Author Archives: Sandro

An American vampire wants to PALAVER

The man above comes up to you on the street. What is your reaction? He says he wants to chat with you. You have some free time so do you stop to PALAVER? Who knows, the conversation might be as interesting as his appearance! Use the language Do you palaver with strangers sitting next to youContinue reading “An American vampire wants to PALAVER”

An American vampire is involved in a CITIZEN’S ARREST

When the law is being broken the police should take action.  If the crime is serious enough, then we also expect them to arrest the guilty person. However, what if you witness a crime, the police are not around but you are in a position to make the arrest yourself? Then you can carry outContinue reading “An American vampire is involved in a CITIZEN’S ARREST”

An American vampire is going to HAVE WORDS

From context, can you guess the meaning of to HAVE WORDS with someone? Related articles An American vampire KEEPS AN EAR TO THE GROUND (notonlygrammar.wordpress.com) An American vampire HAS A BELLYFUL (notonlygrammar.wordpress.com) An American vampire’s deal FALLS THROUGH (notonlygrammar.wordpress.com)

An American vampire KEEPS AN EAR TO THE GROUND

In some lines of work, KEEPING AN EAR TO THE GROUND is of utmost importance. For instance, a dealer in stocks and shares must know what is happening in the markets before it makes the 8 o’clock news. The trader must always have an ear to the ground and obtain information which can help him/herContinue reading “An American vampire KEEPS AN EAR TO THE GROUND”

An American vampire HAS A BELLYFUL

Ah, the belly again, but this time in the expression TO HAVE A BELLYFUL. Let’s say you’re on holiday with a friend and he (or she) is always complaining – the weather’s too hot or too cold, the food is not the same as at home, the pillow is too soft or too hard, …Continue reading “An American vampire HAS A BELLYFUL”

An American vampire’s deal FALLS THROUGH

When a business deal FALLS THROUGH, does it succeed or fail? In politics, when two parties are trying to form a coalition government but the talks fall through, do the parties form a government or not? Use the language Have you had an important plan that fell through? What was it and how disappointed were you?

Guilt by Ferdinand von Schirach

Sharing 3 interesting words with you. These come from the book  “Guilt” by Ferdinand von Schirach Here they are:  DISSUADE Before I became a teacher, I had a career in insurance and had been heading for a third promotion in 10 years. The corporate ladder was there for me to climb. It is therefore understandableContinue reading “Guilt by Ferdinand von Schirach”