short story using idioms

How to make a story out of idioms

by NikkiYoungAuthor | Apr 6, 2020

Idioms are common sayings used in the English language. They don’t have a literal meaning, so can be difficult to understand.

You might hear your grandparents use them – they’re quite old-fashioned – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know what they are and what they mean!

Let’s look at an example.

Someone may say, “It’s a piece of cake.” Does that mean they are talking about an actual slice of cake? No, it doesn’t. What they are saying, is that something was easy.

Here’s another one: “You’re barking up the wrong tree.” I’m what? ‘barking’, ‘up a tree’ – I’m not even a dog, what can that mean?! Well, it means you’re looking in the wrong place, or accusing the wrong person. In other words, you’ve got the wrong end of the stick – oops – there goes another one. What I meant to say was, you’ve got the wrong idea.

Do you see? There are 100s of idioms in the English language.

A good way to understand idioms is to put them together to form a story.

First, here’s a little video that explains the meanings of ten common idioms:

It is worth watching this video, as it gives an easy-to-understand visual description of what idioms are and how they are used. Then, you need to look up a list of idioms and their meanings – there are tonnes. This Smart Words site might help.

Next, write yourself a list of idioms and their meanings – say up to 40.

Now put them together in a logical format to make a story or poem.

Need an example?

I have two examples here, written by the Young Writers .

Once in a blue moon, cry wolf Add fuel to the fire Cross that bridge when you come to it Burn the midnight oil A watched pot never boils And too many cooks spoil the broth Break a leg and find your feet Pass with flying colours A drop in the ocean or a dime a dozen, Add insult to injury, have your cake and eat it too When in hot water, beat around the bush The world is your oyster.

Just toe the line, will you? I’m already in hot water. Bite your tongue or you’ll get a slap on the wrist. I just need to get rid of the butterflies in my stomach and find my feet again. All I’ve been doing is beating about the bush and putting all my eggs in one basket. You can just stop adding insult to injury and driving me up the wall. Tell me it will be a piece of cake and that I’ll pass with flying colours? This time I’ll burn the midnight oil and keep my chin up. You’ll see. A chance like this only happens once in a blue moon and I ain’t wasting it. I’ll do better now I know you can’t have your cake and eat it, even if you’re on the ball. I really need you to bend over backwards for me just this once. Please.

See if you can work out what they are each trying to say and then, perhaps, you can have a go at doing one yourself.

Need more writing inspiration? Check out the other posts on the Storymakers blog .

These examples were written at the Young Writers group, a youth creative writing class from Storymakers. The creative writing classes are held online, so that means you can join from wherever you are in the world. And you do! We have had young writers join us from the USA, Europe and Africa. How cool is that?!

super cool it help write my own story

Is idioms good when writing astory

Not as such. They’re also known as cliches and something you’d avoid in your writing. They are, however, important to know from an English language learning point of view and this exercise was a fun way to understand what they mean in context.

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A Story FULL OF IDIOMS - Would you like to try finding them ;)

Hello everyone!

I really got a kick out of reading this story that I've just collected from the internet.  Here is  THE SOURCE   I'd like to share with you all and let's learn together in having fun :)

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME?

Because the story was written in so many idioms and it seems to be difficult for us to understand the content if we didn't know all those idioms in it. So, each of us has to find out one by one and beside, giving the meaning and the sample sentence for that idiom we just find.

*************************

English language is full of fun stuff

I'd like to put a bug in your ear about something that just has me rolling in the aisles . It's been a month of Sundays since I heard it through the grapevine but if I don't dish the dirt on this soon I'll be beside myself.

One day when it was raining cats and dogs , my best bud stuck her foot in her mouth and spilled the beans about her main squeeze . She's always had loose lips but this time she really talked my arm off about her sugar daddy .

It seems he'd had his nose to the grindstone for months till he finally popped a cork and went on the lam from work. He hot-footed it to the local watering hole and really tied one on . In two shakes of a lamb's tail he wound up three sheets to the wind . I mean drunk as a skunk .

The next thing you know, someone ticked him off and like a bull in a china shop he wiped the floor with the guy - totally cleaned his clock . Of course, he didn't know the guy from a hole in the wall , but it turns out the guy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and is all but_ joined at the hip with the son of Sugar Daddy's boss.

Are you getting the big picture here ?

At this point in time , I'm about to blow off- the whole shootin' match cause I just can't quite get my arms around this- walk in the park . But my girlfriend is becoming a real basket case over the whole can of worms . So even though it sounds all out of whack , I let her rattle on bending my ear with this cock and bull story .

Well, to make a long story short , Sugar Daddy finds his heart in his mouth when he sees what a pickle he's in . So he grabs his cell phone and calls his flavor of the month (my friend) and starts crying in his beer about how he's going to be toast if she doesn't hustle her bustle over there and help him put some lipstick on the pig before the police throw him in the pokey.

Now, I have to admit, she's a little wet behind the ears , otherwise she would have known that he was feeding her a line . But no, she swallows it hook, line and sinker . She throws caution to the wind and lays rubber all the way across town to rescue a drunk who's dumber than a stump .

When she walked in the bar, the victim was still out cold and she actually thought he had kicked the bucket - you know, bought the farm . But she got him on his feet and paid through the nose for a cab to take him home. Then she and Sugar Daddy took a powder before the cavalry arrived.

But here's the icing on the cake. The next day, Sugar Daddy hands my friend the green weenie! That's right. He says he needs some space, wants to consider his options, and thinks they should cool it.

Well, I tried to soft peddle it for my friend's sake, but she really kissed the pooch on this one. I should have just put my cards on the table and told her that's what happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve. So put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles.

***********************************************************************

(All the idioms that you guys have already found out will be highlighted)

After finding out all the idioms of a sentence.

There will be a challenge for us to c onvert the original sentence above in Simple English?  you can use or not some of those idioms in the original sentence.

That's really a good way for us to learn how to use English in the best way. Don't you think so?

I'd like to thanks Teacher Anele for her brilliant suggestion for us to be effective in learning.

*****************************************************************

The Simple Version of The Story above

I wish our dear EC Teachers could come here and correct our mistakes in those translations. I'd appreciate that. Thanks you so much in advance!

1) I would like to tell you a story about something that just makes me burst out laughing. 2) It's been a long time ago since I heard it from someone of my old friends but I can't help telling this someone. ( Translated by Marik )

3) One day when was a downpour, my best bud was feeling upset after telling me some things about her boyfriend that I shouldn't know.  ( Translated by Marik ). 4) She's always told about her private life but this time she really bored me with talk about her rich man.  ( Translated by Marik )

5)  Seemingly he had worked hard continuously until he felt really stressed and stopped working. ( Translated by Ha Nguyen ). 6)  He straight away went to the local bar and got drunk.    ( Translated by Marik ). 7) Then, just after a very short time, he got staggering drunk. I mean be very drunk ( Translated by Scarlett )

8)  The next thing you know, someone made him angry and he clumsy knocked around the guy - totally beat him up.  ( Translated by Marik ). 9)  Of course, he didn't know the guy from a small restaurant, but it turns out the guy was from rich family and is almost in close contact with the son of Sugar Daddy's boss.  ( Translated by Marik )

10)  Are you getting the whole story here?  ( Translated by Marik )

11)  Now I'm going to ignore everything because I don't confidently understand this easy matter.   ( Translated by Ha Nguyen ). 12)  But my girlfriend is becoming a complete mess over the whole set of troubles. ( Translated by Marik ). 13) So even though it doesn't make sense at all, still I let her torture my ears talking about it  ( Translated by Scarlett ).

14)  Well, the gist of story is that Sugar Daddy was extremely nervous when he saw what trouble he is in    ( Translated by Marik ). 15) So he grabs his cell phone and calls his newest darling (my friend) and starts to tell her about his regret and what trouble he's going to have if she doesn't hurry up over there and help him to correct the situation before the police throw him in the jail   ( Translated by Marik ) .

16) Now, I have to admit, she's a little immature, otherwise she would have known that he was deceiving her   ( Translated by Marik ) . 17) But no, she believes him completely ( Translated by Marik ) .

18) She carelessly rush all the way across town to rescue a drunk who hardly can speak   ( Translated by Marik ) . 19) When she walked in the bar, the victim was still unconscious and she actually thought he passed away - you know, died   ( Translated by Scarlett ).

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Slang : cab

Meaning : Taxi

Sentence : See if you can hail a cab. I don't want to walk home in the rain.

My translation for 20th sentence : hope this one get better this time :P

But she helped him stand up and spent money hailing a taxi to take him home.

Thank you very much, I got it :)

Idiom : get (one) on one's feet

Meaning : to help someone stand up after a fall or prolonged bed rest.

Sentence : just get on her feet and drive her home, I think she has drunk as a skunk.

Idiom: pay through the nose.

Meaning: to pay too much for something.

Sentence: I don't like to pay through the nose at all, especially for things which are useless.

Hi, dear Scarlett !

Don't afraid, I won't translate the rest of the text without you :) But you know, I can't help correcting your translation :P

In your last translation I would change this part " was still in unconscious " to " was still unconscious ". In your version of translation word unconscious is a noun which is a synonym to word subconscious and means the part of mind that contains unconscious thoughts and feelings . And in given context we should use unconscious as an adjective. In this case preposition in is excessive.

Idiom : buy the farm

Meaning : to die, to get killed

Sentence : After all, his mom bought the farm in a stroke without anyone around.

Translation of 19th sentence :

When she walked in the bar, the victim was still in unconscious and she actually thought he passed away - you know, died .

Oops! Who's there when I was absent :P

Marik boy ! I can't let you enjoy yourself here without sticking my nose to :P

Wait! let me translate it and you correct me okay? :D

Idiom: kick the bucket.

Meaning: to die.

Sentence: Their boss kicked the bucket after being in coma for 2 months.

Idiom: out cold.

Meaning: unconscious; intoxicated.

Sentence: After a surgery he was still long time out cold .

The translation of 18th sentence:

She carelessly rush all the way across town to resque a drunk who hardly can speak.

Idiom: be dumber than a stump.

Meaning: to be temporarily unable to speak.

Sentence: After that horrible car accident she was dumber than a stump .

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Member-only story

Writing Realistic Dialogue

Scott Myers

Go Into The Story

Using Idioms, Slang, Contractions, and Declinations.

Here’s a fancy word: verisimilitude. Its meaning: “Appearing to be true or real.” Just as a screenwriter creates a story universe which has a quality of verisimilitude, so, too, the dialogue — the words their characters speak — must feel real.

How do you go about making dialogue feel real?

• Dialogue must flow naturally from who each character is.
• Dialogue must fit the genre of your story.
• Dialogue must fit the context of each scene.
• Dialogue must sound like genuine people speak.

The first three elements are aspects you can work on as you prepare to write your screenplay, making sure you spend time with each character so you not only ground who they are in their own personal history, but how they function in the story.

Make the dialogue real by…

Knowing who your characters are. Knowing what their function is.

Once you begin to write your story’s dialogue, you have specific tools available to help make what your characters say feel genuine. Some of those tools are:

• Contractions
• Declination

These are basic style elements for writing good dialogue, giving words vitality and authenticity, and helping to make your characters come alive on the printed page.

“ A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements.”

Imagine you are an ESL student (English as a Second Language). When you hear certain phrases, you will not be able to understand them on the face of the words’ literal meaning. Things like “as easy as pie” or “under the weather” will have to be explained to you. As such, they are idioms.

Here is a list of some common English idioms from A to Z:

At the eleventh hour: at the last minute; almost too late.

Beat around the bush: evade an issue; avoid giving a direct answer.

Cost (someone) an arm and a leg: cost a lot; be very expensive.

Drag one’s feet : delay; take longer than necessary to do something.

Easy does it!: Be very careful! / Don’t do anything too fast or too hard!

Feel blue: feel sad and depressed.

Get a kick out of something: find something amusing.

Hit the books: study.

If I had my druthers: if I could do what I wanted/preferred.

Jump all over someone: severely criticize / find fault with someone.

Keep an eye on: check something regularly.

Leave well enough alone: do nothing (because doing something would make things worse).

Make a mountain out of a molehill: make something seem much important than it really is.

No way!: Absolutely not! / Definitely not!

On the dot: exactly at a given time.

Pay the piper: face the consequences for something you’ve done.

Quite a few: several; numerous.

Rain cats and dogs: rain very hard.

Sleep on it: take at least a day to think about something before making a decision.

Take it easy: relax.

Under the weather: ill; sick; unwell.

Wet behind the ears: inexperienced and naive.

You don’t say! : Really? / Is that really true?

Zip your lip! : keep something secret; promise not to tell what has just been said.

For those of us who use English everyday, idioms are a typical part of conversation, we rarely even think about them. And yet when you write dialogue, you would be wise to have an elevated awareness of idiomatic speech. Why?

• Since most people use idioms regularly, by employing them in your dialogue, you lend a sense of realism to your words.
• Certain characters will be more or less likely to use idioms when they speak: A deadly dull English professor would probably not deign to use such common phrases, while a country doctor might pepper their conversation with idioms. Therefore, the way you use idioms can help distinguish one character’s voice from another.
• Would you prefer for one of your characters to call someone cheap or tight-fisted? Smart or an egghead? Talkative or a blabbermouth? Idioms can be quite colorful , which can make your dialogue that much more enjoyable to read.

“A kind of language occurring chiefly in casual and playful speech, made up typically of short-lived coinages and figures of speech that are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness, humor, irreverence, or other effect.”

If you are a college frat boy and use the word ‘bonehead,’ you are probably referring to someone who is not terribly bright. As in, “The bonehead started sucking on the keg.”

If you are a member of a gang and use the phrase ‘double deuce,’ you are doubtless talking about a .22 revolver. As in, “I lit up a couple a ratas last night with my double deuce.”

If you work at Kinko’s and use the phrase ‘copy god,’ you are speaking about an employee who knows how to operate every piece of equipment in the store. As in, “Three hole punch? Don’t ask me how to work the machine, go ask the copy god.”

If you are a fireman and use the phrase ‘Guccis,’ you are referring to heavy, fire-retardant overpants that are central to your safety gear. As in, “Hustle up and grab your Guccis, there’s a brush fire in the canyon.”

If you work at a 7–11 and you say ‘slurpoid,’ you are referencing someone who buys a Slurpee. As in, “Damn slurpoid just emptied out the cherry again.”

Each of these is an example of slang. Slang is related to idioms, but distinct in that the phrases are tied to a specific subculture, related by work, gender, religion, ethnicity, economics, etc. Like idioms, slang can help make your dialogue more colorful, distinguish one character from another, and add a sense of authenticity to your script.

CONTRACTIONS

“A word, as ‘ won’t’ from ‘ will not ,’ or phrase, as ‘ o’clock’ from ‘ of the clock ,’ formed by omitting or combining some of the sounds of a longer phrase.”

In conversation, people use contractions all the time. This seems like such an obvious point that it would be unnecessary to mention it in relation to writing dialogue. And yet, I can’t tell you how many times I read sides of dialogue like this:

FRANTIC PERSON Quick! I have to get going!

As opposed to:

FRANTIC PERSON Quick! I gotta go!

ANOTHER PERSON I have not any idea what it is you are asking me about.

ANOTHER PERSON I got no idea what you’re talking ‘bout.

Here is a list of some common contractions:

I have / I’ve

You have / You’ve

Have not / Haven’t

Can not / Can’t

You had / You’d

They have / They’ve

That would / That’d

Is not / Isn’t

Do not / Don’t

I had / I’d

We have / We’ve

Are not / Aren’t

Will not / Won’t

Should have / Should’ve

And a special category of spoken contractions, not formal, but universally relaxed pronunciations.

Going to / Gonna

Got to / Gotta

Want to / Wanna

Should have / Shoulda

Could have / Coulda

Must have / Musta

You know / Y’know

What did you / Whaddja

What do you / Whaddya/whatcha

Don’t know / Dunno

Kind of / Kinda

Sort of / Sorta

Might have / Mighta

Let me / Lemme

Because / Coz

Are not / Ain’t

We use contractions all the time in conversation. Your dialogue should reflect that fact in order to add authenticity to your script.

DECLINATION

“A falling off, especially from prosperity or vigor; a decline.”

There is no literal word for this phenomenon in dialogue, but this is the best description for it. And what is it? When a person speaks, they often find themselves pausing to collect their thoughts. Instead of doing this silently, more often than not they will fill the space with a phrase. “Uh… er… you know… hm…” These are declinational phrases.

And then there’s this special little declinational creature known as the ellipsis . An ellipsis is simply three periods, either back to back to back with no space in between (…) or with a space between (. . .). In dialogue, they can refer to a break in thought… or a change in subject… or the abrupt end of a line which is interrupted… by another character… or some business… in action/scene description.

Again these represent examples of common speech patterns, which you can use in writing dialogue to give your words a familiar feel and a sense of verisimilitude.

A case study in realistic dialogue: It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life is an ode to middle America. It follows the script’s dialogue, as fashioned by screenwriters Francis Goodrich & Albert Hackett, and Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling, would reflect the speech patterns of common folk. From the very first page, where the Heavenly Angels (as personified by stars) discuss how Clarence “hasn’t got his wings yet” (idiom) to George’s last line of dialogue, “Attaboy, Clarence” (another idiom), the script uses a full range of idioms, slang, contractions, and declinations.

Let’s look at one long side of dialogue, a broadside delivered by George Bailey (James Stewart) at the story’s Nemesis Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore), following the untimely death of George’s father, who ran the Bailey Savings & Loan. Here is the script version:

Here is the dialogue denoting the following speech styles as follows:

Italics = Contractions *Starred* = Idioms Bold = Slang [Bracket] = [Declination]

George puts down his coat and comes around to the table, incensed by what Potter is saying about his father.

GEORGE *Just a minute — just a minute.* Now, *hold on,* Mr. Potter. You’re right when you say my father was no business man. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I’ll never know. But neither you nor anybody else can say anything *against his character,* because his whole life was […] Why, in the twenty- five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn’t that right, Uncle Billy? He didn’t save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter. And what’s wrong with that? [Why… ] Here, you’re all businessmen here. Doesn’t it make them better citizens? Doesn’t it make them better customers? You […]you said […] What’d you say *just a minute ago?* [… ] They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait! Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they’re so old and broken- down that they […] Do you know how long it takes a *working man* to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about […] they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well, *in my book* he died a much richer man than you’ll ever be!

Notice how real this dialogue is, the speech patterns full of idioms, slang, contractions, and declinations. The use of these style elements reinforces the thrust of the side: That George is a man of the people, he knows them, understands their dreams, even to the point of speaking like them, this in stark contrast to the imperious style of Henry Potter.

If you read through the script with these style elements in mind and how they appear in dialogue, you will see their usage time after time after time.

• The slang of George as a boy as he enters Gower’s drugstore (“Hot dog!”)
• The slang of George as a boy as he talks with young Mary in the drugstore (“Say, brainless…”)
• The idiom of young George as he swears to Gower he won’t tell a soul about the near poisoning incident (“Hope to die, I won’t.”)
• The slang with George and his brother Harry on the night of the big dance (“I’m the chairman of the eats committee,” “Gangway! Gangway!”)
• The idiom of George speaking with his father about Potter (“What’s eating that old money-grubbing buzzard anyway?”)
• The idiom of George’s final conversation with his father, declining his father’s offer to come back and work at the Bailey Savings and Loan (“But this business of nickels and dimes and spending all your life trying to figure out how to save three cents on a length of pipe… I’d go crazy.”
• The slang with Sam Wainwright, waggling his fingers at his ears (“Hee-haw!”)
• The slang with George and Violet Bick (“But stick around, fellows… what gives… Are you game, Vi? Let’s make a night of it.”)

And on and on and on. The dialogue reinforces the sense that this is a little story of great significance grounded in Middle America.

Two final small points. If you study Clarence’s interaction with George, once the angel descends from Heaven to save George from suicide, you will see that Clarence has his own idioms and none of the ones common to contemporary America (circa 1947). For example, he refers to himself as “Clarence Odbody, A-S-2, Angel, Second Class,” but it is only fitting Clarence would have his own idioms, deriving from his life-experience. Second, if you track one of the sub-characters, Ernie the taxi driver, you will see that when George encounters him in Act III, after Clarence has granted George’s wish (“You’ve never been born”), Ernie uses the informal contraction “ain’t” twice (“And I ain’t never seen you before in my life… Well, this house ain’t been lived in for twenty years” — these are the only two times the Ernie character uses the word ain’t . Don’t those hard-sounding “ain’t”s reinforce the dichotomy of the hard-bitten, mean-spirited Pottersville (where George never existed) with the lovely, homespun Bedford Falls (where George did exist)? An almost immeasurably tiny point, but an insightful little bit of creative thinking nonetheless, going the extra yard to use the spoken word to underscore the story’s reality.

Takeaway: Dialogue is not only about what your characters say, but how they say it. Using style elements such as idioms, slang, contractions, and declinations can help distinguish characters, add color to the script, and make your screenplay feel more real, giving it a sense of verisimilitude .

There is no secret formula for writing dialogue. Just remember that it all begins with and goes back to character work. The more you take an inward journey into your characters, the more likely they will provide an outer expression of their spoken words.

Written by Scott Myers

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Writing with Idioms

Writing with idioms is a great way to teach students how to use them correctly. After you’ve used the secret sauce to teaching idioms , it’s time for practice! Writing a story with idioms develops three important skills while having fun with language. 

Table of Contents

• Writing with coherence. This means making sure the writing stays on topic and the idioms are applicable to the story or essay.
• Students who write with idioms gain a better understanding of the expression than if they simply draw a picture or review it on a worksheet.
• Understanding the culture connected to the idiom. If this sounds a bit vague, this is what I mean.

Each language has its own idioms. Some of these translate, and some do not. Idioms are a reflection of culture, and have come into use based on the common experiences of people in that culture. Therefore, idioms vary across languages. 

For example, in English we often say, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” There is no saying that translates literally to this in Spanish. In Spanish, they might say, “Llueve cántaros,” which translates to “It’s raining buckets.” It has the same meaning, but the idiom isn’t exactly equal.

Another example is “a piece of cake.” It means something is so easy. In Spanish they say, “pan comido.” This idiom means the same thing, something is super easy, but it literally translates as “eaten bread.” If you’re anything like me, eating bread is one of the easiest things to do! 

The point I’m making here is that you can teach writing with idioms in an English class, a French class, a Spanish class or in any language class. It’s a fun way to ingrain the figurative language in a student’s expressive writing and speaking.

Writing with Idioms Lesson Plan

Now that you’ve decided when and how to teach idioms , it’s time to explore writing with idioms. This can be one of the most powerful ways to ingrain idiomatic expressions into a student’s vocabulary and daily writing.

Here are some ideas to get you started with having your students use idiomatic expressions in their writing. Hold on until the end because I have a sweet surprise for you!

Choosing Idioms to Use in Writing

Some idioms lend themselves better to writing than others. Student writers should understand them well and possibly have even heard them before. Therefore, you’ll want to choose from the common, everyday idioms. Pick the “cream of the crop” for your students to practice.[click_to_tweet tweet=”Writing stories that use idioms can be a powerful method to master understanding of these expressions. Ideas how to do this are on the blog post, ‘Writing with Idioms.'” quote=”Writing stories that use idioms can be a powerful method to master understanding of these expressions.” theme=”style3″]

Have Students Choose their Favorite Idioms

Student choice is a huge motivator in getting them engaged in any assignment. Give a selection of idioms from which students can choose the most meaningful to them. They’ll choose the ones that make the most sense, or that spark that creative idea for a story.

Don’t worry if several students choose the same idiom, or if two or three besties decide to write the same type of story with the same idiom. Since each child is unique in their thinking, even though they start out with the same idiom to use, their writing will be different. Their stories or essays might follow the same plot and reasoning, but the end product will still be their own.

Short Story Writing with Idioms

Idioms are perfect ways to spark story ideas and allow students to play with language. Who doesn’t love the book, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett? It’s a bit of a riff on the idiom, “raining cats and dogs.” If a professional author can write a bestselling book based on an idiomatic expression, who knows what your students will be able to do?[click_to_tweet tweet=”Story ideas based on idioms can be a way for students to play with language.” quote=”Story ideas based on idioms can be a way for students to play with language.” theme=”style3″]

To begin the lesson plan, reading this book might be a great way to introduce the concept. Even if you teach upper elementary, they’ll love to hear an old favorite again. Have the students pick out humorous expressions the author uses. For example, the town is named “Chew and Swallow.” The clouds are “sunny side up eggs.” It rains mashed potatoes.

There are two ways to approach this writing lesson.

• Have the students create an original story based on an idiom.
• Have the students write a short story or essay on a topic of their choice. Require that they include one or two idioms in their writing.

Idioms for a Writing Activity

Here is a list of ten common idioms that could lead the way down the creative writing path.

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. (What happens when the basket falls?)
• Leave no stone unturned. (A mystery of a missing object.)
• When pigs fly. (A humorous story of animals doing unusual things.)
• Zip your lip. (What would happen if robots had lips that zipped? Or people?)
• The skeleton in the closet. (A great prompt for a Halloween story.)
• Spill the beans. (This idiom reminds me of Strega Nona stories by Tomie de Paola.)
• Once in a blue moon. (This could become a fantasy story or a science fiction story.)
• Break the ice. Or do an icebreaker. (Students could write about their favorite icebreaker activity from the beginning of the school year.
• Red handed. (What if robbers’ hands turned red after they committed a crime?)
• Bad egg. (This was famously used in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.)

If none of these idioms float your boat, you can find a gold mine of idioms in this bundled set of idioms worksheets.

Click on the image to see all of the products included. You can watch a video of the product pages. You can choose any one or all of them. It’s a growing bundle, which means that as time goes by and I add more categories and idioms activities, you’ll get them at NO EXTRA COST.

You can find even more at The Idioms website. They have them divided into categories to help in your search.

Now that you’ve conquered idioms in your classroom, you could start with some easy and brilliant ways to teach what is an Onomatopoeia . If you want to dive deeper, What is Literary Devices? An Amazing Writing Tool, Quickly Explained will take you on that journey.

True story: The first time my principal visited my class for an informal observation, when I was a brand new teacher, I was teaching about onomatopoeia. She looked at the board with a strange expression.

After my lesson she pulled me aside and said, “I think you may have misspelled onomatopoeia.”

ACK! Thankfully she had a fabulous sense of humor and was able to laugh about it. Thank you, Greta!

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30 Incredible Stories Behind English Idioms and Phrases You Use Every Day

From ‘bite the bullet’ to ‘break the ice’ do you know the history behind these idioms and their origins? Find out the fascinating stories behind 30 English idioms and phrases that you use every day.

At work you will probably need to ‘ meet a deadline ’ before lunch, or ‘ butter up ’ your boss before asking for a raise. Do you look forward to ‘ letting your hair down’  at the end of the day? Or maybe you want to ‘ break the ice ’ with that cute guy or girl that you spotted on the train home. On any given day you’re unknowingly using numerous amounts English expressions.

There are literally thousands of expressions across all languages, that we take for granted and give no thought as to their origins. More often than not, their explanations are truly fascinating and allow us to step back in time to when people’s lives were very different from our own today.

As you will discover, many phrases stem from such things as social class, historical events,  sport, and religion.

Here are some of the most interesting!

1. Bite the bullet

Meaning: To endure something difficult or unpleasant.

Origin: This expression was first recorded in the 1891 novel, in The Light that Failed. It is said to have derived from the practice of having a patient clench a bullet between their teeth as a way to cope with the extreme pain felt during a surgical procedure without anaesthetic. It has also been suggested to have evolved from the British empire expression ‘ to bite the cartridge’ , dating back to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In addition, the phrase ‘ chew a bullet’ , holds a similar meaning and dates back to at least 1796.

2. Break the ice

Meaning: To end conflict or initiate friendship.

Origin: This phrase originates from the 1580s, referring to the carving of ice to create passages for ships on trade routes. Oftentimes, the ships would get stuck in the ice during the winter. The receiving country would send small ships to ‘ break the ice’  in order to make way for the trade ships.

3. Butter someone up

Meaning: To praise or flatter someone excessively.

Origin: In ancient India, is was custom to throw butterballs of ghee (clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking) at the statues of the gods to seek favour and forgiveness.  Similarly, a Tibetan tradition dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907) involves the creating sculptures from butter for the New Year with the belief that such offerings would bring peace and happiness during the full lunar year.

4. Cat got your tongue?

Origin: There are two possible sources for this phrase, both equally morbid, sadly. The first one refers to the use of the whip, cat-o’-nine-tails. Used by the English Navy, victims were left speechless from the pain inflicted upon them after a flogging.

The second possible source comes from medieval times. Liars and blasphemers were punished by having their tongues cut out and then fed to cats. In ancient Egypt, cats were considered to be gods and it was seen an offering to the gods to give them the tongue of a liar.

5. Turn a blind eye

Meaning: To ignore something.

Origin:   During the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, the commander of British forces, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, signalled to Admiral Horatio Nelson to stop attacking a fleet of Danish ships using a system of signal flags. Nelson raised his telescope up to his blind eye and said, “I really do not see the signal” and continued attacking. After his success, Sir Hyde Parker was disgraced and Nelson became Commander-in-Chief of the fleet.

6. Bury the hatchet

Meaning: To end conflict, and make peace.

Origin: This phrase comes from North America during the 1600’s. During peace talks between the Puritans (a group of English Reformed Protestants) and the Native American. After a peace agreement was made the chiefs of tribes buried all their hatchets, knives, clubs, and tomahawks, thus making all weapons inaccessible.

7. Caught red-handed

Meaning: To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.

Origin: Dating back to Scotland in 1432, this term refers to an old English law that sought the punishment of any person who butchered an animal that wasn’t his own. In order to be convicted, he had to be caught with the animal’s blood still on his hands.

8. Give the cold shoulder

Meaning: Disregarding someone.

Origin: This phrase stems from a particular way food was served to an unwanted guest in medieval England. At the time is was customary to serve a hot meal or roast that was fresh out of the oven. So, the act of serving an inferior cut of meat, such as a cold shoulder of mutton to the guest was a direct and subtle way to communicate that they had overstayed their welcome and should leave.

9. Let one’s hair down

Meaning: To relax or behave in an uninhibited manner.

Origin: This phrase was first reference in John Cotgrave’s, The English Treasury of Wit and Language published in 1655.  During the 17th century, women were obliged to wear elegant hair-dos that were normally pinned up. It was only during brushing or washing that their hair was let down. The term used for this at the time was dishevelling . Today, the term dishevelled refers to someone who is untidy, however back then it applied specifically to hair which was unpinned.

10. Pull someone’s leg

Meaning:  To trick or fool someone.

Origin:  This phrase stems from a method used by street thieves in 18th and 19th century London. Often working in pairs, one thief, known as a “tripper up,” was tasked with tripping up an unsuspecting victim using a cane, rope or piece of wire. The other thief robs the victim as he lay on the ground. Pulling your leg originally referred to the way the “tripper up” tried to make someone stumble. Today it only refers to tripping someone figuratively.

11. Straight from the horse’s mouth

Meaning: From the highest authority or trusted source

Origin:  This expression comes from punters in horse racing. Tips on which horse is likely to win are much sought after and circulate amongst punters. But the most trusted authorities are those from the inner circle of the horse, such as stable lads and trainers. The notional ‘ from the horse’s mouth ‘ is indicates one step even better than even the inner circle, that is, the horse itself.

12. Bust one’s balls

Meaning: A slang term referring to working hard or being punished.

Origin:  Believe it or not, this expression arose out of the painful method of castrating a bull’s balls. This common practice involved breaking a calf’s testicles to turn them from a bull to a steer.

13. Bee’s knees

Meaning:  Excellence or perfection. Origin:  In 1920s America there was a relatively short-lived trend which involved the pairing of an animal with a body part. That craze spawned a plethora of expressions including elephant’s adenoids, cat’s miaow, ant’s pants, tiger’s spots, elephant’s wrist, eel’s ankles, and bullfrog’s beard just to name a few. Today only three such expressions survived such as bee’s knees, cat’s pyjamas, and dog’s bollocks

14. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: Divulge a secret. Origin:  First recorded in the 16th century, this phrase stems from shifty farmers at markets who committed fraud by substituting a cat for a piglet in a bag. If someone let the cat out of the bag, the deceit was uncovered.

15. Burning ears

Meaning:  When someone is being talked about. Origin:  In Roman times, it was believed that a tingling or burning sensation in the ears meant that a person was being talked about by others. The ancient belief that the left-hand side signifies evil and the right for good also applies. Therefore, if a person’s right ear was burning then he was being praised, but a burning left ear indicated that he is the subject of evil intent.

16. Pull out all the stops

Meaning:  To make a great effort to achieve something.

Origin:  This phrase refers to the ‘ stops ’ or knobs inside a pipe organ. These stops control the loudness and tones of the instrument. When all are pulled out, the organ can play all tones simultaneously, thus achieving the maximum volume possible from the instrument.

17. Steal ones thunder

Meaning: To use someone else’s ideas or inventions to your own advantage.

Origin:  The 18th-century playwright, John Dennis, claimed to have invented a device created the sound of thunder for his theatre production Appius and Virginia in London,1704. When his method was copied by rivals for the production of Macbeth, Dennis complained that they had ‘ stolen his thunder ’.

18. Take the piss

Meaning:  To mock or tease.

Origin:  One explanation for the origin of this slang phrase comes from the canals in Britain. Before synthetic dyes were invented, urine was collected and used in the process of fixing dye to wool to create such colours as blue. Transporting urine to wool mills wasn’t as lucrative as transporting wine, so when the boatmen were questioned what they were carrying they would lie, saying “I’m taking wine”. Anyone suspecting otherwise might ask if he was, ‘ taking the piss ’.

20. Up to scratch

Meaning:  To be acceptable.

Origin:  In the early days of boxing, there was no bell to signal the beginning of a round. Instead, the referee would scratch a line on the ground between fighters, and the round began when both men stepped over it. A contestant who had been knocked down had to demonstrate that he was fit to continue by walking up to the scratch. If the boxer wasn’t able to, he was considered unfit to continue the fight, ‘ not up to scratch ‘. The fight was awarded to his opponent.

21. Eat humble pie

Meaning: To admit you were wrong or apologise.

Origin:  In the 14th century during a post-hunt feast, the lord of the manor would eat the finest cuts of meat. The numbles was the name given to the heart, liver, and entrails of animals. By the 15th century this was shortened to ‘umbles. It was common practice for people of lower stature to be humiliated when served the ‘umbles baked into a pie. Thus, comes the term, ‘ to eat humble pie’ .

22. Bottoms up!

Meaning:  Express friendly feelings towards one’s companions before drinking.

Origin: During the 18th and 19th centuries, English Navy recruiters would coerce London drinkers in dockside pubs to join the service. Accepting the ‘King’s shilling’ was proof that an agreement had been made to join the service. Dishonest recruiters would slip a shilling into the pint of a drunken man who wouldn’t notice until he had finished his beverage. The victim would then be dragged away and wake up on board a ship far out to sea, unaware of what had happened to him the night before.

When drinkers and pubs became aware of the scam, they introduced tankards with transparent bases. Customers were reminded to lift the pint up and check the bottom for illicit shillings before they began drinking.

23. Run amok / amuck

Meaning: Behave in an unruly manner.

Origin: This expression comes from the Malaysian word  amoq . When translated literally it describes the behaviour of tribesmen who, under the influence of opium, became wild and attacked anybody in their path. During the 17th century, the phrase became popular in England when travellers would try to impress people with their knowledge of foreign cultures.

24. The writing is on the wall

Meaning:  A clear sign that something unpleasant is going to happen.

Origin: This phrase can be traced back to the Bible. In the Book of Daniel, God punishes King Belshazzar for indulging in a drunken revelry and degrading sacred temple vessels by using them as wine goblets. God sends this hand to write the words ‘mene mene tekel upharsin’ on the palace wall, which foretell Belshazzar’s downfall. Unable to interpret the message, Belshazzar’s sends for Daniel to interpret it. Belshazzar couldn’t see the obvious warning that was apparent to others because he was so engrossed in his sinful behaviour.

25. Cost and arm and a leg

Meaning: To be expensive.

Origin: The cost of having your portrait painted in the 18th century wasn’t based on how many people in the picture, but by how many limbs were to be painted. The cheapest option was to have only your head and shoulders painted. The price increased as the portrait became larger with the inclusion of arms. A top of the range portrait included the legs.

26. Burn the midnight oil

Meaning:  To work late into the night.

Origin: When people still used oil lamps for lighting, the most desirable and expensive of oils was whale oil. To ‘ burn the midnight oil’  meant that you had a project that was so important that you burned your expensive oil in your lamp late into the night in order to complete it.

27. Get the sack

Meaning: Be fired from a job.

Origin: In the 1500’s, tradesmen carried all their belongings and tools around in a sack that they would leave in a safe place or in the boss’s office. At the end of their shift, they were allowed to go in and pick it up. However, if the boss was displeased with their work, he would literally ‘ give them their sack’ .

28. Take with a pinch of salt

Meaning: To accept something while maintaining a degree of scepticism.

Origin: First recorded in the English language back in 1647, this phrase stems from an ancient Roman belief. The idea was that food was more easily swallowed if taken with a small amount of salt. Pliny the Elder translated an ancient poison antidote with the words ‘be taken fasting, plus a grain of salt’. The Romans believed that adding a grain of salt would protect them from a lethal poisoning.

29. A bigwig

Meaning:  An important person.

Origin: In the 17th century, wig-wearing was at its peak. It was fashionable for people to keep their hair short, or even shave their head in order to wear a wig sporting a style that they couldn’t grow naturally. Hair was sold by the strand and was very expensive. While it was common to see the lower class wearing wigs with only several strands of hair, the richer upper class were able to buy large wigs consisting of thousands of strands of hair. The term ‘ bigwig ’ quickly became associated with a rich person.

30. Meet a deadline

Meaning: To finish something in time.

Origin:  This phrase has sinister origins, first appearing during the American Civil War (1861-1865). A line was drawn 20 feet from the inside wall of the stockade where Federal prisoners of war were kept. This line set the boundaries for the prisoners and was known as a deadline because any prisoner who attempted to cross it was shot.

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Like it? Pin it for later!

Sources: Wikipedia – English Idioms Wikipedia – Cold Shoulder One Stop English – Pull someones leg One Stop English – Get the sack Today I Found Out – Deadline Wikipedia – Bust balls Womans Day Phrases – Arm and a leg Phrases – From the horse’s mouth Stack Exchange – Bee’s knee’s Stack Exchange – Burning ears Davidsidhu – Bigwig Book – 1000 English Idioms Explained All That is Interesting

Over to you!

Which one of these English expressions surprised you the most? Do you know the origin of any others? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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20 hidden meanings of english place names you probably didn’t know.

Great article! I am using this as a journal entry for my students – they are researching each one. The first one I did was about the “real McCoy” – that one has a few origins supposedly but this makes for interesting research and relevance to my students. Thank you Michelle….looking forward to reading about Hebrew from your blog – I am Israelli and speak three languages.

Thank you so much, Ayala. I’m so happy you enjoyed it and that you’ll be using it with your students 🙂 That’s wonderful!

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How to Learn Idioms and Expressions in Context

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It's important to learn and use idioms and expressions in context. Of course, idioms are not always easy to understand. There are idiom and expression resources that can help with definitions, but reading them in short stories can also provide context that makes them come more alive. Try reading the story one time to understand the gist without using the idiom definitions. On your second reading, use the definitions to help you understand the text while learning new idioms. After you understand the story, take the quiz at the end of each reading to test your knowledge. Teachers can print out these short stories and use in class in combination with teaching ideas provided at the end of this resource list.

Idioms and Expressions in Context Stories

John's Keys to Success A story about a man was an accomplished businessman and happily gives advice to young people he mentors.

Odd Man Out A story about a man who gossiped a little too much at parties making him the "odd man out" anytime he joined the fun.

Young and Free A short story about what it takes to be successful in a small company. It's good preparation for young adult English learners who are college age.

My Successful Friend Here is a story about a man's friend who has had a very successful career.

The Road to Success Here is a short essay on how to succeed in today's difficult economic environment. It makes good reading for business English classes.

For Teachers

Use these idioms in context stories with your advanced-level classes to provide context for learning common idioms in English. Each short story of two to three paragraphs provides approximately 15 idioms. These idioms are then defined following the story followed by a short quiz testing a number of idioms from the selection.

Following this introduction to the idioms in context , you can practice use of the idioms in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Ask students to write their own short stories using the idioms in context.
• Have students write dialogues using the idioms to act out in class.
• Group students together to create their own gap fill quizzes for other groups.
• Write up questions using the idioms presented and discuss as a class or in groups.
• Make up situations that fit each idiom on-the-fly and ask students to choose the idiom that fits best.

Learning Idioms in Context

 You might wonder how you can recognize an idiom when you are reading a book, online or perhaps watching TV. Here are a few tips on how you can spot an idiom:

Idioms don't actually mean what they say.

That's right, the actual meaning of the words don't necessarily indicate the meaning of the idiom. Let's take a look at a few:

• Remember my son, the early bird catches the worm. 

This idiom means that it's important to get up and get to work in order to succeed in life. Of course, early birds probably catch worms as well! However, the meaning has nothing to little to do with the words. 

Idioms can seem out of context.

You can be sure you've spotted an idiom if you notice that the words have little to do with the context. For example, let's imagine that you're in a business meeting. Someone says:

• Well, it'll be smooth sailing after this quarter.

If you're in a business meeting, you don't expect to be talking about sailing on the open sea. This is an example of something out of context. It doesn't fit in. That's a sure sign that it might be an idiom. 

Idioms are often phrasal verbs.

Phrasal verbs can be literal or figurative. Literal means that the words mean exactly what they say. For example:

• I picked up the bag.

In this case. 'pick up' is literal. Phrasal verbs, can also be figurative 'pick up' also means to learn:

• She picked up some Spanish in Madrid. 

Idioms are often figurative phrasal verbs as well. Use these queues and you'll start recognizing idioms in context everywhere you look and listen. 

• Draw - Idioms and Expressions
• Idioms and Expressions With Money
• Slang, Jargon, Idiom, and Proverb Explained for English Learners
• Idioms and Expressions Starting With "Put"
• Introducing Phrasal Verbs to ESL Students
• Young and Free: Prerequisite for Success
• Idioms in Context: The Road to Success
• Idioms and Expressions That Use Have
• English Idioms and Expressions Using the Word 'All'
• Idioms and Expressions for the Verb Talk
• Phrasal Verbs Reference
• Idioms in Context: Expressions and Their Meanings
• Phrasal Verbs
• Idioms in a Business Context Outline Keys to Success
• Speaking Strategies for English Learners
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9: Write an Idiom Story

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Purpose/Goal: to use idioms in personal stories

Number of participants: any number, materials: paper.

• Have students think of an especially eventful day in their lives.
• Tell them to turn to a partner and tell him/her about that day.
• After both partners have talked, give students 20 to 30 minutes to write a narrative of the day’s events: who they met, how they felt, what they did. (This can also be done as homework.)
• Have students read their own writing again, and add appropriate idioms to their stories.
• Ask the students to exchange papers and read their partners’ narratives. Have students suggest idioms that their partners might use, explaining why they think each idiom is appropriate.
• Have each student tell the rest of the class what idioms they have used in their writing.

Note to Teacher

Contextualizing idioms is very difficult. Idioms are so deeply connected to cultural identity and communication norms that non-native speakers have difficulty in using them correctly. This activity is for advanced speakers of English. It is not meant to be an activity with right and wrong answers. It is meant to give learners a chance to ‘play’ with idioms in the context of their own writing.

Learn English Idioms

Figurative phrases or popular expressions that children and English Language Learners (ELL) come across can be confusing because their meaning is different from each of their individual words. We offer a collection of useful idioms, explanations of their meaning, and links to relevant stories that provide context.

Beginner English learners may enjoy Pre-K Wordplay! for phonics practice, very short stories and idiom phrases in Aesop's Fables , and our collection of Short Stories for Children . Phrases are offered alphabetically below; use your control-F key function to search for specific idiom phrases.

Are you a teacher? We offer Teacher Resources across all grade-levels.

A CB or ham radio expression meaning "OK"

"10-4, I can read you loud and clear."

Something big or obvious that people may be missing or intentionally ignoring because it is uncomfortable to think about or discuss

A proverbial expression meaning when someone's away, they are appreciated more than when they are present

"Jack and May get along so much better now that they live in different cities. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

A weakness or vulnerability, often used to specify the weakness in a person, organization or system

Panicking and just running or doing without thinking (the result might not change anything anyway), being very good, a tie or even match, no definite winner, a proverbial expression meaning that when faced with a conflict or difficult situation, people unite, despite their differences..

"Owen and Oliver never agreed on anything, but they came together to fight the oil drilling proposal. Adversity makes strange bedfellows."

An expression meaning to do something as fast as possible and try to finish it before a certain time

"She's racing against the clock to find the cure to cancer."

An annoying burden he/she can't get rid of or a punishment that won't stop, similar to "a cross to bear"

"That last final exam is really an albatross around my neck."

An expression meaning you are paying attention completely

An expression meaning all paths or activities lead to the center of things, which was true in rome, where all roads radiated from the city center, physically awkward or clumsy, a compliment describing someone who keeps another steady or on-track.

"She's my anchor, I could have never gotten through that job without her."

Unable to hold still or very anxious or uncomfortable

A common english proverb encouraging people to eat apples or other fruits and vegetables, to ensure good health.

"I eat at least two pieces of fresh fruit every day. An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

An expression usually referring to a child who exhibits the same behavior as his/her parent

An expression meaning a very short period of time (as long as it takes to blink).

"At the blink of an eye, the concert was over. It went by so fast!"

An expression meaning the affirmative vote is in the majority (sometimes confused with "eyes")

"That's it, the ayes have it! Motion carries!"

An annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome

"I have a hard time teaching my son to drive, I'm such a back seat driver."

A bad or corrupt person, someone who is likely to negatively influence others

"He has been caught shop-lifting, he's just a bad apple to be around."

Deceiving others or lying to oneself or refusal to confront facts or choices

"She sold that car in bad faith, she knew the car didn't run, she shouldn't have sold it to that guy."

An expression meaning to bother someone repeatedly about the same thing

"Mom, stop badgering me, I'll clean my room, I promise."

An expression meaning to help someone or rescue them from trouble

"I'll bail Richard out, he needs the money to get groceries this week."

Eating a nutritionally varied meal including protein, carbohydrates, fats, and sugars

"I'm going to stop eating junk food, for dinner I'll have a balanced meal of chicken, vegetables, and rice."

An expression meaning a temporary solution to a problem

"Putting her on leave is just a band aid solution, she really should be fired."

Meaning to show your vulnerability or emotions to another

"She really bared her soul to him, telling him about her difficult childhood."

An expression describing showing no emotion or acting as if nothing unusual is happening

"The popcorn machine exploded, but Josh didn't bat an eye, he just made sure no one was hurt and started cleaning up the mess."

An expression meaning so eager, anxious, excited, or frightened that the person is almost holding his/her breath

"I'm waiting with bated breath for my true love to return home."

An expression meaning to avoid getting to the point or the main issue

"Stop beating around the bush, does she like me or not?"

An expression describing someone as extremely unattractive

"Wow, he's so far from good looking, I think someone beat him with the ugly stick."

An expression meaning to the greatest possible degree

"The baby's crying sure does beat the band, he hasn't stopped for twenty minutes!"

An expression that means a pleasing appearance is not a guide to someone's character

"See that beautiful lady smiling over there? She's actually a mean, cold-hearted spinster. Beauty is only skin-deep."

An expression meaning that if you get what you want, there may be unintended or unforeseen consequences

"Be careful what you wish for, if you get that part, you'll be so popular, you might lose your privacy because everyone will recognize you."

A signal used by someone to direct, summon, or instruct someone to respond at the slightest request

"Tina's at my beck and call now that I'm sick in bed. She'll bring me whatever I need."

An expression to request to be excused or decline from participating, usually at the last minute and after committing to do it

"I'm going to beg off and skip rehearsals tonight, I feel sick."

An expression meaning out of sight of the public at a theater or organization

"All the research we do is behind the scenes, customers have no idea how much we work to improve the quality of our products."

An expression meaning to be in trouble, comparable to "I'm in the dog house"

"I'm toast, my mom's going to find out I didn't come home until after midnight."

An expression of advice cautioning against taking a chance doing something that's risky, stick with the sure thing

"I would put up a 2-pointer instead of a 3, better safe than sorry."

A description of someone who overhears others' private conversations, overhearing other people's business, similar to "busy-body"

"Bill has big ears, you know. He can hear everything you said, he'll tell Cindy."

Describing people with similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs

"Birds of a feather flock together. Jeremy and Isaac both love exactly the same music."

Taking on more responsibility than is warranted

"Working at the grocery store and the restaurant while being a full time student is biting off more than you can chew."

An expression meaning to reply brusquely or sharply to someone

"She practically bit my head off when I admitted to her that I copied her homework."

An expression meaning to decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off

"I'm just going to bite the bullet and clean my room before my mom comes home."

An expression meaning to seek to improve only things for yourself, not like ambition, which is about improving and changing things in the world

"He's got blind ambition, all he can think about is getting into business school."

An expression meaning not being able to see very well (bats use echolocation, rather than sight)

"She can't see anything without her glasses on, she's blind as a bat."

An expression meaning to simply to do or say something the person is utterly unprepared for

"Robby blindsided Emily when he told her he was breaking up with her, she was totally shocked."

An expression meaning to be boastful about one's own accomplishments, similar to "toot one's own horn"

"Not to blow my own horn, but I sing the best at my school."

An expression meaning the outcome of a competition was completely one-sided, similar to "landslide"

"The final score was 27-0, I'd say that was a blow-out!"

An expression meaning to try to mislead or threaten someone by giving false or exaggerated information

"He's just blowing smoke, Mike would never report you to the principal."

An expression meaning to get no result no matter how much effort is attempted

"You can tell her to go to bed earlier until you are blue in the face, she won't even attempt to fall asleep until midnight."

An expression meaning to retend to have a capability or intention one does not actually possess

"You can't really hit the golf ball 300 yards, you're just bluffing!"

It means "it's not what you know, but who you know" referring to unearned favoritism, named after the British prime minister Robert "Bob" Cecil who appointed his undeserving nephew as Chief Secretary of ireland in 1887.

It can also mean "and there you have it" Example: "Right over left, left over right, and Bob's your uncle, a knot."

Literally, to flow over the sides of something boiling, it means not being able to control one's anger, starting a fight

"Tensions were boiling over as the crowd yelled insults at the speaker they didn't agree with."

An expression meaning to drink your beer or other beverage until it's empty

"Here's to your health [toast glasses], bottom's up."

An expression describing something firmly established or deep-rooted, similar to "died in the wool"

"What's bred in the bone is sure to come out in the flesh."

An expression meaning to intimidate someone into doing something, usually with stern or abusive words

"The captain browbeat the soldiers to climb the last ridge before the sun went down, there was no rest for anyone."

An expression describing a woman who is pregnant

"With that little tummy bump, I knew she had a bun in the oven."

To do something that damages a relationship going forward

"Make sure you give two weeks notice so you remain on good terms with the boss in case you need a reference. You don't want to burn bridges."

An expression used to describe something full or overflowing, also when someone is overwhelmed with emotion

"He's just bursting at the seams, can't wait to tell Victoria how he really feels about her!"

An expression meaning to end a quarrel and become friendly, similar to "let bygones be bygones"

"What do you say we stop fighting and bury the hatchet?"

A meddling or prying person

"He's such a busy-body, listening to other people's conversations."

Accomplishing something by any possible means

"By hook or by crook, I'll figure out how to pay for college."

A reference to Parliamentary procedure, used as a motion to end debate on a pending proposal and bring it to an immediate vote, also in poker, to "call" means to match the current amount of the previous bet

"I'm calling the question, let's vote. Do we fund the project or not? All in favor?"

A reference to the only organization of any power that could be quickly sent to impose the rule of law on the unruly populace

"You better call in the cavalry, we need professional work laying these tiles properly."

An expression made popular in the song by Elton John, meaning something that is particularly vulnerable, weak, fragile, or precarious and likely to fail, perish, or be eliminated at any moment

"She was so fragile and weak, always getting sick when someone sneezed, a real candle in the wind."

An expression meaning to take sales away from an existing product by selling a similar, but new product

"Tony cannibalized that same pizza recipe at his new restaurant."

An expression meaning not be as good as the person or thing mentioned

"Reginald can't hold a candle to Christina, she's a much better teacher than he is."

The Latin term translated as "seize the day" means to make the most of one's experiences or opportunities

"Make the most of this teaching opportunity, you can influence so many students, carpe diem!"

From Babylonian times, meaning something is defined and unchangeable

"It's not cast in stone, we can change the rules if we want to."

An expression describing something as not lined up or arranged correctly

"His hat is crooked on his head, it's catawampus."

An expression meaning you can win people to your side more easily by gentle persuasion and flattery than by hostile confrontation

"Focus on what she did well, instead of what mistakes she made if you want her to volunteer again, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."

An expression meaning you are unusually quiet, or speechless as in not knowing what to say

"How come you aren't answering my question, cat got your tongue?"

This expression is an analogy that a cat won't win the game of trying to catch its tail, and you can't win a tied game of Tic Tac Toe

"Oh, we tied, just like a cat's game."

An expression describing something is revealed and no longer a secret

"Looks like the cat's out of the bag now, Jeremy knows about his surprise party."

A reference to the magical cat character in "Alice in Wonderland" who disappeared except for his smile, it refers to anyone with a conspicuous and long-lasting smile

"Bob couldn't wipe that cheshire grin off of his face; it's so obvious how much he has a crush on Amanda."

An expression meaning it is not clear which event preceded the other

"By announcing the class, it may have increased enrollment, unless it was already full because she's such a good teacher. It's a chicken and egg situation."

An expression meaning to be calm or avoid getting excited

"Chill out, he'll be here any minute."

An expression originating from horses chewing on the bits in their mouths, it means to be very eager or impatient

"Mom is chomping at the bit to get going as soon as possible."

Though many would say this means the freedom to be unconventional, it actually refers to a man confronted by a fork of equally worn paths who chose one, and will say he took the one less-traveled if someone asks

"I chose the path less traveled when I made that decision."

An expression meaning easy to understand, similar in meaning to "ring a bell."

"I remember what she looked like thirty years ago, clear as a bell."

An expression meaning to change one's mind and not proceed with a prior commitment

"I got cold feet and decided not to audition after all."

An expression meaning to ignore or disregard someone

"She gave him the cold shoulder when he asked her out."

An expression meaning the way things worked out, nothing can be done about it, similar to "ball bounces"

"Well, you can't change the results of the try-outs, that's just the way the cookie crumbles."

An expression meaning to break a promise or to abandon something because of fear, cowardice, exhaustion, or loss of enthusiasm

"Jane crapped out on the awards ceremony, even though she knew her whole team would be there."

An expression referring to things which provide physical ease such as good food, warm clothing, and accommodations

"When I go camping, I really miss my creature comforts like warm slippers and a soft bed."

An expression meaning something or someone that causes an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease

"That guy is really creepy, he's been staring at me for the last ten minutes, it makes me really uncomfortable."

A burden or trial one must put up with, similar to "an albatross around my neck"

"Being voted best citizen is your cross to bear, now you can never swear in public again."

A slang expression used as an adjective, describing someone that has well-defined muscles

"His abdominal muscles are so chiseled, he's really cut!"

An expression meaning a piece of information that can serve both sides of an argument

"Having internet filters cuts both ways; it keeps kids safe from inappropriate content, but it might block useful information, too."

An expression meaning the latest or most advanced stage in the development of something

"Nate is developing a brand new thermometer for the rocket ship, it's real cutting edge technology."

Needless and destructive over-reaction to a problem

"By yelling so loudly, you'll just scare the dog and he'll run away again. You're cutting off your nose to spite your face."

An expression meaning no matter what someone does, he/she will be criticized for it

"Even if I apologize, the mistake is already made. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't."

A quote by Admiral David Farragut during the Battle of Mobile which has come to mean continue with the planned course of action despite known risks

"Damn the torpedoes! We're going to have this picnic even if the forecast says it will only be 50 degrees."

An expression meaning a person or a thing that is unsuccessful, useless or defunct

"After getting a D on that quiz, you're a dead duck now."

An expression originating from a ship unable to move, it has come to mean something has failed, and that there is little hope of it being successful in the future

"That idea is dead in the water, there's no way Congress is going to pass the bill."

An expression meaning standing still in a panic or paralyzed with fear

"She forgot all her lines standing on the stage, she was a deer in the headlights."

A classic defense to deflect blame or responsibility for one's actions

"I didn't mean to steal the candy, the devil made me do it!"

An expression meaning deeply ingrained as part of someone's character, similar to "bred in the bone"

"Jazz music is so much a part of his life, it's died in the wool."

An expression usually meaning to help oneself to food

"Dive in, there's plenty of food for everyone."

There is no solid basis or evidence for an assertion or action.

"Without any solid evidence connecting the accused with the crime, the prosecutor did not have a leg to stand on."

Organizing an event or show to impress others or explain the value of something

"Vicky put on quite a dog and pony show with all those slides during her presentation."

An expression meaning exhausted

"After climbing that hill, I'm dog tired."

An expression meaning it doesn't do any good to be unhappy about something that has already happened or that can't be helped

"Nancy, there was nothing you could do about all that food going bad when the power was out for three days, so don't cry over spilled milk."

An expression referring to the character in the Old Testament of The Bible meaning to have never met someone and not know anything about him/her

"I just met Donnie this afternoon, before that, I wouldn't have known him from Adam."

An expression meaning having been, or very near to being, defeated, ruined, or overcome; from boxing, when the referee counts to 10 after a boxer has been knocked out and is down on the mat

"He can't keep his eyes open, he's so tired. Jacob is down for the count."

Describing a very elaborate manner of dress

"Her prom dress had sequence from head to toe, she was really dressed to the nines."

What you say to someone who walks into the room after you've just been talking about them

"She just finished saying what a good student you are, your ears must be burning."

An expression describing someone as attractive

"He sure is easy on the eyes, I think he's the best looking boy in our class."

An expression meaning to taunt someone to keep doing something or provoke someone to action

"Stop egging me on, you know how much I love that movie, stop saying it's bad."

A sailing expression meaning to stay balanced

"Margaret is very even keeled, she doesn't panic under pressure."

An expression meaning to be gullible or tricked easily

"I didn't just fall off the turnip truck, you know!"

This expression means to be involuntarily discharged or terminated from a job or assignment

"After six times showing up late and arguing with the customers, that's it, you're fired!"

An expression meaning a situation is suspicious

"That sounds pretty fishy, making twice her old salary doing the same job?"

A phrase meaning to get something cheaply

"I looked at buying a new vacuum cleaner at the department store, but I can get it for a song on Amazon."

An expression describing a fussy, nervous person, a worrier, perfectionist, often a stickler for things to be carried out exactly as he/she dictates

"My mom is nervous about leaving me home alone for the weekend, even though I'm old enough to take care of myself. She's such a fussbudget!"

An expression meaning to scare someone very badly

"You just gave me a heart attack, surprising me around that dark corner like that!"

An expression meaning to hit one's opponent, injure them, but not necessarily win

"Louis made some really good points in his argument, he got his licks in, even though Harry won the debate."

An expression meaning to get motivated or begin something

"You better get on the stick and brush your teeth, or you'll be late for school."

An expression meaning to become serious about something, usually after a powerful experience

"After I got that F on my first math quiz, I got religion and now do practice problems every night so I can pass the class."

An expression meaning to ignore or treat someone as though he/she does not exist

"He's ghosting her, it was like she didn't exist when he walked by."

An expression reminding a person to be grateful for the gift they received, without being critical of it

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Be grateful for the pink socks, even though you wanted a complete outfit."

An expression meaning to work hard to achieve good results in the tasks that they have been given

"She's taking every class she can to ensure her admission to medical school, she's really goal-driven."

Someone who covets other people's money, and seeks companions who may spend it for their benefit

"She just married him for his money."

A moral lesson in The Bible (Book of Matthew) and in many stories: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" means to treat other people the way you want to be treated

"Remember the golden rule, be kind to your brother."

An expression meaning to get an unexpected or improbable opportunity, a reference to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

"I've got a golden ticket, I just got accepted to the medical school that was my long-shot."

An expression meaning to not be ashamed of making a mistake because respectable or important people have made the same mistake

"The teacher made the same mistake you did answering that question, you are in good company."

An expression describing something or someone of good quality

"She's a good egg, always been a very thoughtful person."

What is good for a man is equally good for a woman; or, what a man can have or do, so can a woman have or do

"Women can be construction bosses just like men, what's good for the goose is good for the gander."

An expression describing a naive, silly, or stupid person

"He's such a goofball, he doesn't even know how to tie a tie or tuck in his shirt."

An expression used to describe the best person to deal with a particular problem, or something that is a dependable solution

"Ernie is my go-to for that project, he's the expert on criminal law cases."

An expression that means to be envious of other's circumstances as more favorable than one's own

"Most people would say your BMW is fine, but you envy our neighbor's Porsche. I guess the grass is always greener."

An expression referring to a situation in which someone can make a lot of money for very little effort

"That consulting job is such great money for working only 20 hours a week, it's a serious gravy train."

An expression meaning not proficient or sub-standard

"That was a real hack job, he didn't meet the electrical code at all."

An expression meaning hit or beat, attacked or forcefully criticized. Another meaning is to be extremely intoxicated

"They really got hammered by that hurricane in Florida!"

An expression meaning an understanding or ability

"She really has a handle on driving the car, now that she's finished twenty hours of instruction."

An expression meaning a place where someone lives, frequents, or feels comfortable

"I hang my hat there, I really like the crowd at that coffee shop."

Being sick from drinking too much alcohol

"She had a hangover this morning because she drank too much beer last night."

A difficult problem to solve or a formidable undertaking

"That's a tough nut to crack, not having a GPS system while traveling in an unfamiliar city."

An expression describing a situation irrevocably headed for disaster

"Send those unwilling to work to hell in a handbasket if they complain again."

An expression meaning to discuss, deliberate, or contemplate rather than taking action or making up one's mind

"My mom just keeps hemming and hawing whether it's the right time to retire from her job or not."

A baseball reference meaning to be successful or to do something extraordinarily well

You ran that meeting like a pro, Allan, you really hit that out of the park!

An expression describing a small, shabby place, often a restaurant or bar. In the UK, it can also mean a cash machine.

"They just shut down that hole-in-the-wall restaurant for health code violations."

An expression meaning a foolish or stupid person

"He's really acting like a horse's ass, cheering during the concert while they are trying to play."

An expression meaning to be forced to acknowledge one's deficiencies or errors

"Rodger got served some humble pie, he couldn't perform that surgery as well as his colleagues."

An expression describing being in a difficult situation or problem with no easy answer, from the Dutch word 'pekel'

"Wow, Sarah is really in a pickle agreeing to be an umpire for her old teammates."

Expression meaning a certainty, a sure thing

"We have this team beat, the game is in the bag."

Casting a "spell" of bad luck on something by stating an obvious truth.

We haven't lost a game all season. "Oh, no, I just jinxed us. Now we'll lose!"

An expression meaning a newcomer, a novice, or recruit who has just recently joined a group, and may use the experience of others to their advantage

"He's a real johnny-come-lately, just got the job last week, and already he's training a new-hire!"

An expression meaning to use makeshift repairs or temporary contrivances, with only the tools and materials that happen to be on hand

"Duct tape is the best way to jury rig that trailer hitch for now, but we'll need a permanent fix when we get home."

An expression to compare to one's neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods

"No sense in trying to keep up with the Joneses, we can't afford a new car every two years."

An expression meaning to maintain a calm, controlled attitude

"Just keep your cool, there's no reason to let his remarks bother you."

An expression used for saying that someone wants someone to believe something, but everyone knows it is not true

"Are you kidding me? I know he'd never go to the movies with Veronica!"

An expression meaning to something to keep one busy while waiting for something

"I guess I can listen to music to kill time while I wait for the bus to arrive."

A derogatory expression meaning that you don't care what someone thinks about what you said or did

I'm going to watch that movie whether you like it or not; you can kiss my ass!

An expression meaning an immediate, emotional, unthinking response to a situation

"Your Dad had a knee jerk reaction in his opposition when he stood up and yelled during the meeting."

An expression meaning to get very upset about something, usually not very important

Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, let me explain what happened.

A superstition to actually find and knock on a piece of wood after saying something you hope remains true

"I've never broken my leg while riding my motorcycle, knock on wood."

An expression meaning weak, inadequate, or otherwise not funny or worthy

"What a lame excuse why you were late, you had three hours to get ready."

An expression meaning something was completely one-sided, similar to "blow-out"

"They won by a landslide, final score was 27-0!"

An expression meaning to provide someone with an opportunity, but you can't force him/her to take it

"I gave him my email, but he didn't contact me. I guess you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."

An expression meaning to believe or attempt something whose existence or outcome cannot be proved.

"You'll just have to make a leap of faith and trust me, you can make it on time if you take this alternate route."

An expression meaning to be able to quickly recall the meaning of the material the more one repeats it

"Sally learned it by rote, memorizing all two thousand produce codes to get her job as a grocery store checker."

An expression meaning to commit something to memory.

"I learned the nursery rhyme, 'Roses are Red' by heart."

An expression meaning to forget about unpleasant things that happened in the past, and especially to forgive and forget something bad that someone has done, similar to "bury the hatchet"

"I forgive you for insulting my cat, let's just let bygones by bygones and move on."

An expression meaning an extended period of time

"I[m in it for the long haul, I"m committed to fixing this relationship no matter how long it takes."

An unkind or humorous expression describing someone as old. As people age, their gums recede and their teeth appear longer.

"Grandpa turns 75 next year; he's pretty long on the tooth."

An expression meaning a venture or guess that has only the slightest chance of succeeding or being accurate

"It was a long shot, but I actually got into my first choice school!"

A person who seems interested in buying something, but is just browsing, also someone who lingers around the scene of an accident, etc., or strives to get a look into the private property of others, especially celebrities

"She's a reall looky-loo, goes to every open house in the neighborhood acting like she wants to buy it."

An expression meaning to become overly emotional or lose control

"Jeremy just lost his head when he found out his ex-girlfriend was going out with his friend Josh."

An expression meaning to run into good luck or fortune

"You won the lottery, you lucky dog!"

An expression meaning only moderately enthusiastic, unsure, or unable to commit to a position

"I'm kind of luke-warm about going out for track this year. Maybe I'll warm up to the idea later."

The expression means to make a decision and now one must accept the circumstances

"You decided to buy the cheap brand of chocolate, rather than the more expensive one you liked best, you made your bed, now you have to lie in it."

A military expression that has come to mean to be ready for action

"Man your stations, the website just went live, the server might be overwhelmed."

An expression meaning being singled out for special treatment, usually to be harmed

"Playing paint ball in a bright yellow coat makes him a marked man, his opponents can attack him so easily."

An expression meaning doing things that might not be permitted because an authority figure isn't present

"With their parents out of town, the kids threw a wild party. Mice will play while the cat's away!"

An expression meaningtTo take full advantage of a situation or condition

"It's Owen's birthday today and he's milking it for all it's worth, getting out of taking that test."

Describing a very timid, unassertive, spineless person, especially one who is easily dominated or intimidated; inspired by the cartoon character, Caspar Milquetoast, created by H. T. Webster in 1924.

Jared is milquetoast, he's too afraid to ask for a raise even though he's done great work for three years.

An expression meaning to use willpower to overcome physical problems, similar to "A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition"

"Although I remember what the cheese smelled like when I made it, mind over matter, I'm going to enjoy tasting it now."

An expression meaning to make a situation more confusing by introducing complications

"He's dating her friend's mother, which really muddies the waters of their relationship."

An expression meaning to do hard work, make an effort to get work done

"Jimmy works hard at the office, doing anything that needs doing, he's really got mud on his boots."

Expression meaning a situation that causes great anxiety or tension

"That horror movie was a real nail-biter, I kept waiting for the burglar to jump out of the shadows."

A way of saying you have understood something that someone has said, even though it was not said directly

"A nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse."

An expression meaning something is difficult or requires work

"Boy, hanging this mirror straight is no picnic!"

An expression referring to the fictional detective who pioneered deductive reasoning to solve crimes, it refers to an expression made by an individual in response to a statement that is considered obvious or stupid

"No shit, Sherlock. The reason there is all this mud in the house is because you tracked it in on your shoes!"

An expression one might say if they disagree or want someone to stop, slow down, or reconsider

"Not so fast, mister, those are my shoes!"

An expression meaning to speak plainly and clearly, so as to be understood.

"Don't mince your words, Darla. Tell me what you really think."

An emphatic expression meaning something or someone is crazy or ridiculous

"That's nuts! I would never do that!"

A person or thing different from all the others in a group

"Everybody else is here with someone, I'm the odd one out coming alone."

An expression meaning something will run itself or doesn't require effort or skill

"I take this route everyday, it's like being on auto-pilot."

An expression meaning something that doesn't happen very often, as in when there is a full moon twice in the same month

"I might go to the movies once in a blue moon, usually I wait for it to come out on Netflix."

An expression meaning unable to decide between two acceptable alternatives

"I'm on the fence about this issue, I can't decide whether to vote yes or no."

An expression meaning to nag someone (or to ask someone to stop nagging him/her)

"Get off my case, I promise to clean my room after dinner!"

An expression referring to someone who gets so distraught and reacts without thinking

"I was so mad, I just hit the panic button instead of thinking first."

An expression meaning to make amends or remedy a situation, similar to "smooth things over"

"I finally patched things up with Ramona, I thought she was going to break up with me, but she accepted my apology."

An expression meaning to face the consequences of self-indulgent behavior, similar to "face the music"

"I stayed up way too late last night, time to the pay the piper, I'm exhausted!"

An expression meaning to suffer the consequences of doing or saying something

"She paid the price for insulting him, now he won't pick her for the team."

An expression meaning ok, good, cool, awesome

"That's just peachy keen with me, I'm happy to stay here over Christmas vacation."

An expression meaning a hierarchy of status seen among members of a group of people or animals, originally as observed among hens

"Here's the pecking order: I'm the boss, you're my employees who report to me."

An expression meaning something that is particularly annoying to a particular person

"My pet peeve is when people misuse the apostrophe."

Describing someone who is difficult or mischievous

"Matthew is a little pickle, he always steals his classmate's snack when he's not looking."

A proverb that implies it's easier to understand something by seeing it, rather than talking or reading a description of it.

"Look at the two of them, you can see they are perfect together. A picture is worth a thousand words."

An expression meaning to eat or consume too much or well beyond a "normal" helping

"Those pancakes were so good I had five, I really pigged-out!"

An expression meaning the tingling sensation experienced in recovering from numbness, or an anxious feeling waiting for something to arrive or happen

"I'm on pins and needles, waiting for them to post the test results so I can see whether I got an A."

An expression referring to an unattainable or fanciful hope or scheme

"Jonathan wants to be a professional baseball player, but that's just a pipe dream, he isn't good enough to go pro."

An expression meaning empty talk

"All wind and piss like a tanyard cat."

Describing someone who has energy, guts, or drive without giving up

"She's a real pistol, she kept telling one funny joke after the next."

An expression meaning fully engaged, having no room to take on new responsibilities or activities

"My plate is full, I'm volunteering with three organizations already, I don't have time to do more."

An expression meaning someone is crazy or doesn't have common sense

"That man is babbling to himself, he must not be playing with a full deck."

Originally describing a musician playing being about to play a tune after hearing it, rather than reading the music, expanded to mean making this up as you go along

"When we get to the zoo, let's just play it by ear which animals we see first."

An expression describing an excessively cheerful or naive person

"She's a pollyanna, always happy about everything, even if it's bad news."

An expression meaning to be impoverished, indigent, destitute, similar to "not having two nickels/pennies/sticks to rub together"

"Daniel is poor as a church mouse, he hasn't had a job for a year, he can only afford to eat macaroni and cheese every night."

An expression meaning that any solution is better than doing nothing at all.

"Ida's plan isn't perfect, but any port in a storm."

A derogatory expression calling out someone for putting down someone else for something one does or is him/herself

"Saying she works too much is like the pot calling the kettle black, since you work 80 hours a week yourself."

An expression meaning actions speak louder than words, a person should do what he/she advises others to do

"Practice what you preach, go to bed early like you tell your kids to do."

Undermine the confidence or intimidate

"The basketball team psyched out their opponent when all the players hit three pointers during warm-ups."

An expression meaning to advance oneself without the aid of others

"Tamra really pulled herself up by her bootstraps, working through college so she could pay part of her tuition."

An expression meaning to tell someone something that is not true as a way of joking with them

"You're pulling my leg, I know you weren't voted most likely to succeed, I saw your yearbook."

A fraudulent or ignorant pretender of medical skill

"My old doctor was just a quack, he didn't even know how to give a vaccination."

An expression originating during war time, it means to have a meeting with friends, family or co-workers and get them united to help out with something

"I'm going to rally the troops and make sure everybody works together to get through this crisis."

An expression describing an unknown, unspecified, or odd person

"I was in the park, and it was so random, I saw my best friend when I was in first grade."

An expression which means the time at which action is required or anger erupts, similar to "the last straw"

"He reached the boiling point after she insulted his shoes for the third time."

An expression meaning a strong warning to stop behaving badly, derived from Britain, The Riot Act of 1715 was invoked to prevent "tumults and riotous assemblies"

"Suzanna read me the riot act for not introducing my friends to her."

An expression meaning to recognize something as familiar. Similar to "clear as a bell."

"This might ring a bell for you, the house used to be right next to the hardware store before they tore it down."

An expression meaning to get serious and do something

"OK, enough standing around, let's rock and roll and start selling these tickets."

An expression meaning to overturn, an extension or transfer of a debt or other financial arrangement, or to shift one's position by turning from one side to the other

"Amanda rolled over, instead of voting for Hastings, she's voting for Budd."

An expression meaning to be run out of energy or lose momentum

"I can't walk another mile, I need to turn around, I've run out of gas."

A decent, dependable, unpretentious person, with origins from the Bible, Book of Matthew

"He's such a gentle soul, the salt of the earth."

An expression meaning being to hurry up

"I was scrambling to get out of the house to catch the bus."

An expression meaning to gain information from others or from books, rather than discovering information directly

"Well, I'm not sure, I got second-hand information."

An expression describing someone who is too involved in the details of a problem to look at the situation as a whole

"She can't see the forest for the trees, she's too busy taking orders to know there's a line out the door."

An expression meaning to distinguish valuable things or people from worthless ones

"OK this final trial-out is going to determine the best singer, it will really separate the wheat from the chaff."

An expression meaning to take care of unfinished business.

"Finish doing your taxes this weekend, set yours sails with the wind."

An expression used as an adjective to describe something or someone underhanded or not to be trusted

"That's a shady deal the realtor proposed, considering the property is next to a landfill, it's only worth half that amount. What a shady character!"

An expression meaning it is too late to correct or change what's already been done.

"Since you didn't study at all for your exam tomorrow, that ship has sailed. All you can do now is get a good night's sleep."

An expression derived from a brand of shoe polish in the USA, if one doesn't know which to apply to one's shoes, then he/she is clueless or hopeless

"He doesn't know shit from Shinola, he works at the bank but can't tell the difference between a debit and a credit."

An expression referring to when something bad happens, the consequences reveal themselves

"After the city council approved that affordable housing budget, the shit hit the fan and their social services costs were twice what they budgeted."

An expression meaning a small amount of money that is inadequate for its intended purpose

"Carol has a shoestring budget, and won't be able to buy those extra books for the kids after all."

An expression meaning something that is ridiculously easy

"Setting up that computer is like shooting fish in a barrel, just plug it in and it will work."

Expressions meaning extremely ill

"I have the flu, I feel as sick as a dog."

An expression meaning to be very pleased to see someone

"Well, you're a sight for sore eyes, I've missed you!"

An expression symbolic of wealth, especially inherited wealth, describing someone born into a wealthy family

"She's got a silver spoon in her mouth, that trust fund means she won't have to work a day in her life."

Having an ability to speak with a persuasive and eloquent manner

"He was the most eloquent man, he had a real silver tongue."

An expression meaning to compliment someone

"I can't sing your praises enough, you were so nice to help with my homework."

When thrown into an unknown situation, a person has to figure out how to survive on his/her own

"Well, it's sink or swim time, I hope they make it through the job."

An Australian expression meaning to put your napkin in your lap

"Don't forget to sink your sails before you start eating."

An expression meaning thoroughly, every possible way, exhausted all alternatives

"I edited that story six ways from Sunday, and it's still not good enough to publish."

An expression meaning to carefully look at the person or think about the situation, in order to decide how to act

"I've had a chance to size up Amanda, I think we can trust her and she's worth doing business with."

An expression meaning to get away with something or do the bare minimum

"She's just skating by in that class, doing just enough to pass it."

An expression meaning to narrowly escape disaster. Origin from the Bible, Book of Job, in which Job is subjected to horrible trials by Satan, to be relieved finally by God.

"We just got through that traffic jam by the skin of our teeth, check out the back-up in our rear view mirror."

An expression meaning to say something one shouldn't have said

"Oops, that was a slip of the tongue, I shouldn't have told her I didn't like her dress."

An idea or course of action which will lead to something unacceptable or disasterous

"Steal a small piece of candy from the store may seem harmless, but it's a slippery slope because it's stealing, and that's breaking the law."

Someone who used devious, dishonest or misleading means to ensure a favorable outcome

"You sly dog, I had no idea you were throwing me a party!"

An expression meaning insignificant or easy

"Racing in junior varsity was small potatoes compared to varsity."

An expression meaning to make amends or remedy a situation, similar to "patch things up"

"I got her to see my point of view so she's not mad at me anymore, I smoothed things over."

An expression meaning to search for or find out something that's not that person's business

"She snooped around and started reading his emails."

An expression meaning to make something sound less important or bad than it really is, similar to "white wash"

"She soft pedaled when she told him his stuttering wasn't very distracting, because it was."

An expression meaning to say things or act for the purpose of impressing others, perhaps in an exaggerated manner

"He put on a real song and dance to try to close that sale."

Describing behavior that is demeaning or insulting when someone realizes he/she can't win or complete a task

"Insulting her was just sour grapes because she didn't choose him on her team."

A expression for someone who is hyperactive or acting in an overly-energetic manner inappropriate for the situation

"She's such a spaz running to the front of the line; the show hasn't even started yet."

An expression meaning that the person about whom one was just speaking arrives or makes their presence known

"Well, speak of the devil, we were just talking about you!"

An expression encouraging someone to behave by using a tangible threat for non-compliance; no yelling is required

"I'm speaking softly and carrying a big stick: he knows I'll take away the car keys if he doesn't finish his chores before dinner."

An expression describing something as clean, tidy or orderly

"Well, you've put all your toys away, your room looks spick and span now."

An expression to reveal secret information, usually unintentionally

"He spilled the beans about Marc and Cindy getting married, it was supposed to be a secret."

An expression meaning exaggerated cleaning or polishing, often referring to a soldier

"I used some spit and polish to get these shoes extra shiny."

An expression meaning something that doesn't fit

"That's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, you'll never get that to work."

A drama reference, someone who is nervous performing before an audience

"She's stage fright ever time she makes a presentation to her boss."

An expression meaning a couple so in love, they are oblivious to everyone else

"They can't even take their eyes off each other to order their food, those two are such star-crossed lovers."

An expression meaning to remain focuses on pursuing your goal, without distraction

"If you stay on track and focus on your studies, you'll get straight As."

An expression meaning getting in trouble, or finding oneself in a bad situation, in addition to the literal meaning of accidentally stepping on dog or animal feces

"He stepped in shit and came out smelling like a rose."

An expression meaning to hurry up, usually referring to driving a car

"C'mon, step on it, we're going to be late!"

An expression referring to someone who is unwilling to take chances, boring, or not interesting

"He's such a stick in the mud, he never goes out dancing with us."

A proverbial expression meaning it's better to spend a little time and effort to deal with a problem right now than to wait until later, a sewing reference.

"Best to take care of that roofing leak right away before it causes more damage. A Stitch in time saves nine."

An expression meaning the last and final time something occurred to ruin or destroy a situation

"It's all over now, that was the straw that broke the camel's back."

An expression meaning to do something while one has the chance, during a window of opportunity

"She just smiled at him, he'd better strike while the iron's hot and ask her on a date."

An expression describing someone who can tolerate gruesome or nauseating conditions without vomiting

"He's got a strong stomach, being able to perform open-heart surgery."

An expression meaning refusing to change one's mind or course of action despite pressure to do so, unyielding or resolute

"He'll never change his mind about planting in May, he's stubborn as a mule."

An expression of encouragement meaning to persevere and endure the discomfort or pain

"Suck it up, only two more laps to go!"

A description of a rich older man who lavishes gifts on a young woman in return for her company or sexual favors

"Sheila is just with him because she can buy whatever she wants, he's a real sugar daddy."

An expression meaning to hide or ignore something damaging or unpleasant so it won't be seen

"Louise never learned cursive in elementary school, which she tried to sweep under the rug now that she's a handwriting specialist."

An expression meaning to go somewhere with something or someone

"I'm just tagging along with you to the grocery store with you, I don't really need anything specifically."

The less dominant or minor factor controls the situation, the roles are reversed

The costs of medical procedures have become the tail that wags the dog."

An expression when people part, an endearing way to say goodbye

"Hey, take it easy. I hope you do well on those tests."

An expression meaning to treat the information as exaggerated, believe only part of something

"They aren't that good of a team even though they won the last five games. You've got to take that with a grain of salt, they lost eight before that."

An expression meaning to sacrifice one's personal position for the benefit of others

"That player took one for the team, he hit a sacrificial bunt and was tagged out so the team could score."

An expression of encouragement meaning to try something without hesitation

"Take the plunge, once you join the book club, you'll love it."

An expression meaning to improvise to avoid confronting an uncomfortable issue or person

"Jeanette is tap-dancing around Richard instead of confronting him with the problem."

An expression meaning out of money, broke, or exhausted

"I'm sorry I can't make a donation to your charity right now, I'm really tapped out."

Describing a student who the teacher appears to favor over other students

"She's the teacher's pet, she always gets out early."

An expression used to describe an indicator or sign that explains something

"That gust of wind is a telltale sign that the weather's changing."

An expression meaning to try something out before you do it

"Eric is going to test the waters and have a reception to see how many supporters he has before running for mayor."

An expression used to convey that there is or was nothing more to be said about a matter.

"I've already told you everything I know, that's all she wrote."

An expression meaning to accept the circumstances

"Well, you couldn't have done anything, that's just the way the cookie crumbles."

An expression of sympathy meaning: "That's too bad"

"Well that sucks, I'm sorry you didn't get the part."

An expression meaning to consider a course of action carefully before embarking upon it

"I'd think twice before jumping over that puddle in your white pants."

A superstitious observation about the number three, sometimes it takes three times to complete something successfully. Opposite of "three strikes, you're out!"

"Third time's a charm, after two tries you finally got the anchor secured."

An expression meaning something or someone that continually causes problems and won't go away

"Money has been a thorn in my side ever since I quit my job."

A baseball reference, if you don't get something done in three attempts, it is time to stop. Opposite of "third time's a charm"

"You tried to fix the sink three times and it still leaks. Three strikes, you're out. Time to hire a plumber."

An expression meaning to rise to a very high level or to get angry

"Their costs went through the roof when they moved to San Francisco."

An expression meaning to to invite someone to fight or compete

Judy threw down the gauntlet when she challenged him to a rematch."

An expression meaning to enter a competition or a political race

"Mark decided to throw his hat in the ring and run for City Council."

A Peter Pan reference from the Captain Hook character symbolizing time, alternatively, "the croc is ticking"

“I suppose it's like the ticking crocodile, isn't it? Time is chasing after all of us.”

An expression meaning something is too big or powerful to deal with alone

"If you try to push that boat up the driveway alone, you'll end up chasing a tiger by the tail."

An expression meaning that time seems to pass more quickly than normal while engaging a particularly busy or fun activity

"Time flies! My shift was six hours but we were so busy it felt like only an hour."

An expression meaning people eventually get over injuries, insults, rejection, hatred

"He was so sad after she broke up with him. Time heals all wounds, he'll feel better after awhile."

Thomas Paine's famous quote that the colonies were unwilling to raise an army, and trusted the cause to the temporary defense of a well-meaning militia

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country."

An expression meaning the result of something will be clear in due time

"Only time will tell if all those singing lessons pay off and she becomes famous."

An expression that means the small or perceptible part of a much larger problem

"Showing up late for work everyday is just the tip of the iceberg, he isn't keeping up with his work either."

A popular 1929 song that has come to mean to be extremely cautious

"Tiptoe through the tulips when you suggest those changes to the president's speech."

An expression meaning one is liked, well-regarded or admired

"She's the most popular student in school, a real toast of the town."

A girl who enjoys rough, noisy activities traditionally associated with boys.

"She's such a tomboy, always coming home covered in dirt after playing all day."

An expression meaning to not really mean what one is saying or writing, with irony, or having a double-meaning

"She's just being tongue in cheek, she doesn't really think you should become the coach."

A severe scolding, to speak angrily to someone who has done something wrong

"She got a real tongue-lashing from the chief for making that mistake during the surgery."

An expression meaning too embarrassed or shy to speak

"He was going to ask her on a date, but he was so tongue-tied, he couldn't even say hello."

An expression meaning too proud our confident in oneself

"She was too big for her britches, preparing her acceptance speech without a chance of winning."

An expression meaning everyone is trying to be in charge, no one is willing to follow others' directions, similar to "too many cooks in the kitchen"

"With all those coaches yelling at the players, no wonder the kids are confused. Too many chiefs, not enough Indians."

An expression meaning everyone is trying to be in charge, no one is willing to follow others' directions, similar to "too many chiefs, not enough indians"

"With everyone trying to bake at once, no wonder she burned the cookies, too many cooks in the kitchen."

An expression meaning to fight with the intensity and ferocity of a wild animal

"She fought tooth and nail to get custody of her daughter."

An expression meaning to boast about one's own accomplishments, similar to "blow one's horn"

"Well, not to toot my own horn, but my essay scored the highest in my class."

Describing something of the highest quality, excellent

"Her pottery is top-notch, I would buy all of her pieces if I could afford them."

An expression meaning turned upside down, unpredictable or unstable

"I made such careful plans for her surprise party, but everything went topsy-turvy today, it wasn't a secret at all."

An expression meaning to maintain one's current position or opinion

"TIna is still treading water, she hasn't changed her position on those mutual funds."

To speak or behave carefully to avoid conflict Be careful to avoid conflict or causing an offense, similar to "tiptoe around" or "walk on eggshells"

"I have to tread lightly when I talk about Nick, since he broke up with her last year."

Not having a plan, letting errors determine what course of action to take next

"I just used trial and error to figure out how to cast the fly rod properly."

An expression meaning to ignore something or someone deliberately

"If you can't concentrate while she's on the phone, just try to tune her out so you can get it done."

An expression meaning to be left in a state of uncertainty or suspense

"She really left me twisting in the wind, I didn't know if I had a ride to school or not."

An expression describing two people who may be different in many ways, but have something in common

"My grandfather and daughter are two birds of a feather, they both love rocky road ice cream."

Someone who is not genuine: they act one way under one set of circumstances, and completely differently under another set of circumstances

"She's so two-faced, telling Lisa how much she likes her, but then telling everyone else how much she can't stand her."

An expression meaning to be extremely similar, so its hard to distingush

"I can't even tell them apart in their Batman suits, my nephews are really two peas in a pod."

These expressions refer to being impoverished, destitute, or without resources, similar to "poor as a church mouse"

"He doesn't have two nickels to rub together, but he makes sure his kids don't go hungry."

An expression meaning to deceive or be unfaithful, dating or seeing two people simultaneously

"He was two-timing Yvonne in San Francisco, he had another girlfriend in Los Angeles."

A proverb meaning just because someone has done something unjust or dishonest is no justification for acting in a similar way

"You can't steal a piece of that cake just because Michael did; two wrongs don't make a right."

An expression meaning something new or unknown

"I'm not sure what we do now that we've gone from being employees, to you getting promoted as my boss, it's uncharted territory."

An expression meaning slightly unwell or in low spirits

"I just can't get out of bed this morning, I'm feeling under the weather."

An expression meaning to be hopeless, trapped or in trouble

"She's up a creek without a paddle, now that her best friend is no longer in charge."

An expression meaning something is unclear or undefined

"We don't know what we are doing yet, everything's still up in the air."

An expression meaning anxious, jumpy or angry in a tense way

"Don't be so uptight, we'll make it in time before the show starts."

An expression meaning the extreme degree of a situation, overwhelmed by an undesirable situation

"I'm up to my eyeballs here, I have three tables of dishes to clean!"

Act in accordance with your opinion or beliefs to get your point across

"This service is so slow here, I'm going to vote with my feet and walk out, instead of ordering."

An expression meaning to not take any action and wait for whatever it is to pass

"Wait for it to blow over. After a good night's sleep, you'll be able to talk with her tomorrow."

An expression describing something that is pleasant and easy to do

"Finalizing the budget this year will be like a walk in the park compared to last year, when I didn't have any experience."

An expression meaning to be extremely cautious about one's words or actions, similar to "tiptoe around" and "tread lightly"

"I've been walking on eggshells ever since I found out her dog died, I don't know what to say to her."

From pirate lore, an execution in which victims were forced to walk, often blindfold and with hands tied, off a plank of wood. It can mean be punished

"She's going to have to walk the plank if she doesn't stop insulting him."

A description for someone who has no one to dance with or who feels shy or awkward

"She's just a wallflower, Lisa won't ask any of the boys to dance."

An expression meaning someone who wants to travel or seeks new experiences

"Sam has a real case of wonderlust, he can't stay in the same city for more than a year before he needs to move."

Inspired by a song by the band Oasis, it means a barrier which separates the mundane from the Transcendent reality; someone one thinks about constantly

"You are my wanderwall, I can't stop thinking about you!"

An expression meaning to gradually accept or get used to an idea or commitment

"I warmed up to the idea after I saw all my friends decided to join the team."

An expression meaning traveling faster than the speed of light, extremely fast

"I wish you could drive this car at warp speed, so we could be cross country by tonight!"

Disengage or refuse to participate in something

"You should just wash your hands of it softball and quit the team."

An expression often used sarcastically to convey that the person knows what they are doing and are not easily deceived

"I wasn't born yesterday, I know how to set a table properly, I know the forks go on the left, not the right, stop trying to fool me."

An expression of advice meaning that wise use of one's resources will keep one from poverty

"You can stock up on the toilet paper since it's on sale this week. Waste not, want not."

An expression describing a manner of speech that is increasingly verbose and romantic

"He went on waxing poetic about how much fun he had sailing boats last summer."

An expression meaning the way things have worked out, nothing can be done about it, similar to "cookie crumbles"

"Well, that's the way the ball bounces, you can't re-do that test, it's done."

An expression meaning to act in a passive/aggressive manner, sink or fail at something

He's wearing lead boots, he says he doesn't care, but I know he really does."

An expression meaning someone who exercises intensely when not working, usually Saturday or Sunday

"He's a real weekend warrior, riding over 150 miles every weekend."

An expression meaning to get something to drink

"I'm really thirsty, I need to wet my whistle."

An expression meaning something regarded as contemptible, wicked or of no value

"That boat has a hole in it, what a dog!"

An expression of greeting, similar to how are you doing or what's going on, similar to "what's shakin'?"

"Hey, man, what's cooking? I haven't seen you for weeks!"

An informal greeting of hello, similar to "what's cooking?"

"Hey, man, what's shakin'? I haven't seen you for weeks!"

Constant background noise which drowns out other sounds, meaningless or distracting commotion or chatter

"I like taking my computer to that coffee shop, the white noise actually helps me concentrate on my work."

An expression meaning to try to make something sound not as bad as it is, or to play-down the truth, similar to "soft pedal"

"She really white washed that report, making it sound like we aren't going to lose as many clients as we really are."

A reference to a Mexican dish, meaning something in its entirety

"Why do only part of the job, when I can finish the whole enchilada?"

An expression meaning the time after midnight during which haunting can occur by creatures such as witches, demons, ghosts; it has come to mean the time in the late afternoon when young toddlers may misbehave badly

"It must be the witching hour, Johnny won't stop crying, he's throwing a temper tantrum."

Someone who is acts or is disguised as someone they are not

"The pharmaceutical company runs a charity to hand out sample medicines, but they don't offer any generic brands, so they are like a wolf in sheep's clothing."

An expression meaning to finish something

"OK, we're going to wrap it up after I take this last question."

Describing someone as a coward

"He's a yellow-belly, he too afraid to stand up and ask the most important question of all."

An expression of advice meaning it is important to eat good food to stay healthy and fit

"Eat at least one fresh fruit or vegetable with each meal, you are what you eat."

An expression meaning to do someone a favor in hopes that it will be returned, same as "quid pro quo"

"I'll watch your dog this weekend, if you can take mine next weekend, you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

Are you a teacher? We offer Teacher Resources across all grade levels, also useful for ELL instruction.

Do you have a favorite idiom that you'd like us to add? Contact us via Facebook or Twitter

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5 Inspirational Short Moral Stories With Proverbs

Unlock Wisdom with These Short Moral Stories with Proverbs Explaining Idioms – A Journey of Inspiration and Life Lessons! Here we have listed a few stories illustrating Proverbs. These inspiring stories for kids are based on idioms that have deep meanings in them.

Union is Strength

An old man had three sons. Unfortunately, they were always quarreling among themselves. His efforts to reform them to live in peace proved futile. This makes the old man extremely sad, he did not know how to set them right. At last, when he was on the deathbed, he hit upon a plan.

He sent for a bundle of sticks and called his son together. He asked the youngest to try to break the bundle, he came up took up the bundle of faggots, and exerted his utmost, but failed to comply with the wishes of his father.

He gave the attempts as futile. The second don did not do far better. Thus the oldest one was, of course, the strongest, and was proud of his strength, stepped forward.

He set the bundle against his knees and did his level best. Not to speak of breaking the bundle, he could not even bend it, he threw away the bundle, took his seat, and hung his head in shame.  

“Now, my son,” said the father to his youngest son, “untie the bundle and try to break each stick separately” he at once cut the string and found that it was not at all an uphill task.

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He broke each stick quite easily.    “Now, you see,” said the father, “when the sticks were tied together, they were too strong to be broken by anyone of you.

But when they fell apart, they could be broken easily. So my sons, if you hold together like a bundle of sticks, not to speak of doing you some harm, nobody will be able to touch a hair of your head.

But if you are divided like sticks separately, your enemies will find it no difficult task to harm you and every one of you will come to grief. Remain united my sons, no one dare to harm you. The sons promised to act upon it. The advice had its effect.

They gave up their old ways of life and began to live life in unity and peace. The old man breathed his last soon after this.

Moral 👍 United we stand, divided we fall.

Kindness never goes unrewarded

It was an extremely cold day. A lion felt his body shiver with cold in his den. He thought that it would be delighted to go out and lie in the sun.

He came out and did so. The warmth that crept into his body soon sent him to sleep. A mouse living close by came out of the hole and thoughtlessly climbed over the lion and began to run up and down on his body.

The lion woke up, when he saw a despicable creature a mouse playing pranks with him, the king of beats, was beside himself with rage.

He caught it in his paw and was going to crush it to death. The mouse begged the lion for mercy saying, “Please do not kill me. Let me free. If I live, I may repay you for your kindness by helping you in time of your need”. The lion laughed, and let the mouse go.

After some days hunter came into the forest, and he set his net. The same lion was prowling in search of food, being unaware of the trap laid, he was caught in it.

He tried to get himself free. The more he tried, the more he got entangled. He began to fume and fret, but it did him no good. He roared, and the mouse by chance heard his roar. It peeped out of the hole to see what was happening.

When it saw the lion struggling to get free of the net, it ran to his help and began to gnaw the ropes of the net with its small, sharp teeth. It did not take him long to do so. The lion was now free. He thanked his little friend for the help rendered.

Moral 👍 Goodness always pays, There is nothing mean in nature.

Pride Hath a Fall

Once a stag was drinking water at a stream, happening to look at his reflection in the clear water, his pride roused high. “Ah !” exclaimed he. “How beautiful my horn is! Their curves are so graceful and charming. One cannot help feeling proud of them”.

But he then caught sight of his thin, ugly legs. His pleasure gave away to a feeling of sadness and discontent. “I wish,” he said, “that these were also as beautiful as my horns”. Just then he heard the sound of a hunter’s horn and the barks of hounds. They had spotted him and were after him. He fled for his life.

The legs that he had disliked and disparaged a short while ago stood him in good stead. He put a good distance between himself and the dogs . His legs would have carried him to a place of safety but his graceful horns of which he was so proud, somehow got caught in a bush.

Before he could disentangle them, the hounds overtook him and tore him to pieces. His beautiful horns proved to be the cause of his death.

Moral 👍 All that glitters is not gold.

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss

Once war broke out, between birds and beasts, both parties were equally strong. Bats remained neutral. The battle raged for many days. Neither side was sure of its victory. Bats went on seeing the fight but did not join any party.

After some time birds began to lose ground. “Please help us”, said the birds to the bats. “How we can join you and help?” replied the bats. “We have teeth like beasts. We are mammals. We suckle our young ones”.

The bats joined the beasts that were winning ground at that time. But as ill luck would have it, after two or three days more, the tide of the battle turned in favour of birds.

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The bats now realize that they have made a wrong decision. They, at once left the beast saying, “We are birds. We have wings; we fly. We will help the birds”.

The birds, however, did not allow the bats to join them. They said, “We do not need your help now”. In a few days, both sides were reconciled. A peace agreement was signed between them. They became friends once more.

As the bats had proved false to both parties, they were hated by both the birds and the beasts, who turned them out of their fraternity and company.

The bats felt ashamed and retired into the holes of trees. Since then they keep to their holes during the daytime and come out at night.

Moral 👍 Those who run with the hares and hunt with the hounds find themselves isolated.

Easier Said than Done

Once there were many mice in the house. They gave the homemaker no end of trouble. She was sick of them. With a view to getting rid of them, she tamed a cat, Pussy by name.

Pussy began to eat the mice. They were in a great fix. They could not come out of their holes for fear of being eaten up by the cat. One day they held a meeting, many plans were discussed, and they could not arrive at any decision.

At last, a young mouse stood up and said, “Let us hang a bell around the neck of the cat. It shall ring whenever she comes. Being warned of the approach of the enemy, we could make ourselves scared”. The plans were finally liked by all the mice.

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An old mouse, who had kept silent all the while, stood up and said, “Really your proposal is very nice but it is not sound.

Tell me who will bell the cat.” Now everybody was silent. They looked at each other in a hopeless manner. No one came forward to offer his services. Soon Pussy appeared on the scene, and all fled away for their life.

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J. Harshit specializes in content writing and storytelling. Writing compelling essays, Letters, & more that engage, inform, and inspire is something he enjoys.

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Learn 10 English Idioms in This 5 Minute Story

10 English Idioms! Learn how to use them and what they really mean.

Improve your English now and check it out!

Hi, I’m Joel. In this video, I’m going to tell you a short story in 5 minutes

that’s going to teach you 10 English idioms. So let’s go!

So, yesterday I had a lot of work. I was beat. I was just so tired, extremely tired. I was beat.

So I asked permission from my boss to see if I could get off early . So, he said “Yes.”

So, I got off early. You know, so I left the office at an earlier time than normal.

I got off at 4 o’clock I think. Yeah, I got off at 4 o’clock.

So I went home and I saw my brother.

So, my brother wanted to play a game.

So, we decided to play some cards and you know, we got pretty involved in the game.

And in the end, I won the game. I won, but he was really upset about it.

But, I won fair and square . I did not cheat. I did not do anything wrong.

I followed the rules.

I won fair and square. There was no problem with how I played.

So, I don’t know why he was so angry. He shouldn’t have been angry.

So I guess because he was so angry, he punched me right in the eye.

In fact, he gave me a black eye . So, I was black and blue all around here.

It looked horrible.

And so, he gave me a black eye. And so, I was really pissed off.

I was so pissed off because he punched me and gave me this black eye.

I was so mad at him because I won fair and square and he punched me.

So, I was so POed , you know the shortened form of pissed off.

I was so POed, I just decided to leave. So, I got up. I left. I got out of the house.

So I decided to go walk around the neighborhood to clear my head .

You know, I was pretty upset so I wanted to relax and

stop thinking about the game and my brother.

I just needed to clear my head.

So, as I was walking around the neighborhood, I saw an old friend of mine from college.

I was really surprised to see her.

So when I saw her I was like, “Whoa, Cindy!

Long time no see ” because it had been so long since I saw her.

So I said, “Long time no see.”

And she was happy to see me as well.

So we started talking and we caught up .

It was nice to catch up with her because I hadn’t seen her in a really long time.

So we were talking about what we’ve been doing the last several years.

She told me about her job, her family.

I told her about what I’m doing now, my job and my family and what not.

So, we caught up. I let her know what I have been doing and she did the same

and told me what she’s been doing.

So, it was a little bit cold outside.

So we decided to go grab a bite to eat at a restaurant and maybe get some coffee.

We were hungry, so we thought it’d be nice to get some food –

just a little bit of food and have a coffee, whatever.

So we decided to grab a bite to eat at this coffee shop that has some food as well.

And it was nice. So after we finished catching up, talking even more.

She was about to pay and I said “No, don’t worry about it.

It’s my treat” because I didn’t want her to have to pay

because it was my idea for us to go get coffee

and grab a bite to eat so I didn’t want her to have to pay.

So I paid and said, “ My treat . Don’t worry about it.”

And so we said good night and that was it.

So it was a long day at work but a nice evening I suppose,

after the fight with my brother.

All right, thanks for watching.

This is a new style I’m trying to do to help you guys learn some idioms and phrases.

So if you like this style of video, please give me a like, write a comment,

so I’ll know and so that way I can continue making more of them just like this.

So that way you can keep on learning 10 idioms in 5 minutes.

Idioms/phrases from this story (in order):

Beat = tired, exhausted

To get off (work) = To stop work for the day and leave

Fair and square = honestly, fairly, without cheating

A black eye = When the area around your eye is black because you were hit there

Pissed off (“POed” for short) = mad, angry

To clear your head/mind = To relax and stop thinking

Long time no see  = What you can say to someone when you see them after not seeing them for a long time

To catch up = To talk to someone and tell them what things you have done lately, especially when you haven’t seen them in a long time

To grab a bite (to eat) = To go eat some food – usually a light meal at a restaurant

Thanks you watching and have a great day.

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Teaching Idioms: It’s a Piece of Cake!

The English language is full of unique colloquial sayings and expressions known as idioms. Exploring their definition and characteristics is essential to teach idioms. To effectively teach idioms, let’s first explore their definition and characteristics.

Idioms, which are fun and colorful expressions, have meanings that differ from their literal interpretations. Helping children understand and learn idioms improves reading comprehension and vocabulary.

If someone tells you not to bite off more than you can chew , they are not cautioning you about the size of the morsel of food on your fork. And if something costs you an arm and a leg , it doesn’t mean you have to pay with an actual arm and a leg … thank goodness!

These sayings are called idioms and teaching idioms is a piece of cake! (See what I did there? ?)

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a saying that has a meaning that is different from its literal meaning. Idioms are fun expressions that are commonly used to describe things in a colorful way.

Here are a few more common idioms. Do your kids know what they mean?

• a penny for your thoughts
• you’re driving me up the wall
• go back to the drawing board
• the best thing since sliced bread
• a dime a dozen
• barking up the wrong tree
• when pigs fly

How Do We Teach Idioms?

Because idioms are common in English speech and literature, it’s important for children to become accustomed to hearing them. Learning and understanding idioms will help develop your child’s reading comprehension and build his vocabulary .

Now, let’s take a look at how we teach idioms in the All About Reading program.

See pigs fly with this idiom activity and story from All About Reading Level 3 .

AAR Level 3 introduces twelve idioms in an activity called “When Pigs Fly.” Many of these idioms are encountered in “Chasing Henry” and subsequent stories.

Download Level 3 Activity: “When Pigs Fly” Download Level 3 Story: “Chasing Henry”

Learn how the early bird catches the worm with this idiom activity and story from All About Reading Level 4 .

Children are exposed to more idioms in a Level 4 activity called “The Early Bird Catches the Worm” and in a short story called “The Elephant in the Room.”

Download Level 4 Activity: “The Early Bird Catches the Worm” Download Level 4 Story: “The Elephant in the Room”

60 Favorite Idioms

Many idioms have to do with animals (a little birdie told me), some have to do with color (tickled pink), and still others have to do with food (apple of my eye). Here’s a great collection of common idioms you can share with your children. Hang the list on the fridge or in your classroom, or discuss them over lunch–or even over a piece of cake !

Now that we’ve learned all about idioms and how to teach them, please share your favorite in the comments below!

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My daughter will love the activities, thank you!

You’re welcome, Megan. I hope your daughter gets a kick out of learning idioms! (See what I did there?)

Dagmar Moretti

Thank you, Dagmar!

We are going to talk about this today. Another great resource from All About Learning

Glad this will be helpful for your talk, Dawn! Thank you.

What a useful list! This has already sparked a few conversations with my kids.

Katie, I love that this has sparked conversations with your children! Great learning!

Jacqueline Smith

I love all the free downloads. I use this material to tutoring after school for grade 3 and 4. It helps to guide what to teach and what I could use next. This website is a Godsend!

You’re so welcome, Jacqueline! It’s great to hear the resources here are so helpful for you!

Amelia Pledger

Great article!

Thank you, Amelia!

This looks so fun! I look forward to playing this with my kids in the near future!

Looking at this to use in a classroom

Great, Becky! I hope your students have a lot of fun learning about idioms.

I’m excited for the next levels of AAR to teach idioms to my daughter!

Wonderful, Andrea! Thank you.

We are in AAR 4 now and have loved all the activities. Thank-You for the download. I plan to hang it on the fridge for reference.

You’re welcome, Dawn! Great to hear you have enjoyed the All About Reading activities!

So cute! My daughter already enjoys AAR, but she also loves all things pink and baking. This is lesson is sure to engage her! Thankful for the creativity that goes into all the lessons.

Thank you, Michelle! I hope your daughter has a lot of fun with this!

I LOVED teaching idioms to my literal-minded students when I was an SLP! These resources are great in my (retirement) role as a literacy coach.

Pam, I enjoyed teaching idioms too! I’m glad these resources will be helpful for you in your literacy coach position!

I looking forward to using these materials. I’ve been using AAR and AAS for almost 2 years.

Thank you, Deb!

Super cute! I think my kiddos would love this!

Thank you, Dana!

Some of these stories and activities would be great for those learning English as a second language. I lived in Armenia for two years and we had a weekly English club dedicated to idioms in the English language.

Such a great point, Sarah! Idioms are one of the hardest things to learn when learning a new language!

Spanish has one that literally translates to, “there is no bald donkey nor any pumpkin with hair.” It makes no sense at all until you learn it means you should only talk about things you know about. I can only imagine what “it’s a piece of cake” sounds like to someone learning English!

Morgan Ehman

we are only in level 1 right now but my kids use idioms just because they hear it from us.

Morgan, Oh, yes! Idioms are so integral to a language that they are picked up from early childhood! However, it is good to at least review idioms the years, as they are likely to run into some that will be new to them. My children were teens when they first came across “the tail wagging the dog,” and they had no idea what it meant.

Kimberly Snyder

I tutor students in both reading and spelling (in-person and online) using All About Learning. I love these downloads that are free. I use them to supplement lessons for my kindergarten through 7th grade students. This one “60 Idioms and Their Meanings” was a ‘hit’ with my older students who love to ask questions about the English language.

Thank you for letting us know that this activity was enjoyable for your students, Kimberly! Great to hear!

Jordan Lynch

I can’t wait to do this lesson with my boys soon! It looks so fun!

Thank you, Jordan! I hope your boys find it very fun!

Love this lesson on idioms!

Thank you, Whitney!

Brittney Huff

Oh! Idioms are one of our favorite parts to learn! This goes for all of our kids!

Brittney, I agree! Idioms are a lot of fun!

My 3rd grader will be very into using idioms with this method! Can’t wait to introduce these!

Sarah, You will have a lot of fun! Those mid-elementary years are a great to time dive into idioms!

Candice Bedingfield

Easily used by new homeschool family! Thanks

Great to hear this is a useful resource for new homeschool family! Thank you, Candice.

Denise Love

Loved the lessons- thank you for the download so we can continue learning them.

Wonderful, Denise! Enjoy learning about idioms!

Idioms can be hard for my kid to understand, but I already know he will be using idioms every chance he gets after this!

McKayla, Idioms can be confusing! I hope this helps your kids have fun and learn to understand a bunch of them.

Kaleena Marshall

I grew up hearing “keep your eyes peeled”, now I use it and think of my Grandma.

Kaleena, Don’t you love those grandma phrases that get passed down? My grandmother always used the word “irked” instead of annoyed (“That cat irked me with meowing all night!”), and now I love using the word too.

Angela Miner

I’m tickled pink that the apple of my eye won’t be forced to bite off more than she can chew when it comes to idioms. With the help of AAR, learning will be a piece of cake!

Thank you for the laugh, Angela!

AAS is such a great program!

My Mom’s favorite when I was growing up was “hold your horses.” Love this download! I want to print it and display it in my space I work with students.

I love the idea of hanging this up for display, Susie! Thank youi!

Elizabeth H.

This is a really fun download. My kids will get a kick out of this.

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