Idiom- this is a stable phrase peculiar only to a given language, the meaning of which is not determined by the meaning of the words included in it taken separately. Due to the fact that the idiom cannot be translated literally, there are often difficulties in translation and understanding.
Imagine you are in an American bar. Here everyone is talking loudly and sharing their life events.
You hear a guy talking about hitting books.
... the other says how he twists the other's hand (twisting someone's hand).
... and someone was completely stabbed in the back (stabbed in the back).
What do you think is going on here?!
You scratched your head and wondered why I can't make out anything if I know all the words?!
The answer is simple - you got acquainted with English idioms. Here, you will learn the best idioms in English with translation.
Why learn idioms in English?
You learned English grammar, all the rules, hundreds of exceptions. Even an American student can envy your vocabulary. You probably have certificates that decorate your wall and speak of good English.
What you learn from a textbook and from real life is different. Learning everyday idioms in English will help you feel comfortable in any life situation: in a cafe, cinema, park or on a date.
To understand idioms, you do not need to translate them verbatim. To help you get familiar with English idioms, we have prepared the best English idioms with translation.
The best idioms in English with translation
A popular idiom among American students who have a lot of lessons.
Translation: to study.
Example:"Sorry, but I can't watch the football game with you tonight. I have to hit the books. I have an important exam next week!" - "Sorry, but I can't watch football with you tonight. I must study. I have an important exam next week."
When literally translated, it turns out that you want to hit the bag, but in fact the meaning is completely different.
Translation: go to sleep when you are very tired.
Example: "It's time for me to hit the sack, I'm so tired" - "It's time for me to go to bed, I'm very tired."
(To) Twist someone's arm 
If you take this idiom literally, you can twist a person's arm and hurt him. Be careful!
Translation: convince someone.
Example:
A-"Jake, you should really go to this party tonight!"
B-"You know, I can't! I have to hit the books!"
A-"C'mon, you have to come! It's going to be so much fun and there are going to be lots of girls there. Please come?" B-“Oh, all right, you have twisted my arm. I will come."
A-"Jake, you should go to that party tonight!"
B-"You know I can't! I need to study!”
A-“Come on, you have to go! It will be a lot of fun and there will be a lot of girls. Let's go, please!"
B-“Okay, you convinced me! I will go!"
(To) be up in the air 
With a literal translation, you might think that something is in the sky. But, in fact, we use this idiom when we want to talk about plans or things that are incomprehensible and completely unknown.
Translation: incomprehensible, obscure
Example:
A:"Ruby, have you set the date for the wedding yet?"
B: No! Things are still up in the air."
A:“Ruby, have you decided on a wedding date yet?”
B:"Not! Everything is still unclear.”
(To) Stab someone in the back 
If you understand this idiom literally, then you can get into the police, since the idiom literally translates as, stab in the back with a knife. Therefore, be careful! In fact, the idiom is used when we talk about people who have betrayed a trust.
Translation: betray someone
Example:
A:"Did you hear Sarah stabbed Kate in the back last week?"
B: No! how? They were best friends!”
A:"Did you hear Sarah betrayed Kate last week?"
B:"Not! How? They were best friends."
(To) Lose your touch 
This idiom does not mean to lose the ability to touch, but quite the opposite. The real meaning is that you lose your former grip or talent for something.
Translation: lose one's grip, lose one's skill
Example:
A:"I don't understand why girls don't want to speak to me?!"
B:"It looks like you've lost your touch with the ladies."
A:“I don’t understand why girls don’t want to start a conversation with me?!”
B:"You seem to have lost your former grip."
Translation: wait patiently
Example:
A:"Do you have any idea when the exam results are going to come out?"
B:“Who knows John, sometimes they come out quickly, but it could take some time. You are just going to have to sit tight.”
A:"Do you know when the exam results will be?"
B:"Who knows!? Sometimes they arrive quickly, but it may take a while. You'll just have to wait patiently."
Translation: chip in, contribute one's share, get down to business together
Example:
A:"What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?"
B:"I don't know. I don't have much money. Maybe we can pitch in and buy her something great.”
A:"What are you going to buy Sally for her birthday?"
B:"I don't know. I don't have much money. Maybe we can all chip in and buy something nice.”
(To) Go cold turkey
This idiom appeared in the 20th century and is used when people abuse something harmful, such as alcohol or smoking, then their complexion resembles the color of a chilled turkey.
Translation: quit bad habit
Example:
A: Shall I bring you a glass if wine?
B: No, thank you. I went cold turkey last month"
A:"Shall I get you a glass of wine?"
B:"No thanks. I stopped drinking."
Translation: be responsible for one's actions
Example:
A:"I can't understand why I failed math."
B:"You didn't study hard, so you're going to face the music, but you can take the class again next semester."
A:"I don't understand why I failed math."
B:“You didn’t study hard, so you will have to answer for it. But you can go to class again next semester.”
Let's continue the topic of idioms and talk about the features of their translation. Then I will be offered, along with a translation into Russian, popular idioms of the English language, which are useful to know in our modern life. I hope they will undoubtedly add “colors” to your English speech.
Idioms are a feature of every language, they represent a very interesting category of stable word combinations that often have semantic meanings that are completely different from the meanings of the words of which they are composed.
One and the same thought in different languages is expressed through a verbal formulation chosen according to the "ideas" that have developed among the people who speak this language. And although each nation has its own approach to understanding those life situations that any person encounters, regardless of where he lives; nevertheless, some semantic commonality of reasoning is found among all peoples.
The search for semantic commonality in translation
I lead to the fact that translations of idioms, in essence, as well as translations of proverbs, sayings from one language to another, often represent only finding expressions that are close in meaning.
For example, English: what an idiom:
- as good as gold - Russian translation: "like silk."
There is only one meaning, the behavior of someone is implied, that is: obedient, complaisant. But the comparisons are completely different.
I don’t think if we say the following words to a Russian speaker, he will correctly interpret the meaning:
“Your grandson has been as good as gold all week.
Say, guess? So here's another example for you:
- Go against the grain (literal translation: to go against the grain) - Russian equivalent: to contradict someone's principles.
I don’t think it’s so easy to guess what the true meaning of this idiom is by literally translating it.
- You have to refuse, if this idea goes against the grain. “You must refuse if this idea is contrary to your principles.
There are some idioms in English that have no analogues in Russian, and when translating them, we simply indicate their semantic meanings:
At sixes and sevens - “sixes”, “sevens”, can you imagine what that could mean? And that means being confused; when we talk about things, we mean it: to be in a mess.
Example:
- I was at sixes and sevens after his words. — I was confused after his words.
Of course, there are a number of English idioms that we translate literally and get Russian idioms. That is, there are identical idiomatic expressions in both languages. If they were all like this, it would undoubtedly simplify the task of translating them, but it is not.
Here are examples of completely similar idioms in English and Russian:
- Аt the ends of the earth - on the edge of the earth
- Heel of Achilles - Achilles' heel
- Read somebody's mind - read other people's thoughts
- Follow in somebody's footsteps - follow in the footsteps of someone
- Fortune smiles on / upon somebody - fate smiles at someone
Maybe we can do without them?
You can say: why do I need to know some proverbs, if the minimum vocabulary and the rules that I know are enough for me to communicate. But believe me, to speak today without such words and phrases is to deaden the language, to make it uninteresting. It's like watching a black and white movie instead of a color one. After all, it is not for nothing that all these local stylistic features of colloquial speech are called the color of the language.
Imagine another case. You went to visit somewhere in America: maybe according to the school curriculum, maybe wanting to earn money, in general, the reasons can be different. At the same time, you seem to be not a “teapot” in English, and even a dictionary with colloquial slang is with you. But after a while, you are surprised to see that you do not understand half of what they say to you, you cannot participate in the dialogues. People around you are laughing at jokes, and you can only smile forcedly. Do you think that someone would like to communicate with you?
And the reason is not that you do not know the language, but that your ear “stumbles” over a few unfamiliar words every time. I repeat, just a few, but this sometimes makes the whole conversation incomprehensible. Idioms in English speech are not used so much in everyday life, although there are many idioms themselves. Therefore, I think it is not so difficult to remember them in order to make full participants in your speech.
To better remember an idiom, you need to understand its meaning, which often seems ridiculous. To understand the meaning, it is good to know the history of certain idioms. Remember the story of the cat rain? By the way, there is another version (village) of its origin, in addition to scary stories about the cesspool. In the old days, houses in the villages were covered with straw, and this attracted local cats and kitties: they preferred to sleep on soft, fragrant beds. And frequent in
In England, heavy rains washed away unfortunate cats right on the heads of citizens.
And here is the idiom "To face the music" about retribution for one's actions, we also talked about it last time. Oddly enough, she has a "military" origin. British soldiers were judged for misdeeds on the parade ground, and they, listening to the verdict, faced not only the formation, but also the orchestra, which beat out the drum roll. Sad, in short, was this music.
By the way, this English idiom is very consonant with our relatively recently appeared turnover “face about the table”, and it is similar in meaning.
English idioms (50 words)
It's time to start learning new idioms. The following 50 idioms, once learned, will surely make your English more expressive!
- As easy as pie- lighter than lung
- The acid test- serious challenge
- All sixes- it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter
- around the clock– around the clock
- All of a sudden- like a bolt from the blue
- Another cup of tea- a completely different matter
- have been around- to see a lot, not to be born yesterday
- Buy some time- to delay the decisive moment, to gain time
- The battle of books- scholarly controversy
- Behind closed doors behind closed doors, secretly
- To call somebody/something in/into question- question
- To carry the can- to be extreme, to be guilty without guilt
- Call the shots- be your own master, dispose of (everything)
- Clean as a whistle- clear as glass
- Have a close call- be on the verge of death, tragedy
- Crunch time- very stressful time
- cry wolf- false alarm
- deep six- get rid of something
- A dirty look- angry, displeased look
- Done with mirrors- swindle
- Down at heel- shabby; sloppily dressed
- Draw the line- put a dot
- driving force- driving force; motive
- eye candy- pleasing to the eye
- Have / get egg on one's face - disgrace
- Eat one's words- take back the words
- Eat crow- repent, blame
- A eager beaver hard worker, overzealous worker, zealous worker
- A fair field and no favor- game / fight on equal terms
- For old times sake- in memory of past years, in the name of the past, out of old friendship
- From cradle to grave- from birth to death; all life
- Friends in high places- connections, profitable acquaintances
- Full as a trick- eat to the bone
- Foul play- unfair game
- Have the gift of the gab- have a good tongue, be able to speak eloquently
- green old age- vigorous old age, blooming old age
- half-and-half- so-so; neither this nor that
- Hobson's choice- choice without choice; unopposed choice
- An Indian summer- Indian summer, golden autumn
- in hot water- in trouble, in a difficult situation
- Ill at ease- not at ease
- In no time- in the blink of an eye
- jump for joy- jump for joy
- To keep to oneself- avoid people, be unsociable
- lame duck- unfortunate, unlucky
- Live it up- good fun
- Newblood- fresh forces, help
- Pie in the sky- empty dreams
- strong language- strong words
- take heart- do not lose heart, take courage, gather courage, be bolder
Good luck! And see you again and share the article with your friends.
How often did you come across expressions in English that simply did not make sense when translated into Russian? For example, when you hear the phrase "horse around", the first thing you think of is a horse. In fact, it was about fooling around.
And there are many such examples. Such expressions are called idioms, and the English use them quite often. By memorizing the most common of them, you can make your speech brighter and livelier.
So, let's look at some idioms that are most often found in English speech. Let's break them down by topic.
Weather
"When two English people meet, they first talk about the weather." This saying of Samuel Johnson, expressed several centuries ago, is relevant to this day. It is not surprising that a large part of the idioms is related to the topic of weather.
- rain cats and dogs- pour like a bucket
- face like thunder- darker than clouds
- storm in a teacup- a storm in a teacup, much ado about nothing
- chase rainbows- chase the unattainable
- lightning fast- lightning fast
- have one's head in the clouds- soar in the clouds
- be snowed under- be overworked
- be under the weather- to be unwell
- twist in the wind- languish
- under a cloud- under suspicion
- as right as rain- All right
- for a rainy day- for a rainy day
- bolt from the blue- like snow on the head
- throw caution to the winds- stop worrying
- weather the storm- survive hard times
- sail close to the wind- walk along the edge of the abyss
- on cloud nine- on the seventh heaven
- shoot the breeze- talk about nonsense
- in a fog- confused
- go down a storm- succeed
Money
An equally popular topic of interest is, of course, money. We offer you to get acquainted with the most common "money" idioms.
- a piece of the pie- share
- grave train- Easy Money
- bring home the bacon- to provide for the family, to succeed
- make ends meet- make ends meet
- hit the jackpot- break the jackpot
- be in the red- to be in debt
- make a bundle- make a lot of money
- bet your bottom dollar- guarantee something
- look like a million dollars- look your best
- cost a pretty penny- cost a lot of money
- go Dutch- pay your share
- nest eggs- stash
- golden handshake- big severance pay
- cheapskate- miser
- be flush with money- bathe in luxury
- at all costs- at any price
- live beyond one's means- living beyond one's means
- break the bank- spend a lot
- cost a fortune- cost a fortune
- on the breadline- below the poverty line
Time
"Time is money". This famous saying can often be heard among the English. It confirms their extremely careful attitude to time. No wonder many idioms are dedicated to him.
- once in a blue moon- rarely
- behind the times- obsolete
- time flies- time flies
- the big time- big success
- around the clock- around the clock
- dwell on the past- live in the past
- have the time of one's life- have a great time
- crack of dawn- with sunrise
- run out of time- dry up
- in the blink of an eye- in an instant
- like clockwork- without interruption
- for donkey's years- from time immemorial
- pressed for time- be in a hurry
- give someone a hard time- scold
- be ahead of time- get ahead
- to have a whale of a time- have a great time
- go with the times- to keep up with the times
- on the spur of the moment- with a swoop
- broad daylight- in broad daylight
- catch unawares- be taken by surprise
Animals
There is hardly a people more loving pets than the British. Therefore, animals take pride of place not only in the homes of the British, but also in speech.
- monkey business- meaningless work
- smell a rat- smell bad
- top dog- winner
- cash cow- source of funds, cash cow
- eager beaver- hard worker, business sausage
- black sheep- White crow
- elephant in the room- I didn’t notice the elephant, it’s obvious
- when pigs fly- when the cancer hangs down
- like a cat on a hot tin roof- be out of your element
- in the dog house- out of favor
- be as busy as a bee- work like a bee
- let a cat out of the bag- let the cat out of the bag
- horse around- to be fooling around
- as poor as a church mouse- poor as a church mouse, penniless
- lion's share of something- the lion's share
- eat like a horse- have a voracious appetite
- have a tiger by the tail- defy fate
- hear it straight from the horse's mouth- from the source
- butterflies in the stomach- neither alive nor dead
- like water off a duck's back- like water off a duck's back
| Original | Translation |
| - Mark, who do you think we should give some bonus for the previous month? - I don't know. Who are the main candidates? - So, there are Lucy, Michael and Judy. - I think that Lucy works a lot, but she is a black sheep of the team. Yes, I agree with you. What do you think about Michael? - It seems to me that he is an eager beaver. - But he is in the dog house, isn't he? - Yes, our boss doesn't like him. And what about Judy? - I like her. She is always as busy as a bee. - You "re right. She deserves our company" s bonus. |
- Mark, who do you think we should give the bonus for the last month? - I don't know. Who are the main contenders? - So, this is Lucy, Michael and Judy. - I think Lucy works a lot, but she White crow in a team. - Yes, I agree with you. What do you think of Michael? - I think he hard worker. - But he out of favor, is not it? - Yes, our boss doesn't like him. And what about Judy? - I like her. She always working like a bee. - You are right. She deserves company bonuses. |
Food
Despite the fact that English cuisine does not shine with variety, the number of idioms dedicated to food is considerable. We present you the most common "delicious" idioms.
- egghead- smart ass
- big cheese- influential person
- potato couch- loafer
- tough cookie- hooligan
- top banana- leader
- bad apple- scoundrel
- eat one's words- take back your words
- the apple of one's eye- apple of an eye
- hard nut to crack- hard task, tough nut to crack
- in a nutshell- briefly
- have egg on one's face- look stupid
- as cool as a cucumber- cold-blooded
- be full of beans- be energetic
- as slow as molasses- very slow
- chew the fat- sharpen fringes
- sell like hot cakes- be selling like hot cakes
- take something with a pinch of salt- do not trust
- bite off more than one can chew- overestimate your abilities
- cry over spilt milk- grieve about the irreparable
- hot potato- actual topic
| Original | Translation |
| - Tom, who do you think may be in charge of this project? - I "m not sure, but I think that Jack will cope with it easily. - If I were you, I wouldn't be so sure. Sometimes he is a coach potato. - Yes, but last time he tried to solve a very big problem of the company. - I agree. However, I think that he bit off more than he could chew. - But he has great advantages. He is a very sociable and reliable person. - Ok, I will think about his nomination. |
- Tom, who do you think will be able to lead this project? - I'm not sure, but I think Jack can handle him easily. I wouldn't be so sure if I were you. He sometimes messing around. - Yes, but the last time he tried to solve a very big problem in the company. - I agree. However, I think that he overestimated his abilities. But it also has great advantages. He is a very sociable and reliable person. - Okay, I'll think about his appointment. |
We hope that these idioms will help you diversify your speech. And the teachers of our school will be happy to sort out with you all the subtleties of their use.
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Today we will look at idioms in English with translation, explanation of meanings and examples. The list turned out to be long, so before you start reading, it is better to stock up not only with patience, but also with a light snack.
For those to whom even this will not seem enough, a continuation has already been prepared -
Idioms in English. Difficulties in translation
As in any other language, the meaning of idioms in English is often not clear at first glance and is hidden somewhere under the surface of a web of cultures and centuries (and sometimes thousands of years) of language formation.
It is necessary to carefully and separately study the meaning of each expression. It seems like a hard and long process, but diving into a world of persistently obscure meanings is fun. Especially when native statements are connected to the case and comparison and comparison begin.
The benefits and value of idioms in English with translation
Idioms in English, as well as proverbs and winged expressions, are an important part of the everyday communication of a resident of any English-speaking country. They are used everywhere: both in oral and written speech.
Mastering common idioms will bring the sound of your English closer to the level of a native speaker; will add naturalness and beauty to speech. A powerful incentive to put in the time and effort, right?
The idioms in English with translation presented below are frequent "guests" on the television screens of America and in the mouths of its inhabitants. So hurry up and start with them.
Popular idioms in English with translation
A blessing in disguise
Hidden blessing
In Russian:
- There is no bad without good.
Describes:
- an unfortunate situation that turned into an advantage;
- a good outcome in a bad situation;
- something good that wasn't obvious at first glance.
Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him as it forced him to plunge into business.
The loss of this job turned out to be a blessing for him, because it forced him to go into business.
A hot potato
Hot potato
The origin of this idiom in English lies in the phrase "to drop like a hot potato", meaningful "to leave something or someone very quickly."
This refers to the fact that freshly cooked potatoes are very hot (due to their high water content).
Topics on which public opinion tends to divide: religious or political views, abortion, gun control, attitudes towards the death penalty and justice in general.
In Russian:
- Ticklish / delicate / controversial / thorny issue.
Means:
- a question widely and vigorously discussed by people;
- a source of fierce controversy and heated discussions between supporters holding directly opposite views;
- something that is difficult or scary to deal with;
- controversial, awkward situation.
The issue of gun control is a political hot potato in the United States.
The topic of gun control is a sensitive issue in the US.
A penny for your thoughts
Penny for your thoughts
In Russian:
- What are you thinking about?
Way:
- ask the person about his thoughts;
- to attract the attention of a person "hovering in the clouds";
- bring to the conversation a quiet person who is not participating in the conversation.
You have been quiet for a while a penny for your thoughts.
You quieted down for a while. What are you thinking about?
Actions speak louder than words
Actions speak louder than words
In Russian:
- Actions speak louder than words.
Meaning:
- judge a person not by words, but by deeds;
- As the Bible says (Matthew 7:20), “So by their fruits you will know them.”
A good leader does not tell his team how things should be done, he shows them; after all, actions speak louder than words.
A good leader doesn't tell subordinates how to do it, he shows them. In the end, it is better to judge a person not by words, but by deeds.
Add insult to injury
Add insult to damage
An ancient idiom in English that can be found in a fable "The Bald Man and the Fly"(The Bald man and the fly), written by Phaedrus:
The Bald man and the fly (Phaedrus)
A fly bit the bare head of a Bald Man who, striving to destroy it, gave himself a heavy slap.
Escaping, the Fly said mockingly:
"You who have wished to revenge, even with death, the Prick of a tiny insect, see what you have done to yourself to add insult to injury?" .
The Bald Man replied:
"I can easily make peace with myself, because I know there was no intention to hurt. But you, an ill-favored and contemptible insect who delights in sucking human blood, I wish that I could have killed you even if I had incurred a heavy penalty.”
In Russian:
- Add fuel to the fire.
Meaning:
- worsen an already bad situation, position;
- continue to insult, harm someone who is already hurt;
- offend a person even more;
- mock, humiliate.
First, the bathroom flooded, and then, to add insult to injury, a tap started leaking.
First the bathtub flooded, and then things got even worse when the faucet leaked.
At the drop of a hat
With the fall of the hat
This idiom in English is a reference to the start of a race, a fight, any competition on a signal, which is the fall of a hat on the ground, or any other object.
In Russian:
- In two counts.
- By signal.
Meaning:
- immediately, without delay;
- immediately and without pressure;
- without doubt, hesitation;
- without a plan and without obvious reasons.
That girl is so emotional; she will start crying at the drop of a hat.
This girl is so emotional: she cries for any reason.
Back to the drawing board
Back to the drafting table
An English idiom known in the United States since World War II. A playful admission that the plan failed and a new one is needed.
In Russian:
- Start from scratch.
Used when required:
- return to the planning stage;
- go back and start something (project, thought) from the beginning.
Sometimes the best way to proceed after a mistake is to start over and go back to the drawing board.
Sometimes, the best way to continue after making a mistake is to start over with a clean slate.
Ball is in your court
The ball is on your side of the field
In Russian:
- Cards in hand.
Means what:
- your turn to make a decision or act;
- now everything depends on you.
The ball is in your court, Mr. Anderson. (My name is Neo.)
The word is yours, Mr. Andersen. (My name is Neo.)
Barking up the wrong tree
Barking up the wrong tree
To understand this idiom, one must imagine a hunting dog that barks under a tree where there is no prey.
Meaning:
- blame the wrong person;
- make the wrong choice;
- look in the wrong place;
- make a wrong guess;
- to make a mistake.
I am not the person who spread those rumors about you, you are barking up the wrong tree.
You're blaming the wrong one. I didn't spread those rumors.
Be glad to see the back of
Be joyful care…
Meaning:
- the joy of getting rid of, getting rid of someone unpleasant, annoying;
- gratitude for the end, the ending of something.
Frankly, I am glad to see the back of you.
Truth be told, I'm glad you're leaving (leaving)
Beat around the bush
walk around the bush
The use of this idiom in English dates back to the late Middle Ages. While hunting birds, one of the servants walked and beat on the bushes, frightening the game.
In Russian:
- To beat around the bush.
- Pull the cat by the tail.
Way:
- avoid the main question, key points;
- do not speak honestly, directly, openly on the topic;
- speak evasively and not to the point;
- approach in a roundabout way or with great care.
Will you please stop beating about the bush and get to the point?
Could you stop beating around the bush and get to the point?
Best of both worlds
The Best of Both Worlds
The idea of this idiom in English is to receive benefits from two worlds (two places) at once - earthly and posthumous. When a pious person dies, then going to heaven, he gets the opportunity to enjoy its fruits.
Meaning:
- take advantage of a good situation, circumstances;
- to have everything: both the first and the second (without having to choose).
I am so jealous that she gets the best of both worlds. She keeps eating and never gets fat!
I envy her so much. She is and never gets fat.
Best thing since sliced bread
The best thing since bread slices
It implies the convenience of being able to buy bread already cut in the bakery.
Meaning:
- invention, discovery that improves the quality of life;
- good idea or plan;
- a wonderful thing or person.
The invention of the internet has changed the way we live; it is the best thing since sliced bread.
The Internet has changed our lives. In my opinion, this is the best invention in a long time.
Bite off more than you can chew
Bit off more than you can chew
Meaning:
- take on a task that is too complex, difficult to accomplish;
- promise something you can't keep;
- start something you can't finish.
I am sure she is biting off more than she can chew by promising to solve the difficult puzzle in a few minutes that I could not since the last three days.
I'm sure she took on too much, promising to solve in a few minutes a difficult puzzle that I've been unable to complete for the past three days.
Burn the midnight oil
Burn the midnight oil
An idiom in English that refers to the times when candles were used for lighting.
Meaning:
- hard and hard work;
- work late at night;
- staying up at night, staying up late, studying for exams, reading or working.
My brother has a big exam next week so he is already burning the midnight oil. I keep advising him to take it slow.
My brother has an important exam next week, so he stays up late with his textbooks. I keep advising him not to overwork.
Can "t (or don't) judge a book by its cover
Don't judge a book by its cover
In Russian:
- Meet by clothes, see off by mind.
Meaning:
- one cannot judge a person only by appearance;
- do not judge character by appearance;
- do not consider only appearance as an indicator of value.
The candidate did not look very intelligent, but you cannot judge a book by its cover.
The candidate doesn't look smart, but you can't judge by appearances alone.
Caught between two stools
Caught between two chairs
In Russian:
- If you chase two hares, you won't catch one.
Meaning:
- failure due to the difficulty of choosing between two alternatives;
- failure to achieve two (opposite) goals.
It is difficult to organize an event that appeals to both young and old; you could end up being caught between two stools.
It is difficult to organize an event that would appeal to both young people and old people. In this case, it is easy to make a mistake.
Costs an arm and a leg
Worth both hands and feet
In Russian:
- Worth a fortune.
Denotes:
- anything worth crazy money.
I can't buy that car - it costs an arm and a leg.
I can't afford this car. She costs crazy money.
Cross that bridge
Cross this bridge
The use of this idiom in English goes back to the 19th century when:
- crossing the bridge was an event;
- some bridges were dangerous to cross because of their dilapidation and unreliability;
- it was impossible to cross the river on the bridge before the construction of the latter.
Meaning:
- solve problems as they arise, rather than preparing in advance;
- wait for the right moment;
- often used when advising something.
– What will you do if you fail in this exam?
– I'll cross the bridge when I come to it.
What will you do if you fail the exam?
- I'll decide when the time comes.
Cry over spilt milk
Cry over spilled milk
In Russian:
- Tears of sorrow will not help.
- What fell from the cart is gone.
- You can't get back what you've lost.
Meaning:
- be upset about what has already happened;
- lament about the past, which cannot be changed;
- dwell on past mistakes, failures.
Mona was unable to accept the reality of her divorce. She was crying over spilt milk.
Mona couldn't accept the divorce, couldn't accept it.
Curiosity killed the cat
Curiosity killed the cat
In Russian:
- Curiosity killed the cat.
- Curiosity does not lead to good.
- You will know a lot - you will soon grow old.
- Curious Varvara had her nose torn off at the market.
The original expression is Care killed the cat (care killed the cat).
Denotes:
- excessive curiosity, interference in other people's affairs can lead to trouble (to a dangerous situation);
- warning someone not to ask too many questions.
– Where are you going all of a sudden? – he asked.
– Curiosity killed the cat, - she replied.
“Where are you all of a sudden going?” - he asked.
“If you know a lot, you will soon grow old,” she answered.
cut corners
cut corners
In Russian:
- Shorten path.
Meaning:
- save: do not spend extra money, effort, time;
- do something in the easiest, fastest way;
- to hack: to do badly out of a desire to save money, time.
I am saying that you have been known to cut corners.
I'm saying you're known for breaking the rules.
Cut the mustard
cut the mustard
It is not entirely clear why mustard is used as a reference to high quality.
Meaning:
- fit, meet the requirements;
- meet standards and expectations;
- be competitive and qualified.
That boy wants to be the captain of the team, but does he cut the mustard?
This guy wants to be the team captain, but is he the right fit?
Devil's Advocate
Devil's Advocate
During the process of canonization of the deceased, an official was appointed to put forward arguments against the canonization of the candidate.
This was done to properly confirm the merits of the deceased (so as not to miss anything, not to make mistakes).
The idiom in English has the same name as the person who personified the defender of the interests of the devil.
The man, who:
- represents the opposite side;
- argues over an issue, not wanting to win, but for the sake of arguing (not being committed to a cause or idea);
- argues to revive the discussion, stir up the opposing sides.
I agree with what you say, but I'll play devil's advocate so that we can cover all the possibilities that may arise.
I agree with you, but I would continue the discussion so that we work through all the options.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't count the chicks before they hatch
A very old English idiom that has existed in many cultures in various forms. Present in the stories of Aesop, dated 600-550 BC.
In Russian:
- Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
- Do not share the skin of an unkilled bear.
- Don't say "Hop" until you jump over.
Meaning:
- you can't count on something that hasn't happened yet;
- should not plan based on future events;
- don't expect everything you want to come true.
Why not wait till you get the confirmation? Aren't you counting your chickens before they have hatched?
Why not wait for confirmation? Are you overconfident?
Don't give up the day job
Don't quit your day job
In Russian:
- Don't quit your main job.
Way:
- fun and harmless to tell someone not to professionally do what he is bad at;
- make it clear to a person that he was better at what he gets than trying something new, unknown (where failure is likely);
- good-naturedly criticize for the lack of talent, abilities for something;
- to advise you to continue working where you work now.
If I were you, I would not give up the day job; you are never going to be a dancer.
If I were you, I wouldn't quit my job. You will never become a professional dancer.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
In Russian:
- Don't bet everything on one card.
Advice:
- you can’t risk everything in one place;
- it is impossible to invest money, resources, efforts in one enterprise (one field of activity);
- do not make success dependent on the success or failure of a single plan.
Why are you putting all your money into one company? Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Why are you putting all your money in one company. Don't risk everything in one place.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
The roots of this idiom in English are in the words of the famous ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (whose name is the medical oath - the Hippocratic Oath):
- For extreme diseases, extreme methods of cure(for extreme illnesses, extreme treatments).
- Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies(terrible diseases require desperate measures).
Meaning:
- in extreme circumstances, extreme measures must be taken;
- in a difficult situation, decisive action is needed;
- similar like.
When the progressive recession forced him to shut down his business, Dev decided to sell groceries to make ends meet. Drastic times call for drastic measures.
The protracted crisis forced Dev to close the business. To make ends meet, he had to go to extreme measures - to sell all the goods.
Elvis left the building
Elvis left the building
Phrase used by hosts after concerts Elvis Presley to force the audience to leave the hall.
During his career, Elvis ignited the passion in the hearts of his fans so much that they could scream and demand an encore as long as the artist succumbed to persuasion.
Phrase - "Elvis has left the building."– became a signal that further calls for continuation are useless; due to the fact that the singer physically left the concert venue.
Full quote from producer Horace Logan:
All right, all right Elvis left the building.
I "ve told you absolutely straight up to this point. You know that. He has left the building.
He left the stage and went out the back with the policemen and he is now gone from the building.
Good good, Elvis left the building.
This is a pure truth. You know it. He left the building.
He left the stage and exited through the back entrance with a police escort. It is not in the building.
The popularity of Elvis was so huge that this phrase became a household word, turning into one of the idioms of the English language.
Though he had failed his exam, he realized that every cloud has a silver lining, as now he could focus his attention on things he loved doing.
Although he failed the exam, he realized that it was not so bad. Now he could concentrate on what he loves to do.
Far cry from
Big difference
In Russian:
- Far from…
Meaning:
- to be very different from something, not to be similar;
- not meet expectations;
- to be far away (physically or metaphorically).
He is a great player, but it is time for him to retire. His recent performances are a far cry from what they used to be during his peak years.
He is a great performer, but it's time to end his career. The level of his recent performances is far from what he showed in his best years.
(Feel) Under the weather
under the weather
The origin of this idiom in English can be traced back to the days of sailing.
In those old days, when a sailor was sick, he was sent to the lower deck (where there is less pitching; where there is no rain and wind) to recuperate. There he was away from the effects of the sea and the weather.
- to assume (believe) that someone is right (innocent);
- believe in a word without confirmation, evidence;
- consider a person innocent until proven guilty (presumption of innocence).
Let's give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she is right.
Let's take her word for it and assume she's right.
