Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions that are either grammatically unusual, as in, “Long time, no see!”, or their meaning cannot be taken literally, as in, “It’s raining cats and dogs!” This expression does not mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky, but it is a metaphorical expression (word picture) that means […]
Write down as to remember; or, remember. For Example: I’ll make a note of the fact that the tires are low. Shakespeare used this term in a slightly different form in The Two Gentlemen of Verona(2:7): “Go with me to my chamber to take a note of what I stand in need.”
This is an especially humorous English phrase because of the word “bark” being used in the same phrase with the word “tree.” While “bark” is a word for the outer layer of a tree, the “barking” here actually refers to the action of a dog barking. When a dog chases a squirrel or similar animal […]
This is an English phrase that is used to say that only the slightest movement is necessary to start a process or activity. It is used to indicate that a person needs very little motivation to cause them to do something. For Example: “When I win the lottery I will happily travel the world at […]
This common phrase has basically the same meaning as the previous phrase. It refers to a task or activity being as easy to accomplish as enjoying a piece of pie. For Example: “Algebra is as easy as pie.”
This is a common phrase that is used to say that a task is relatively easy. When someone is doing something that is as easy as enjoying a piece of cake, it is really easy. This is often used as a boastful exaggeration when a person is trying to make it appear that something challenging […]
This is a common phrase that is spoken to ask someone who is in a hurry to slow down or stop for a moment. It is a reference to a person driving a vehicle that is pulled by horses. “Holding” the horses means to stop the horses and wait. For Example: “Hold your horses! Grab […]
The phrase does not literally mean that a person’s eyes are actually bigger than the person’s stomach. It basically means that a person has ordered more food than they are actually able to reasonably eat. For Example: The phrase is common with children because they may often order more food than they can eat at […]
It is usually used when talking about quitting a project or situation that seems too challenging to complete. For Example: It can be used when talking about a person: “He is jumping ship on the project.” This would basically mean the person is quitting the project. It can also be used in reference to a […]
This is a phrase that is conceptually related to driving a vehicle. The phrase is essentially saying to avoid a certain person, place, or thing. This is similar to avoiding obstacles when using the steering wheel while driving a car. For Example: The phrase can be used as a suggestion: “He recommends that people steer […]