What is the Meaning of the Idiom

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

you don’t want to say who gave you certain information

Example:

Person 1:  Happy birthday!

Person 2:  How do you know it’s my birthday?

Person 1 (smiling mysteriously):  Oh… a little bird told me.

Also commonly used:  A little birdie told me.

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

to have ANTS IN ONE’S PANTS?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

to be restless, probably because you are anticipating something

Example:

Let’s pack our things quickly.  The kids have ants in their pants, and they are driving me crazy.  They are anxious to get to their cousins’ place.

Remember:  Replace ONE’S with the correct possessive adjective  e.g., my, your, his, her, their, our

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

to COST (or spend) AN ARM AND A LEG?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

It’s very expensive!

Examples:

1. Buying that new car cost me an arm and a leg.  I won’t be going anywhere for vacation this year.

2. My fitness club membership is costing me an arm and a leg. I am going to look into buying some equipment I can use at home.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
FAIL TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

• to not consider something along with other things
• to ignore, or not think about, something because you don’t know it is important

Examples:

1. When we moved from our house to an apartment we failed to take into account how hard it can be to live with neighbours so close.

2. When he did his income tax, he failed to take into account the extra income he had from private jobs. When he got audited, he had to pay a lot of back taxes.

 

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
PAY ATTENTION?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

give notice to someone or something

Examples:

1. I’m sorry; I wasn’t really paying attention to what you were saying. What did you ask me?

2. Ask Mom if you can have $20 when she is talking on the phone. She never pays attention to what she is doing when she is on the phone.

3. Okay, everyone! Pay attention! Your teacher will give you some instructions and then you will work in small groups.

 

 

 

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What is the meaning of the expression
RIGHT AWAY?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

immediately

Example:

1. When we heard the news we went to the hospital right away.

2. Can you come over right away? The dog ran off and I need someone to stay with the baby while I go look for him. (Note: The dog is a male. In English, domestic animals are typically referred to by their gender. i.e., him, her.)

3. A:  This is due tomorrow. Do you have time to look after it?    B:  Yes. I can do it right away.

 

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition 1:

To take advantage of someone means to exploit that person, or to treat the person in an unfair way so that you gain something.

Example:

In some countries, taxi drivers take advantage of tourists and charge them a higher rate.

Definition 2:

make good use of the opportunity available to you

Example:

My friends from Mexico came to visit me in Canada. They took advantage of the mountains and snow, and learned to snowboard.

Note:

These two definitions have very different meanings.

The first meaning is negative. The second meaning is positive.

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What is the Meaning of the English expression
(be/get) USED TO someone or something?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

Note:  This is the definition for BE USED TO, not for USED TO.

be familiar with something (or someone), through experience, so that it is no longer as difficult, or surprising

1. He doesn’t scare me. I am used to big, loud men.

2. I know the traffic is crazy, but I don’t mind driving here. I suppose I am used to it because I grew up here.

3. Before the divorce, she was used to a very high standard of living. Now she has to be careful with her spending.

4. If it is your first winter in Canada, you might think you can’t survive the cold weather. You will, though, get used to it and it becomes easier. Many newcomers to Canada love the snow and enjoy winter activities.

Note:  Many vocabulary words have more than one definition.  This page may not include all the definitions.

 

 

What is the Meaning of the Expression
a BIG DEAL?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

something considered to be important

Examples:

1. Meeting his family for the first time is going to be a big deal.  

2. A: Oh, sorry! I forgot to bring that book you lent me. I wanted to return it to you today.

B. Don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal. I’m not in a hurry for it. You can give it to me next time we see each other.

Note:

Correct:  It is not a big deal.

Correct:  It is no big deal.

Incorrect:  It is no a big deal.

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

Having something that is certain is better than taking a risk for more, or for something better because if you take a chance you might lose everything.

Example:

I don’t like my job.  There is another area of work that interests me, but I would need to quit my job, take a 3-month course, and then apply for a new job when I finished the course.

I decided to stay at my current job. I figure a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Apparently, Russians have a similar idiom:  Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
A BITE TO EAT?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

A bite to eat means something to eat.  It suggests a simple meal, rather than an elaborate formal dinner.

Sometimes this is used with the verb grab. See example 2.

Examples:

1. Let’s have a quick a bite to eat before we leave home so we don’t have to stop somewhere and buy lunch.

2. Summer is a great time to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant patio.

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

you don’t want to say who gave you certain information

Example:

Person 1:  Happy birthday!

Person 2:  How do you know it’s my birthday?

Person 1 (smiling mysteriously):  Oh… a little bird told me.

Also commonly used:  A little birdie told me.

 

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
BACK AND FORTH?

for those learning to speak English as a Second, or Additional, Language (ESL or EAL)

Definition:

• go between two places (either real or imaginary), over and over
• go short distances in one direction and then in the opposite direction, over and over again

Examples:

1. The old tire swung back and forth in the gentle breeze.

2. She kept going back and forth between the two job offers, uncertain about which one she wanted to accept.

3. He paced back and forth outside the operating room.

4. Her skirt swung back and forth as she quickly walked down the street.

5. My grandmother has rocked a lot of babies in her life. Now, when she stands, she sways back and forth as though she has a baby in her arms, even when she doesn’t.

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What is the meaning of the expression
BACK AND FORTH?

Definition:

go short distances in one direction and then in the opposite direction, over and over again

Examples:

1. Her father walked nervously back and forth outside her hospital room.

2. I went out to my car and then realized that my sunglasses were in the house. So I ran back into the house to get them. Then, when I got back to my car I realized that I had left my car keys on the table so I had to return to the house again. I wasted almost 10 minutes running back and forth!

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
a BEAR HUG?

Definition:

– a great big hug, typically not romantic

– often referenced in children’s literature, such as the book below

Examples:

– Her four-year-old daughter loves to give everyone in the family bear hugs before she goes to bed.

– When he goes home, his dad always gives him a big bear hug.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression

(on one’s) BUCKET LIST?

Definition:

A bucket list is a list of things you want to do, or hope to do, before you die.

Example:

Most of the things on my bucket list involve traveling. What about you? What’s on your bucket list?

 

This expression comes from the idiom KICK THE BUCKET.   KICK THE BUCKET is an old expression in English but did you know that BUCKET LIST is quite new to the English language? It started with the 2007 movie The Bucket List.

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
BURN YOUR BRIDGES?

 

Definition:

do something that makes it impossible to return (to a place or state)

Examples:

1. She is very angry with her boss and she plans to quit. I hope she doesn’t say anything stupid and burn her bridges.  There are not a lot of good jobs available and she will need a good reference.

2. He would like to get back together with his old girlfriend, but unfortunately, when they broke up he really burned his bridges. He said some terrible things to her.

 

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL?

Definition:

stay awake very late at night because something needs your attention

Examples:

1. I’m so tired. Our baby was sick last night, so I burned the midnight oil in order to take her temperature regularly.

2. You look exhausted. Have you been burning the midnight oil a lot lately?

3. We have to finish this project before Friday. We are going to have to burn the midnight oil for a few nights.

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

to be AS BUSY AS A BEE?

for English Language Learners (ELL) – those learning to speak English as a Second Language (ESL), or English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Definition:

to be very busy; to be occupied with many tasks

Often this means you have produced something tangible (i.e., something that is visible, physical).

Examples:

1. Look at you, Grandma!  You’ve been as busy as a bee this morning!  You baked cookies, and cupcakes, and a cake!

2. Julie has been as busy as a bee getting her things ready for kindergarten.

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What is the meaning of the expression
BY ONESELF?

Definition:

alone; without another person

Click for more teaching on REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS.

 

Example:

1. I flew home by myself last summer. It was nice to spend time with my parents without having to look after my children.

2. Her four-year-old is very proud. He recently learned how to tie up his shoes by himself.

3. Thanks for offering to help, but it is probably easier if it do it by myself.

 

 

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
to NOT BELIEVE one’s EYES (or EARS)?

This expression can take several forms, such as:

I DON’T BELIEVE MY EYES (or EARS)

I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES (or EARS)

I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES (or EARS)

Note:  When you change the subject, remember to change the possessive adjective to match.

He couldn’t believe his eyes. / She couldn’t believe her ears.

 

Definition:

to be amazed, or shocked, by what you see (or hear)

This can be used for either positive or a negative experiences.

Examples:

1. He couldn’t believe his eyes!  He was witnessing a robbery.

2. The northern lights were so beautiful. We couldn’t believe our eyes!  

3. When we heard they were expecting a baby*, we couldn’t believe our ears!

*expecting a baby means the woman is pregnant

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What is the Meaning of the Expression

DRAW BLOOD?

Definition:

to cause someone to bleed, or (medically) to extract blood from someone

Examples:

1. He bit my arm so hard, he drew blood.

2. This lab tech is so good at drawing blood you won’t even feel the needle go in.

present –	DRAW
present participle –	DRAWING
past –	DREW
past participle –	DRAWN

 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
EAT LIKE A BIRD?

Definition:

to eat very little

Examples:

I am worried about my grandmother. She eats like a bird. I worry that she isn’t getting enough nutrition.

If Josh goes out with a girl and she eats like a bird, he won’t ask her out again. He says it is an indication that she is artificial and pretentious*.  He likes a girl who is honest enough to eat a full meal on a date.

*pretentious:  attempting to make others think you are someone better than what is true or honest

Cultural Tips for Canada

In western cultures (such as Canada), the following table manners are very important:

– chew with your mouth closed (do not let others see the chewed food in your mouth);

– chew and drink quietly;

– do not talk with food in your mouth;

– do not drink from a soup bowl; and

– absolutely no burping.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
one’s FLESH AND BLOOD?

Definition:

part of your family; a near relative

This is often used to emphasize that someone is related to you by birth, and that your connection to that person is, or ought to be strong.

Note:

Replace one’s with a possessive adjective that fits your meaning (e.g., my, your, his, her, our, their)

Example:

His brother, his own flesh and blood, didn’t even come to his funeral.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
FOR BETTER or FOR WORSE?

Definition:

whether the future is good or bad

Examples:

1. This comes from traditional western marriage vows.

“Do you take this man/woman to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife;

for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer…”   etc.

2. My friend and I have been through many difficult times together. I like to say that we have passed the “for better or for worse” stage of friendship!

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
FULL BLAST?

Definition:

If something (or someone) is going full blast, it is working with great intensity or at maximum capacity.

This expression is commonly used for heaters, or air conditioners.

 

Examples:

1. It was freezing in the car.  My mom had the air conditioning going full blast.

2. The volunteers had all the ovens in the community hall going full blast as they prepared the community supper.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
HAD BETTER?

Definition:

HAD BETTER is similar to should, except that should is advice and HAD BETTER is used to warn about a possible negative result

Sometimes HAD is omitted.

Follow HAD BETTER with a base verb.

Examples:

1. You better phone your sister back; it’s almost 10:00 p.m. in her city.

2. You had better be telling me the truth!

3. You’d better slow down. The roads are icy.

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

KICK THE BUCKET?

Definition:

This is an informal way of saying die.

Examples:

1. I am still sick, but I’m not ready to kick the bucket yet!

2.  He is a horrible person. He often says that when his grandmother kicks the bucket, he will be a rich man.

The expression BUCKET LIST comes from this idiom.

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG?

Definition:

to tell (or not keep) a secret

(Think about trying to keep a cat inside a bag!  It’s a great picture for how hard it can be to keep an interesting secret.)

Examples:

1. The surprise party is all planned. We are not going to tell Uncle John because he is a terrible liar, and if knows he will be sure to let the cat out of the bag.

2. They wanted to tell us in person that they were expecting a baby, but his mom let the cat out of the bag, when she asked us if we were going to come home after the baby was born.

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom

to have NOTHING BETWEEN THE EARS?

Definition:

If you say someone has nothing between their ears, you are saying they are stupid, that they have no brain.

With most idioms you cannot alter any of the words, but with this one there are a few variations:

She has nothing between the ears.

He has nothing between his ears.

She  doesn’t have much between her ears.

There isn’t much between his ears.

There is nothing between her ears.

Example:

I told Jo I didn’t think she should accept that job. It doesn’t pay well. The hours are long, and she hates that kind of work.  There are lots of other jobs available.  But when they offered it to her, she immediately said, “Yes.”

She phoned me, very excited about it. Then, in the next sentence she said that she thought she would probably hate it and didn’t know why she had accepted it.  Sometimes I think Jo doesn’t have much between her ears.

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What is the Meaning of the Expression
OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

Definition:

– a place that is not popular and where few people go

– a place that may involve exploration and possible hardship (or difficulty)

Example:

When we travel, I don’t like to see the tourist attractions. I prefer to go off the beaten path. 

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What is the Meaning of the Idiom
ON THE BALL?

Definition:

alert, effective, efficient, competent

Examples:

1. This report has a lot of mistakes in it! Whoever did it obviously wasn’t very on the ball.

2. I can’t understand why your sister is with that guy. He is lazy and rude, and she has so much on the ball.  She is intelligent, witty and attractive.

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