf City urf 3og competition is held annually on 6untingdon Beach, California, andattracts many pet owners, who are een to show off their talented canines. "his year's

competition included a World 0ecord attempt to get twenty dogs to ride the same wave for at

least five seconds. ?nfortunately, the dogs were unsuccessful.


48/190


49/190

!ll that "litters is not "old

-th,cto%er 2012

A model wears a gold outfit !y British designer arah Burton during 4aris fashion wee.Photo Gon&alo 4uentes>=euters

Today's Phrase

"he phrase all that glitters is not goldD is used to descri!e something which may not !e as

impressive or valua!le as it initially appeared, or is too good to !e true.

For example:

+ndrea's been shoing off her designer nec(lace all day, but don't be imressed 9 it's a fa(e!

+ll that glitters is not gold!

6y ne boyfriend said he oned the restaurant, but then ) found out he as only a aiter. )

should ha$e (non. +ll that glitters is not gold.

%he door9to9door salesman offered me a really good deal to fi3 my roof, but all that glitters isnot gold it as bro(en again ithin a ee(.


If someone is worth their weight in gold, they are e;tremely ind and helpful.

"endy ould do anything to hel her neighbours 9 she's really orth her eight in gold.

Interesting fact

Beeeeping inspired the collection !y fashion designer arah Burton at 4aris fashion wee.


50/190

To see red

.th,cto%er 2012

4eople visit a red, echo/free cham!er in aletta.Photo /arrin ammit>=euters

Today's Phrase

If you see red, you !ecome very angry a!out something.

For example:

%he teacher ill see red hen he finds out you ha$en't done your homeor( again! 0e'll gi$e

you detention.

6y mum sa red hen ) came in late for dinner.

) sa red and shouted hen the boss comlained about my or( for the third time today.


If you lose your temper easily, you can say you fly off the handle.

"hen 2imon told me he as going out for the third night in a ro, ) really fle off the handle

and shouted at him.

Interesting fact

"he colour red is associated with many different emotions, including anger and danger,

pro!a!ly !ecause it is the colour of !lood.


51/190

nside out

(th,cto%er 2012

A plastinated goat. Photo 6iro 1u&mano$ic>=euters

Today's Phrase

If something is inside out, it literally means that it is reversed, with its inner parts on the

outside. -ou can also (no something inside out, which means you now it very well.

For example:

)f you'd li(e a tour of Paris, ) can ta(e you. ) (no the city inside out.

Gary (nos the history of 6anchester Fnited inside out.

) feel reared for my 4rench e3am. )'$e been re$ising all night and ) (no the $ocabulary

inside out.


If something is turned upside down, it means that it !ecomes disorganised and chaotic, or

thrown into confusion.

1aty's orld as turned uside don hen her boyfriend left her, she didn't (no hat to do.

Interesting fact

4lastination is a techni(ue used to preserve !odies after death. It was developed !y 8unther

von 6agens in #$, and replaces water and fat in the !ody with plastics. A recent e;hi!itioncalled :Animals Inside Out: includes a shar, !ear and octopus, as well as the goat pictured

a!ove, and allows visitors to see and touch the insides of the animals.


52/190

i$e of acti$ity

*th,cto%er 2012

A !lue/coloured honeycom! from a !eehive in 0i!eauville, 9rance.Photo incent 1essler>=euters

Today's Phrase

If a place is descri!ed as a hi$e of acti$ity, it is very !usy.

For example:

La Bouueria mar(et is a hi$e of acti$ity on a 2aturday morning, ith $endors selling all sorts

of food and drin(.

"elcome to the deartment! )t's a real hi$e of acti$ity, but don't orry, you'll soon get the

hang of it.

London as a hi$e of acti$ity o$er the summer, ith lots of tourists and sectators ho cameto see the 5lymic games.


If a place is full of people, it can also !e descri!ed as buzzing.

%he nightclub as ac(ed ith eole last nightA it as really bu&&ing.

Interesting fact

Beeeepers in northern 9rance were surprised to find their !ees producing honey in unnatural

shades of red, green and !right !lue. An investigation revealed that the !ees had !een visiting

a local factory which processes waste products from


53/190

n someone's "ood %ooks

10th,cto%er 2012

A woman sorts !oos at a !oo fair in 9ranfurt, 8ermany.Photo =alh 5rlos(i>=euters

Today's Phrase

If you are in someone's good boo(s, they are pleased with you.

For example:

)'m in my mother's good boo(s, as ) too( her out for a surrise dinner last night.

+nna really gets on my ner$es 9 she's alays trying to get into the boss's good boo(s.

6y brother is not in my good boo(s today 9 he bro(e my m< layer!


If someone is descri!ed as an open book, it is very easy to now what they are thining orfeeling.

Lucy is a real oen boo(A there's ne$er any doubt as to hat her oinions are.

Interesting fact

"he 9ranfurt Boo 9air is the !iggest !oo fair in the world, with over ,%%% e;hi!itors and

+,%%% different events. Boo fairs cele!rate literature, past and present, and also encourage

innovation in reading, such as the development of digital platforms lie e/readers.


54/190

To wear different hats

11th,cto%er 2012

4eople wear hats in the colours of the flag of "aiwan during the country's7ational 3ay cele!rations. Photo Pichi Chuang>=euters

Today's Phrase

If you ear different hats, it means you have several different 1o!s or roles.

For example:

+lice is resenting the nes at the ee(end.

=eally? ) thought she only or(ed behind the scenes?

2he resents e$ery ee(end 9 she ears many different hats.

)'m not going to or( : )'m earing a different hat today. )'m going to be $olunteering at my

local youth club.

6y brother ears many different hats he or(s as a simming teacher during the day, at

night he or(s in our local ub, and at the ee(end he hels out at a roing club.


If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately, on the slightest signal.

Johnny /e is gorgeous. )'d marry him at the dro of a hat!

Interesting fact

"his year mars the #%#stanniversary of the founding of the 0epu!lic of China, which was

cele!rated in "aiwan this wee during the island's 7ational 3ay. 3ancers wearing ela!oratecostumes performed in front of the 4residential Office in "aipei, and mem!ers of the military

guard marched as part of the cele!rations.


55/190

To turn o$er a new leaf

12th,cto%er 2012

A meerat plays amongst the fallen leaves at Blair 3rummond afari 4ar near tirling, cotland.Photo +ndre 6illigan>P+

Today's Phrase

If you turn o$er a ne leaf, you mae a new start or change your !ehaviour.

For example:

)'m turning o$er a ne leaf after Christmas : )'m going to sto smo(ing.

6att used to get in trouble ith the olice regularly, but he's turned o$er a ne leaf no.

You're alays eating unhealthy snac(s. "hy don't you turn o$er a ne leaf and buy some fruit

instead?


If you take a leaf out of someone else's book, you do as they would do, or copy their

!ehaviour.

2to misbeha$ing! %a(e a leaf out of your sister's boo( and sit uietly.

Interesting fact


56/190

,n top of the world

1.th,cto%er 2012

3aredevil 9eli; Baumgartner 1umps out of a capsule on the edge of space.Photo Jay emeth>+4P

Today's Phrase

If you are on top of the world, you are e;tremely happy a!out something.

For example:

6y boyfriend roosed to me last night : )'m on to of the orld!

+ngela as on to of the orld hen her boss ga$e her a romotion.

)f my football team ins tonight, )'ll be on to of the orld : it's going to be such a tough

match.


If something is descri!ed as out of this world, it is e;traordinary or e;tremely good.

You should try my mum's ale ie : the taste is out of this orld!

Interesting fact

Austrian 9eli; Baumgartner has !ecome the first sydiver to go faster than the speed of sound.

"he daredevil 1umped out of a !alloon )* miles a!ove 7ew


57/190

! %i" head

1&th,cto%er 2012

A man carries polystyrene heads to form part of a platform !eing !uilt for the 3urga 4u1afestival in India. Photo Jayanta /ey>=euters

Today's Phrase

In Hnglish, a D!ig headE is someone who thins that they are very clever and successful, and

!oasts a!out their achievements.

For example:

igel has boasted about his ne -ob all night : he's such a big head!

) don't ant to (no about your erfect e3am results. /on*t be such a big head.

=uth's ne boyfriend is lo$ely : the last one as a real big head and alays shoing off.


If you ha$e a ig mouth, you tal too much, often a!out things which should !e ept secret.

/on't say anything to Catherine about the -ob cuts : she's such a big mouth, she'll tell

e$eryone in the office.

Interesting fact

3urga 4u1a is the annual 6indu festival in outh Asia, in which thousands of people pay

homage to the 6indu goddess, 3urga. It is widely cele!rated in many Indian states with a five/

day annual holiday. 9estival traditions include displaying idols of 3urga, created out of different

materials.


58/190

The lion's share

17th,cto%er 2012

A white lion cu! plays at a oo in Leon, =euters.

Today's PhraseIf you have the lion's share of something, you have the largest part of it.

For example:

)'m ha$ing a clear9out and ha$e decided to gi$e the lion's share of my clothes to charity.

6y colleague is $ery la&y, hilst ) alays do the lion's share of all of the or(.

) get aid tomorro, but the lion's share of my ages goes on aying bills!


If you are told to do your share, you should do what is e;pected of you to help in a situation.

Edmund's done his share of the cleaning, so you should do your share, too.

Interesting fact

"his white lion cu! was !orn in Leon, in the


59/190

To %rin" the house down

1(th,cto%er 2012

4eople watch an installation of an upside/down house in Lille.Photo Phillie 0uguen>+4P

Today's Phrase

If some!ody brings the house don, they get overwhelming applause or approval from an

audience.

For example:

) ent to see Lady Gaga in concert last night 9 she really brought the house don.

%he magician really brought the house don hen he saed his assistant in half!

/a$id brought the house don at the arty by telling some really funny -o(es.


If something is given to you on the house, it is free.

You're one of our best customers 9 ha$e this coffee on the house!

Interesting fact

"he 9antastic 9estival in Lille lasts from Octo!er to >anuary, and gives visitors a taste of the

supernatural. 4eople visiting the city can encounter a flying saucer, !ones from a mythical

animal and a house that appears to have fallen out of the sy.


60/190

To %ite off more than you can chew

1*th,cto%er 2012

A crocodile eats meat in a pond in an +4P

Today's Phrase

If you bite off more than you can che, you try to do more than you are a!le to do.

For example:

) ha$e bitten off more than ) can che by ta(ing on this e3tra or( : ) don't thin( )'ll get it

finished on time.

/a$id and 2arah lanned to comletely reno$ate their house by themsel$es. )n the end, they

bit off more than they could che and had to ay builders to finish it.

%han(s for offering to babysit and coo( dinner for us, but don't bite off more than you canche.


If you cry crocodile tears, you show fae sadness.

Louise is crying in the corner because she says the boss uset her : don't ay any attention to

her, though : they're -ust crocodile tears.

Interesting fact

Hach crocodile has )* teeth in its powerful 1aws, which are constantly replaced throughout its

life. 6owever, these teeth are designed to gra! and crush prey, rather than chew it. "hereptiles swallow stones, which grind up food in their stomachs.


61/190

oles apart

22nd,cto%er 2012

Indian army soldiers perform '


62/190

4reen with en$y

23rd,cto%er 2012

9ans of the science/fiction series tar "re attend a convention in London.Photo 5li 2carff>Getty.

Today's Phrase

If someone is green with envy, they are 1ealous a!out something.

For example:

6y sister has -ust bought a brand ne car : )'m green ith en$y.

2ohie as green ith en$y hen she heard that +lice had on the lottery.

%a(e a loo( at my engagement ring, it's beautiful : ) bet you'll be green ith en$y!


If you loo green around the gills, you loo unwell.

) thin( e should ta(e +le3ander to the doctor : he's loo(ing a bit green around the gills.

) can't tra$el by boat, it ma(es me feel really green around the gills.

Interesting fact

"he tar "re convention, held in London last wee, !roe the World 0ecord for the largest

gathering of fans dressed as characters from the series, including alien characters. "he event

also featured the ?5's first 5lingon wedding, when a wedish couple, dressed as 5lingons,

e;changed vows and swore to :unite against all their opponents:.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////.

()T*:

pale around the gills and blue around the gills; green around the gillsFig. looking sick. (The aroundcan be replaced with about.) John is looking a little pale around the gills.What's wrong? Oh, I feel a little green about the gills.See also: around,gill, pale

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of !erican "dio!s and #hrasal $er%s. & '' %y The McGraw-Hill )o!panies, "nc.
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/aroundhttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/aroundhttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/gillhttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/palehttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/aroundhttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/gillhttp://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/pale


63/190

To "i$e someone a lift

2-th,cto%er 2012

A camel is placed on a vehicle at a maret near 0iyadh.Photo 4ahad 2hadeed>=euters

Today's Phrase

One meaning of the phrase Dto give someone a liftE is to !oost their spirits.

For example:

6y colleagues came to see me hen ) as in hosital 9 it really ga$e me a lift.

Let's ta(e some floers hen e go to $isit Grandma, to gi$e her a lift.

) thin( /ad needs to be cheered u. Perhas going out for lunch ill gi$e him a lift?


-ou can also use the phrase Dto lift someone's spiritsE.Going out to the concert really heled to lift my sirits.

Interesting fact


64/190

To sit on the fence

2.th,cto%er 2012

A horse named ilver Birch 1umps a fence on a race course.Photo +ndre Parsons> P+ "ire

Today's Phrase

If some!ody sits on the fencethey don't tae sides in an argument.

For example:

)'m sitting on the fence. ) don't (no ho is right or rong.

) refer to sit on the fence. ) hate ta(ing sides in any argument.

0e's so indecisi$e. 0e alays refers to sit on the fence.

Don't confuse it withIf yousit tight, it means you wait patiently !efore maing a decision.

You're best to sit tight. )t's too ris(y to change -obs no.

Interesting fact

9ranel, a prie/winning race horse who was retired in )%#), ran #%% metres in .) seconds.

"hat compares to runner ?sain Bolt, who ran #%%m in $.+ seconds, and cyclist >ason 5enny,

who has raced the same distance in *.& seconds.


65/190

To fall on your sword

2&th ,cto%er 2012

5nights in armour fight each other on horse!ac. Photo BBC

Today's Phrase

If you fall on your sord you tae the !lame for a group action that might not have !een your

individual responsi!ility.

For example:

0e doesn't thin( he's to blame : but he's falling on his sord anyay.

2he's going to resign 9 she's falling on her sord e$en though it's not her fault.

0e is the boss : it's only right he's falling on his sord this time.


Another phrase which means to tae the !lame for something is to take the flack.

2he's alays ta(ing the flac( for things. E$en hen it's not her fault.

Interesting fact

"he honour of a 5nighthood in the ?nited 5ingdom comes from the days of


66/190

n the eye of the storm

2*th,cto%er 2012

6urricane andy, du!!ed :9ranenstorm:, is e;pected to !ring a :life/threatening: surgeflood to the mid/Atlantic coast, including Long Island ound and 7ew -or 6ar!our.

Photo asa>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase

If someone is Din the eye of the stormE it means that they are in the centre of a disagreement.

For example:

Greece is in the eye of the storm hich has gathered o$er the orld economy and is

threatening to tear the euro&one aart.

5ur teacher is ma(ing us sit our e3ams again. Johnny as caught in the eye of the storm after

he boasted about cheating.


Another phrase !ased on meteorology is D lull efore the stormE. "hat means a (uiet time

!efore one of intense activity.

%he sho assistants too( ad$antage of the lull before the storm and tidied u the hat dislay.

%hey (ne the moment the doors oened they ould be flooded ith bargain9hunters.

Interesting fact

Although this phrase is used to descri!e !eing at the centre of a pro!lem or dispute, the real

'eye' of a storm is very calm. "he eye / a circular area in the middle of a hurricane, which can!e up to m in diameter / is characteried !y light winds and clear sies, which last for a

short period !efore the strong winds, rain and thunder return.


67/190

,ne sandwich short of a picnic

30th,cto%er 2012

A group of youngsters, dressed up as a sandwich, in a fancy dress marchduring a 6alloween event in 5awasai, near "oyo. Photo )tsuo )nouye

Today's Phrase

"he e;pression Done sandwich short of a picnicE can !e used in a humorous way to refer to

someone who is cray or stupid.

For example:

John is one sandich short of a icnic. 0e ga$e u a -ob in a big ban( to li$e in a cara$an.

"hen e arri$ed at our hotel by the beach in 6iami, all 6ary had in her suitcase as her fur

coat. 2he is one sandich short of a icnic.


"he e;pression Dto e the meat in the sandwichE means to !e in a difficult position, as the

person !etween two others that are arguing.

6y brother and my sister are fighting o$er ho gets our late mother's cat. )'m the meat in the

sandich, as usual, stuc( in the middle.

Interesting fact

6alloween mars the end of the Celtic year and was !elieved to !e the day when the spirits of

those who died in the previous year would come !ac and possess a !ody of the living to allow

them passage into the afterlife. "o frighten them and avoid !ecoming possessed, the living

would dress up in scary costumes.


68/190

To keep your eyes peeled

31st,cto%er 2012

A pumpin made into a lantern for 6alloween, often called a '1ac/o'/lantern'.Photo BBC

Today's Phrase

D"o eep your eyes peeledE means to stay alert and loo out for something or someone.

For example:

John told me he'd meet us in the mall. Just (ee your eyes eeled.

"e need to follo signs for the motoray, so (ee your eyes eeled.

6um ill be home any minute. 1ee your eyes eeled hilst ) tidy u!


DTo eep your nose outE means to mind your own !usiness.

%his has got nothing to do ith you. 1ee your nose out!

Interesting fact

A modern 1ac/o'/lantern is typically a carved pumpin. It is associated chiefly with 6alloween.

"he top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out. An image, usually a monstrous face,

is carved out, and the lid replaced. "he name is associated with Irish follore a!out Dtingy

>acE who played trics on the 3evil.


69/190

;hate$er floats your %oat

1st :o$em%er 2012

"he ferry 7apoleon Bonaparte !roe its moorings due to gusts of wind !lowing across theouth of 9rance. It ran aground against a doc, causing a !reach in the hull and flooding the

ship. "his caused it to list. Photo +P>Claude Paris

Today's Phrase

"he e;pression Dwhatever floats your !oatE means do what !rings you 1oy.

For example:

)t's your birthday. "e can go to the theatre or ha$e a meal in a osh restaurant. "hate$er

floats your boat.

Peter is a ladies' man but if you still ant to go out ith him, fine, hate$er floats your boat!


"he e;pression Dto push the oat outE means to spend more money than someone is used

to, especially when cele!rating something.

"e really ushed the boat out and held 6ary's fareell arty in one of the most e3ensi$e

restaurants in ton.

Interesting fact

It too less than three hours for the "itanic to sin after it hit an ice!erg in #$#).


70/190

To "i$e a le" up

2nd:o$em%er 2012

Cheerleaders perform !efore the 79L foot!all game !etween the t Louis 0ams and the7ew Hngland 4atriots at Wem!ley tadium in London. Photo =euters>/arren 2tales

Today's Phrase

"he e;pression Dto give someone a leg upE means to help someone improve their situation.

For example:

) ha$e a great -ob in a osh restaurant. 6y mother ga$e me a leg u hen she taught me to

coo( 4rench dishes.

6ary had an uncle ell connected to the business orld. )t ga$e her a leg u.


"he e;pression Dto pull someone's legE means to play a tric on someone or tell them

something that isn't true.

"hat?! You*$e on a million dollars in the lottery? You are ulling my leg.

Interesting fact

According to some authors, cheerleading started around #& in the ?nited tates, when

4rinceton ?niversity students yelled chants from the stands at games. 7owadays most

cheerleaders are women.


71/190

Step out of line

.th:o$em%er 2012

An officer shouts orders as mem!ers of the #st Battalion and 7o. Company the Coldstream8uards line up for inspection !y ueen Hlia!eth II. Photo by +ndre "inning.

Today's Phrase

If some!ody Dsteps out of lineE it means they don't follow the rules or what is e;pected of

themS !ehave out of step with his peers. It's also used figuratively to refer to someone

!ehaving !adly.

For example:

%eachers in my school are $ery (een on disciline. %hey se$erely unish anyone ho stes out

of line.

2ome tribal societies are $ery conser$ati$e. +nyone steing out of line could be cut off from

the rest of the grou.


D"o step out of lineE is not to !e confused with Dto e next in lineE for Ksomething. If

someone is 'ne;t in line' for Ksomething it means he or she is liely to get something, lie a

promotion at wor or an award.

6y boss has been raising my leadershi s(ills. ) thin( ) might be ne3t in line for a managerial

ost.


72/190

To %e up a"ainst it

&th:o$em%er 2012

"raders at a toc H;change in Brail. Photo )nacio %e3eira > +P

Today's Phrase

If you're up against it, you're e;tremely !usy with a tight deadline to meet.

For example:

)'m sorry )'ll call you later. )'m really u against it today.

0e's got lots to do today. 0e's really u against it.

) as u against it last ee(. 2orry ) didn't ha$e time to see you.


Another similar phrase is to race against the cloc. "hat means trying to achieve or finish atas in a set amount of time.

)t's a race against the cloc(. ) don't thin( )'m going to ha$e this resentation done in time.

Interesting fact

According to figures issued !y the Organisation for Hconomic Co/operation and 3evelopment in

)%## people in 8reece, 6ungary and 4oland wored the most hours per wee in Hurope.


73/190

Second wind

(th:o$em%er 2012

"housands of pieces of confetti float in the wind around ? 4resident Barac O!ama.Photo Jeel 2amad > +4P > Getty )mages

Today's Phrase

When you say someone has got Da second windE it means they have a new vigour or

determination to do something some time after starting it.

For example:

) usually feel a bit tired after lunch but get a second ind around Hm.

5bser$ers said Barac( 5bama as -udged to ha$e lost the first residential debate ith

=eublican challenger 6itt =omney, but got a second ind in the second and third debates.


"o Dthrow caution to the windE means to a!andon a careful and cautious approach and do

something in a much !raver way despite the riss.

2ometimes you ha$e to thro caution to the ind and go ith your heart. /o hat you belie$e

in.

You (no hat? )*m going to thro caution to the ind and bet all my money on that

racehorse. ) thin( it*s going to in.

Interesting fact


74/190

;alk tall

13th:o$em%er 2012

"he Colom!ian city of Cartagena cele!rates its independence with a parade and !eautypageants. Photo Joauin 2armiento > =euters

Today's Phrase

"he phrase Dwal tallE means to !e !rave and confident in your a!ilities.

For example:

) can al( tall because ) really am roud of my -ob as a nurse. ) belie$e ) can ma(e a

difference.

6a(ing resentations can be scary. +fter ) did them a coule of times my confidence really

imro$ed. o ) -ust go out and al( tall and en-oy them!


A Dtall storyE is one which is unliely to !e true as it is full of overly interesting or e;citing

details.

6y mate said he ent to China and met Jet Li and they learned (ung fu together and e$en

shot a mo$ie. But ) don*t belie$e him. 0e*s full of tall tales.

Interesting fact

"oday, waling on stilts, or stilt/waling, tends to !e for entertainment for children. But in the

past stilts were often used for crossing rivers and marshes.


75/190

Up to your neck

1.th:o$em%er 2012

9looding in enice gives this man the chance for a swim in t


76/190

own the pan

20th:o$em%er 2012

A second/hand toilet seller taes a !rea in the 4hilippines.Photo =omeo =anoco > =euters

Today's Phrase

If something goes Ddown the panE or Ddown the toiletE it means it is wasted or ruined.

For example:

6i(e had great dreams of becoming a roc( guitarist, but they ent don the an hen he

in-ured his hand.

)'m afraid all that careful rearation e did for 6eer(a's surrise birthday arty ent don

the an hen her sister told her about it.

0e in$ested all his life's sa$ings in a beautiful, antiue car but e$erything ent don the an

hen he crashed it the ne3t day.


If something goes Dout of the frying pan+ into the fireE, it means it goes from a !ad

situation into an even worse one.

2tudying for my 6+ as really difficult and stressful, but then ) really ent out of the frying

an into the fire hen ) graduated and realised there ere no good -obs a$ailable.

Interesting fact

In British Hnglish, the word DtoiletE can refer to the fi;ture itself or the room where it isinstalled, for which you will also hear the more collo(uial words DlooE, DlavE or D1ohnE. "he

slang word DdunnyE is popular in Australia while Americans tend to prefer the more polite

terms D!athroomE or DrestroomE. In the 4hilippines, the term of choice is the pleasant/

sounding Dcomfort roomE, or DC0E for short.


77/190

i" mouth

22nd:o$em%er 2012

A man opens a camel's mouth wide at a camel fair in 4ushar in India.Photo =oberto 2chmidt > +4P

Today's Phrase

If you Dare a !ig mouthE or Dhave a !ig mouthE it means you tal too much, especially a!out

things which should !e ept secret or avoided.

For example:

4ran's got such a big mouth. 2he's been telling e$eryone that )'m engaged. ) anted to tell

them myself.

5h no, me and my big mouth! ) made +le3 feel uset hen ) mentioned his dead cat.

/on't be such a big mouth. You should learn to (ee other eole's roblems to yourself.


"o !ad/mouth. If you Dad!mouthE someone it means you say negative things a!out them

!ehind their !ac.

2he's alays bad9mouthing her friends. ) really don't li(e it.

Interesting fact

"housands of camels are traded each 7ovem!er at the 4ushar Camel 9air in 0a1asthan in

India. Buyers always chec a camel's teeth, as good teeth are a sign of good health.


78/190

ri$e someone up the wall

2&th:o$em%er 2012

A car stuc on the !order fence !etween the ? and F2 Customs and Border Protection

Today's Phrase

If something Ddrives you up the wallE, it maes you very irritated and angry.

For example:

%his comuter is really dri$ing me u the allA it (ees crashing!

2hoing for -eans dri$es her u the all. 2he can ne$er find a air that fit her.

You are dri$ing me u the all! "ill you sto singing that aful song no?


Another phrase is Dcliming the wallsE. If you are Dclim!ing the wallsE it means you aree;tremely nervous, worried or !ored.

)'$e been sitting at home aiting for the hone to ring all day 9 )'m climbing the alls.

Interesting fact

"he ?/


79/190

'll eat my hat

27th:o$em%er 2012

A cricet fan wears a hat made from a watermelon during day two of the second test.Photo 6ome de 1ler(>Getty

Today's Phrase

DI'll eat my hatE is an e;pression people use when they thin something is very unliely to

happen.

For example:

)f +rsenal in the Chamions League, )'ll eat my hat!

) don't thin( )'ll ma(e it ast the inter$ie stage for this -ob. )f ) do, )'ll eat my hat!

)f the go$ernment sur$i$es this latest scandal, )'ll eat my hat!


If you are forced to Deat your wordsE, you admit that you are wrong a!out something you

have said.

) ad$ised 2u&anne against setting u her on business, because ) didn't thin( it ould be

successful. "ell, )'$e had to eat my ords : she's no a multi9millionaire!

Interesting fact

Watermelons are thought to have originated in southern Africa, where they can !e found

growing wild. Cricet fans wore hats carved out of watermelons during the second "est match!etween outh Africa and Australia this wee.


80/190

Lickin" your lips

2(th:o$em%er 2012

A money lics a !loc of ice with !ananas encased in it during the =euters

Today's Phrase

We say people are Dlicing their lipsE when they are a!out to eat something tasty. "he phrase

can also !e used to descri!e a person's eagerness a!out an event in the future.

For example:

6y children ere lic(ing their lis hen they entered the seet sho.

You'll be lic(ing your lis hen you see the roast dinner )'$e made!

/a$e as lic(ing his lis ahead of the crucial football game.


If you Dlic your woundsE, you recover from a defeat. "his phrase comes from animals, who

often lic their wounds after fighting.

%hat as an incredible cric(et match! %he inning team is celebrating on the itch, hilst the

losers ha$e gone to lic( their ounds in the clubhouse.

Interesting fact

"he


81/190

,$er the moon

-thecem%er 2012

t >ames' 4alace has announced that the 3ue and 3uchess of Cam!ridge, 4rinceWilliam and Catherine, are e;pecting their first !a!y. Photo /anny Lason>Getty

Today's Phrase

If you are Dover the moonE, you are e;tremely happy a!out something.

For example:

6y husband and ) are e3ecting our first baby ne3t summer : e're absolutely o$er the moon!

2arah as o$er the moon hen she found out she'd got the -ob.

)f England in the "orld Cu, )'ll be o$er the moon!


If you descri!e someone as Do$er the hillE, it means you thin they are old and una!le to do

something.

6um's bought Granddad a smarthone for Christmas. %o be honest, ) thin( he's a bit o$er the

hill for ne technology li(e that.

Interesting fact

"he 3ue and 3uchess of Cam!ridge have announced that they are e;pecting their first !a!y.

"he royal !a!y will !e third in line to the throne after 4rince Charles and 4rince William.


82/190

Snowed under

&thecem%er 2012

4eople wal amongst trees covered in snow in 6oarangen, tocholm.Photo Jonathan ac(strand>Getty

Today's Phrase

If you are Dsnowed underE, you have too much to do and not enough time to do it.

For example:

)'m sorry, ) can't rite that reort for you right no : )'m snoed under ith or( today.

6um didn't ha$e time to ba(e a ca(eA she as snoed under ith coo(ing the dinner.

)'m going to treat myself to a sa ee(end. )'$e been so snoed under this ee(A ) need

some time to rela3.


When the snow falls so heavily that you can't leave the house, we say that you are D snowed

inE.

"endy rang to say that she can't come for dinner tonight : she's snoed in!

Interesting fact

A huge storm !rought large amounts of snow to the tocholm area of weden this wee.

Around +%cm of snow fell in one night, causing widespread transport disruption. A further

)%cm of snow is predicted to fall in the coming days.


83/190

! little %ird told me

11thecem%er 2012

A wa;wing sits on the !ranch of a rowan tree in London. Photo /an 1itood>Getty

Today's PhraseIf you have information, !ut you do not want to reveal who told you it, you can say Da little

!ird told meE.

For example:

+ little bird told me that it's your birthday today!

"e're loo(ing for someone to ta(e on this ne ro-ect, and a little bird told me that you might

be interested in the -ob?

+ little bird told me that you'$e got a crush on someone in our class#


If you are a person who lies to get up early in the morning, you may !e called D an early

irdE.

Gi$e me a call in the morning it doesn't matter hat time, )'m such an early bird, )'ll

definitely be aa(e.

Interesting fact

"housands of wa;wings have descended on 8reat Britain after the failure of the !irds' food

sources in their native candinavian !reeding grounds. "he !irds are thought to !e the sign ofa harsh winter to come.


84/190

! whole new %all "ame

13thecem%er 2012

Chinese farmer Liu iyuan loos out from his 'survival pod'. Photo Ed Jones>+4P>Getty

Today's Phrase

DA whole new !all gameE is a situation which is different from anything that has happened

!efore.

For example:

) thought ) as good at sea(ing English in terms of day9to9day con$ersation. But or(ing as

a rofessional translator is a hole ne ball gameA ) ha$e to be much more accurate.

%om says or(ing as a manager for the first time is a hole ne ball game.

) used to go -ogging e$ery ee(end, but running marathons is a hole ne ball game.


Another phrase is to Dget the all rollingE, which means to get something started.

+fter a long time lanning the ro-ect, it feels great to finally get the ball rolling.

) really don't e3ercise enough and ant to get fit. )f ) go to the gym once a ee(, that should

get

Documents

BBC Learning English - Today's Phrase_2012_2013