The English Corner

From A to Z – Idioms and slang Part VI

Redaccion

8 May, 2014
12:03 am

Some uncommon expressions in English with common meanings and some examples:

1)Inside out: with the inner port on the outside and the outer port on the inside, OR when you are very knowledgeable about something. Why are you wearing your tee shirt inside out?

– I know this book inside out; I’ve read it about 50 times.

2)Jump the gun: do somethingbefore it’s time to do it.

– «How did Marsha know about the party? It was supposed to be asurprise.» B: «Chuck jumped the gun. Without thinking, he said, I’mbringing the cake to your party; I hope you like it!»

3)Keep one’s fingers crossed: hopefor the best.

– A: «How did you do on the test?» B: «I think i passed, but I won’t knowuntil tomorrow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!”

4)To kid (verb): playfully say something that isn’t true.

– Iwas kidding when I said f was 27. I’m actually 26.

5)A know-(it)-all: someone who acts as if he/she knows everything—asif no one can tell him/her anything that he/she doesn’t already know.

– «Don’t try to make any suggestions to Bob. He’s a know-(it)-all and won’t pay attention to anything you say.»

6)A let-down: a disappointment; something that’s very disappointing

– «It must’ve been quite a let-down not to be chosen for that job. I knowyou really hoped you would get it.»

7)Let sleeping dogs lie: Don’t cause problems by doing somethingwhen it isn’t necessary.

– I know that what Julie said made you angry, but let sleeping dogs lie. Ifyou say or do anything, you’ll only make things worse.»

8)Live and let live: don’t unnecessarily make things difficult; do as youwish and let others do as they wish.

– I’m not going to criticize Alice’s family just because their habits are alittle strange. My motto is ‘live and let live.

9) To have it large: to go out with friends in the city, get drunk and have fun.

– I’m going to have it large tonight to celebrate my graduation.

10) Nosh: snack.

– There’s plenty in the refrigerator if you want something to nosh on.»

1)Inside out: with the inner port on the outside and the outer port on the inside, OR when you are very knowledgeable about something. Why are you wearing your tee shirt inside out?

– I know this book inside out; I’ve read it about 50 times.

2)Jump the gun: do somethingbefore it’s time to do it.

– «How did Marsha know about the party? It was supposed to be asurprise.» B: «Chuck jumped the gun. Without thinking, he said, I’mbringing the cake to your party; I hope you like it!»

3)Keep one’s fingers crossed: hopefor the best.

– A: «How did you do on the test?» B: «I think i passed, but I won’t knowuntil tomorrow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!”

4)To kid (verb): playfully say something that isn’t true.

– Iwas kidding when I said f was 27. I’m actually 26.

5)A know-(it)-all: someone who acts as if he/she knows everything—asif no one can tell him/her anything that he/she doesn’t already know.

– «Don’t try to make any suggestions to Bob. He’s a know-(it)-all and won’t pay attention to anything you say.»

6)A let-down: a disappointment; something that’s very disappointing

– «It must’ve been quite a let-down not to be chosen for that job. I knowyou really hoped you would get it.»

7)Let sleeping dogs lie: Don’t cause problems by doing somethingwhen it isn’t necessary.

– I know that what Julie said made you angry, but let sleeping dogs lie. Ifyou say or do anything, you’ll only make things worse.»

8)Live and let live: don’t unnecessarily make things difficult; do as youwish and let others do as they wish.

– I’m not going to criticize Alice’s family just because their habits are alittle strange. My motto is ‘live and let live.