- 1. Avoid someone/something like the plague
- 2. Cut someone down to size
- 3. Have a go at someone
- 4. Tear someone off a strip
- 5. Be gobsmacked
- 6. Not believe one’s eyes
- 7. That’s a turn-up for the books!
- 8. You could have knocked me down with a feather!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What does ‘avoid someone/something like the plague’ mean?
- How can ‘cut someone down to size’ be used in a sentence?
- What does it mean to ‘have a go at someone’?
- What does ‘be gobsmacked’ signify?
- What does the phrase ‘that’s a turn-up for the books!’ express?
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of English idioms that express emotions! We’ll explore phrases that convey feelings of dislike and surprise. If you find learning idioms to be overwhelming or frustrating, it might just be that you haven’t discovered the right techniques to help you remember them effectively. Let’s unlock these expressions together!
English idioms are extremely useful expressions. They make our English speech more colourful and less primitive.
1. Avoid someone/something like the plague
Meaning: To steer clear of a person or thing that you find extremely irritating.
Example: Following that uncomfortable encounter, Susan has been avoiding me like the plague.
2. Cut someone down to size
Meaning: To humble someone by pointing out their flaws, ensuring they don’t overestimate their worth. Example: He was overly self-assured, so I needed to bring him back down to reality.
3. Have a go at someone
Meaning: to strongly criticize someone
Example: Don’t be so sensitive, I’m not having a go at you.
4. Tear someone off a strip
Meaning: To reprimand someone firmly for a mistake or wrongdoing. For example, Mark scolded her for arriving late.
5. Be gobsmacked
Meaning: to be extremely surprised by some news
Example: I was gobsmacked to learn that his brother is a spy.
6. Not believe one’s eyes
Meaning: To be utterly astonished, as if struggling to grasp the reality of what you’re witnessing.
Example: “Kate, is that really you? I can hardly believe my eyes! You look so different!”
7. That’s a turn-up for the books!
Meaning: This phrase is used to describe a surprising or unexpected event. For instance, when someone says, “I never thought she’d get the job. That’s a turn-up for the books!” they’re expressing astonishment at an outcome that defied their expectations.
8. You could have knocked me down with a feather!
Meaning: This phrase describes a reaction to an astonishing or unforeseen event. Example: I was completely unaware that she tied the knot last month; it was such a surprise that you could have knocked me over with a feather!
How frequently do you incorporate idioms into your conversations? What strategies do you employ to remember English idioms? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
Bye-bye for now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘avoid someone/something like the plague’ mean?
It means to steer clear of a person or thing that you find extremely irritating.
How can ‘cut someone down to size’ be used in a sentence?
It refers to humbling someone by pointing out their flaws, ensuring they don’t overestimate their worth.
What does it mean to ‘have a go at someone’?
It means to strongly criticize someone.
What does ‘be gobsmacked’ signify?
It signifies being extremely surprised by some news.
What does the phrase ‘that’s a turn-up for the books!’ express?
It describes a surprising or unexpected event.
