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Podcast 52 - Idioms

Podcast 52 - Idioms

Premier League badge.

In this week’s Premier Skills English podcast, Rich and Jack talk about the FA Cup Final between Manchester Utd and Crystal Palace and about a movie that could be made about one of Leicester City's star players. The language focus is on idioms, which are phrases that don't mean what they look like they should mean.

How much did you understand?

Vocabulary 

In the podcast, Rich and Jack used some vocabulary that might be new for you. Try the activity below to see how much you understand:

"This is the potential blockbuster you mentioned?"

"I think the plot will probably start in the factory where Jamie Vardy used to work."

Activity 1: In this activity, have a look at the vocabulary and try to match it to the correct definition.
Can you match the words to their definitions?

Will you watch the Jamie Vardy movie?

Language - Idioms

Idioms are expressions with non-literal meanings. This means that the meanings of idioms are different from what you would expect if you just looked at the words that make them. This can make them difficult to understand for people learning English. Idioms normally cannot be modified or the words within them changed. This is a good example of an idiom:

"I lost my head completely when my boss told me that I had to work late."

'To lose your head' is an idiom which means 'to get very angry'. The literal meaning would be very different!

In the podcast, Jack and Rich used some more examples of idioms, it can be difficult to understand the meaning of an idiom from the words on their own. It's best to think about the topic and the rest of the sentence to help you understand. Take a look at these examples from the podcast: 

"A business person needs to keep his or her eye on the ball so competitors and other businesses don’t take away their customers."

"Let’s kick off with what people have been talking about on the website this week."

In the first example above, the meaning of the sentence is connected to business, not football, and the second example is not connected to football either. It means to start something such as a conversation or discussion. If you want to learn more idioms, take a look at the activities below.

Activity 2: In the podcast, there were probably some new idioms. In this activity, look at the sentences and decide which idiom goes in which sentence. Read the sentences carefully because this is the context that helps you understand the meaning of the idiom.
How well do you know your idioms?

Sometimes footballers 'lose their heads'. Do you know what this idiom means?

Transcript

If the listening was a bit difficult, you can listen again and read the transcript at the same time.
Read the transcript and listen at the same time.

Rich: Hello my name’s Rich and welcome to this week’s Premier Skills English podcast.

Jack: Hi everyone. I’m Jack and every week we talk about football and help you with your English.

Rich: Remember, this week’s podcast is also part of Week 3 of our new course: Leicester City: Champions of England. You can register for week three of the course on this page following the link on the side or at the bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile.

Jack: If you haven’t started the course yet, you can go back and enrol on week one. The course lasts four weeks and when you get to the end there will be a nice certificate waiting for you.

Rich: But you only get the certificate if you can pass the quiz at the end of each week. At the end of week three, there are 20 questions for you to answer about all of the stages in this week of the course. It’s not that easy!

Jack: By completing the course you will improve your English skills and learn much more about Leicester City - the new Champions of England.

Rich: Right, in this week’s Premier Skills English podcast we’re talking about the FA Cup and a Premier League story that might become a Hollywood blockbuster. The language focus is on idioms, which are phrases that often don’t mean what you think they should mean.

Jack: Yes, idioms are difficult for learners because you can’t work out what they mean from the words. If you don’t know them, you have to guess the meaning from the situation or context.

Rich: Later we’re going to use some idioms and we’d like you to try to work out what they mean from the context. What were we talking about?

Jack: Ah yes ... Blockbusters, for those of you who don’t know, a blockbuster is a film that is very, very, very successful. But, before we talk about that, let’s kick off with what people have been saying on the website this week.

Rich: We had a new football phrase for you to guess last week. It was a phrase that I really like and a couple of you found the right answer. Well done to SalvaGH from Spain and Kwesimanifest from Ghana who both got the right answer. The phrase was: to be over the moon.

Jack: To be over the moon is a phrase or idiom that means to be very, very happy. It is a phrase that is used a lot in post-match interviews by players and managers after their team has won.

Rich: As we said earlier, an idiom is a phrase that doesn’t have a literal meaning and there are lots of them in English and some of them are connected to football, too. For example, you can say to keep your eye on the ball. This idiom means to stay focused and not lose concentration.

Jack: It’s not just used in football. A business person needs to keep his or her eye on the ball so competitors and other businesses don’t take away their customers. You might also have noticed that I used a football idiom earlier. I said ‘let’s kick off with what people have been talking about on the website this week’. To kick off means to start a football match but can also, informally, mean to start something more generally like a discussion or a meeting.

Rich: We’ll look at more idioms later. Last week, we also asked you where football teams celebrate in your country. We got a couple of nice descriptions from Elghoul from Algeria and Kwesimanifest from Ghana, who both told us about some of the important places in Algiers and Accra - the capital cities of their countries.

Jack: On our course; Leicester City - The Champions of England, we’ve also asked you about Leicester City in your country. Elghoul says that you can see lots of Leicester City shirts in Algeria now. That’s probably because of Riyad Mahrez. But Kwesimanifest says that Manchester Utd and Chelsea are still the most popular teams in Ghana.

Rich: Remember if you want to discuss more football and English you can, by registering on our new course. It would be great to hear about how popular Leicester City have become in your country. Is it like Algeria where the Foxes are becoming really popular or Ghana where there has been little change and Manchester Utd are still the most popular team?

Jack: What’s been happening in the Premier League this week, Rich?

Rich: As we know, the Premier League has finished for the season. The Champions, Leicester City have been on a tour of Thailand, where Leicester’s owner is from.

Jack: But, not everybody is on their holidays! Last weekend was the FA Cup Final and Manchester Utd fans have something to cheer at last because they beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra time.

Rich: It was a close match. Palace took the lead with only 10 minutes left but Juan Mata equalised and Jesse Lingard got the winner for United. They probably deserved to win, they played a lot of extra time with 10 men after a red card for their defender - Chris Smalling. They’ve now lifted the FA Cup a record 12 times.

Jack: Yes, it is a record, but a record they share with Arsenal who have also won it 12 times!

Rich: Yes, that’s right. I think it was a nice match to finish Louis van Gaal’s Manchester Utd career. It’s always nice to finish with a trophy!

Jack: I’m sure Manchester United fans are happy to have won the cup and will be expecting to win a lot more next season with Jose Mourinho arriving as manager!

Rich: It’s the time of year when fans start to think about their national teams. This summer lots of Premier League players are going to be involved in the European Championships in France and the Copa America in the USA.

Jack: Yes, I saw that England played Turkey in a friendly last Sunday. England won 2-1 with goals from Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy. They’ve both had brilliant seasons.

Rich: Yes, Vardy’s season just gets better and better. Did you know that he’s getting married this week?

Jack: No, I didn’t. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Rich: Actually, it’s quite a funny story. He was supposed to get married in June when the European Championships are being played. Vardy had never been chosen to play for England and he never thought that he would be chosen. But, after his amazing season, the England manager picked him for the team.

Jack: So he had to change his wedding day?

Rich: Exactly. In fact, Vardy’s season has been so spectacular there is going to be a Hollywood film just about him!

Jack: Really, so this is the potential blockbuster you mentioned?

Rich: Yes, a screenwriter called Adrian Butchart, who helped make the Goal! trilogy, that starred David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, has been following Vardy for the last few months.

Jack: That could be a really exciting film. OK, in the next section we’re going to think about what this Vardy film might look like and at the same time we’re going to introduce some idioms that might be new for you. Listen out for the idioms that we use and if you don’t know them, try to guess their meanings.

Rich: Let’s **** *** with the plot.

Jack: Yes, the plot is a good place to start. The plot is the story of the film. I think the plot will probably start in the factory where Jamie Vardy used to work.

Rich: Yes, that would be good place. Only 5 years ago, Vardy was working in a factory and he didn’t play professional football. I think that would be very interesting background. I think audiences like the idea of a **** ** ****** plot.

Jack: The background is the details of someone’s past experiences. I think this is important but the main part of the story or plot would be this season.

Rich: Yes, at the beginning of the season most experts said Vardy and Leicester had no chance. But, by the end of the season, they had to *** ***** *****.

Jack: I think one of the highlights would be scoring in 11 consecutive matches to break the Premier League record.

Rich: And, it’s a great story that he broke the record against Manchester Utd because it was a United player who had held the record - Ruud Van Nistelrooy.  

Jack: And another highlight that had Leicester fans ******* *** *** was his amazing goal against Liverpool.

Rich: Yes, yes but the film needs a negative part too, it can’t all be ***** ******. It needs something when things go wrong to create some suspense.

Jack: What about when Vardy got a red card against West Ham? Everybody thought that Vardy’s and Leicester’s season was going to **** ***** ** *** *****!

Rich: Yes, that would be good. And then the happy ending. The party at Vardy’s house when they won the Premier League and lifting the trophy after playing against Everton.

Jack: And Vardy’s wedding could add some romance to the plot. It’s *** ***** ** *** **** for him.

Rich: Yes, and that Chelsea - Tottenham match, which meant Leicester won the Premier League, could add a bit of drama. There were some very strong tackles in that game!

Jack: There could even be a bit of comedy. After Tottenham won one match, their striker, Harry Kane, put a photo of a pack of lions on social media and said we are coming for you Leicester.

Rich: Yes, I saw. And after Leicester won, Vardy put a photo from the film the Lion King on social media of a lion falling down a mountain.

Jack: I think we have enough for a film there. What about actors? I read that Claudio Ranieri has said that he wants Robert de Niro to play him.

Rich: That sounds good. He is Italian, isn’t he?

Jack: Let’s let our listeners choose some actors for the rest of the parts. This brings us to the questions that we would like you to answer in the comments section.

Rich: Question 1: In the last section we used seven different idioms. They were: **** ***, **** ** ******, *** **** *****, **** *** ***, ***** *******, **** ***** ** *** ***** and *** ***** ** *** ****. Can you tell us what they mean? Can you use them in your own sentences?

Jack: Do you know any other idioms in English? Can you use them in a sentence below and let other listeners guess what they mean?

Rich: Question 2: Do you think a Jamie Vardy film is a good idea? What ideas would you include in the film?

Jack: Question 3: Which actors would you choose in this film? Who should play the parts of Vardy? Riyad Mahrez? Harry Kane? N’Golo Kante? Who else should be in the film?

Rich: If you want to learn more about Leicester City, the players and the club, and learn more football English, then sign up for our course: Leicester City: Champions of England.

Jack: And remember, if you want us to correct your comments just write ‘correct me’ at the beginning of your message.

Rich: Right, do you have a new football phrase for our listeners to guess, Jack?

Jack: Yes, I do and I’ve chosen another idiom, too. This idiom uses an animal that is from India and parts of Africa. This week’s football phrase is ***** ********. This phrase is used to describe a building that was very expensive to build and then never used. West Ham Utd are moving to the Olympic Stadium in London next season make sure the stadium is being used regularly. This will stop it from becoming a ***** ********.

Rich: That’s a difficult one this week. Let’s see if anybody can get the right answer.

Jack: No prediction this week, Rich?

Rich: No, prediction. Maybe we should do something for the European Championships next month?

Jack: Yes, that sounds like a good plan. Right, anyway that’s it for today - we’ve run out of time! Thanks for listening. And don’t forget to write your answers to our questions, your predictions and anything you want to say about the website or football English in the comments below.

Rich: Don’t forget if you sign in, you can score points to see if you can get your club, your country and your name to the top of our leaderboard.

Jack:  Bye for now and enjoy your football!


 

Quiz

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What do you think?

In this week’s podcast, we spoke about different idioms and a Jamie Vardy movie. We would like you to show us that you understand the idioms in the podcast and tell us any other idioms that you know.

  1. What idioms did we use in the podcast? Can you tell us what they mean? Can you use them in a different sentence? What other idioms do you know?

  2. Do you think a Jamie Vardy film is a good idea? What ideas would you include in the film?

  3. Which actors would you choose in this film? Who should play the parts of Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Harry Kane, and N’Golo Kante? Who else should be in the film?

Remember to write your guess at this week's football phrase and answers to the questions above in the comments section below.
 
If you want us to correct your English, just write 'correct me' at the beginning of your comment.

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Comentários

gil_foot
09/12/2022
FR
566
points

Then we could use some existing player for the movie, for instance, 1 player per Premier league team.


gil_foot
09/12/2022 09:54
France
Arsenal
566

Then we could use some existing player for the movie, for instance, 1 player per Premier league team.

gil_foot
09/12/2022
FR
566
points

I'll choose Liam Neeson as a Coach and Zack Efron as Jamie Vardy :)


gil_foot
09/12/2022 09:53
France
Arsenal
566

I'll choose Liam Neeson as a Coach and Zack Efron as Jamie Vardy :)

gil_foot
09/12/2022
FR
566
points

It's a good idea maybe Netflix will buy this idea...


gil_foot
09/12/2022 09:51
France
Arsenal
566

It's a good idea maybe Netflix will buy this idea...

gil_foot
09/12/2022
FR
566
points

I don't know idioms you used but I have some others :)
Good things come to those who wait or Give someone the cold shoulder.


gil_foot
09/12/2022 09:20
France
Arsenal
566

I don't know idioms you used but I have some others :)
Good things come to those who wait or Give someone the cold shoulder.

hsn's picture
hsn
11/03/2021
TR
5560
points

hsn's picture
hsn
11/03/2021 14:59
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5560
hsn's picture
hsn
25/01/2021
TR
5560
points

1-
• The life of founder of U.S.A. based Chobani company which produce yogurt is a rags to rich story. By the way “chobani” inspired from a Turkish word which means “shepherd”

• In order to avoid eating your words don’t tell people things which you can’t achive.
We have same meaning idiom but instead of “eat” “swallow” is used. Our another idiom; literally “Swallow big bite but don't talk big ”

• At first, after free life style of university, I’m not used to adapt to the working-life which full of strict rules but at last everything was plain sailing and I liked working.

• He jumped for joy when he passed a very hard examination. Before jumping for joy make sure that what you wanted is happened. Early joys causes later griefs.

• Prime minister fall apart at the seams during his governance.

• It was icing on the cake for Burnley after defeating Liverpool this week.

• I lost my head when he hit me by his car.

2- It’s a good idea. I think story should be included private life of footballer such as emotions, loves, career expectations of him.

3-I choose one of my favorite British actor Tom Hardy to play Jamie Vardy.

P.S.

In Turkey most popular Premier League team is Liverpool. Especially after “The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final (Liverpool-Milan)” which was held in İstanbul.


hsn's picture
hsn
25/01/2021 18:14
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5560

1-
• The life of founder of U.S.A. based Chobani company which produce yogurt is a rags to rich story. By the way “chobani” inspired from a Turkish word which means “shepherd”

• In order to avoid eating your words don’t tell people things which you can’t achive.
We have same meaning idiom but instead of “eat” “swallow” is used. Our another idiom; literally “Swallow big bite but don't talk big ”

• At first, after free life style of university, I’m not used to adapt to the working-life which full of strict rules but at last everything was plain sailing and I liked working.

• He jumped for joy when he passed a very hard examination. Before jumping for joy make sure that what you wanted is happened. Early joys causes later griefs.

• Prime minister fall apart at the seams during his governance.

• It was icing on the cake for Burnley after defeating Liverpool this week.

• I lost my head when he hit me by his car.

2- It’s a good idea. I think story should be included private life of footballer such as emotions, loves, career expectations of him.

3-I choose one of my favorite British actor Tom Hardy to play Jamie Vardy.

P.S.

In Turkey most popular Premier League team is Liverpool. Especially after “The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final (Liverpool-Milan)” which was held in İstanbul.

Mercedes's picture
Mercedes
18/06/2020
HU
99
points

The idioms and phrases are very useful us!!!


Mercedes's picture
Mercedes
18/06/2020 23:56
Hungary
Leicester City
99

The idioms and phrases are very useful us!!!

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020
TR
6539
points

I know lots of idioms but one of my favourite is ( to be done and dusted ) if you can guess the meaning guys :)


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020 05:18
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

I know lots of idioms but one of my favourite is ( to be done and dusted ) if you can guess the meaning guys :)

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020
TR
6539
points

Actors in this film in my point of view are
Christian Bale as Jamie Vardy
Amr Waked as Riyad Mahrez
Taron Egerton as Harry Kane
Samuel Jackson as N'Golo Kante


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020 05:15
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

Actors in this film in my point of view are
Christian Bale as Jamie Vardy
Amr Waked as Riyad Mahrez
Taron Egerton as Harry Kane
Samuel Jackson as N'Golo Kante

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020
TR
6539
points

Jamie Vardy's film will be a joy to watch and I could call it ( Vardy Party ) or ( The Rise and Fall ) or ( From Zero to Hero )
The best ideas is some events that shows how hard life was and how by belief and passion he turns everything into his side


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020 05:12
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

Jamie Vardy's film will be a joy to watch and I could call it ( Vardy Party ) or ( The Rise and Fall ) or ( From Zero to Hero )
The best ideas is some events that shows how hard life was and how by belief and passion he turns everything into his side

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020
TR
6539
points

Idioms that are being used are
1. over the moon means extremly happy
2. keep your eyes on the ball means to stay focused
3. rags to riches means to start poor and by time you become successful and rich
4. plain sailing means to be easy all the way
5. jumping for joy means to be so happy by something
6. fall apart at the seams means to stop your successful start soon
7. icing on the cake means to add something to make it more beautiful
8. eat their words means to admit that you said something wrong


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
13/05/2020 05:10
Turkey
Manchester United
6539

Idioms that are being used are
1. over the moon means extremly happy
2. keep your eyes on the ball means to stay focused
3. rags to riches means to start poor and by time you become successful and rich
4. plain sailing means to be easy all the way
5. jumping for joy means to be so happy by something
6. fall apart at the seams means to stop your successful start soon
7. icing on the cake means to add something to make it more beautiful
8. eat their words means to admit that you said something wrong

sabanoleg
06/12/2016
UA
2337
points

I deem Ryan Gosling must play the part of Jamie Vardy.


sabanoleg
06/12/2016 11:07
Ukraine
Arsenal
2337

I deem Ryan Gosling must play the part of Jamie Vardy.

Martinr35's picture
Martinr35
18/11/2016
MK
528
points

Keep the eyes on the ball. Let's kick off...
Jamie has many stories from his life which can be presented in the film.


Martinr35's picture
Martinr35
18/11/2016 18:13
Macedonia
Chelsea
528

Keep the eyes on the ball. Let's kick off...
Jamie has many stories from his life which can be presented in the film.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
20/07/2016
PS
3705
points

I do not watch a lot of films and do not know a lot of actors, so i can not answer the question.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
20/07/2016 21:25
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

I do not watch a lot of films and do not know a lot of actors, so i can not answer the question.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
20/07/2016
PS
3705
points

Yes i do,i think the idea of that Vardy became from a zero to hero.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
20/07/2016 21:23
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

Yes i do,i think the idea of that Vardy became from a zero to hero.

Natka
06/06/2016
RU
279
points

To be over the moon means to be very happy. I have been over the moon when I have passed all exams.


Natka
06/06/2016 14:30
Russia
Chelsea
279

To be over the moon means to be very happy. I have been over the moon when I have passed all exams.

admin's picture
admin
06/06/2016
GB
560
points

Well done Natka!


admin's picture
admin
06/06/2016 15:21
United Kingdom
Arsenal
560

Well done Natka!

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
31/05/2016
GH
4779
points

In response to @haydi idioms

1. “eat like a bird”. To do things in a slow pace or not in hurry

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” Don't take a decision without knowing it's effect.

3. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” . You can only trust on what you have, a promise could fail.

4. “As the crow flies” A short destination.

5. “The early bird catches The worm”. Once you arrive on time you get served

6. “raining cats and dogs!” raining heavily

7. “piggy bank” savings account

8. “leading a dog's life” a life not worth living

9. “a bull in a china shop" often making mistakes

10. “a dark horse” unexpected or surprise

11. ” handle her with kid gloves” being very careful

12. “keep your shirt on” keeping your cool

13. “burns a hole in his pocket” spindrift

14. “caught with his pants down” caught in the act

15. “a wolf in sheep's skin" a hypocrite


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
31/05/2016 10:38
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

In response to @haydi idioms

1. “eat like a bird”. To do things in a slow pace or not in hurry

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” Don't take a decision without knowing it's effect.

3. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” . You can only trust on what you have, a promise could fail.

4. “As the crow flies” A short destination.

5. “The early bird catches The worm”. Once you arrive on time you get served

6. “raining cats and dogs!” raining heavily

7. “piggy bank” savings account

8. “leading a dog's life” a life not worth living

9. “a bull in a china shop" often making mistakes

10. “a dark horse” unexpected or surprise

11. ” handle her with kid gloves” being very careful

12. “keep your shirt on” keeping your cool

13. “burns a hole in his pocket” spindrift

14. “caught with his pants down” caught in the act

15. “a wolf in sheep's skin" a hypocrite

haydi's picture
haydi
02/06/2016
TN
3189
points

Hi kwesimanifest, thank you for your effort. It's ok for some idioms. See below the answers :

1. Sandra always “eats like a bird”. She is very thin and she doesn't eat much.
[“eats like a bird” = eats a few foods, a little quantity]

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” - you haven't won yet, and you shouldn't resign from your job. You don't know what is going to happen.'
[“Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” = "Don’t buy the leather of a bear before killing it" = don’t act as a something will pass without problems, while it hasn’t happen yet]

3. Stop now! Don't try and win one million dollars! US $ 500,000 is a big amount of money! “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. You could lose everything!
[“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” = it is better to take your chance right now, rather than wait for later to win the maximum, but with the risk of losing everything]

4. Our hotel is near the beach. “As the crow flies”, it is 1 mile between the hotel and the sea.
[“As the crow flies” = the shortest path between two points]

5. “The early bird catches the worm”. If you want to find a job, you must get up early and you shouldn't sleep all day long.'
[“The early bird catches the worm” We must get up early to succeed our lives.]

6. Take an umbrella and a raincoat! It's “raining cats and dogs!”
[“raining cats and dogs” = extremely heavy rain]

7. Thank you much. I'm going to put your banknote into my “piggy bank”, because I would like to buy a DVD.
[“piggy bank” = a small box in the form of a pig, where we put coins to collect money]

8. I don't like my life. I have a boring life. I'm “leading a dog's life” at the moment. But don't worry, it will be much better next year.
[“to lead a dog's life” = be poor and unhappy, depressed, having an awful live]

9. My brother always says what he thinks, and some people don't want to talk to him anymore. I think that he should be more polite, and more careful when he speaks. He's sometimes like “a bull in a china shop”.

A bull = an elephant; China shop = a store of porcelain
[“a bull in a china shop” = to describe someone without finesse, who has no tact (adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others) when he speaks, or who is very awkward]

10. I don't understand how that guy has won the election. Nobody knew him. No meeting, no speech, no debate. He was really “a dark horse”.
We already know this idiom!

11. The new supervisor has a reputation for being very mean so you will have to “handle her with kid gloves” if you don't want to have problems.
[“handle her with kid gloves” = handling something / someone very careful, with great kindness]

In Tunisian arabic action, we say: handling him/her like an egg.

12. You should try and “keep your shirt on”. There is no benefit to you if you become angry.
[“keep your shirt on” = calm down, keep calm, avoid not to lose his calm, avoid get worked up]

13. Peter has no money left. When you give him something, it “burns a hole in his pocket”. He always buys useless things.
[“burns a hole in his pocket” = money that will be spent quickly], like me ;)

14. John was “caught with his pants down” when he was asked to interview Eminem.
[To surprise someone an embarrassing or dishonest situation]

15. Don't trust Peter! He is “a wolf in sheep's clothing” and he can do very bad things to you.
[“a wolf in sheep's clothing” = a person claiming to be a good, but in reality, he has bad intentions]


haydi's picture
haydi
02/06/2016 14:36
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

Hi kwesimanifest, thank you for your effort. It's ok for some idioms. See below the answers :

1. Sandra always “eats like a bird”. She is very thin and she doesn't eat much.
[“eats like a bird” = eats a few foods, a little quantity]

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” - you haven't won yet, and you shouldn't resign from your job. You don't know what is going to happen.'
[“Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” = "Don’t buy the leather of a bear before killing it" = don’t act as a something will pass without problems, while it hasn’t happen yet]

3. Stop now! Don't try and win one million dollars! US $ 500,000 is a big amount of money! “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. You could lose everything!
[“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” = it is better to take your chance right now, rather than wait for later to win the maximum, but with the risk of losing everything]

4. Our hotel is near the beach. “As the crow flies”, it is 1 mile between the hotel and the sea.
[“As the crow flies” = the shortest path between two points]

5. “The early bird catches the worm”. If you want to find a job, you must get up early and you shouldn't sleep all day long.'
[“The early bird catches the worm” We must get up early to succeed our lives.]

6. Take an umbrella and a raincoat! It's “raining cats and dogs!”
[“raining cats and dogs” = extremely heavy rain]

7. Thank you much. I'm going to put your banknote into my “piggy bank”, because I would like to buy a DVD.
[“piggy bank” = a small box in the form of a pig, where we put coins to collect money]

8. I don't like my life. I have a boring life. I'm “leading a dog's life” at the moment. But don't worry, it will be much better next year.
[“to lead a dog's life” = be poor and unhappy, depressed, having an awful live]

9. My brother always says what he thinks, and some people don't want to talk to him anymore. I think that he should be more polite, and more careful when he speaks. He's sometimes like “a bull in a china shop”.

A bull = an elephant; China shop = a store of porcelain
[“a bull in a china shop” = to describe someone without finesse, who has no tact (adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others) when he speaks, or who is very awkward]

10. I don't understand how that guy has won the election. Nobody knew him. No meeting, no speech, no debate. He was really “a dark horse”.
We already know this idiom!

11. The new supervisor has a reputation for being very mean so you will have to “handle her with kid gloves” if you don't want to have problems.
[“handle her with kid gloves” = handling something / someone very careful, with great kindness]

In Tunisian arabic action, we say: handling him/her like an egg.

12. You should try and “keep your shirt on”. There is no benefit to you if you become angry.
[“keep your shirt on” = calm down, keep calm, avoid not to lose his calm, avoid get worked up]

13. Peter has no money left. When you give him something, it “burns a hole in his pocket”. He always buys useless things.
[“burns a hole in his pocket” = money that will be spent quickly], like me ;)

14. John was “caught with his pants down” when he was asked to interview Eminem.
[To surprise someone an embarrassing or dishonest situation]

15. Don't trust Peter! He is “a wolf in sheep's clothing” and he can do very bad things to you.
[“a wolf in sheep's clothing” = a person claiming to be a good, but in reality, he has bad intentions]

haydi's picture
haydi
31/05/2016
TN
3189
points

I will check up tomorrow, I'm so exhausted.


haydi's picture
haydi
31/05/2016 23:34
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

I will check up tomorrow, I'm so exhausted.

haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016
TN
3189
points

I collect some idioms. It’s up to you, dear classmates, to guess their meanings:

1. Sandra always “eats like a bird”. She is very thin and she doesn't eat much.

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” - you haven't won yet, and you shouldn't resign from your job. You don't know what is going to happen.'

3. Stop now! Don't try and win one million dollars! US $ 500,000 is a big amount of money! “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” . You could lose everything!

4. Our hotel is near the beach. “As the crow flies”, it is 1 mile between the hotel and the sea.

5. “The early bird catches The worm”. If you want to find a job, you must get up early and you shouldn't sleep all day long.'

6. Take an umbrella and a raincoat! It's “raining cats and dogs!”

7. Thank you much. I'm going to put your banknote into my “piggy bank”, because I would like to buy a DVD.

8. I don't like my life. I have a boring life. I'm “leading a dog's life” at the moment. But don't worry, it will be much better next year.

9. My brother always says what he thinks, and some people don't want to talk to him anymore. I think that he should be more polite, and more careful when he speaks. He's sometimes like “a bull in a china shop”.

10. I don't understand how that guy has won the election. Nobody knew him. No meeting, no speech, no debate. He was really “a dark horse”.

11. The new supervisor has a reputation for being very mean so you will have to ” handle her with kid gloves” if you don't want to have problems.

12. You should try and “keep your shirt on”. There is no benefit to you if you become angry.

13. Peter has no money left. When you give him something, it “burns a hole in his pocket”. He always buys useless things.

14. John was “caught with his pants down” when he was asked to interview Eminem.

15. Don't trust Peter! He is “a wolf in sheep's clothing” and he can do very bad things to you.


haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016 23:39
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

I collect some idioms. It’s up to you, dear classmates, to guess their meanings:

1. Sandra always “eats like a bird”. She is very thin and she doesn't eat much.

2. “Don't count your chickens before they're hatched” - you haven't won yet, and you shouldn't resign from your job. You don't know what is going to happen.'

3. Stop now! Don't try and win one million dollars! US $ 500,000 is a big amount of money! “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” . You could lose everything!

4. Our hotel is near the beach. “As the crow flies”, it is 1 mile between the hotel and the sea.

5. “The early bird catches The worm”. If you want to find a job, you must get up early and you shouldn't sleep all day long.'

6. Take an umbrella and a raincoat! It's “raining cats and dogs!”

7. Thank you much. I'm going to put your banknote into my “piggy bank”, because I would like to buy a DVD.

8. I don't like my life. I have a boring life. I'm “leading a dog's life” at the moment. But don't worry, it will be much better next year.

9. My brother always says what he thinks, and some people don't want to talk to him anymore. I think that he should be more polite, and more careful when he speaks. He's sometimes like “a bull in a china shop”.

10. I don't understand how that guy has won the election. Nobody knew him. No meeting, no speech, no debate. He was really “a dark horse”.

11. The new supervisor has a reputation for being very mean so you will have to ” handle her with kid gloves” if you don't want to have problems.

12. You should try and “keep your shirt on”. There is no benefit to you if you become angry.

13. Peter has no money left. When you give him something, it “burns a hole in his pocket”. He always buys useless things.

14. John was “caught with his pants down” when he was asked to interview Eminem.

15. Don't trust Peter! He is “a wolf in sheep's clothing” and he can do very bad things to you.

Rich's picture
Rich
30/05/2016
ES
594
points

Thanks Haydi! Let's see if anybody takes you up on this challenge!


Rich's picture
Rich
30/05/2016 08:23
Spain
Liverpool
594

Thanks Haydi! Let's see if anybody takes you up on this challenge!

haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016
TN
3189
points

Yes, I agree that a Jamie Vardy film is a good idea. I think that the film must talk about the childhood of Jamie, the circumstances of his leaving school to work in a factory, and how he became a footballer, and of course how he joined Leicester City to finish with his wedding, but before how he met his wife.
If Johnny Depp had been younger, he would have been the best ‘player’ to play as a player!
I think that the film will inspire loads of people, like the film ‘Ray’ which chronicles the life of the singer and pianist Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx who played Ray won the Oscar of the best actor in 2005.


haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016 23:24
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

Yes, I agree that a Jamie Vardy film is a good idea. I think that the film must talk about the childhood of Jamie, the circumstances of his leaving school to work in a factory, and how he became a footballer, and of course how he joined Leicester City to finish with his wedding, but before how he met his wife.
If Johnny Depp had been younger, he would have been the best ‘player’ to play as a player!
I think that the film will inspire loads of people, like the film ‘Ray’ which chronicles the life of the singer and pianist Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx who played Ray won the Oscar of the best actor in 2005.

haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016
TN
3189
points

A plot is the course of events in the novel/film, and a scenario is the speech, is these definitions are right?
I give up for this week's phrase! it's so difficult.


haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016 19:01
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

A plot is the course of events in the novel/film, and a scenario is the speech, is these definitions are right?
I give up for this week's phrase! it's so difficult.

Rich's picture
Rich
29/05/2016
ES
594
points

Hi Haydi

Thanks for the link, I'm sure others will find it useful.

You're right about what plot means but the words of the film is the script. A scenario is similar to a plot but is more of a summary.

We'll let you know the answer for the phrase in next week's podcast smiley.

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team


Rich's picture
Rich
29/05/2016 20:21
Spain
Liverpool
594

Hi Haydi

Thanks for the link, I'm sure others will find it useful.

You're right about what plot means but the words of the film is the script. A scenario is similar to a plot but is more of a summary.

We'll let you know the answer for the phrase in next week's podcast smiley.

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team

haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016
TN
3189
points

Hi Rich, you are welcome and thanks for clarifying the differences between script and scenario, I thought that I’m the expert in cinema!
‘jumping for joy’ = ‘full of the joys of spring’
‘plain sailing’ = ‘a piece of cake’.


haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016 22:48
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

Hi Rich, you are welcome and thanks for clarifying the differences between script and scenario, I thought that I’m the expert in cinema!
‘jumping for joy’ = ‘full of the joys of spring’
‘plain sailing’ = ‘a piece of cake’.

haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016
TN
3189
points

“to be over the moon”, I already know this idiom, but I don’t know that players and managers say it after matches.
It might be a good idea to try this quiz (http://www.cristinacabal.com/?p=7619), it’s a blog about 25 common idioms. It’s suggested by one of British council fb page.


haydi's picture
haydi
29/05/2016 18:42
Tunisia
Newcastle United
3189

“to be over the moon”, I already know this idiom, but I don’t know that players and managers say it after matches.
It might be a good idea to try this quiz (http://www.cristinacabal.com/?p=7619), it’s a blog about 25 common idioms. It’s suggested by one of British council fb page.

MDJAHANGIR ALAM's picture
MDJAHANGIR ALAM
29/05/2016
BD
1
points

i think it easy to say but difficult to do than i will try for better slove


MDJAHANGIR ALAM's picture
MDJAHANGIR ALAM
29/05/2016 10:16
Bangladesh
Manchester City
1

i think it easy to say but difficult to do than i will try for better slove

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016
GH
4779
points

Like a bolt from the blue which means Something unexpected or surprising.
Jamie Vardy's glory is like a bolt from the blue.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016 09:11
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

Like a bolt from the blue which means Something unexpected or surprising.
Jamie Vardy's glory is like a bolt from the blue.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016
GH
4779
points

Hello rich
can't make out week 3 of the course: leicester city:champions of England


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016 09:05
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

Hello rich
can't make out week 3 of the course: leicester city:champions of England

Rich's picture
Rich
29/05/2016
ES
594
points

Hi Kwesimanifest

Sorry, this week's course materials have been delayed but we should have them for you in a day or so.

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team


Rich's picture
Rich
29/05/2016 20:24
Spain
Liverpool
594

Hi Kwesimanifest

Sorry, this week's course materials have been delayed but we should have them for you in a day or so.

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016
GH
4779
points

The community shield will be a wonderful one with mourinho taking on Claudio .... can't wait.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
27/05/2016 01:08
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

The community shield will be a wonderful one with mourinho taking on Claudio .... can't wait.

elghoul's picture
elghoul
26/05/2016
DZ
3988
points

1.The negociation kicked off at 10 hours. We tried not to keep the ball on eye during all the discussion.
2.I like a lot Jamie Vardy caracter so I am sure it is a good idea to make a film focusing on him, Mahrez rout to England and the story of Schmeikell with the paranomic scene of Leicester people. Oh yes Ranieri can be a role for De NIro.
3.The actors which have some common physical likes with the players will be perfect but the all thing would would be to restitute the stress and joys of day matches and the impact on the City and the medias world.


elghoul's picture
elghoul
26/05/2016 17:18
Algeria
Manchester City
3988

1.The negociation kicked off at 10 hours. We tried not to keep the ball on eye during all the discussion.
2.I like a lot Jamie Vardy caracter so I am sure it is a good idea to make a film focusing on him, Mahrez rout to England and the story of Schmeikell with the paranomic scene of Leicester people. Oh yes Ranieri can be a role for De NIro.
3.The actors which have some common physical likes with the players will be perfect but the all thing would would be to restitute the stress and joys of day matches and the impact on the City and the medias world.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
26/05/2016
GH
4779
points

Don't judge a book by its cover means do not judge something primarily on appearance.
For example, Leicester city was underrated at the beginning of the season based on their performance last year.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
26/05/2016 08:07
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

Don't judge a book by its cover means do not judge something primarily on appearance.
For example, Leicester city was underrated at the beginning of the season based on their performance last year.

Rich's picture
Rich
26/05/2016
ES
594
points

This is a great idiom and a great example!!


Rich's picture
Rich
26/05/2016 08:26
Spain
Liverpool
594

This is a great idiom and a great example!!

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
26/05/2016
GH
4779
points

To lose your cool means to lose ones temper
For example, With the numerous tackles from the opponents, it was just a matter of time for the home team to lose their cool in the game.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
26/05/2016 01:01
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

To lose your cool means to lose ones temper
For example, With the numerous tackles from the opponents, it was just a matter of time for the home team to lose their cool in the game.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016
GH
4779
points

To rain cats and dogs means to rain heavily
For example, on 3rd June 2015, it rained cats and dogs in most parts of ghana with Accra experiencing the worst of the rains.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016 10:58
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

To rain cats and dogs means to rain heavily
For example, on 3rd June 2015, it rained cats and dogs in most parts of ghana with Accra experiencing the worst of the rains.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016
GH
4779
points

Kevin Hart and Chris Rock wouldn't be bad actors for Kante and Kane respectively


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016 10:15
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

Kevin Hart and Chris Rock wouldn't be bad actors for Kante and Kane respectively

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016
GH
4779
points

I think the Jamie Vardy film is a good idea because it will be available for unborn generations to come. The pfa awards ceremony should be included to indicate that after every hard and successful work there's a reward


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016 10:12
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

I think the Jamie Vardy film is a good idea because it will be available for unborn generations to come. The pfa awards ceremony should be included to indicate that after every hard and successful work there's a reward

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016
GH
4779
points

This week's phrase is ***** ********


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
25/05/2016 09:41
Ghana
Manchester United
4779

This week's phrase is ***** ********

Rich's picture
Rich
25/05/2016
ES
594
points

Well done Kwesimanifest! I thought this week's phrase was quite difficult but you're the first listener to guess and the first to get it right!


Rich's picture
Rich
25/05/2016 10:50
Spain
Liverpool
594

Well done Kwesimanifest! I thought this week's phrase was quite difficult but you're the first listener to guess and the first to get it right!

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Average: 3 (1 vote)

Goals

Skills: Listening

Study skills: Circumlocution skills

Language: Idioms

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