Take a look at these idioms. They all use clothing vocabulary.
Here are some idioms that you will only here in the UK:
Usually used after a set of simple instructions and has the same meaning as the phrase "and there you have it". It shows that something will be successful:
'To access the site, simply enter your password here and Bob's your uncle..'
When something's very cheap, it is as cheap as chips:
'These shoes are only ten pounds a pair - cheap as chips!'
When something is very difficult to find it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Especially because the area you have to search is too large and because of everything around it. We also say trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Time to face up (to bravely confront something) and take on these idioms face to face (together in the same place). Do it now so that you don't lose face (to do something which makes other people stop respecting you).
Something that you find insulting or that disappoints you is a slap in the face:
meaning: not being a winning or successful effort, as if not good enough to earn a cigar as a prize
This term is used when one almost meets with success, but not quite, therefore getting nothing in return. The expression started in the US in the twentieth century, and is said to originate from the practice of fairground stalls giving out cigars as prizes. This phrase would be said to those who failed to win a prize
I know that English students enjoy learning new idioms. I'm sure that over the years you have come across many of them. Today we're going to review your knowledge and hopefully teach you some new ones.
The theme of today's lesson is colour idioms (or color idioms, if you prefer American) spelling. There are lot's of examples of colour idioms in English and here are ten of them. All native English speakers will be familiar with these - are you?
When you refer to something as 'the bee's knees', it means that it is of excellent or very high quality.
The origin of this expression is largely unknown, although there are a number of theories. Some people believe that it is a reference to the fact that bees carry pollen in sacks on their knees, and that the expression therefore alludes to this concentrated goodness. Others maintain that the saying is just a corruption of the word 'business'.
Read the sentences and decide if the idioms describe feeling good or bad:
1 - Not so long ago I was down in the dumps. I lost my job. However, last week I jumped for joy when I was offered a new job.
As you know, learning English is more than just learning vocabulary words and grammar rules. To really know the language, you have to know the culture. American football is such a big part of American culture that the vocabulary from this great sport (please hold the chuckles) has seeped into everyday use.
Here are some idioms which all use the word 'house':
An organisation or a plan that is very weak and can easily be destroyed:
'Although the organisation looked solid it turned out to be a house of cards.'
If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly:
'My neighbour and I got on like a house on fire from the first time we met.'
