dedicated to Kinga
In case you don't know, worms are those pinkish, thin snakelike creatures that live in wet soil and birds like to eat so much.
(The early bird catches the worm)
However, back to the can of worms, that's not so good.
If you open up a can of worms you investigate something or say something that has a lot of negative consequences; one problem leads to another.
'You've opened up a real can of worms now!'
Just to prove that I haven't made this one up, here's the start of a Disney film by the same name.
Don't forget the popcorn- or worms if you're a bird!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Red herring
Dedicated to Dariusz
A herring is a fish, but a red one?
It's a strange idiom indeed to describe some kind of false clue or trail.
Agatha Christie's crime novels are full of red herrings.
Now, I really recommend that you view the next video clip with a really excellent explanation of this idiom from its literal origin through to how it might be applied in an argument.
Who would have thought fish could be so much fun!!
A herring is a fish, but a red one?
It's a strange idiom indeed to describe some kind of false clue or trail.
Agatha Christie's crime novels are full of red herrings.
Now, I really recommend that you view the next video clip with a really excellent explanation of this idiom from its literal origin through to how it might be applied in an argument.
Who would have thought fish could be so much fun!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
A hive of industry
This place is a real hive of industry.
A hive? It's the place where bees live and they have a reputation for being busy.
Here are some busy bees - a group called The Hives with a cover of the rockabilly classic; Little Lil.
Bzzzzzzzz!
A hive? It's the place where bees live and they have a reputation for being busy.
Here are some busy bees - a group called The Hives with a cover of the rockabilly classic; Little Lil.
Bzzzzzzzz!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Horses for courses
As you might guess, this is a horse racing idiom.
You might say, it's horses for courses meaning different people have different skills or interests.
In fact, it's very true that you need different horses for different courses because some require speed and agility whilst others need big horses with stamina and endurance.
Around this time of year in Aintree, Liverpool, The Grand National takes place. This is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and nearly everyone in the country has a bet on it.
It's a race run over 4 miles and huge fences with as many as 40 runners. Only a handful actually make it to the finish.
Here's the full race of a 1974 classic. And....they're off!
You might say, it's horses for courses meaning different people have different skills or interests.
In fact, it's very true that you need different horses for different courses because some require speed and agility whilst others need big horses with stamina and endurance.
Around this time of year in Aintree, Liverpool, The Grand National takes place. This is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and nearly everyone in the country has a bet on it.
It's a race run over 4 miles and huge fences with as many as 40 runners. Only a handful actually make it to the finish.
Here's the full race of a 1974 classic. And....they're off!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Best bib and tucker
Dedicated to Roger and Tadek
Are you in your best bib and tucker?
Probably not, on casual Friday.
You might know the word bib from the thing you put under a baby's chin when you feed them.
But what about tucker? Well, it was a piece of material that went down the front of a lady's dress - and was tucked in.
These days, nobody remembers about these old origins but we do use the phrase to describe someone who is dressed very smartly, particuarly for a special occasion such as a wedding.
One of the few times in Britain when people dress up in their best bib and tucker is the horse race meeting at Royal Ascot. The Queen goes and on the day called Ladies' Day, the ladies wear fancy frocks and crazy hats.
Of course, the only acceptable drink is Champagne!!
Are you in your best bib and tucker?
Probably not, on casual Friday.
You might know the word bib from the thing you put under a baby's chin when you feed them.
But what about tucker? Well, it was a piece of material that went down the front of a lady's dress - and was tucked in.
These days, nobody remembers about these old origins but we do use the phrase to describe someone who is dressed very smartly, particuarly for a special occasion such as a wedding.
One of the few times in Britain when people dress up in their best bib and tucker is the horse race meeting at Royal Ascot. The Queen goes and on the day called Ladies' Day, the ladies wear fancy frocks and crazy hats.
Of course, the only acceptable drink is Champagne!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My cup of tea
Dedicated to Ewa
As you know, the English love their cup of tea. Of course, it has to include milk and for traditionalists, a tea pot and a complicated ritual.
Not content with drinking the stuff, we have also created an idiom out of it.
So if you say, I'm sorry but that's not my cup of tea - it means that you don't like something; a style of art or film for example.
Well, if you ever have English guests and you want to make sure that you prepare the sacred brew in a way that is their cup of tea - just watch this highly informative and very British video.
Don't forget the biscuits!
As you know, the English love their cup of tea. Of course, it has to include milk and for traditionalists, a tea pot and a complicated ritual.
Not content with drinking the stuff, we have also created an idiom out of it.
So if you say, I'm sorry but that's not my cup of tea - it means that you don't like something; a style of art or film for example.
Well, if you ever have English guests and you want to make sure that you prepare the sacred brew in a way that is their cup of tea - just watch this highly informative and very British video.
Don't forget the biscuits!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hair of the dog
Dedicated to Pawel
Last night, it was your brother's birthday. You went out and had one or two drinks - well, maybe a little more than that. In fact, you can't quite remember how much more but you know that today, you feel dog rough.
You might say you have a hangover.
George's advice - what you need is a hair of the dog!
That's the hair of the dog that bit you - or more simply, another drink. Works every time!
Here's a short film from cool cat with his hangover cure. Yuk! Give me a beer any day.
Last night, it was your brother's birthday. You went out and had one or two drinks - well, maybe a little more than that. In fact, you can't quite remember how much more but you know that today, you feel dog rough.
You might say you have a hangover.
George's advice - what you need is a hair of the dog!
That's the hair of the dog that bit you - or more simply, another drink. Works every time!
Here's a short film from cool cat with his hangover cure. Yuk! Give me a beer any day.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Vanished into thin air
Dedicated to Kasia and Pawel
A strange thing happened in an English lesson today.
As the lesson progressed, as usual, I noted some mistakes and interesting new vocabulary which we could use as revision at the end of the lesson.
Hm, so far, so good. I made notes, as usual, throughout the lesson on the same pad.
So - end of lesson, time to revise but not as usual, the notes had gone! They'd just vanished into thin air.
Why thin? Maybe that's the highest part of the atmosphere. It was as if a magician had just made them vanish.
Here are some of the coolest magicians going - if you collocate, magic, anarchy, politics, comedy and a lot of attitude - this is what you get. Keep an eye on those balls or they might just vanish!
A strange thing happened in an English lesson today.
As the lesson progressed, as usual, I noted some mistakes and interesting new vocabulary which we could use as revision at the end of the lesson.
Hm, so far, so good. I made notes, as usual, throughout the lesson on the same pad.
So - end of lesson, time to revise but not as usual, the notes had gone! They'd just vanished into thin air.
Why thin? Maybe that's the highest part of the atmosphere. It was as if a magician had just made them vanish.
Here are some of the coolest magicians going - if you collocate, magic, anarchy, politics, comedy and a lot of attitude - this is what you get. Keep an eye on those balls or they might just vanish!
Monday, March 22, 2010
As keen as mustard
You may know that keen means enthusiastic but why as keen as mustard?
Mustard, and particularly Coleman's English mustard, is very spicy and in this sense keen is a synonym of hot.
It could also mean extreme in some way.
There was a bit of a keen wind blowing through the valley.
So keen as mustard is a play on the double meaning of keen but for this idiom it means very enthusiastic.
Here's a classic, British advert with some aristocrats and a mustard crisis!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Heads or tails?
What would I be asking you if I said heads or tails?
Would it help if I told you I had a coin in my hand?
Yes, I'd be asking you to make a choice in predicting which way up a coin would land when I tossed it.
This method of decision making is still used at the beginning of many sporting events. The head side has the monarchs picture on; the other side may have a coat of arms, a gate or lion.
Here's a nice little film giving a short history of coins.
Would it help if I told you I had a coin in my hand?
Yes, I'd be asking you to make a choice in predicting which way up a coin would land when I tossed it.
This method of decision making is still used at the beginning of many sporting events. The head side has the monarchs picture on; the other side may have a coat of arms, a gate or lion.
Here's a nice little film giving a short history of coins.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
No use crying over spilt milk
Yesterday, I didn't post. I'm sorry but to be honest, I wasn't in the mood.
Being Friday, I decided to pop into Tescos on the way home and pick up a bottle of red wine - Tempralino at a modest 9.99. I paid and packed in my bag.
I have a habit of putting cash in my top shirt pocket and when I get home, I empty it out. Imagine by distress and disappointment when I discovered that I lost 120zl! It was a short relationship but we'd become good friends; attached even.
Well, I felt rather sorry for myself and opened the now 130zl bottle of wine.
No use crying over spilt milk I thought.
I wish I'd invented this story for the sake of the blog but unfortunately it's true. Oh well, let's have a song.
Being Friday, I decided to pop into Tescos on the way home and pick up a bottle of red wine - Tempralino at a modest 9.99. I paid and packed in my bag.
I have a habit of putting cash in my top shirt pocket and when I get home, I empty it out. Imagine by distress and disappointment when I discovered that I lost 120zl! It was a short relationship but we'd become good friends; attached even.
Well, I felt rather sorry for myself and opened the now 130zl bottle of wine.
No use crying over spilt milk I thought.
I wish I'd invented this story for the sake of the blog but unfortunately it's true. Oh well, let's have a song.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ever decreasing circles
Dedicated to JLL 07 and Anna Stolarska
Do you ever feel that you are getting nowhere - particularly if you are trapped in an administrative maze?
You're just going round and round in circles that get smaller and smaller? Then you are going round in ever decreasing circles!
It happens to us all some days!
Here's a gentle British comedy of the same name.
Do you ever feel that you are getting nowhere - particularly if you are trapped in an administrative maze?
You're just going round and round in circles that get smaller and smaller? Then you are going round in ever decreasing circles!
It happens to us all some days!
Here's a gentle British comedy of the same name.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The jury's out
Dedicated to Maciej, Asia, Bartek and Milena
The jury is the group of members of the public who decide on whether or not somebody is guilty in a trial.
If the jury's out - it means we or they, haven't decided yet.
We can use it in non legal situations too.
What do you think to Manchester United's new signing?
Not sure - the jury's out.
Well, it's over 50 years old but it still remains the best, high tension jury drama ever. Twelve Angry Men won Henry Fonda an Oscar and deservedly so - at least that jury could make a decision!
The jury is the group of members of the public who decide on whether or not somebody is guilty in a trial.
If the jury's out - it means we or they, haven't decided yet.
We can use it in non legal situations too.
What do you think to Manchester United's new signing?
Not sure - the jury's out.
Well, it's over 50 years old but it still remains the best, high tension jury drama ever. Twelve Angry Men won Henry Fonda an Oscar and deservedly so - at least that jury could make a decision!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Up a gumtree
Dedicated to sadly departed Steve
If you're up a gumtree, you're in big trouble.
As this is an Australian English idiom, let's see one of Australia's finest exports - the real life Crocodile Dundee.
Sadly, it wasn't a croc that killed him but a manta ray.
Life is full of traps...
If you enjoyed this, pass the blog onto a friend.
If you're up a gumtree, you're in big trouble.
As this is an Australian English idiom, let's see one of Australia's finest exports - the real life Crocodile Dundee.
Sadly, it wasn't a croc that killed him but a manta ray.
Life is full of traps...
If you enjoyed this, pass the blog onto a friend.
Monday, March 15, 2010
As mad as a hatter
Dedicated to Alicja
As you might expect, As mad as a hatter means to be very mad but who is a hatter and why is he so mad?
Firstly, a hatter is another name for a hat maker or miliner. Many years ago, when all hats were made by hand, hats would be handstitched and held together with the aid of hat pins. These pins passed many times throughout the day from hat to hand and mouth in order to keep both hands free. Unfortunately, being made from mercury, the pins were highly toxic leading to eccentric and insane bahaviour.
Some argue that this is exaggerated but the myth became sealed and imortalised by Lewis Caroll in Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
Why is a raven like a writing desk? Find out, when you watch this film!
As you might expect, As mad as a hatter means to be very mad but who is a hatter and why is he so mad?
Firstly, a hatter is another name for a hat maker or miliner. Many years ago, when all hats were made by hand, hats would be handstitched and held together with the aid of hat pins. These pins passed many times throughout the day from hat to hand and mouth in order to keep both hands free. Unfortunately, being made from mercury, the pins were highly toxic leading to eccentric and insane bahaviour.
Some argue that this is exaggerated but the myth became sealed and imortalised by Lewis Caroll in Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
Why is a raven like a writing desk? Find out, when you watch this film!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Do the needful
Dedicated to the shift leaders at Ericsson
Do the needful is an Indian/English idiom meaning do whatever is necessary.
You might think the need for an Indian idiom in Poland is limited but people liaising with customers and colleagues in India frequently come across it.
So is it Indian, English or some other nationality?
To be sure about what's Indian you could always watch this sketch from the popular Indian/English comedy show Goodness gracious me! Indian! Now do the needful and watch it!
Do the needful is an Indian/English idiom meaning do whatever is necessary.
You might think the need for an Indian idiom in Poland is limited but people liaising with customers and colleagues in India frequently come across it.
So is it Indian, English or some other nationality?
To be sure about what's Indian you could always watch this sketch from the popular Indian/English comedy show Goodness gracious me! Indian! Now do the needful and watch it!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Get on like a house on fire
Dedicated to Jason
If you get on like a house on fire, you might think that's a fiery, angry relationship but in fact, it's exactly the opposite.
This idiom means you get on really well with someone.
From the minute they met,, they got on like a house on fire!
Just in case they get on too well and do actually set the house on fire, here's a great video with text about being a fireman - or as they call them in the US, fire fighter.
If you get on like a house on fire, you might think that's a fiery, angry relationship but in fact, it's exactly the opposite.
This idiom means you get on really well with someone.
From the minute they met,, they got on like a house on fire!
Just in case they get on too well and do actually set the house on fire, here's a great video with text about being a fireman - or as they call them in the US, fire fighter.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A sign of the times
Dedicated to two birthday ladies - Krysza and Kinga - Happy birthday!
A sign of the times is not so much an idiom as a phrase.
Usually people use it to describe a trend or something that happens now in our times.
It's a sign of the times that people are always in a rush.
It's a sign of the times that people don't eat as a family.
Well, lets not get too depressed. It's the weekend and here's an interesting short film called Signs!
A sign of the times is not so much an idiom as a phrase.
Usually people use it to describe a trend or something that happens now in our times.
It's a sign of the times that people are always in a rush.
It's a sign of the times that people don't eat as a family.
Well, lets not get too depressed. It's the weekend and here's an interesting short film called Signs!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A wolf in sheep's clothing
Dedicated to Sortudo who's really more of a sheep in wolf's clothing
If you are a wolf in sheep's clothing you look harmless but actually you are rather bad.
So while we're on the subject of sheep - here is one of the stranger British pass times; sheepdog trials.
The farmer has to get his dog to move sheep around a field. Yeah - it rocks!
Down boy!
If you are a wolf in sheep's clothing you look harmless but actually you are rather bad.
So while we're on the subject of sheep - here is one of the stranger British pass times; sheepdog trials.
The farmer has to get his dog to move sheep around a field. Yeah - it rocks!
Down boy!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Red letter day
Dedicated to members of the Sandford and Stoker families
Without going into detail, it's been a difficult time lately with many unresolved issues and serious illness in the family.
Today we've had some great news (to be honest, 4 pieces which is more than a fair share)
All in all it's been a fantastic red letter day!
And here's a great track from the past. There are many covers but the original is best. Sound quality not great but I wanted you to dig those funky hairdo's and dance routine.
Without going into detail, it's been a difficult time lately with many unresolved issues and serious illness in the family.
Today we've had some great news (to be honest, 4 pieces which is more than a fair share)
All in all it's been a fantastic red letter day!
And here's a great track from the past. There are many covers but the original is best. Sound quality not great but I wanted you to dig those funky hairdo's and dance routine.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Go west
(Dedicated to Jan and Johnny of course!)
Apart from a cheesy song by Village People and Pet Shop Boys to go west can mean to die.
Sadly, he's gone west. It probably originated from the days of early exploration of North America.
Someone who goes west is Johnny Depp in one of his earlier and much less commercial films.
It's called Dead Man and I really recommend it. It's a kind of western but seriously weird and original.
Here's the soundtrack.
Apart from a cheesy song by Village People and Pet Shop Boys to go west can mean to die.
Sadly, he's gone west. It probably originated from the days of early exploration of North America.
Someone who goes west is Johnny Depp in one of his earlier and much less commercial films.
It's called Dead Man and I really recommend it. It's a kind of western but seriously weird and original.
Here's the soundtrack.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The best thing since sliced bread
Dedicated to Maja
What's the best thing since slice bread?
An idiom, of course!
It means that it's the latest, greatest invention.
I'm not sure that sliced bread really is so fantastic but I guess we'd be lost without it as you will find from the following video.
Enjoy your sandwich!
What's the best thing since slice bread?
An idiom, of course!
It means that it's the latest, greatest invention.
I'm not sure that sliced bread really is so fantastic but I guess we'd be lost without it as you will find from the following video.
Enjoy your sandwich!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hang dog expression
Dedicated to the departed Clement
If you had a hang dog expression, you would have a rather sad look like a dog whose jowls hang down.
For around 50 years, the most famous owner of a hang dog expression was the very funny but serious, Clement Freud. Yes, he was the grandson of the original Sigmund.
He even did adverts featuring his dog, Henry who shared the same look. In fact, if anything, he looked less hang dog than his owner. Rest in Peace, Clement.
If you had a hang dog expression, you would have a rather sad look like a dog whose jowls hang down.
For around 50 years, the most famous owner of a hang dog expression was the very funny but serious, Clement Freud. Yes, he was the grandson of the original Sigmund.
He even did adverts featuring his dog, Henry who shared the same look. In fact, if anything, he looked less hang dog than his owner. Rest in Peace, Clement.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Light at the end of the tunnel
Dedicated to Magda(C)whose a bit fed up with her job right now!
This idiom means that if there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how bad things are, you can see a small hope of things improving.
They will - trust me!
Here's a fun ride thorugh a tunnel. Hold on tight!
This idiom means that if there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how bad things are, you can see a small hope of things improving.
They will - trust me!
Here's a fun ride thorugh a tunnel. Hold on tight!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sweet tooth
Dedicated to Piotrek - who really does like his chocolate cake!
Have you got a sweet tooth?
For once, it's a logical idiom. If you have a sweet tooth, you like sweet things like chocolate and cakes.
Why only one tooth? Not sure; maybe the others rotted away with all that sugar!
What is more delicious than a chocolate cake? Chocolate mudcake maybe? - here's a recipe.
Just watch out for the Australian accent, and the calories of course!
Have you got a sweet tooth?
For once, it's a logical idiom. If you have a sweet tooth, you like sweet things like chocolate and cakes.
Why only one tooth? Not sure; maybe the others rotted away with all that sugar!
What is more delicious than a chocolate cake? Chocolate mudcake maybe? - here's a recipe.
Just watch out for the Australian accent, and the calories of course!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I heard it through the grapevine
Today's English idiom is dedicated to JLL 07
A grapevine is the long trailing branches of a vine that when not cultivated in fields grows around houses and in gardens.
This might create an environment where you might not be seen but could hear others talking. Another explanation is that the brances of the vine can trail for many meters.
So if you hear something through the grapevine, it's unofficial and through rumour and gossip.
Here's a great version of the motown classic of the same name.
A grapevine is the long trailing branches of a vine that when not cultivated in fields grows around houses and in gardens.
This might create an environment where you might not be seen but could hear others talking. Another explanation is that the brances of the vine can trail for many meters.
So if you hear something through the grapevine, it's unofficial and through rumour and gossip.
Here's a great version of the motown classic of the same name.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A chain is only as strong as the weakest link
Today's English language post is not dedicated to Anne Robinson!
This English idiom is also a proverb meaning that a team, army or system is most vulnerable at its weakest point.
The Weakest Link became the name of a popular general knowledge quiz in which the weakest contestants were removed one by one.
To add pressure, they were interrogated by an aggressive game show host. Booo!
Meet Anne Robinson, the patron saint of evil witches!
You are the weakest link - goodbye
This English idiom is also a proverb meaning that a team, army or system is most vulnerable at its weakest point.
The Weakest Link became the name of a popular general knowledge quiz in which the weakest contestants were removed one by one.
To add pressure, they were interrogated by an aggressive game show host. Booo!
Meet Anne Robinson, the patron saint of evil witches!
You are the weakest link - goodbye
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Pull rank
Wisely, not dedicated to anybody
Rank is another word for your title and position in the army.
So a General is a higher rank than a Colonel.
When you use your position and assert you're authority, you pull rank.
During the second world war, Britain formed platoons of home guard soldiers. These were generally made up of people too old or young to fight. It became the basis of one of the most popular comedy's ever with a of of rank pulling but Captain Mainwaring (pronounced Manaring) isn't very good at his job!
(Like a lot of people who pull rank eh?)
Rank is another word for your title and position in the army.
So a General is a higher rank than a Colonel.
When you use your position and assert you're authority, you pull rank.
During the second world war, Britain formed platoons of home guard soldiers. These were generally made up of people too old or young to fight. It became the basis of one of the most popular comedy's ever with a of of rank pulling but Captain Mainwaring (pronounced Manaring) isn't very good at his job!
(Like a lot of people who pull rank eh?)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Cat on a hot tin roof
If you'll forgive me, I dedicate this to myself because I've been feeling a bit uptight today - you know, like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof.
As you might guess, this means to be nervous and agitated.
How can you use it?
To describe somebody who is very anxious - often when waiting or anticipating something.
The expectant father was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the birth of his daughter.
The phrase was made famous by playwright Tennessee Williams with his play of the same name. His work generally showed tense, repressed relationships where the people were like cats on a hot tin roof!
Like a cat on a hot tin roof.
As you might guess, this means to be nervous and agitated.
How can you use it?
To describe somebody who is very anxious - often when waiting or anticipating something.
The expectant father was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the birth of his daughter.
The phrase was made famous by playwright Tennessee Williams with his play of the same name. His work generally showed tense, repressed relationships where the people were like cats on a hot tin roof!
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