Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Idioms in English Language
A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush:
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
A Blessing In Disguise:
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
A Chip On Your Shoulder:
Being upset for something that happened in the past.
A Dime A Dozen:
Anything that is common and easy to get.
A Doubting Thomas:
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.
A Drop in the Bucket:
A very small part of something big or whole.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted:
It's easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
You cannot change who you are.
A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned:
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words:
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
A Piece of Cake:
A task that can be accomplished very easily.
A Slap on the Wrist:
A very mild punishment.
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine:
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.
A Toss-Up:
A result that is still unclear and can go either way.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Add Fuel To The Fire:
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.
Against The Clock:
Rushed and short on time.
All Bark And No Bite:
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.
All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.
All In The Same Boat:
When everyone is facing the same challenges.
An Arm And A Leg:
Very expensive. A large amount of money.
An Axe To Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.
Apple of My Eye:
Someone who is cherished above all others.
As High As A Kite:
Anything that is high up in the sky.
At The Drop Of A Hat:
Willing to do something immediately.
B
Back Seat Driver:
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
Back To Square One:
Having to start all over again.
Back To The Drawing Board:
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Baker's Dozen:
Thirteen.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree:
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.
Beat A Dead Horse:
To force an issue that has already ended.
Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Bend Over Backwards:
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.
Between A Rock And A Hard Place:
Stuck between two very bad options.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
To take on a task that is way to big.
Bite Your Tongue:
To avoid talking.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.
Blue Moon:
A rare event or occurance.
Break A Leg:
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.
Buy A Lemon:
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.
C
Can't Cut The Mustard :
Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.
Cast Iron Stomach:
Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.
Charley Horse:
Stiffness in the leg / A leg cramp.
Chew someone out:
Verbally scold someone.
Chip on his Shoulder:
Angry today about something that occured in the past.
Chow Down:
To eat.
Close but no Cigar:
To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
Come Hell Or High Water:
Any difficult situation or obstacle.
Crack Someone Up:
To make someone laugh.
Cross Your Fingers:
To hope that something happens the way you want it to.
Cry Over Spilt Milk:
When you complain about a loss from the past.
Cry Wolf:
Intentionally raise a false alarm.
Cup Of Joe:
A cup of coffee.
Curiosity Killed The Cat:
Being Inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Cut to the Chase:
Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point.
D
Dark Horse:
One who was previously unknown and is now prominent.
Dead Ringer:
100% identical. A duplicate.
Devil's Advocate:
Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument without believing in that particular side of the arguement. It can also mean one who presents a counter argument for a position they do believe in, to another debater.
Dog Days of Summer:
The hottest days of the summer season.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch:
Don't rely on it until your sure of it.
Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth:
When someone gives you a gift, don't be ungrateful.
Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket:
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
Doozy:
Something outstanding.
Down To The Wire:
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds.
Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures:
When you are extremely desperate you need to take extremely desperate actions.
Drink like a fish:
To drink very heavily.
Drive someone up the wall:
To irritate and/or annoy very much.
Dropping Like Flies:
A large number of people either falling ill or dying.
Dry Run:
Rehearsal.
E
Eighty Six:
A certain item is no longer available. Or this idiom can also mean, to throw away.
Elvis has left the building:
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Ethnic Cleansing:
Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive scale.
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining:
Be optomistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Everything But The Kitchen Sink:
Almost everything and anything has been included.
Excuse my French:
Please forgive me for cussing.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
F
Feeding Frenzy:
An aggressive attack on someone by a group.
Field Day:
An enjoyable day or circumstance.
Finding Your Feet:
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing.
Finger lickin' good:
A very tasty food or meal.
Fixed In Your Ways:
Not willing or wanting to change from your normal way of doing something.
Flash In The Pan:
Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.
Flea Market:
A swap meet. A place where people gather to buy and sell inexpensive goods.
Flesh and Blood:
This idiom can mean living material of which people are made of, or it can refer to someone's family.
Flip The Bird:
To raise your middle finger at someone.
Foam at the Mouth:
To be enraged and show it.
Fools' Gold:
Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold.
French Kiss:
An open mouth kiss where tongues touch.
From Rags To Riches:
To go from being very poor to being very wealthy.
Fuddy-duddy:
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.
Full Monty:
This idiom can mean either, "the whole thing" or "completely nude".
Funny Farm:
A mental institutional facility.
G
Get Down to Brass Tacks:
To become serious about something.
Get Over It:
To move beyond something that is bothering you.
Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed:
Someone who is having a horrible day.
Get Your Walking Papers:
Get fired from a job.
Give Him The Slip:
To get away from. To escape.
Go Down Like A Lead Balloon:
To be received badly by an audience.
Go For Broke:
To gamble everything you have.
Go Out On A Limb:
Put yourself in a tough position in order to support someone/something.
Go The Extra Mile:
Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.
Good Samaritan:
Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of a reward.
Graveyard Shift:
Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8:00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping.
Great Minds Think Alike:
Intelligent people think like each other.
Green Room:
The waiting room, especially for those who are about to go on a tv or radio show.
Gut Feeling:
A personal intuition you get, especially when feel something may not be right.
H
Haste Makes Waste:
Quickly doing things results in a poor ending.
Hat Trick:
When one player scores three goals in the same hockey game. This idiom can also mean three scores in any other sport, such as 3 homeruns, 3 touchdowns, 3 soccer goals, etc.
Have an Axe to Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.
He Lost His Head:
Angry and overcome by emotions.
Head Over Heels:
Very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love.
Hell in a Handbasket:
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
High Five:
Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture.
High on the Hog:
Living in Luxury.
Hit The Books:
To study, especially for a test or exam.
Hit The Hay:
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hit The Nail on the Head:
Do something exactly right or say something exactly right.
Hit The Sack:
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hocus Pocus:
In general, a term used in magic or trickery.
Hold Your Horses:
Be patient.
I
Icing On The Cake:
When you already have it good and get something on top of what you already have.
Idle Hands Are The Devil's Tools:
You are more likely to get in trouble if you have nothing to do.
If It's Not One Thing, It's Another:
When one thing goes wrong, then another, and another...
In Like Flynn:
To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic.
In The Bag:
To have something secured.
In The Buff:
Nude.
In The Heat Of The Moment:
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
In Your Face:
An aggressive and bold confrontation.
It Takes Two To Tango:
A two person conflict where both people are at fault.
It's A Small World:
You frequently see the same people in different places.
Its Anyone's Call:
A competition where the outcome is difficult to judge or predict.
Ivy League:
Since 1954 the Ivy League has been the following universities: Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard.
J
Jaywalk:
Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk.
Joshing Me:
Tricking me.
K
Keep An Eye On Him:
You should carefully watch him.
Keep body and soul together:
To earn a sufficient amount of money in order to keep yourself alive .
Keep your chin up:
To remain joyful in a tough situation.
Kick The Bucket:
Die.
Kitty-corner:
Diagonally across. Sometimes called Catty-Corner as well.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
A quick and automatic response.
Knock On Wood:
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck.
Know the Ropes:
To understand the details.
L
Last but not least:
An introduction phrase to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is no less important than those introduced before him/her.
Lend Me Your Ear:
To politely ask for someone's full attention.
Let Bygones Be Bygones:
To forget about a disagreement or arguement.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie:
To avoid restarting a conflict.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag:
To share a secret that wasn't suppose to be shared.
Level playing field:
A fair competition where no side has an advantage.
Like a chicken with its head cut off:
To act in a frenzied manner.
liquor someone up:
To get someone drunk.
Long in the Tooth:
Old people (or horses).
Loose Cannon:
Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.
M
Make No Bones About:
To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections.
Method To My Madness:
Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless but in the end are done for a good reason.
Mumbo Jumbo:
Nonsense or meaningless speech.
Mum's the word:
To keep quiet. To say nothing.
N
Nest Egg:
Savings set aside for future use.
Never Bite The Hand That Feeds You:
Don't hurt anyone that helps you.
New kid on the block:
Someone new to the group or area.
New York Minute:
A minute that seems to go by quickly, especially in a fast paced environment.
No Dice:
To not agree. To not accept a proposition.
No Room to Swing a Cat:
An unsually small or confined space.
Not Playing With a Full Deck:
Someone who lacks intelligence.
O
Off On The Wrong Foot:
Getting a bad start on a relationship or task.
Off The Hook:
No longer have to deal with a tough situation.
Off the Record:
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want attributed to him/her.
On Pins And Needles:
Anxious or nervous, especially in anticipation of something.
On The Fence:
Undecided.
On The Same Page:
When multiple people all agree on the same thing.
Out Of The Blue:
Something that suddenly and unexpectedly occurs.
Out On A Limb:
When someone puts themself in a risky situation.
Out On The Town:
To enjoy yourself by going out.
Over My Dead Body:
When you absolutely will not allow something to happen.
Over the Top:
Very excessive.
P
Pass The Buck:
Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.
Pedal to the metal:
To go full speed, especially while driving a vehicle.
Peeping Tom:
Someone who observes people in the nude or sexually active people, mainly for his own gratification.
Pick up your ears:
To listen very carefully.
Pig In A Poke:
A deal that is made without first examining it.
Pig Out :
To eat alot and eat it quickly.
Pipe Down:
To shut-up or be quiet.
Practice Makes Perfect:
By constantly practicing, you will become better.
Pull the plug:
To stop something. To bring something to an end.
Pulling Your Leg:
Tricking someone as a joke.
Put a sock in it:
To tell noisy person or a group to be quiet.
Q
Queer the pitch:
Destroy or ruin a plan.
R
Raincheck:
An offer or deal that is declined right now but willing to accept later.
Raining Cats and Dogs:
A very loud and noisy rain storm.
Ring Fencing:
Seperated usual judgement to guarantee protection, especially project funds.
Rise and Shine:
Time to get out of bed and get ready for work/school.
Rome Was Not Built In One Day:
If you want something to be completely properly, then its going to take time.
Rule Of Thumb:
A rough estimate.
Run out of steam:
To be completely out of energy.
S
Saved By The Bell:
Saved at the last possible moment.
Scapegoat:
Someone else who takes the blame.
Scot-free:
To escape and not have to pay.
Sick As A Dog:
To be very sick (with the flu or a cold).
Sitting Shotgun:
Riding in the front passenger seat of a car.
Sixth Sense:
A paranormal sense that allows you to communicate with the dead.
Skid Row:
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.
Smell A Rat:
To detect somone in the group is betraying the others.
Smell Something Fishy:
Detecting that something isn't right and there might be a reason for it.
Son of a Gun:
A scamp.
Southpaw:
Someone who is left-handed.
Spitting Image:
The exact likeness or kind.
Start From Scratch:
To do it all over again from the beginning.
T
The Ball Is In Your Court:
It is your decision this time.
The Best Of Both Worlds:
There are two choices and you have them both.
The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall:
While the bigger and stronger opponent might be alot more difficult to beat, when you do they suffer a much bigger loss.
The Last Straw:
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small burden that one can take.
The Whole Nine Yards:
Everything. All of it.
Third times a charm:
After no success the first two times, the third try is a lucky one.
Tie the knot:
To get married.
Til the cows come home:
A long time.
To Make A Long Story Short:
Something someone would say during a long and boring story in order to keep his/her audience from losing attention. Usually the story isn't shortened.
To Steal Someone's Thunder:
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Tongue And Cheek:
humor, not to be taken serious.
Turn A Blind Eye:
Refuse to acknowledge something you know is real or legit.
Twenty three skidoo:
To be turned away.
U
Under the weather:
Feeling ill or sick.
Up a blind alley:
Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.
Use Your Loaf:
Use your head. Think smart.
V
Van Gogh's ear for music:
Tone deaf.
Variety Is The Spice Of Life:
The more experiences you try the more exciting life can be.
W
Wag the Dog:
A diversion away from something of greater importance.
Water Under The Bridge:
Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore.
Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve:
To openly and freely express your emotions.
When It Rains, It Pours:
Since it rarely rains, when it does it will be a huge storm.
When Pigs Fly :
Something that will never ever happen.
Wild and Woolly:
Uncultured and without laws.
Wine and Dine:
When somebody is treated to an expensive meal.
Without A Doubt:
For certain.
X
X marks the spot:
A phrase that is said when someone finds something he/she has been looking for.
Y
You Are What You Eat:
In order to stay healthy you must eat healthy foods.
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover:
Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance.
You Can't Take it With You:
Enjoy what you have and not what you don't have, since when you die you cannot take things (such as money) with you.
Your Guess Is As Good As Mine:
I have no idea.
Z
Zero Tolerance:
No crime or law breaking big or small will be overlooked.
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.
A Blessing In Disguise:
Something good that isn't recognized at first.
A Chip On Your Shoulder:
Being upset for something that happened in the past.
A Dime A Dozen:
Anything that is common and easy to get.
A Doubting Thomas:
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.
A Drop in the Bucket:
A very small part of something big or whole.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted:
It's easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money.
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
You cannot change who you are.
A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned:
By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little).
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words:
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
A Piece of Cake:
A task that can be accomplished very easily.
A Slap on the Wrist:
A very mild punishment.
A Taste Of Your Own Medicine:
When you are mistreated the same way you mistreat others.
A Toss-Up:
A result that is still unclear and can go either way.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.
Add Fuel To The Fire:
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.
Against The Clock:
Rushed and short on time.
All Bark And No Bite:
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.
All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.
All In The Same Boat:
When everyone is facing the same challenges.
An Arm And A Leg:
Very expensive. A large amount of money.
An Axe To Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.
Apple of My Eye:
Someone who is cherished above all others.
As High As A Kite:
Anything that is high up in the sky.
At The Drop Of A Hat:
Willing to do something immediately.
B
Back Seat Driver:
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
Back To Square One:
Having to start all over again.
Back To The Drawing Board:
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
Baker's Dozen:
Thirteen.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree:
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.
Beat A Dead Horse:
To force an issue that has already ended.
Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
Bend Over Backwards:
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.
Between A Rock And A Hard Place:
Stuck between two very bad options.
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
To take on a task that is way to big.
Bite Your Tongue:
To avoid talking.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.
Blue Moon:
A rare event or occurance.
Break A Leg:
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.
Buy A Lemon:
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.
C
Can't Cut The Mustard :
Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.
Cast Iron Stomach:
Someone who has no problems, complications or ill effects with eating anything or drinking anything.
Charley Horse:
Stiffness in the leg / A leg cramp.
Chew someone out:
Verbally scold someone.
Chip on his Shoulder:
Angry today about something that occured in the past.
Chow Down:
To eat.
Close but no Cigar:
To be very near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
Come Hell Or High Water:
Any difficult situation or obstacle.
Crack Someone Up:
To make someone laugh.
Cross Your Fingers:
To hope that something happens the way you want it to.
Cry Over Spilt Milk:
When you complain about a loss from the past.
Cry Wolf:
Intentionally raise a false alarm.
Cup Of Joe:
A cup of coffee.
Curiosity Killed The Cat:
Being Inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Cut to the Chase:
Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the point.
D
Dark Horse:
One who was previously unknown and is now prominent.
Dead Ringer:
100% identical. A duplicate.
Devil's Advocate:
Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument without believing in that particular side of the arguement. It can also mean one who presents a counter argument for a position they do believe in, to another debater.
Dog Days of Summer:
The hottest days of the summer season.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch:
Don't rely on it until your sure of it.
Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth:
When someone gives you a gift, don't be ungrateful.
Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket:
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
Doozy:
Something outstanding.
Down To The Wire:
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds.
Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures:
When you are extremely desperate you need to take extremely desperate actions.
Drink like a fish:
To drink very heavily.
Drive someone up the wall:
To irritate and/or annoy very much.
Dropping Like Flies:
A large number of people either falling ill or dying.
Dry Run:
Rehearsal.
E
Eighty Six:
A certain item is no longer available. Or this idiom can also mean, to throw away.
Elvis has left the building:
The show has come to an end. It's all over.
Ethnic Cleansing:
Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive scale.
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining:
Be optomistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Everything But The Kitchen Sink:
Almost everything and anything has been included.
Excuse my French:
Please forgive me for cussing.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelievable tale.
F
Feeding Frenzy:
An aggressive attack on someone by a group.
Field Day:
An enjoyable day or circumstance.
Finding Your Feet:
To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing.
Finger lickin' good:
A very tasty food or meal.
Fixed In Your Ways:
Not willing or wanting to change from your normal way of doing something.
Flash In The Pan:
Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.
Flea Market:
A swap meet. A place where people gather to buy and sell inexpensive goods.
Flesh and Blood:
This idiom can mean living material of which people are made of, or it can refer to someone's family.
Flip The Bird:
To raise your middle finger at someone.
Foam at the Mouth:
To be enraged and show it.
Fools' Gold:
Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold.
French Kiss:
An open mouth kiss where tongues touch.
From Rags To Riches:
To go from being very poor to being very wealthy.
Fuddy-duddy:
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.
Full Monty:
This idiom can mean either, "the whole thing" or "completely nude".
Funny Farm:
A mental institutional facility.
G
Get Down to Brass Tacks:
To become serious about something.
Get Over It:
To move beyond something that is bothering you.
Get Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed:
Someone who is having a horrible day.
Get Your Walking Papers:
Get fired from a job.
Give Him The Slip:
To get away from. To escape.
Go Down Like A Lead Balloon:
To be received badly by an audience.
Go For Broke:
To gamble everything you have.
Go Out On A Limb:
Put yourself in a tough position in order to support someone/something.
Go The Extra Mile:
Going above and beyond whatever is required for the task at hand.
Good Samaritan:
Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no discussion for compensation, and no thought of a reward.
Graveyard Shift:
Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8:00 am. The time of the day when most other people are sleeping.
Great Minds Think Alike:
Intelligent people think like each other.
Green Room:
The waiting room, especially for those who are about to go on a tv or radio show.
Gut Feeling:
A personal intuition you get, especially when feel something may not be right.
H
Haste Makes Waste:
Quickly doing things results in a poor ending.
Hat Trick:
When one player scores three goals in the same hockey game. This idiom can also mean three scores in any other sport, such as 3 homeruns, 3 touchdowns, 3 soccer goals, etc.
Have an Axe to Grind:
To have a dispute with someone.
He Lost His Head:
Angry and overcome by emotions.
Head Over Heels:
Very excited and/or joyful, especially when in love.
Hell in a Handbasket:
Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster.
High Five:
Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture.
High on the Hog:
Living in Luxury.
Hit The Books:
To study, especially for a test or exam.
Hit The Hay:
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hit The Nail on the Head:
Do something exactly right or say something exactly right.
Hit The Sack:
Go to bed or go to sleep.
Hocus Pocus:
In general, a term used in magic or trickery.
Hold Your Horses:
Be patient.
I
Icing On The Cake:
When you already have it good and get something on top of what you already have.
Idle Hands Are The Devil's Tools:
You are more likely to get in trouble if you have nothing to do.
If It's Not One Thing, It's Another:
When one thing goes wrong, then another, and another...
In Like Flynn:
To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic.
In The Bag:
To have something secured.
In The Buff:
Nude.
In The Heat Of The Moment:
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
In Your Face:
An aggressive and bold confrontation.
It Takes Two To Tango:
A two person conflict where both people are at fault.
It's A Small World:
You frequently see the same people in different places.
Its Anyone's Call:
A competition where the outcome is difficult to judge or predict.
Ivy League:
Since 1954 the Ivy League has been the following universities: Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Yale, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Harvard.
J
Jaywalk:
Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk.
Joshing Me:
Tricking me.
K
Keep An Eye On Him:
You should carefully watch him.
Keep body and soul together:
To earn a sufficient amount of money in order to keep yourself alive .
Keep your chin up:
To remain joyful in a tough situation.
Kick The Bucket:
Die.
Kitty-corner:
Diagonally across. Sometimes called Catty-Corner as well.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
A quick and automatic response.
Knock On Wood:
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck.
Know the Ropes:
To understand the details.
L
Last but not least:
An introduction phrase to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is no less important than those introduced before him/her.
Lend Me Your Ear:
To politely ask for someone's full attention.
Let Bygones Be Bygones:
To forget about a disagreement or arguement.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie:
To avoid restarting a conflict.
Let The Cat Out Of The Bag:
To share a secret that wasn't suppose to be shared.
Level playing field:
A fair competition where no side has an advantage.
Like a chicken with its head cut off:
To act in a frenzied manner.
liquor someone up:
To get someone drunk.
Long in the Tooth:
Old people (or horses).
Loose Cannon:
Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.
M
Make No Bones About:
To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections.
Method To My Madness:
Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless but in the end are done for a good reason.
Mumbo Jumbo:
Nonsense or meaningless speech.
Mum's the word:
To keep quiet. To say nothing.
N
Nest Egg:
Savings set aside for future use.
Never Bite The Hand That Feeds You:
Don't hurt anyone that helps you.
New kid on the block:
Someone new to the group or area.
New York Minute:
A minute that seems to go by quickly, especially in a fast paced environment.
No Dice:
To not agree. To not accept a proposition.
No Room to Swing a Cat:
An unsually small or confined space.
Not Playing With a Full Deck:
Someone who lacks intelligence.
O
Off On The Wrong Foot:
Getting a bad start on a relationship or task.
Off The Hook:
No longer have to deal with a tough situation.
Off the Record:
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want attributed to him/her.
On Pins And Needles:
Anxious or nervous, especially in anticipation of something.
On The Fence:
Undecided.
On The Same Page:
When multiple people all agree on the same thing.
Out Of The Blue:
Something that suddenly and unexpectedly occurs.
Out On A Limb:
When someone puts themself in a risky situation.
Out On The Town:
To enjoy yourself by going out.
Over My Dead Body:
When you absolutely will not allow something to happen.
Over the Top:
Very excessive.
P
Pass The Buck:
Avoid responsibility by giving it to someone else.
Pedal to the metal:
To go full speed, especially while driving a vehicle.
Peeping Tom:
Someone who observes people in the nude or sexually active people, mainly for his own gratification.
Pick up your ears:
To listen very carefully.
Pig In A Poke:
A deal that is made without first examining it.
Pig Out :
To eat alot and eat it quickly.
Pipe Down:
To shut-up or be quiet.
Practice Makes Perfect:
By constantly practicing, you will become better.
Pull the plug:
To stop something. To bring something to an end.
Pulling Your Leg:
Tricking someone as a joke.
Put a sock in it:
To tell noisy person or a group to be quiet.
Q
Queer the pitch:
Destroy or ruin a plan.
R
Raincheck:
An offer or deal that is declined right now but willing to accept later.
Raining Cats and Dogs:
A very loud and noisy rain storm.
Ring Fencing:
Seperated usual judgement to guarantee protection, especially project funds.
Rise and Shine:
Time to get out of bed and get ready for work/school.
Rome Was Not Built In One Day:
If you want something to be completely properly, then its going to take time.
Rule Of Thumb:
A rough estimate.
Run out of steam:
To be completely out of energy.
S
Saved By The Bell:
Saved at the last possible moment.
Scapegoat:
Someone else who takes the blame.
Scot-free:
To escape and not have to pay.
Sick As A Dog:
To be very sick (with the flu or a cold).
Sitting Shotgun:
Riding in the front passenger seat of a car.
Sixth Sense:
A paranormal sense that allows you to communicate with the dead.
Skid Row:
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.
Smell A Rat:
To detect somone in the group is betraying the others.
Smell Something Fishy:
Detecting that something isn't right and there might be a reason for it.
Son of a Gun:
A scamp.
Southpaw:
Someone who is left-handed.
Spitting Image:
The exact likeness or kind.
Start From Scratch:
To do it all over again from the beginning.
T
The Ball Is In Your Court:
It is your decision this time.
The Best Of Both Worlds:
There are two choices and you have them both.
The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall:
While the bigger and stronger opponent might be alot more difficult to beat, when you do they suffer a much bigger loss.
The Last Straw:
When one small burden after another creates an unbearable situation, the last straw is the last small burden that one can take.
The Whole Nine Yards:
Everything. All of it.
Third times a charm:
After no success the first two times, the third try is a lucky one.
Tie the knot:
To get married.
Til the cows come home:
A long time.
To Make A Long Story Short:
Something someone would say during a long and boring story in order to keep his/her audience from losing attention. Usually the story isn't shortened.
To Steal Someone's Thunder:
To take the credit for something someone else did.
Tongue And Cheek:
humor, not to be taken serious.
Turn A Blind Eye:
Refuse to acknowledge something you know is real or legit.
Twenty three skidoo:
To be turned away.
U
Under the weather:
Feeling ill or sick.
Up a blind alley:
Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.
Use Your Loaf:
Use your head. Think smart.
V
Van Gogh's ear for music:
Tone deaf.
Variety Is The Spice Of Life:
The more experiences you try the more exciting life can be.
W
Wag the Dog:
A diversion away from something of greater importance.
Water Under The Bridge:
Anything from the past that isn't significant or important anymore.
Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve:
To openly and freely express your emotions.
When It Rains, It Pours:
Since it rarely rains, when it does it will be a huge storm.
When Pigs Fly :
Something that will never ever happen.
Wild and Woolly:
Uncultured and without laws.
Wine and Dine:
When somebody is treated to an expensive meal.
Without A Doubt:
For certain.
X
X marks the spot:
A phrase that is said when someone finds something he/she has been looking for.
Y
You Are What You Eat:
In order to stay healthy you must eat healthy foods.
You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover:
Decisions shouldn't be made primarily on appearance.
You Can't Take it With You:
Enjoy what you have and not what you don't have, since when you die you cannot take things (such as money) with you.
Your Guess Is As Good As Mine:
I have no idea.
Z
Zero Tolerance:
No crime or law breaking big or small will be overlooked.
Monday, June 13, 2011
UFS 211 - Academic Reading & Writing ( June - August 2011 Session)
ASSESSMENTS:
5. Vocabulary folio - 10 marks
- Group Project- Folklore Short Story (10 Marks)
This should be a short story based on a Malaysian theme. Each group should consist of 4-5 persons and should produce a folklore short story of about 2000 words (not including the prefatory pages, e.g. cover page, acknowledgement, content page etc, The students should conduct a simple investigation to collect relevant data or information from secondary sources such as books, newspaper, magazines or articles from the internet (Bibliographical style according to Harvard Referencing System). The topic chosen by the students must be approved by the lecturer concerned before any work on the project is carried out. Subsequently, the students in the same group will decide on the sequence of the presentation and the section each student is responsible for. Finally, the students will prepare visual and rehearse for the presentation.
Assessment criteria for short story
The written short story will be assessed on:
- The ability to identify the theme
- Originality of analyses and ideas
- The ability to present the story in a logical, coherent and well structured discourse
- Students’ written language competency
Marking
Language 3
Content 5
Organization & Style 2
Total: 10 Marks
Guideline for typing
Font: Times New Roman/ Arial
Font size: 12
1.5 spacing
A4- sized paper
Printed on A5 paper
Submission Deadline: 17th June 2011 - submit title of the story
4th July 2011– show edited / revised draft
18th July 2011week of the semester- submit written short story
- Video or oral presentation 10 Marks
Students will record their play and present it to the class. If the students are unable to
record the play , they should act out in the class. Each group is given 15 minutes to present
their play.
Assessment criteria for video or oral presentation
Students will be assessed on:
1. Clear and intelligible English pronunciation with proper stress
2. Presentation skill ( voice projection/ control, eye contact, body language, etc)
Marking
Language 2
Content 2
Visuals & Overall impression Delivery 1
Presentation time: 15-20 minutes
- Grammar Test - 10 Marks
Students will be tested on conjunctions, verbs, adjectives and adverbs in Week 5. The test items will be prepared and administered by individual lecturer in class. Students will be individually assessed. The question paper must be submitted together with the answer script at the end of the test. Students have 1 hour to complete the test.
Assessment Criteria
- Wrong use of participle:0mark
- Wrong tenses: ½ of the total mark
- Wrong subject –verb agreement:1/2of the total mark
- Without verb to be:0 mark
- Spelling errors or missing words in the sentence: Deduct ½ mark.
- Reflection Journal (Blogging) and classroom participation / attendance - 10 Marks
Students are required to watch 5 movies in any genres with their peers (One selected by the lecturer). Then, they are required to write a critique to reflect their opinions based on the movies and retell the story of the movies in their own style of writing. The journal should be written in their own blog. (10 entries with 300 words for each post)
Submission date: Week 7 (29 July 2011).
Students should read articles, journals or magazines and record 500 new words that
they may have not known.
At the end of Week 7 (29 July 2011) students should hand in their vocabulary folio.
6. Paragraph Writing - 10 marks
Paragraph writing
Instruction: Write a cause – effect paragraph based on a topic
The composition should be around 100- 150 words.
Guidelines:
- Font: Arial 11
- Spacing:1.5
- Format: Justify
- Pages:1-2
Guidelines for cover page:
- Name of student
- Subject code
- Class code
- Student ID
- Topic
- Submission date :8th August, 2011
The writing will be assessed according to:
1. Content accuracy: 3
2. Content structure: 2
3. Clarity: 3
4. Grammar: 2
SUGGESTED TEACHING & LEARNING MATERIALS:
Reading:
Classic Novels
1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2) Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen
3) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
4) Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian
Andersen
5) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Download e-book at: http://mydaily2cents.blogspot.com
Download your Lecture Notes here: http://www.mediafire.com/?5a6d8bahcq8ln
“To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism, to steal ideas from many is research.” ~ Wilson Mizner Quotes~
“You learn something every day if you pay attention.”
~ Ray LeBlond~
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Resources to Help You Learn English Grammar
Grammar is one of the key requirements for learning English. This article gives you some insight into the kind of resources that you might use for this purpose. You can then expand on the resources that have been discussed.
Using resources to teach English grammar
When you are teaching the language, it is important to consider all the avenues that are open to you. There are some really great resources that are provided at the British Council as well as the American Consulate. You can also use the internet to access some important tools for your task. Broadly speaking these are some of the resources that are available to you
1. Novels and plays: You should expose your students to a wide range of novels and plays. Apart from the classics such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, you should try to use modern writers as well. Harry Porter is a great resource for younger students. Get the students to select the materials that have specific interest for them. In that sense, they can learn English whilst enjoying the experience.
2. Interactive CD-ROMs and cassettes: The use of interactive cassettes and other forms of media has grown in stature as we become aware of modern learning techniques. Remember that the younger generation is already conversant with these tools when they play video games. You are merely giving them the opportunity to become better at a language using the tools that they routinely work with.
3. Videos and television: The power of visual images cannot be underestimated when learning a new language. Some viewers spend an average of five hours a day on television. That time is well spent if they are learning English in the process. Make sure that your students get access to informative television programs from time to time.
4. Blogs: Many of the international universities such as the University of Liverpool are effectively using the internet to communicate with their students. You can set up a blog which will help your students to practice their writing skills. At the same time you can give them feedback on how well they are doing through this medium.
5. Illustrated Comics: This is an innovative way to get your students to study the language in an enjoyable format. Some of the great French comics have been successfully translated into English. Why not use Tin-Tin to get your students to practice their grammar? You might even get them to do the work in their leisure time.
The resources for teaching English grammar are in no way exhaustive. You will need to find a set of materials that helps you in your work. At the same time you have to maintain interest in the classroom. These materials can help you to achieve this objective through the variety of ways in which the information is presented. You will also be using modern technology to ensure that you are leading the class effectively. Those are the minimum standards that are expected in this context as you expand the educational horizons of your students.
Using resources to teach English grammar
When you are teaching the language, it is important to consider all the avenues that are open to you. There are some really great resources that are provided at the British Council as well as the American Consulate. You can also use the internet to access some important tools for your task. Broadly speaking these are some of the resources that are available to you
1. Novels and plays: You should expose your students to a wide range of novels and plays. Apart from the classics such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, you should try to use modern writers as well. Harry Porter is a great resource for younger students. Get the students to select the materials that have specific interest for them. In that sense, they can learn English whilst enjoying the experience.
2. Interactive CD-ROMs and cassettes: The use of interactive cassettes and other forms of media has grown in stature as we become aware of modern learning techniques. Remember that the younger generation is already conversant with these tools when they play video games. You are merely giving them the opportunity to become better at a language using the tools that they routinely work with.
3. Videos and television: The power of visual images cannot be underestimated when learning a new language. Some viewers spend an average of five hours a day on television. That time is well spent if they are learning English in the process. Make sure that your students get access to informative television programs from time to time.
4. Blogs: Many of the international universities such as the University of Liverpool are effectively using the internet to communicate with their students. You can set up a blog which will help your students to practice their writing skills. At the same time you can give them feedback on how well they are doing through this medium.
5. Illustrated Comics: This is an innovative way to get your students to study the language in an enjoyable format. Some of the great French comics have been successfully translated into English. Why not use Tin-Tin to get your students to practice their grammar? You might even get them to do the work in their leisure time.
The resources for teaching English grammar are in no way exhaustive. You will need to find a set of materials that helps you in your work. At the same time you have to maintain interest in the classroom. These materials can help you to achieve this objective through the variety of ways in which the information is presented. You will also be using modern technology to ensure that you are leading the class effectively. Those are the minimum standards that are expected in this context as you expand the educational horizons of your students.
Master in English with latest E-Learning Technology
In today’s world, knowledge of English is a must. You need to understand it in order to carry on conversation with everyone. If you want to excel in your field, you need to be thorough with it. There are many ways, which help you to learn English. The new technology advancements have made it very clear that you can learn or master English by just staying at your own place. In today’s hectic life, not everyone gets time to manage everything. We just have 24 hours and we have to manage everything within the same time period. With everyone involved in to office, school and colleges, it may feel burdened to take time out for learning or mastering English. But with E learning available to us, everyone can learn English at the suitable time.
Before you joining E learning classes, you need to do a little home work at your end. You must get an English Dictionary, which is a must. Secondly, you must try to go through the chapters by yourself. Once you enroll yourself in any of the E learning class for mastering English, it would be helpful. Secondly, when you get taught by English through E learning system, you must practice it every day. This is one of the important things. Unless you start speaking, you would not get corrected at the mistakes. So start speaking whatever you learn on every day basis. E learning helps you to master English from any corner of the world. You can use the software from any part of world. You have some of the best tutors of English who would help you to learn and become fluent in this language. All you need to do is search for some of the best means that can be handled by you and that suits your time.
Everyone can master in English with the help of e learning. There is no discarding factor involved. You can clear out all kinds of confusions with the tutor. You have so many features involved with e learning facilities. When you are looking out to master English, you must get out with E learning. You can chat with your other friends who are learning English in similar way. Apart from the e learning classes that you do, you need to practice it well in your life. You can speak amongst each other in English. You can read out novels as well as newspapers in order to understand the language in depth. Wherever you have any confusions, you can just your tutor know about it.
E learning provides you so many samples of getting in touch with English. You are being provided the audio files where you can know the correct pronunciations involved with any word. You can communicate in English. You are also being given course material by the online medium itself. So get going to master in English with the help of E learning methods. You are sure to get all kinds of exposure with English through E learning medium too. Now, you just do not need to depend on physical class room to learn English.
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