(dedicated to Jim)
Are you an armchair critic?
An armchair is a large, comfortable chair that often forms part of a suite with a sofa.
Traditionally, in the UK, it was reserved for the 'man of the house.'
The armchair critic is not someone who criticises the quality of armchairs but sits in a chair criticising others without actually doing anything.
Britain's most famous armchair critic is Jim Royle from the comedy series - The Royle Family.
It shows a working class family from Manchester but for observers of accents, Jim is from Liverpool. He made famous the phrase, 'my arse! (bottom) - a rather crude and direct way of saying - I don't agree or most unlikely. Most of the time, the family just sit around watching TV. Much of the script was improvised but very close to real life.
Keen music fans will recognise the voice of the theme as being that of Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Oasis? My arse!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Chalk and cheese
(Dedicated to Szymon, Dan, Ula, Kinga and of course, Jimi)
Chalk is a white material which was made into sticks for teachers to write on blackboards.
If you are chalk and cheese, you are completely opposite to someone.
Although they were twins, they were like chalk and cheese.
Here is one of the most unusual combinations that I have ever come across; Jimi Hendrix and the Teletubbies.
By the way, tele is another word for TV, and tubby is a rather soft, childlike way of saying fat - that's why they are called Teletubbies!
Now, prepare for the experience of a lifetime!
Chalk is a white material which was made into sticks for teachers to write on blackboards.
If you are chalk and cheese, you are completely opposite to someone.
Although they were twins, they were like chalk and cheese.
Here is one of the most unusual combinations that I have ever come across; Jimi Hendrix and the Teletubbies.
By the way, tele is another word for TV, and tubby is a rather soft, childlike way of saying fat - that's why they are called Teletubbies!
Now, prepare for the experience of a lifetime!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sleep like a log
(Dedicated to Roger - who I know likes his sleep)
Last night I slept like a log!
If you sleep like a log you sleep very deeply and well.
A log is a piece of wood you put on a wood burning fire.
Here's an interesting report from CNN about narcolepsy - a condition where people need many hours of sleep and fall asleep suddenly.
Try to keep awake while watching it!
Last night I slept like a log!
If you sleep like a log you sleep very deeply and well.
A log is a piece of wood you put on a wood burning fire.
Here's an interesting report from CNN about narcolepsy - a condition where people need many hours of sleep and fall asleep suddenly.
Try to keep awake while watching it!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Get the green light
To get the green light is a traffic idiom and it's positve.
It means that you have been given approval, permission or consent to do so something.
Our proposal has got the green light. You could also say it's been given the thumbs up or the OK.
If you're on a motorbike, safe driving is even more important and some drivers don't get the green light for their driving!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Take the chair
(Dedicated to Anna)
If you take the chair, you take the ruling role in a meeting.
In UK and USA, the word Chairman was originally used for men and women. Later, Chairwoman was also used, then, Chairperson. Finally, in the most PC (politically correct) form, it became just 'Chair.'
If somebody talks in a meeting without asking the permission of the 'Chair', somebody might say, 'please talk through the chair!'
The most famous chair on British TV was in the general knowledge quiz called Mastermind.
In this very clever comedy sketch (like a very short play), the contestant (person answering the questions) answers the question before last. So that it not the one being asked now but one question before. Confused? You will be!
If you take the chair, you take the ruling role in a meeting.
In UK and USA, the word Chairman was originally used for men and women. Later, Chairwoman was also used, then, Chairperson. Finally, in the most PC (politically correct) form, it became just 'Chair.'
If somebody talks in a meeting without asking the permission of the 'Chair', somebody might say, 'please talk through the chair!'
The most famous chair on British TV was in the general knowledge quiz called Mastermind.
In this very clever comedy sketch (like a very short play), the contestant (person answering the questions) answers the question before last. So that it not the one being asked now but one question before. Confused? You will be!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Green fingers
(Dedicated to Dee - she really has them)
What would you have if you had green fingers; a strange skin problem?
No! You would be good with plants and flowers. They would grow and be healthy.
Americans use the term, Green thumb.
Here is a song by the same name by one of Britain's most popular post punk bands.
Gardening seems a strange subject or maybe it depends what you grow!
What would you have if you had green fingers; a strange skin problem?
No! You would be good with plants and flowers. They would grow and be healthy.
Americans use the term, Green thumb.
Here is a song by the same name by one of Britain's most popular post punk bands.
Gardening seems a strange subject or maybe it depends what you grow!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Put your foot in it
(Dedicated to Marek - a different one to the other day!)
Have you ever said something or done something really stupid?
Maybe soon after, you realised but it was too late - looks like you put your foot in it!
Here's someone who did it more than most - maybe Obama just hasn't had long enough; time will tell.
God bless America!
Have you ever said something or done something really stupid?
Maybe soon after, you realised but it was too late - looks like you put your foot in it!
Here's someone who did it more than most - maybe Obama just hasn't had long enough; time will tell.
God bless America!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Under the weather
Dedicated to Alicja - get well soon!
If you are feeling under the weather, then you are not feeling very well.
You could be ill or you might just be felling out of energy and off colour.
In a literal sense, one place under the weather right now is Madeira, affected by terrible floods.
Check it out on this BBC News link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8526569.stm
If you are feeling under the weather, then you are not feeling very well.
You could be ill or you might just be felling out of energy and off colour.
In a literal sense, one place under the weather right now is Madeira, affected by terrible floods.
Check it out on this BBC News link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8526569.stm
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Between a rock and a hard place
(Dedicated to Marek)
As you know, rock is hard so being between a rock and a hard place is not a good place to be!
This American idiom describes being in a difficult situation with two unattractive choices.
As an Englishman, the rock that I think of is in fact a set of rocks on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. It's famous for it's lighthouse.
Incredibly, the Navy used used to try to deliver a Christmas tree each year to the people stationed on the lighthouse.
Unfortunately, the crew found themselves between a rock and a hard place!
As you know, rock is hard so being between a rock and a hard place is not a good place to be!
This American idiom describes being in a difficult situation with two unattractive choices.
As an Englishman, the rock that I think of is in fact a set of rocks on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. It's famous for it's lighthouse.
Incredibly, the Navy used used to try to deliver a Christmas tree each year to the people stationed on the lighthouse.
Unfortunately, the crew found themselves between a rock and a hard place!
Friday, February 19, 2010
In at the deep end
(Dedicated to Dan)
If you are thrown in at the deep end, you are dropped straight into a situation without any warning or preparation.
This can particularly happen when starting a new job.
The origin comes from the swimming pool which has a deep end and a shallow end.
People used to say that the best way to teach someone to swim, is to throw them in at the deep end. (Not something I would advise)
Here's someone who is definitely in at the deep end!
If you are thrown in at the deep end, you are dropped straight into a situation without any warning or preparation.
This can particularly happen when starting a new job.
The origin comes from the swimming pool which has a deep end and a shallow end.
People used to say that the best way to teach someone to swim, is to throw them in at the deep end. (Not something I would advise)
Here's someone who is definitely in at the deep end!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Hen pecked
Are you, or do you have, a hen-pecked husband?
A hen, as you probably know, is a female chicken. They peck at the ground endlessly.
A hen-pecked husband is totally dominated by his wife.
You might say that she wears the trousers.
Who wears the trousers in your home?
Here’s one of the world’s most hen-pecked husbands from the British comedy, Keeping up appearances. Poor Richard!
A hen, as you probably know, is a female chicken. They peck at the ground endlessly.
A hen-pecked husband is totally dominated by his wife.
You might say that she wears the trousers.
Who wears the trousers in your home?
Here’s one of the world’s most hen-pecked husbands from the British comedy, Keeping up appearances. Poor Richard!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Every cloud has a silver lining
What is a lining?
It’s the extra layer of, often silky, material found on the inside of curtains or a jacket.
Clouds are synonymous with negative things such as rain or storms. They can also be used metaphorically to describe a bad experience or situation.
So when every cloud has a silver lining, it means that even if something bad happens, something good comes out of it.
One group of people who really see the silver lining in clouds are storm chasers - they just love them!
It’s the extra layer of, often silky, material found on the inside of curtains or a jacket.
Clouds are synonymous with negative things such as rain or storms. They can also be used metaphorically to describe a bad experience or situation.
So when every cloud has a silver lining, it means that even if something bad happens, something good comes out of it.
One group of people who really see the silver lining in clouds are storm chasers - they just love them!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
Dedicated to Cromwell
If you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth you would come from a very rich, privileged situation.
Well, as far as the UK goes, they don’t come much posher, than the Royal Family.
(Posh - upper class)
The British monarchy is loved by many Brits but they also have their critics who think they are just too spoilt, disconnected and subsidised out of tax payers'money.
I have to declare myself as a republican but you can decide for yourself!
If you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth you would come from a very rich, privileged situation.
Well, as far as the UK goes, they don’t come much posher, than the Royal Family.
(Posh - upper class)
The British monarchy is loved by many Brits but they also have their critics who think they are just too spoilt, disconnected and subsidised out of tax payers'money.
I have to declare myself as a republican but you can decide for yourself!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Skating on thin ice
With the Winter Olympics on, I thought it would be a good opportunity to include some sporting idioms.
Not being a very cold climate, we don’t have too many wintry idioms but we do have skating on thin ice.
It sounds risky doesn’t it?
That’s exactly what it is.
When he asked for a rise after that made his colleagues redundant, he was skating on very thin ice.
The Poles are rightly proud of their ski-jumping medallist, Adam Małysz. The most famous British ski-jumper was Eddie the Eagle! He was a bit of a clown and not very talented but he is the British record holder; if he managed to get down without crashing, he always got a big cheer!
Given his ability, he was skating on thin ice to practice such a sport!
Not being a very cold climate, we don’t have too many wintry idioms but we do have skating on thin ice.
It sounds risky doesn’t it?
That’s exactly what it is.
When he asked for a rise after that made his colleagues redundant, he was skating on very thin ice.
The Poles are rightly proud of their ski-jumping medallist, Adam Małysz. The most famous British ski-jumper was Eddie the Eagle! He was a bit of a clown and not very talented but he is the British record holder; if he managed to get down without crashing, he always got a big cheer!
Given his ability, he was skating on thin ice to practice such a sport!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Three little words
The only ones you need today.
'I love you!'
Dedicated to who? My valentine, of course!
Listen to this without crying, if you dare!
You can read the lyrics and sing along too.
'I love you!'
Dedicated to who? My valentine, of course!
Listen to this without crying, if you dare!
You can read the lyrics and sing along too.
That rings a bell
(Dedicated to Ben)
When something rings a bell it means that it sounds familiar.
You maybe don't remember exactly but you feel like you know it somehow.
For example:
'Do you know James Young?'
'Hm, his name rings a bell.'
And now for one of the most famous bells of all; Big Ben. The name refers not to the clock or the tower but in fact, the bell. Here's a great opportunity to practice your listening skills of American English with this short, documentary film.
When something rings a bell it means that it sounds familiar.
You maybe don't remember exactly but you feel like you know it somehow.
For example:
'Do you know James Young?'
'Hm, his name rings a bell.'
And now for one of the most famous bells of all; Big Ben. The name refers not to the clock or the tower but in fact, the bell. Here's a great opportunity to practice your listening skills of American English with this short, documentary film.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Going for an Indian
(Dedicated to Saikat)
What would I be asking if I suggested going for an Indian? Well, it wouldn't be a cowboy film but an Indian meal.
You might think the full English breakfast or fish and chips is the most popular meal in Britain but in fact, it's curry.
There are many Indian restaurants where people go for an Indian (meal).
Unfortunately, often groups of people go when they are drunk, are rude to the waiters and order too much of the hottest, spiciest food on the menu.
In this popular British comedy made by Indians, the situation is reversed as a group of Indians go out for 'an English.'
Such a meal doesn't really exist but they make a joke of English food having a reputation for being very plain and boring, or in other words, bland.
'What's the blandest thing on the menu?'
Enjoy your meal!
What would I be asking if I suggested going for an Indian? Well, it wouldn't be a cowboy film but an Indian meal.
You might think the full English breakfast or fish and chips is the most popular meal in Britain but in fact, it's curry.
There are many Indian restaurants where people go for an Indian (meal).
Unfortunately, often groups of people go when they are drunk, are rude to the waiters and order too much of the hottest, spiciest food on the menu.
In this popular British comedy made by Indians, the situation is reversed as a group of Indians go out for 'an English.'
Such a meal doesn't really exist but they make a joke of English food having a reputation for being very plain and boring, or in other words, bland.
'What's the blandest thing on the menu?'
Enjoy your meal!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Once bitten, twice shy
Once bitten, twice shy?
What do dogs do? Well quite a few things, like bark but a bad dog may bite
Bite, bit, bitten
If you have been bitten, the next time you see a dog, you might be more cautious
Shy, usually means coy or unconfident with people, particularly of the opposite sex
In this idiom, it means weary
Once bitten, twice shy is often used to describe being cautious after an unfavourable experience, including a relationship
Here's a song by the same title and some big hair, seveties glam rock - babe!
What do dogs do? Well quite a few things, like bark but a bad dog may bite
Bite, bit, bitten
If you have been bitten, the next time you see a dog, you might be more cautious
Shy, usually means coy or unconfident with people, particularly of the opposite sex
In this idiom, it means weary
Once bitten, twice shy is often used to describe being cautious after an unfavourable experience, including a relationship
Here's a song by the same title and some big hair, seveties glam rock - babe!
Pay lip service
(Dedicated to Asia)
Here's a strange one!
When you pay lip service to something, you only pretend that you are committed to something but in fact, you are not.
For example, the Directors said they supported the appraisal scheme but in fact, only paid lip service to it. (A common reality!)
But how do we get this phrase? One answer is in church. If you don't know the words to a hymn, you just move your mouth and pretend that you are singing.
One of the best examples of paying lip service you will ever see follows!
Here's a strange one!
When you pay lip service to something, you only pretend that you are committed to something but in fact, you are not.
For example, the Directors said they supported the appraisal scheme but in fact, only paid lip service to it. (A common reality!)
But how do we get this phrase? One answer is in church. If you don't know the words to a hymn, you just move your mouth and pretend that you are singing.
One of the best examples of paying lip service you will ever see follows!
Brass monkeys!
(Dedicated to Ewa)
If I told you it had been brass monkeys lately, what would I be saying?
Well, in fact, I'd be talking about the weather and saying it's very cold!
Just to convince my Polish friends that Britain has bad weather too, here is part of a documentary about one of Britain's worst winters on record - 1947
Some of the people in the film have strong, north eastern accents; difficult even for other natives to follow but stick with it - it's interesting!
If I told you it had been brass monkeys lately, what would I be saying?
Well, in fact, I'd be talking about the weather and saying it's very cold!
Just to convince my Polish friends that Britain has bad weather too, here is part of a documentary about one of Britain's worst winters on record - 1947
Some of the people in the film have strong, north eastern accents; difficult even for other natives to follow but stick with it - it's interesting!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The ball's in your court
This is dedicated to Bartek
The ball's in your court comes from tennis.
It means it is up to you to decide; you have the power to choose.
Here's someone who wished he'd had the power and was the original, badly behaved tennis player.
You can not be serious!!!
The ball's in your court comes from tennis.
It means it is up to you to decide; you have the power to choose.
Here's someone who wished he'd had the power and was the original, badly behaved tennis player.
You can not be serious!!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
SWALK
(Dedicated to all prisoners)
I’ll send you all my love, in a letter, sealed with a kiss
Abbreviation: Sealed with a loving kiss
In the days of snail mail, young people and prisoners would write a letter, kiss the envelope and write SWALK on the back.
Snail - Ślimak, Snail mail - term for traditional post
And here's one of the greatest, classic, British comedies; the prison based 'Porridge' with some advice for lovelorn Lenny.
I’ll send you all my love, in a letter, sealed with a kiss
Abbreviation: Sealed with a loving kiss
In the days of snail mail, young people and prisoners would write a letter, kiss the envelope and write SWALK on the back.
Snail - Ślimak, Snail mail - term for traditional post
And here's one of the greatest, classic, British comedies; the prison based 'Porridge' with some advice for lovelorn Lenny.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tear jerker
(This is dedicated to all my buddies at Lege Artis BDM)
The film was so romantic; it was a real tear jerker
Idiom: something that makes you cry with emotion; usually a film or book
Jerk: verb/noun - a sudden movement
as a noun to describe a person - an idiot!
Careful you don’t confuse them!
And for a tear jerking film, you'd struggle to find something better than Titanic!
The film was so romantic; it was a real tear jerker
Idiom: something that makes you cry with emotion; usually a film or book
Jerk: verb/noun - a sudden movement
as a noun to describe a person - an idiot!
Careful you don’t confuse them!
And for a tear jerking film, you'd struggle to find something better than Titanic!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Blind date
(This one has to be dedicated to Nico)
They met on a blind date
A date where you have not previously met; you go into the situation ‘blind’
It could be arranged by a dating agency or a friend, particularly if he wants to make up a foursome or double date
It was also the name of a long running, very popular TV series. Pretty awful really - watch if you dare!
They met on a blind date
A date where you have not previously met; you go into the situation ‘blind’
It could be arranged by a dating agency or a friend, particularly if he wants to make up a foursome or double date
It was also the name of a long running, very popular TV series. Pretty awful really - watch if you dare!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Drop dead gorgeous
Dedicated to my wife of course! (don't forget to mail in for your dedication!)
‘Wow! Have you seen that girl? She’s drop dead gorgeous!’
Idiomatic phrase: meaning - she is so beautiful you could drop dead from shock
Let’s hope not!
And here's a song with the line in.
‘Wow! Have you seen that girl? She’s drop dead gorgeous!’
Idiomatic phrase: meaning - she is so beautiful you could drop dead from shock
Let’s hope not!
And here's a song with the line in.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
To fly of the handle!
Today’s lesson is for Judwiga
When I told him that I had crashed the car, he flew of the handle!
Idiom: To react with a very bad temper
Noun: Handle - the part you open a door with
Irregular verb: Fly, flew, flown
Choose your own idiom to be featured and get a free dedication!
Here's someone who is always flying off the handle; the very bad tempered Victor Meldrew from the popular British comedy, One foot in the grave. The things that go wrong could only happen to Victor!
When I told him that I had crashed the car, he flew of the handle!
Idiom: To react with a very bad temper
Noun: Handle - the part you open a door with
Irregular verb: Fly, flew, flown
Choose your own idiom to be featured and get a free dedication!
Here's someone who is always flying off the handle; the very bad tempered Victor Meldrew from the popular British comedy, One foot in the grave. The things that go wrong could only happen to Victor!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Keep in shape
Today’s lesson is for Sylwia!
She’s joined a fitness club to keep in shape.
Phrasal verb: To keep in - to remain or maintain
Noun: Shape - in this sense, physical condition and structure
Over Christmas, there’s a risk you might just get out of shape!
(Keep in shape with this great Michael Jackson video)
Choose your own phrasal verb or idiom to be featured and get a free dedication.
She’s joined a fitness club to keep in shape.
Phrasal verb: To keep in - to remain or maintain
Noun: Shape - in this sense, physical condition and structure
Over Christmas, there’s a risk you might just get out of shape!
(Keep in shape with this great Michael Jackson video)
Choose your own phrasal verb or idiom to be featured and get a free dedication.
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