And by translation of the idiom. The best idioms in English with translation. Bit off more than you can chew

We recommend getting acquainted with English idioms from the very beginning, because in the process of learning English, you can not only learn the vocabulary of a wide variety of topics along the way, but also better understand the way of thinking of the English, their habits and traditions. After all, behind each idiom there is a whole story, after reading which you can learn the English idiom itself much faster and more efficiently, and, most importantly, start using it in speech.

All idioms of the English language can be divided into two groups. The first - those that are identical in meaning in Russian, that is, such idioms, the literal translation of which coincides with a similar idiom in Russian. For example, the English idiom "to take the bull by the horns" is understandable to anyone who knows every single word of this idiom - "to take" (to take), "the bull" (bull), "by the horns" (by the horns). Together, it turns out to "take the bull by the horns", that is, go straight to the point. The meaning of this English idiom is clear to us, since the same is in the Russian language.

The second group - those English idioms, the meaning of which you just need to learn or, having understood the history of the emergence of the English idiom itself, remember, based on associations. For example, the English idiom, "donkey work" means unpleasant, boring work. However, the translation of each individual word "donkey" (donkey) and "work" (work) does not lead us to such a conclusion, to such a translation. But, by imagining the donkey and its daily physical labor associated with carrying the load, the meaning of this English idiom becomes clear.

Studying the idioms of the first group, that is, those that have direct meaning, the literal translation of which is understandable to a Russian-speaking student, you can very quickly replenish the vocabulary, learn a lot of simple, but at the same time words necessary for communication. The process of memorizing words from English idioms will be simplified by instant understanding and recognition of a phrase that you have repeatedly heard or used already in your native speech.

It is the second group of idioms that creates the greatest difficulty for students of all levels who study English, misleads in exams, in conversation with foreigners, when watching programs and films in English, listening to English podcasts and songs. Practice will help here:

• systematically study 2-3 idioms a day, written down by yourself in a notebook or notepad
• try in each situation to remember at least one English idiom on the topic and use it in the topic
• reread recordings of English idioms to refresh your memory, while saying the idiom aloud, loudly and clearly
• draw those idioms that are not remembered in any way - personally depicted illustrations will make you repeatedly think about the meaning of the idiom, repeat its pronunciation to yourself or aloud, think about the meaning of each individual word
• be observant - when communicating in English, do not just listen to the interlocutor, but hear him - catch idioms in his speech, try to paraphrase what was said or heard using an English idiom

English idioms about animals, food, sports, travel, love, flowers, business, etc. will be of great help to you in conversations with English-speaking interlocutors, examiners and native speakers. You will become more confident in understanding English speech, as well as expressing your point of view at ease and close to the speech of the British and Americans, which will cause surprise and admiration for your level of language.

Often in English speech you can hear phrases or expressions that confuse any foreigner for whom English is not a native language. These are idioms, or phraseological units, which for English-speaking people are an integral part of daily communication. And if you decide to improve your knowledge of English, pay attention to 20 idioms that are found in quite often. Some of them will make you smile.

20 common idioms

A Chip on Your Shoulder

No, this does not mean that a piece of something fell on your shoulder. “To have a chip on one’s shoulder” means resentment for a past failure, as if after passing through a destroyed building, a piece of it remained with a person for many years.

Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This idiom means something akin to when you bite into a huge piece of a sandwich and as a result you cannot move your jaws to chew it. That is, take on more than what you can handle successfully. For example, your agreement to create 10 sites in a week, when you can normally only do 5.

You Can't Take It With You

The point of this idiom is that you can't take anything with you when you die, so don't constantly deny yourself everything, or save things for a special occasion. You Can't Take It With You encourages you to live in the now, because in the end your things will outlive you.

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

This expression means that almost everything was packed/taken/stolen. For example, if someone says “The thieves stole everything but the kitchen sink!” this means that the thieves stole everything they could carry with them. In fact, it is very difficult to lift and carry the sink with you.

Over My Dead Body

Most of us will understand this phrase. An idiom that has the same meaning as the Russian expression "Only over my corpse."

Tie the Knot

The meaning is to get married. The phrase is left over from the tradition of tying the hands of newlyweds with a ribbon so that their lives would be held together for years to come.

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover

Literally, this phrase can be translated as "do not judge a book by its cover." It is used when they want to explain that things are not always what they seem at first glance, and even if the first impression was not positive, sometimes you should give it another chance.

When Pigs Fly

Akin to our phrase "when the cancer whistles on the mountain", only with a different hero. The idiom means "never".

A Leopard Can't Change His Spots

The meaning of the phrase: "you are what you are." A man cannot change who he really is in the depths of his soul, just as a leopard cannot change the pattern on his skin.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

That is, express your emotions freely, as if your heart were outside the body.

Bite Your Tongue!

Another great phrase is “bite your tongue” (mild expression). Used when a person is recommended. Goes along with the next idiom.

Put a sock in it

And this expression is sharper - it means "shut up." The idea is clear - if you put a sock in your mouth, a person will not be able to speak. Probably used when the previous idiom didn't work.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

The point is that if several dogs are sleeping peacefully after a fight, it is better to leave them alone. The idea is that you should not stir up old disputes / hot topics, as they can turn the quarrel back on.

Foam at the Mouth

Describes a condition where a person hisses and growls foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog. Our counterpart is "to be furious."

A Slap on the Wrist

Means a very lenient punishment. A slap on the wrist won't cause severe pain, but will be a good deterrent to misbehave again.

You Are What You Eat

An idiom, the literal translation of which is firmly entrenched in our language. "You are what you eat".

It's a Piece of Cake!

Means it's incredibly easy. What could be easier than eating a piece of cake?

It Takes Two to Tango

The point is that one person cannot dance the tango. So, if something happened in a case in which 2 people took part, and two are responsible for the result.

Head Over Heels

The idiom means “to be incredibly joyful and in a good mood, especially in love (a close meaning is “up to your ears”). How to go down a hill on wheels, fly upside down.

An Arm and a Leg

A great phrase meaning too high a price for something. When the price is so high that you have to sell a part of your body to afford it.

Do you love idioms?

Personally, I love idioms, because with the help of them you can “dig into” the language and get acquainted with the characteristics of the people who came up with these strange expressions. I often draw in my head a picture of what this or that idiom means, and next to it is a picture of a literal translation. In addition to often uplifting results, this method also helps to visually memorize new expressions and then use them in speech.

Is there anything to add? Write your favorite (or not so) idioms in the comments.

Today we will look at idioms on English language 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 idioms- an important part of 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 be divided: 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, having made a mistake - to start anew, from 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, you need to 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;
• don't just count appearance 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 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;
• make something easy fast 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 different 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;
• to make it clear to a person that he was better at what he does 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 methods treatment).
• 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 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.

It's true. 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

A 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.

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 events from life.

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 stabbed in the back at all.

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: 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

In a literal translation, one 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:"No! 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:"No! How? They were best friends."

(To) Lose your touch

This idiom does not mean to lose the ability to touch, but quite the contrary. 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.”

To be honest, the more I study English, the more I realize how diverse it is. After , my eyes turned to idioms. What are idioms in English and in general do they mean?

Idioms are kind of set expressions which are interpreted figuratively. Well, as in Russian “In the seventh heaven with happiness” or “When the cancer whistles on the mountain”. By the way, very often the meaning of the idiom is similar to English, German, and Russian. The list goes on. That is, the interweaving of meanings is observed in many peoples. Still, the world is one.

• 1. When pigs fly. Verbatim - when the pigs fly. In Russian - “When cancer on the mountain whistles”. It means almost never!

Annie sniffed. ‘The day pigs fly. That will be the day.'-When cancer whistles. That's when it'll happen,” Ann snorted.

• 2.Piece of cake. Literally, a piece of cake. In fact, this translates as a trifling matter, simpler than simple, simpler than a steamed turnip

No problem, piece of cake! - Easily! Not even a question.

• 3. Cost an arm and leg. Literally - " cost an arm and a leg". As if it is very expensive.

Are you crazy? It costs an arm and leg! You're crazy? It costs a fortune!

• 4 . Let the cat out the bag . Literally - " Let the cat out of the bag. Well .. Is it to give out all the secrets or tell an important secret!

I'm hurt. You've let the cat out of the bag about our relationship.

I'm in pain. You gave away all the secrets of our relationship.

• 5 . Bite off more than one can chew. Literally - " bite off more than you can chew".

It's not up to you and not up to your teeth. Don't bite off more than you can chew. - Chop the tree by yourself.

I sometimes want to disagree with this idiom. After all, human possibilities are endless. Although at some point you have to cut down a tree on your own.

• 6. Speak of the devil. Literally - "talk about the devil." In Russian - “Remember g..o and here it is. Or more cultural - " Light in sight".

• 7. To have Van Gog's ear for music. Literally - “ Have a Van Gogh ear for music.” It means to have poor hearing.

Poor boy. He has got Van Gog's ear for music.

Poor boy. He has no musical ear at all. .

• 8 . Drink like a lord. Or drink like a fish .

A phrasal expression that means to get drunk until you're blue in the face.

Dude, you`d better stop. You drink like a fish today! Brother, you better stop, you're drinking like a shoemaker today!

• 9.useyourloaf . Literally - "Use Your Baton". Use your head. Guess how to do it. Use your loaf. Guess how to do it. Think with your head!

• 10. Fingers licking good."Real jam".

Is it tasty? Yes, very tasty! Fingers licking good. It is delicious? Yes very! Real jam!

• 11. To put a sock in it. Literally - "Put your sock in there". Actually - Just shut your mouth. Keep your mouth shut.

Please, no more words! Put a sock in it. Say no more, hold your tongue!

• 12. Lights are on, but nobody's home. Literally - "The lights are on but no one's home". In fact. Ale Garage. We speak when a person is here, but in prostration.

Look at him. What's happened? Lights are on but nobody`s home. Look at him. What's happened? In general, he does not understand anything, does not react.

• 13.to be head over heels in love . Verbatim- "upside down in love". Be madly in love!

I can't speak with her now. She`s head over heels with love. I can't talk to her right now. She is head over heels in love!

• 14. wolf in sheep's clothing. Literally - " Wolf in sheep's clothing". Still waters run deep. He's not who he claims to be.

I don't trust him. I think he`s wolf in a sheep`s clothing. I don't trust him. I think he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

• 15. As comfortable as an old shoe. Literally - " As comfortable as an old boot". Very cozy

My old house may seem small to you, but I think it's cozy. It's as comfortable as an old shoe.

My old house may seem small to you, but I think it's very cozy.