Idiom of the Week: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

執筆者 | 2014年02月26日 | Idioms

“I don’t know what to do. If I take my dream job, I’ll have to leave my boyfriend and move to the city. But if I stay here with him, I have to keep doing this lousy job.” “Sounds like you’re really stuck between a rock and a hard place.” A rock and a hard place are...

Idiom of the Week: Hit the Nail on the Head

執筆者 | 2014年02月19日 | Idioms

“You really hit the nail on the head when you suggested we get another litter box. We haven’t had any problems with the cats since!” The head of a nail is the flat part on the top. It is designed to be hit with a hammer. “Hitting the nail on the head” means getting...

Idiom of the Week: Go Dutch

執筆者 | 2014年02月12日 | Idioms

“I want to take you to this new café I found, but I’m short on money this month. Do you mind if we go Dutch?” When two people go on a date, it is common for one person to pay for both of them. Traditionally the man pays for the woman’s meal as well as his own....

Idiom of the Week: Knock Their Socks Off

執筆者 | 2014年02月05日 | Idioms

“I don’t know if I’m ready to play the violin in front of an audience!” “Don’t worry. You’ll knock their socks off!” Knocking someone’s socks off means to impress them by doing a great job. You can also say you “blew them away”. A surprisingly good performance is...

Idiom of the Week: It Has Its Moments

執筆者 | 2014年01月29日 | Idioms

“The film is pretty boring overall, but it has its moments. The special effects on the final battle are great, and the scene between the protagonist and her father is very touching.” Something that “has its moments” may be difficult or bad most of the time, but there...

Idiom of the Week: Monkey Business

執筆者 | 2014年01月22日 | Idioms

“Now be on your best behavior while we’re gone. No monkey business!” “Monkey business” is trouble. Shenanigans. Mischief. It is usually caused by children or irresponsible teenagers, but also by irresponsible adults. It sounds like maybe monkeys cause trouble for pay,...