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Idiom of the day

Hold your tongue

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Meaning: This idiom is used to instruct someone to refrain from speaking or expressing their thoughts or opinions, especially when what they were about to say may be considered inappropriate, offensive, or unwise. It implies exercising restraint or self-control in verbal communication.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “When she started to criticize his work, he had to remind her to hold her tongue.”
  2. “Hold your tongue before you say something you might regret.”
  3. “He wanted to argue with his boss, but he knew it was best to hold his tongue in the meeting.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “hold your tongue” is literal, referring to the physical act of using one’s tongue to form words when speaking. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to admonish someone to refrain from speaking or expressing themselves verbally, particularly when their words may cause trouble or offense. It emphasizes the idea of exercising restraint or self-discipline in communication.

Hold your tongue
Idiom of the day

Pull someone’s leg

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe teasing, joking, or playing a lighthearted prank on someone by saying something that is not true or exaggerating a situation in a humorous manner. It implies deliberately misleading someone in a playful or good-natured way, often for amusement or entertainment.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I told him we were going to get free concert tickets, but I was just pulling his leg.”
  2. “She said she won the lottery, but we knew she was just pulling our legs.”
  3. “Don’t believe everything he says; he loves to pull people’s legs with his tall tales.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “pull someone’s leg” is uncertain, but it likely originated from the literal act of tripping or physically pulling someone’s leg as a prank or joke. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of teasing or joking with someone by saying something untrue or exaggerating a situation for humorous effect. It emphasizes the playful and light-hearted nature of the deception.

Pull someone’s leg
Idiom of the day

Lend a hand

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of offering assistance or help to someone in need. It implies extending a helping gesture or offering support to alleviate someone’s burden or help them accomplish a task or objective.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “When my car broke down, my neighbor was quick to lend a hand and help me fix it.”
  2. “The volunteers are always willing to lend a hand at the local soup kitchen.”
  3. “If you need help moving, don’t hesitate to ask; I’m happy to lend a hand.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “lend a hand” is literal, referring to the physical act of offering one’s hand to assist or support someone else. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of offering help or assistance to someone in need. It emphasizes the idea of generosity, cooperation, and solidarity in providing support to others.

Lend a hand
Idiom of the day

Keep an eye on

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of closely monitoring or watching someone or something, often to ensure their safety, security, or well-being. It implies paying attention to a person, situation, or object with vigilance or care, typically to prevent problems or issues from arising.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Could you keep an eye on the kids while I run to the store?”
  2. “The security guard kept an eye on the surveillance cameras to monitor the premises.”
  3. “She asked her neighbor to keep an eye on her house while she was away on vacation.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “keep an eye on” is literal, referring to the physical act of using one’s eyes to observe or watch something closely. Over time, the phrase evolved into a common expression used to describe the act of vigilantly monitoring or watching over someone or something. It emphasizes the idea of attentiveness and watchfulness in ensuring the safety, security, or well-being of a person or object.

Keep an eye on
Idiom of the day

Think on your feet

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the ability to think quickly and make decisions or solve problems effectively in a fast-paced or unexpected situation. It implies being able to respond promptly and adaptively to changing circumstances, often without advance preparation or deliberation.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “In customer service, it’s important to think on your feet and provide solutions to problems on the spot.”
  2. “During the debate, she showed her ability to think on her feet by responding to unexpected questions with confidence.”
  3. “The team had to think on their feet when the project timeline suddenly changed due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “think on your feet” is uncertain, but it likely stems from the literal action of being able to make quick decisions or take action while standing or moving, such as in a dynamic or fast-paced situation. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the cognitive ability to think quickly and react effectively to challenges or opportunities as they arise. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating unpredictable circumstances.

Think on your feet
YouTube Videos

Don’t Spill the Beans! Master These 4 Idioms in Seconds!

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Feeling stressed, building castles in the air, or just need a laugh? This video is your one-stop shop for 4 FUNNY idioms that will make your English more interesting (and maybe even a little bit hilarious!). In under a minute, learn how to express yourself with idioms like “between a rock and a hard place” and “spill the beans”.

Plus, discover how to describe relief with “a weight lifted off your shoulders”. Click play and learn English the FUN way!

P.S. Leave a comment below with your favorite funny idiom and we might feature it in our next video!

P.P.S. Want more fun learning resources? Subscribe for regular doses of English magic! 🪄 #idioms #learnenglish #funny #englishvocabulary #funlearning #languagechallenge

Idiom of the day

Be in it for the long haul

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a commitment or dedication to persevere and endure through a prolonged or extended period of time, often despite challenges, difficulties, or setbacks. It implies being fully committed to a goal, relationship, project, or endeavor for the foreseeable future.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Starting a business requires dedication and being in it for the long haul; success doesn’t happen overnight.”
  2. “They’ve been married for 30 years; they’re definitely in it for the long haul.”
  3. “He’s training for a marathon, and he’s committed to being in it for the long haul, despite the physical challenges.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “in it for the long haul” is related to the literal sense of long-distance transportation, such as hauling goods over a significant distance. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe a commitment to enduring over an extended period of time. It emphasizes the idea of persistence, perseverance, and dedication to achieving long-term goals or maintaining long-lasting relationships.

Be in it for the long haul
Idiom of the day

A third wheel

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is an extra, unnecessary, or unwanted person in a social situation involving two people who are romantically involved or closely connected. It implies feeling excluded or out of place, as if one is intruding on a private or intimate interaction between others.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I felt like a third wheel when my friends started talking about their inside jokes.”
  2. “I didn’t realize it was a date; I felt like a third wheel the whole time.”
  3. “She didn’t invite me to the movie night; I guess she didn’t want a third wheel.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “a third wheel” is literal, referring to the additional wheel on a tricycle or bicycle that serves as a stabilizer but is not necessary for the vehicle to function. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe someone who feels unnecessary or out of place in a social setting involving two other individuals. It emphasizes the feeling of being extraneous or unwanted in a situation where one is not an integral part.

A third wheel
Idiom of the day

Give someone the cold shoulder

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of deliberately ignoring or treating someone with aloofness, indifference, or hostility, often as a way of expressing disapproval, rejection, or displeasure towards them. It implies refusing to engage or interact with someone, typically in a manner that is unfriendly or dismissive.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for days.”
  2. “He tried to start a conversation with her, but she gave him the cold shoulder and walked away.”
  3. “They invited her to the party, but she gave them the cold shoulder and didn’t even acknowledge their presence.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “give someone the cold shoulder” is uncertain, but it likely originated from literal actions of serving a cold shoulder of meat to an unwanted guest or disregarding someone’s request for warmth or hospitality. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of snubbing or rejecting someone socially or emotionally. It emphasizes the idea of deliberately ignoring or excluding someone from social interaction as a means of expressing disapproval or disdain

give someone the cold shoulder
Idiom of the day

Have a heart of gold

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is exceptionally kind, generous, and compassionate. It implies possessing a genuinely good and caring nature, often characterized by a willingness to help others and show empathy or sympathy towards those in need.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Despite facing hardship herself, she always puts others first; she truly has a heart of gold.”
  2. “He’s known for his acts of kindness and generosity; he has a heart of gold.”
  3. “She volunteers at the homeless shelter every weekend; she’s got a heart of gold.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “have a heart of gold” is uncertain, but it likely stems from the metaphorical association of the heart with emotions such as kindness, compassion, and generosity, and the precious metal gold, which symbolizes value, purity, and worth. Over time, the phrase evolved into a common idiom used to describe individuals who exhibit exceptional goodness and benevolence towards others. It emphasizes the inherent goodness and kindness of the person being described.

Have a heart of gold