Category Archives: Idioms/Phrasal verbs

Give me a minute

Give me a minute or Give me a sec (short for Give me a second). These two expressions are used when you need to finish a task before answering someone’s question or helping them in some way. For example: you’re texting someone when a friend interrupts you. You can tell them, “Give me a sec”Continue reading “Give me a minute”

Cold turkey

‘Don’t go cold turkey‘ to quit smoking E-cigarettes remain the nation’s favourite stop smoking aid – with an estimated 3.2 million users, most of whom are former smokers. One of those is TV presenter Jeremy Kyle, who has given up after 35 years of smoking, using e-cigarettes. “I was a 20-a-day smoker for most ofContinue reading “Cold turkey”

Junk post!

This is a junk… Really, this type of sea vessel is called a junk. Unfortunately, such a lovely boat has given us a number of words and expressions with a not-so-lovely meaning. JUNK FOOD – we all know this one. Images of burgers, hotdogs and oily fries come to mind; anything unhealthy, actually. JUNK MAILContinue reading “Junk post!”

Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard (part 2)

(Click here for part 1: Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard) I just love it when my students stay chatting to each other in English while I’m setting things up for the day’s lesson. I make it a point to keep one ear open to what they’re saying. If I hear something interesting, IContinue reading “Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard (part 2)”

Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard (part 1)

Click this link for part 2: Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard I just love it when my students stay chatting to each other in English while I’m setting things up for the day’s lesson. I make it a point to keep one ear open to what they’re saying. If I hear something interesting,Continue reading “Time travel – notes from today’s whiteboard (part 1)”

The opposite of cheap is …

If I ask you for the opposite of CHEAP, I’m sure most of you are going to answer with … E X P E N S I V E … which is 100% correct. But how often have you thought of other ways of saying expensive? Do you know of other words for expensive?! Please,Continue reading “The opposite of cheap is …”

I’m on my last legs

A student of mine was telling me just how hectic his day had been. He left home early in the morning and spent a few hours driving around meeting clients. Then, the afternoon was taken up with Zoom meetings and video calls. At the end of the work day, he had shopping to do. ByContinue reading “I’m on my last legs”