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**A.m.ir** · 11-22-2012, 12:01 AM

12idioms about money

Like music and literature, money has an effect on the changing nature of the English language; the “almighty dollar” has inspired many interesting phrases and idioms.

What are Idioms?
In English, an idiom is a broadly-used phrase with a meaning that may differ quite radically from the actual literal wording. The phrase “time flies” expresses the quickness of time rather than suggesting that it buzzes around your head like a bee.

Cheapskate
A person who behaves in a miserly fashion and is stingy with money.
“Our boss never gives us a Christmas bonus; he is a bigger cheapskate than Ebenezer Scrooge.”
“Phyllis left the waitress a twenty dollar tip and would never be accused of being a cheapskate.”

Cold Hard Cash
Physical currency as opposed to checks, credit cards, and so forth.
“I don’t have a card, so I paid for everything in cold hard cash.”

Cut-rate
Cheap pricing, though not necessarily positive.
“The engine lasted only two more weeks after that cut-rate mechanic worked on it.”

Dime a Dozen
Very common.
“Cut-rate auto dealerships are a dime a dozen since the economy started going bad.”

Dutch Treat
Both persons pay their own way, also known as “going Dutch”.
“Bob took Mary to a movie, but she insisted that they go Dutch.”
“The group of friends met for a Dutch treat at a nearby restaurant.”

To Feel Like a Million Bucks (or Dollars)
To feel terrific. To “look like a million bucks” means that someone looks great.
“Mary had been sick, but she now felt like a million bucks.”
“If you’re going out to put in job applications, make sure you look like a million dollars.”

To Go Broke
To lose all of one’s money.
“Do a lot of research before starting a business or you will go broke in the first year.”

To Grease Your Palm
To bribe or give a tip.
“When I greased the waitress’ palm, she gave us a nice seat by a window.”

Hit the Jackpot
To suddenly make a lot of money, but it can also be used to indicate other successes.
“Ted played the lottery and hit the jackpot.”
“I was looking for a few pencils and hit the jackpot when I found a box of thirty.”

In the Red
This indicates a situation that is not making a profit.
“The company closed after running in the red for over a year.”

To Make a Bundle
To make a large amount of money.
“Gertrude retired after making a bundle from her invention.”

Penny for your Thoughts
To ask someone what they are thinking about, often used when a person appears to be lost in thought.
“She noticed her friend’s silence and said, ‘Penny for your thoughts?’”

There are plenty of other idioms that are related to money, and some of them are quite common.

**A.m.ir** · 12-01-2012, 10:04 PM

Love around the clock: 12 love idioms

As Saint Valentine’s Day draws near, love idioms and phrases are increasingly popular. While some universal idioms are easily translated, many idioms on love can be difficult to comprehend. Here are 12 popular love idioms and phrases that are used frequently but are quite confounding.

1. Blind Date
Although dating a person who is visually impaired might be considered a blind date, the term is commonly used for a pre-arranged social appointment where a third-party sets a date for two mutual friends who have never met. Therefore, the date is designated as “blind.” 2. To Fall For
In the case of “to fall for someone” or “to fall in love,” the word fall functions as an intransitive verb representing a particular state of being.
Example: When Francois gave Jeanette a handwritten poem, she knew he was falling for her.

3. To Find Mr. Right or Miss Right
This common phrase denoting the ideal romantic partner has been in use since 1922 when the Irish author James Joyce coined the expression.
Example: After she paid the excessive restaurant bill, Marie knew she had found Mr. Wrong not Mr. Right.

4. To Get Back Together
Getting back together is a common intransitive phrasal verb used when a couple, band or group decide to resume their relationship.
Example: Isabella wistfully looked through the love letters from her ex-lover and realized they should get back together.

5. To Get Engaged
To get engaged is a phrase related to marriage that implies the betrothed parties are reserved for one another.
Example: Since meeting her prince charming, Delilah couldn’t wait to get engaged.

6. To Get Hitched
To tie the knot or get hitched are both common informal terms for marriage.
Example: The bride and groom got hitched and were united in a bond even stronger than a trailer hitched to an overloaded station wagon.

7. To Have a Crush
A crush is a common informal idiom for a romantic infatuation. This term has been used since the 19th century and is still popular today.
Example: Paul had a crush on Sophie since first grade. He finally summoned up enough courage to invite her to the movies.

8. Head Over Heels
Falling head over heels in love with someone is an idiomatic way of expressing the overwhelming excitement of irrevocable affection.
Example: Juliet knew she was falling head over heels for Romeo.

9. To Be Hung Up On Someone
This popular phrase has been in use since the late 1800s. It implies a lingering interest or something you can’t get out of your head.
Example: Antoinette had been hung up on that mysterious cowboy since they met one fateful night.

10. To Patch Up a Relationship
Patching is a term often used for repairing tires or mending jeans. However, it can also be used to denote emotional reconciliation.
Example: Jack and Jill decided it was time to patch up their relationship.

11. To Pop The Question
This informal idiom for proposing marriage has been in use since 1826.
Example: Marcus stopped by the jewelry store that evening and was waiting for the right moment to pop the question.

12. Those Three Little Words
There are plenty of three-word phrases, but this romantic idiom only refers to “I love you,” the most meaningful phrase of all.
Example: Martina waited with anticipation hoping her sweetheart would say those three little words.

Understanding colloquial phrases is essential for anyone who wants to use idioms with love.

**A.m.ir** · 12-19-2012, 12:19 AM

Christmas Idioms and Phrases

What are Idioms?
An idiom is a phrase in which the meaning has little or nothing to do with the literal wording. Examples of idioms in general speech are “raining cats and dogs” and “keep an eye out.” The first indicates a heavy downpour of rain, while the second means to keep watch for something.

Holiday Idioms and Phrases White Christmas
The prettiest holiday, according to most, is one where it has snowed. This wish for white was celebrated many years ago in a popular song, and the title of this carol is now a traditional holiday phrase.

There’s no Place like Home for the Holidays
Another favorite carol came out of the sentiment that the best place to celebrate the holidays is with the family. College students return to their parents’ home, and extended families descend on a pre-planned relative for festive celebration and gift-giving.

Xmas Comes but Once a Year
Recently, this has become an excuse for gorging on holiday cookies or spending too much on presents, but this proverb quietly states that people need to be kind to each other year-round rather than just during the holidays.
‘
Tis the Season
“‘Tis” is an old method of contracting “it” and “is.” Today, it is rarely used in anything but traditional song or poetry, such as “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” or “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. This usage is abbreviated from a line in a holiday carol: “‘Tis the season to be jolly.” The word “jolly” is also old and simply means “happy.”

Deck the Halls
“Decking” or decorating the halls with branches from a holly tree is an old tradition, and the popular carol began as a Welsh tune from the 1700s. These days, merry-makers deck their halls with blinking lights, pine branches, popcorn strung on strands of thread, and glittery garland.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
European mistletoe is a shrub with yellow flowers and white, poisonous berries. The tradition of kissing under a hanging sprig of this plant began in 16th century England, but it was not connected to holiday tradition until the 18th century. In 1820, American author Washington Irving wrote, “–the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked the privilege ceases.”

The Stockings were Hung by the Chimney
The actual origin is uncertain, but hundreds of years ago, children dried damp socks by hanging them overnight from the fireplace mantle. At some point, a benevolent stranger, saint, or parent slipped some gifts into these stockings, and it is now an inseparable tradition. Holiday stockings are filled with small presents and fruit, such as apples and oranges, though naughty children may receive only a chunk of coal.

Ho Ho Ho!
The tradition involves a fat, bearded man in a red suit slipping through chimneys to leave presents for the children, and “ho ho ho” is an imitation of the old fellow’s laughter. One must hold his belly with both hands while imitating, and jolliness is mandatory.

Bah, Humbug!
On the other hand, “Bah, humbug!” is the derisive, holiday-hating rant of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, “A Christmas Carol.” Today, folks will often shout this at each other, jokingly (or bitterly), when confronted with holiday well-wishers.

Trim the Tree
This is an old reference to decorating a pine tree with ornaments, lights, and whatever glittery bits strike a family’s fancy.

**A.m.ir** · 08-12-2016, 07:25 PM

10Animal Idioms and Their Meanings

Humans and animals have a long history. The behavior of animals and their interactions in modern-day situations have inspired a variety of zoological idioms and expressions that are applied to people and everyday circumstances. Here are 10 animal idioms to ponder.

1.) An Alley Cat
This idiom describes a feral cat that hangs around in alleys and relies on food provided by soft-hearted individuals. However, it’s also applied to people who prey on the kindness of others. A person might say, “After school, Susan’s friends drop by her house waiting to be fed like alley cats.”

2.) A Paper Tiger
This timeless idiom applies to people, government organizations and groups that act powerful or put on a bold face to hide their weaknesses. For example, “Nick is a paper tiger. He pretends to be tough, but he’s really a gentle giant.”

3.) As Poor as a Church Mouse
The proverbial church mouse has little food, few possessions and no monetary wealth. This common idiom is applied to people or families who are poor and live humbly. Here’s an example: “Mrs. Brown is as poor as a church mouse since her husband’s passing.”

4.) To Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill
Moles are strong diggers that create mountain-shaped piles of dirt when building their underground burrows. When used as an idiom, it implies that a situation is viewed from a distorted perspective. For example, “In problem situations, people tend to make mountains out of molehills.”

5.) To Serve as a Guinea Pig
For years, guinea pigs have been used in laboratories to test unproven methods or products. Here’s one example: “Jenny had never cooked before, but Martin agreed to serve as her guinea pig.”

6.) To Back the Wrong Horse
Horse racing has a profound impact on culture and language. This popular idiom means one made the wrong decision. Here’s an example: “When the stock market crashed, Gerald realized he had backed the wrong horse.” Or another example: “When Garry decided to write his essay on his own, instead of using essay writing place service, he realized he had backed the wrong horse.”

7.) The Black Sheep of the Family
Like a redheaded stepchild, the black sheep of the family never quite fits in with their siblings, parents or relatives. In literary works, the black sheep is often portrayed as someone who does not have the same values as the rest of their family. For example, “John was the black sheep of the family. He painted, traveled and did not embrace his father’s business.”

8.) To Cast Pearls Before Swine
Pigs and pearls don’t go together. This idiom suggests that a gesture or gift is unappreciated or entirely misunderstood. Here’s an example: “Rosemary did not appreciate the Faberge egg Peter brought back from Russia. It was as if he were casting pearls before a swine.”

9.) A Cat Gets One’s Tongue
When a cat has one’s tongue, it’s impossible to speak or express one’s feelings. For example, “George was a shy child. When in front of a group, his mouth seized up like a cat had his tongue.”

10.) To Have a Tiger by the Tail
This popular idiom implies that one has taken control of a powerful or unwieldy situation that is too large to manage. However, giving up is even more dangerous. Here’s an example: “Larry was a novice, but he chose to climb Yellowstone’s famous El Capitan. It wasn’t long before he realized he had caught a tiger by the tail.”

These are just a few of the animal-related idioms and expressions that are used in literary works and everyday conversations.

**A.m.ir** · 08-19-2016, 02:47 PM

12Idioms about Time

Idioms about time are versatile and used frequently in everyday situations. Due to their abstract nature, many native speakers and ESL learners are left wondering what are idioms, and what exactly do they mean? Here are 12 time-related idioms and expressions along with explanations and examples.

1.) Better Late Than Never
This idiom is simple but effective. It implies that a belated achievement is better than not reaching a goal at all. One might say, “The achievement is long overdue, but it’s better late than never.”

2.) On the Spur of the Moment
This popular saying denotes a spontaneous or sudden undertaking. For example, “Linda and Louis drove to the beach on the spur of the moment.”

3.) Once in a Blue Moon
A blue moon is a colloquial term applied to the second full moon in one month. This idiom means something is rare or infrequent. For example, “Homebodies Mary and James only go out once in a blue moon.”

4.) Living on Borrowed Time
Following an illness or near-death experience, many people believe they have cheated death. Here’s an example: “After Jim was struck by lightning, he felt like he was living on borrowed time.”

5.) In the Interim
This frequently used phrase is interchangeable with “in the meantime,” which is another time-related saying. It denotes a period of time between something that ended and something that happened afterwards. For example, “The boss will be back next week. In the interim, the workers will be stocking shelves and cleaning.”

6.) In Broad Daylight
When something occurs in broad daylight, it means the event is clearly visible. Here’s an example: “Two coyotes brazenly walked across the lawn in broad daylight.”

7.) Against the Clock
This common idiom means time is working against a project or plan instigated by a group or an individual. For example, “In movies, writers love to create countdowns where the main characters are working against the clock.”

8.) All in Good Time
Patience is an uncommon virtue. When individuals are inpatient, friends often assure them that things will happen eventually. Here’s an example: “Rachel thought she was going to become an old maid, but her mother assured her she would find the right person and get married all in good time.”

9.) Big Time
This versatile, informal idiom is used to denote something of extreme severity. For example, “Johnnie knew he was going to be in big-time trouble.” It can also mean to reach the top of one’s profession. For example, “When he landed the position as vice president, he knew he had reached the big time.”

10.) The Time is Ripe
When the time is ripe, it’s advantageous to undertake plans that have been waiting for awhile. Here’s an example: “Raphael was planning a trip overseas, and the time was finally ripe.”

11.) Have the Time of Your Life
The 1980s movie Dirty Dancing turned this idiom into a song that became one of the film’s most iconic tracks. The time of your life means you’re enjoying an unforgettable, exhilarating experience that cannot be recreated. For example, “Genevieve had the time of her life touring Italy.”

12.) Time is Money
If time is going to waste, money isn’t being made. This popular idiom attributed to Ben Franklin is frequently used in relation to business or employment. Here’s an example: “It’s wise to use every minute productively because time is money.”

These idioms about time are used frequently in writing and conversation. With these idioms and expressions, anyone can express abstract ideas in a colloquial manner.

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داده نما (اینفوگرافیک) اصطلاحات انگلیسی

اینفوگرافیک: داده نما (اینفوگرافیک) اصطلاحات انگلیسی

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