A burglar is another word for a thief or robber.
And, you'd imagine he specialises in stealing cats. As a cat lover, I'm glad to say that is not the case. He's called a cat burglar because he has the skills of a cat in climbing, usually up the sides of buildings to climb in through your window. Meow!!
A modern variation of cat burgling is free running. These cats don't steal but they sure know how to jump.
No English in today's video but I think you'll find it's worth watching free running, French legend David Belle. Incroyable! Mais oui!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Look before you leap
Here's an idiom about caution. It's always a good idea to think carefully before doing something, particularly if there is some risk involved.
A leap is is a large jump; a bit like frogs do. In fact, there's even a game called Leapfrog when you jump over someone. You can also use leapfrog as a verb.
Kubica leapfrogged from third to first position in the race - well , we can dream!
Back to looking before you leap, here's an example where it's probably better not to look. Oh Matku!
A leap is is a large jump; a bit like frogs do. In fact, there's even a game called Leapfrog when you jump over someone. You can also use leapfrog as a verb.
Kubica leapfrogged from third to first position in the race - well , we can dream!
Back to looking before you leap, here's an example where it's probably better not to look. Oh Matku!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Head over heels
Today's idiom looks at love and shoes. What greater love does a woman have?
You know where your head is but what about heels. They are the flat part of your foot at the back. The place where high heels are on shoes.
But in fact, head over heels usually goes with the phrase, head over heels in love. Although you could fall head over heels, especially if you were wearing high heels.
If you've ever wondered about the science of wearing high heels, (which you probably haven't) you're about to find out.
Here's an interesting video with a Spanish/American lady explaining how Newton's theories apply to shoes!
She overlooks one important scientific fact; whatever the shoe, the more you drink, the harder it is to stand up! (A zero conditional - if your interested)
You know where your head is but what about heels. They are the flat part of your foot at the back. The place where high heels are on shoes.
But in fact, head over heels usually goes with the phrase, head over heels in love. Although you could fall head over heels, especially if you were wearing high heels.
If you've ever wondered about the science of wearing high heels, (which you probably haven't) you're about to find out.
Here's an interesting video with a Spanish/American lady explaining how Newton's theories apply to shoes!
She overlooks one important scientific fact; whatever the shoe, the more you drink, the harder it is to stand up! (A zero conditional - if your interested)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mum's the word
Seeing that it is mother's day today in Poland, (although not in the UK)I thought we'd feature - Mum's the word!
In fact, it's not about saying how much you love your mum.
No - it's a phrase meaning, keep it secret.
To demonstrate this, here's a short video advertising a new year's eve party; it's so good, you don't want too many people to know about it so remember, mum's the word!
In fact, it's not about saying how much you love your mum.
No - it's a phrase meaning, keep it secret.
To demonstrate this, here's a short video advertising a new year's eve party; it's so good, you don't want too many people to know about it so remember, mum's the word!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Easy peasy
Here's today's crazy English idiom for teachers and students to use and enjoy.
Just how easy can something get?
Easy peasy!
In fact, it it were any easier it would be easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Don't confuse this with cheezy peaz; particularly, squeezy, cheezy peaz!
Just how easy can something get?
Easy peasy!
In fact, it it were any easier it would be easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Don't confuse this with cheezy peaz; particularly, squeezy, cheezy peaz!
Friday, May 21, 2010
In the middle of nowhere
Where is nowhere? Well, it's nowhere.
Where is the middle of nowhere? It's as far as you can be from anywhere.
One place in the the middle of nowhere is the Saint Kilda Islands off the north west coast of Scotland.
Gaelic speaking people lived there surviving by climbing down the cliffs to get seagull eggs. Eventually, the community nearly starved and could no longer support itself. The island was evacuated in the the 1930's.
Here's a look at the beautiful but tragic island accompanied by a rather psychaedelic song from Blur.
Where is the middle of nowhere? It's as far as you can be from anywhere.
One place in the the middle of nowhere is the Saint Kilda Islands off the north west coast of Scotland.
Gaelic speaking people lived there surviving by climbing down the cliffs to get seagull eggs. Eventually, the community nearly starved and could no longer support itself. The island was evacuated in the the 1930's.
Here's a look at the beautiful but tragic island accompanied by a rather psychaedelic song from Blur.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A frog in your throat
No - it's not another French recipe but it sounds rather uncomfortable.
It is but usually, it's more of a tickle. Sorry, I have a frog in my throat is the sort of thing you might say when you need to clear your throat, before making a speech, for example.
Without going into too much detail, the material you might bring up is called phlegm.(Silent g - pronounced flem) The comedy programme called The Fast Show created the character Bob Flemming. Here he is with his friend who also has a bit of a problem.
Bless you!
It is but usually, it's more of a tickle. Sorry, I have a frog in my throat is the sort of thing you might say when you need to clear your throat, before making a speech, for example.
Without going into too much detail, the material you might bring up is called phlegm.(Silent g - pronounced flem) The comedy programme called The Fast Show created the character Bob Flemming. Here he is with his friend who also has a bit of a problem.
Bless you!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A lost ball in high weeds
Hi blogsters, this week I've been like a lost ball in high weeds. You see, at the weekend, my beloved PC finally died. Luckily I had another newer one to replace it.
But, it wouldn't talk to the internet and let's say on a scale of 1-10 on technology, I'm -10. Well, now it's sorted but for a while, I felt totally lost.
If you missed the cult TV series LOST, here's a quick recap of the first three series in 7 mins. and I do mean quick. Ears at the ready!
But, it wouldn't talk to the internet and let's say on a scale of 1-10 on technology, I'm -10. Well, now it's sorted but for a while, I felt totally lost.
If you missed the cult TV series LOST, here's a quick recap of the first three series in 7 mins. and I do mean quick. Ears at the ready!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Nice weather for ducks
Oh dear, another wet weekend. This month's weather has been very disappointing, that is, unless you are a duck.
For some reason, in Britain when it rains a lot, (most of the time) we say, 'nice weather for ducks!'
I don't know if there is any scientific basis for this because I've never asked a duck.
The last time I lived in England, I lived near Carlisle in the north of England. In 2005 it just rained and rained, the rivers burst their banks and the city was totally flooded. Still, it was nice weather ducks!
For some reason, in Britain when it rains a lot, (most of the time) we say, 'nice weather for ducks!'
I don't know if there is any scientific basis for this because I've never asked a duck.
The last time I lived in England, I lived near Carlisle in the north of England. In 2005 it just rained and rained, the rivers burst their banks and the city was totally flooded. Still, it was nice weather ducks!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Mind over matter
Your mind is not just your brain but your soul and spiritual energy.
Matter is another name for stuff - physical objects or material.
If you put mind over matter then you can overcome seemingly impossible problems; perhaps you could walk on hot coals without feeling pain or for that matter, bend a spoon.
You see, when I was a kid, the playground was full of children trying to to bend spoons stolen from the school canteen.
Why? A charismatic young man called Uri Geller had arrived on British TV screens and was sweeping the country with his paranormal show. Did he really have psychic and telekenetic powers or was he just a clever trickster?
See for yourself and decide if it's a matter of mind over matter!
Matter is another name for stuff - physical objects or material.
If you put mind over matter then you can overcome seemingly impossible problems; perhaps you could walk on hot coals without feeling pain or for that matter, bend a spoon.
You see, when I was a kid, the playground was full of children trying to to bend spoons stolen from the school canteen.
Why? A charismatic young man called Uri Geller had arrived on British TV screens and was sweeping the country with his paranormal show. Did he really have psychic and telekenetic powers or was he just a clever trickster?
See for yourself and decide if it's a matter of mind over matter!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Spend a penny
If I said, I wonder if you could tell me where I could spend a penny? What would you say?
Maybe I could ask for directions to the smallest room. No?
OK, I'll spit it out - Where's the loo? I'm desperate!
The loo? The toilet of course, but we don't use the word if we can help it. Still, Americans ask for the bathroom, so that's even more confusing.
Now, if you spend a penny, that's probably a number one; if you plan something more substantial, that's a number two or crudely put, a crap. You could be talking crap or say, 'that's a load of crap!' The origin being from a toilet manufacturer called Crapper! If you're interested in this little convenience called the WC, (water closet) here's a brief documentary.
Maybe I could ask for directions to the smallest room. No?
OK, I'll spit it out - Where's the loo? I'm desperate!
The loo? The toilet of course, but we don't use the word if we can help it. Still, Americans ask for the bathroom, so that's even more confusing.
Now, if you spend a penny, that's probably a number one; if you plan something more substantial, that's a number two or crudely put, a crap. You could be talking crap or say, 'that's a load of crap!' The origin being from a toilet manufacturer called Crapper! If you're interested in this little convenience called the WC, (water closet) here's a brief documentary.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A new broom
If I said there's a new broom at number 10 what would it mean?
The lady across the road is sweeping her house with a new brush maybe?
No - a new broom is a new leader. It could be in a company or a country; like England for example.
As for number 10, it's 10 Downing Street - home of the British Prime Minister.
Here's Britain's new broom.
The lady across the road is sweeping her house with a new brush maybe?
No - a new broom is a new leader. It could be in a company or a country; like England for example.
As for number 10, it's 10 Downing Street - home of the British Prime Minister.
Here's Britain's new broom.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Keep the lid on something
Lids are useful.
Lids are the things you put on boxes or jars to keep the contents in, safe, fresh or dry.
Eye lids are the part you close to cover up your eyes.
But as an idiom, keeping the lid on something is about keeping something from coming out into the open or into the public domain.
The government sold weapons to Iraq but they kept the lid on it.
Here's a guy who doesn't know how they keep the lid on a hallucinatory drug called DMT. He just doesn't know how - probably because he's stoned is my guess!
Lids are the things you put on boxes or jars to keep the contents in, safe, fresh or dry.
Eye lids are the part you close to cover up your eyes.
But as an idiom, keeping the lid on something is about keeping something from coming out into the open or into the public domain.
The government sold weapons to Iraq but they kept the lid on it.
Here's a guy who doesn't know how they keep the lid on a hallucinatory drug called DMT. He just doesn't know how - probably because he's stoned is my guess!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Get the picture
If you get the picture it doesn't mean you have to go to an art gallery for a painting.
No, it means you understand; you acknowledge that you understand.
You get the picture?
Yes we see.
Like this.
No, it means you understand; you acknowledge that you understand.
You get the picture?
Yes we see.
Like this.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Right up your street
Where is something if it's right up your street?
You might imagine, close to where you live. It is in a way. It means that it's perfect for you and your taste.
I think you'll find the film is right up your street.
If you say 'The Street'in Britain, people will automatically think of Coronation Street; it's Britain's longest running TV soap and started way back in 1960. One actor has been in the whole time!
The show was unusual as it focussed on working class people in the north of England which, at the time, had not been done before. Watch out for those tricky Manchester accents and scary, aggressive women.
You might imagine, close to where you live. It is in a way. It means that it's perfect for you and your taste.
I think you'll find the film is right up your street.
If you say 'The Street'in Britain, people will automatically think of Coronation Street; it's Britain's longest running TV soap and started way back in 1960. One actor has been in the whole time!
The show was unusual as it focussed on working class people in the north of England which, at the time, had not been done before. Watch out for those tricky Manchester accents and scary, aggressive women.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Birthday suit
Dedicated to Alicja
It was my granddaughter's first birthday yesterday. So was she wearing her birthday suit? Certainly not! She was wearing a yellow dress.
If you were wearing your birthday suit you'd be wearing what you were born in -nothing at all; you'd be starkers or in the buff.
Here's someone who's too shy to get into his birthday suit on the beach so he develops a special technique for keeping covered up.
It was my granddaughter's first birthday yesterday. So was she wearing her birthday suit? Certainly not! She was wearing a yellow dress.
If you were wearing your birthday suit you'd be wearing what you were born in -nothing at all; you'd be starkers or in the buff.
Here's someone who's too shy to get into his birthday suit on the beach so he develops a special technique for keeping covered up.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A bone of contention
What's a bone of contention?
Contention is a disagreement and I'm sure you know what a bone is.
Is it to do with dogs fighting over a bone?
Politically, maybe.
It's something that has been a long term cause of dissatisfaction and is an unresolved conflict.
One such contentious issue is the Falkland Islands or Malvinas, as the Argentinians call them. Lying off the coast of Argentina, they were colonised in 1833 but forcibly reclaimed by Argentina in 1982. This sparked a war. My country at war in my lifetime - a strange feeling.
It's hard to find any videos that aren't very biased one way or the other but this isn't too bad. The sound track is a bit loud, so turn your volume down. I hope you find it interesting.
Contention is a disagreement and I'm sure you know what a bone is.
Is it to do with dogs fighting over a bone?
Politically, maybe.
It's something that has been a long term cause of dissatisfaction and is an unresolved conflict.
One such contentious issue is the Falkland Islands or Malvinas, as the Argentinians call them. Lying off the coast of Argentina, they were colonised in 1833 but forcibly reclaimed by Argentina in 1982. This sparked a war. My country at war in my lifetime - a strange feeling.
It's hard to find any videos that aren't very biased one way or the other but this isn't too bad. The sound track is a bit loud, so turn your volume down. I hope you find it interesting.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Icing on the cake
Imagine a day that starts off well and then gets better.
You come home and find you've won a holiday to the Seychelles.
Cool, you say, 'that's the icing on the cake!'
Icing is the white or coloured substance often made from sugar and marzipan that's put on top of cakes to decorate them.
If you don't know how to do it, find out now.
This lady is from the north of England; notice the accent.
You come home and find you've won a holiday to the Seychelles.
Cool, you say, 'that's the icing on the cake!'
Icing is the white or coloured substance often made from sugar and marzipan that's put on top of cakes to decorate them.
If you don't know how to do it, find out now.
This lady is from the north of England; notice the accent.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The sparks are flying
Yesterday, time was flying, today it's sparks.
Sparks are hot flecks of metal produced by friction like this:
We also find the word in Spark Plug; the thing that gets your car going. One of these: (note, Polish friends, we don't call them candles)
More often, we're talking about an argument; one of these:
Finally, it might be one of these; a group from my youth.
Sparks are hot flecks of metal produced by friction like this:
We also find the word in Spark Plug; the thing that gets your car going. One of these: (note, Polish friends, we don't call them candles)
More often, we're talking about an argument; one of these:
Finally, it might be one of these; a group from my youth.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Time flies
Yes, time flies and you don't even need a flying machine.
It passes on its own very quickly.
It used to be a common site to see on clocks the Latin inscription, Tepus fugit.
Remember, if you want to ask the time in English, you might need to pad your enquiry with extra politeness.
'I wonder if you could tell me the time?
'You couldn't tell me the time, could you?
'I don't suppose you could tell me time?
Crazy but true!
Here's a classic piece of writing about time from the comic genius Spike Milligan. He was the writer of the radio programme, The Goon Show which was inspirational to many surrealist comics including Monty Python.
Listen and enjoy this sketch which was first broadcast in 1957 and is just as funny today. Ahh, how time flies!
It passes on its own very quickly.
It used to be a common site to see on clocks the Latin inscription, Tepus fugit.
Remember, if you want to ask the time in English, you might need to pad your enquiry with extra politeness.
'I wonder if you could tell me the time?
'You couldn't tell me the time, could you?
'I don't suppose you could tell me time?
Crazy but true!
Here's a classic piece of writing about time from the comic genius Spike Milligan. He was the writer of the radio programme, The Goon Show which was inspirational to many surrealist comics including Monty Python.
Listen and enjoy this sketch which was first broadcast in 1957 and is just as funny today. Ahh, how time flies!
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