Idiom 21: Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck
Used in a sentence: “Before going on stage, I told him to break a leg.”
Used in a conversational chunk: “You have an important presentation today. Break a leg!”
Explanation: This idiom is used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or an important event. It is believed to have originated from the theater, where wishing someone good luck directly was considered bad luck.
Idiom 22: Piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy
Used in a sentence: “The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in no time.”
Used in a conversational chunk: “Don’t worry about the task; it’s a piece of cake!”
Explanation: When something is referred to as a “piece of cake,” it means it is very easy to accomplish or complete, just like eating a small, simple dessert.
Idiom 23: Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: This idiom suggests that what a person does is more significant and revealing than what they say.
Used in a sentence: “He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words, and he never showed up.”
Used in a conversation chunk:
Alex: “You keep telling me you’ll help with the house chores, but I haven’t seen much change lately.”
Bella: “I know, and I’m sorry about that. I promise to do better.”
Alex: “Well, you know what they say, actions speak louder than words. It would mean a lot to me if you could take care of the dishes tonight.”
Bella: “You’re right; I’ll do the dishes right after dinner. I want to show you that I’m committed to helping out more.”
Explanations: In this conversation, Alex expresses his frustration about Bella not helping with the house chores despite her promises. He uses the idiom “actions speak louder than words” to convey that he wants to see tangible efforts from Bella rather than just verbal commitments. Bella acknowledges this and agrees to take action immediately to demonstrate her commitment to changing her behavior. The idiom helps emphasize the importance of backing up words with actions in maintaining trust and understanding in a relationship.
Idiom 24: It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Heavy rain
Used in a sentence: “We can’t go out right now; it’s raining cats and dogs!”
Used in a conversational chunk: “Bring an umbrella; it looks like it’s going to rain cats and dogs.”
Idiom 25: Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action Used in a sentence: “If you think I stole your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree.” Used in a conversational chunk: “You’re barking up the wrong tree if you think the answer lies with him.”
Idiom26: Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret or confidential information Used in a sentence: “She couldn’t keep it to herself and spilled the beans about the surprise party.” Used in a conversational chunk: “Come on, spill the beans! What’s the big secret?”
Idiom 27: Cost an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive Used in a sentence: “That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg!” Used in a conversational chunk: “I’d love to travel, but flights can cost an arm and a leg.”
Idiom 28: Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die Used in a sentence: “Sadly, he kicked the bucket at the age of 90.” Used in a conversational chunk: “I hope I’ll have a long and healthy life before I kick the bucket.”
Idiom 29: A piece of mind
Meaning: A feeling of calmness or reassurance Used in a sentence: “After finishing the assignment, he had a piece of mind.” Used in a conversational chunk: “Once you lock the doors, you’ll have a piece of mind about security.”
Idiom 30: Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity Used in a sentence: “Many people jumped on the bandwagon and started using social media.” Used in a conversational chunk: “She’s always quick to jump on the bandwagon of the latest fashion trends.”