English Rain Collection

Exploring the Origins and Meanings of 5 Common Idioms

Rain is a common weather occurrence in many parts of the world, and English speakers have developed a variety of idioms to describe its various forms and effects. In this article, we'll explore the origins and meanings of 5 popular English idioms related to rain: raining cats and dogs, the calm before the storm, take a rain check, a storm is brewing, and saving for a rainy day.

Raining Cats and Dogs

The idiom "raining cats and dogs" means to rain heavily, and is one of the most well-known weather-related idioms in English. The origin of this expression is uncertain, but there are a few theories. One is that in the past, animals such as cats and dogs would seek shelter in thatched roofs, and when it rained heavily, they would fall out of the roof and appear to be raining from the sky. Another theory is that the phrase may have originated from the old English word "catadupe," meaning a waterfall.

English Happiness Collection

Feeling Great: 5 English Phrases to Use When You're On Top of the World

When you're feeling happy, there are many ways to describe that feeling in English. Here are five idioms that will let everyone know you're feeling great.

On Cloud Nine

When you're "on cloud nine", you're feeling ecstatic and overjoyed. This phrase likely comes from the idea that there are nine levels of clouds in the sky, and being on the highest one would be the ultimate feeling of happiness. So, the next time you're feeling great, tell your friends you're on cloud nine and watch their reactions!

Walk on Air

If you're "walking on air" you're feeling like you're floating or flying. This phrase can be used to describe a feeling of lightness or a sense of weightlessness. So, if you're feeling great after a big win or accomplishment, tell everyone you're walking on air and see if they can keep up with your high spirits!

English Hot Summer Collection

Embrace the Heat with These Cool Phrases

If you've ever spent a summer in Britain, you'll know that the weather can be quite unpredictable. One day it's sunny and hot, the next it's raining cats and dogs. But no matter what the weather is like, the Brits have a way of describing it that's both funny and unique. Here are five British idioms that will help you navigate the heat waves, muggy days, and boiling temperatures of a British summer.

An Indian Summer

An "Indian summer" is a period of unseasonably warm weather that occurs in the autumn months. It does not mean that the weather is actually Indian or that there are any curry related phenomena involved. So, if you hear someone say "It's like an Indian summer out there", it means that it's unusually hot for that time of year.

English Family Collection

Welcome to the world of British idioms! 

These expressions are used by English speakers to convey a particular message or meaning that can be confusing to those who are unfamiliar with them. But fear not, we've got you covered! Here are five British idioms that will leave you in stitches.

Pop the Question

When someone "pops the question," they are not literally popping anything. Instead, they are asking someone to marry them. So, if you hear someone say "He popped the question to her," it means he asked her to marry him. Just don't expect any fireworks.

Big Brother

"Big Brother" refers to a person or an organization that is always watching and controlling others. The phrase comes from George Orwell's book "1984," where the government is portrayed as a totalitarian regime that monitors every move of its citizens. So, the next time your boss is watching you like a hawk, you can tell your colleagues that "Big Brother is watching."

You Are What You Eat Collection

From Scratch to Bigger Fish: Unpacking the Food-related Expressions We Use

Welcome to our You Are What You Eat collection! Here, we've compiled a list of food-related idioms and sayings that not only reflect our relationship with food but also offer some helpful advice. So, let's dig in!

First of all, we have Eat Like a Horse. Now, we're not suggesting you start chowing down on hay and oats, but this saying is meant to convey that someone has a hearty appetite. And if that's you, don't worry! It just means you need to make sure you're getting enough of the right kinds of food to fuel your body.

Next, we have Bite off More Than You Can Chew. This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you try to take on more than you can handle, you might end up feeling overwhelmed and defeated. So, take things one bite at a time and tackle what you can handle.

Silver Spoon Collection

Five Idioms That Are Related to Family and Status

Welcome to our blog, where we take a light hearted look at some of the most common idioms in the English language. Today, we're exploring five idioms that are related to family and status.

Blue Blood is a term that refers to someone who comes from a noble or aristocratic family. It's said that this term originated because the veins of people with fair skin and a high social status were more visible, giving the appearance of blue blood. But let's be real here, if you have blue blood, you might want to see a doctor.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Black Sheep which refers to the family member who doesn't quite fit in. You know, the one who listens to heavy metal music and dyes their hair purple. But hey, every family needs a black sheep, right?

Piece of Cake Collection

Mastering the Most Common Idioms in English

Idiomatic expressions can be a real head scratcher for English language learners. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll explore some of the most common idiomatic expressions in the Piece of Cake Collection.

Piece of Cake: This expression means something is very easy to do. It's like eating a slice of cake...or a whole cake, we don't judge. "I finished my homework in five minutes, it was a piece of cake!"

Bread and Butter: This expression refers to a person's main source of income or livelihood. "Teaching is her bread and butter, but she wishes she could be a full time TikTok star."

To Go Bananas: This expression means to become very excited or angry. "He went bananas when he saw the sale at the shoe store. We had to peel him off the walls!"

English Icy Collection

As the winter season arrives, so does the risk of icy conditions.

 

The English language has a variety of phrases that describe these situations, as well as others that have metaphorical meanings. In this blog post, we explore some of the most common Icy phrases in the English language. 

One of the most well known phrases is To Break the Ice. This means to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in social situations that can often be awkward or tense. For example, if you're at a party and don't know anyone, you might try to break the ice by introducing yourself and asking questions. 

Another phrase related to ice is Black ice. This refers to a thin and transparent layer of ice that is difficult to see on roads or paths. Black ice can be extremely dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, as it makes the surface slippery and difficult to navigate. 

English Winter Collections

English Winter Weather Conditions

Winter is a season that brings with it unique experiences and feelings. From cosy nights by the fire to chilly walks in the snow, there are countless ways to enjoy the colder months. As we embrace the season, it's worth exploring the different English phrases associated with winter.

One of the most popular winter phrases is To Chill Out, which means to relax or take it easy. It's a perfect phrase to use during the winter when the weather can sometimes feel overwhelming. Another common phrase is To Wrap Up Warm, which refers to bundling up in warm clothing to stay comfortable in the cold.

If you've ever found yourself buried under a pile of work during the winter, you may have used the phrase Snowed Under. It means to be overwhelmed or buried in work or responsibilities. Another popular phrase is Cold Snap, which refers to a sudden and brief drop in temperature.