IDIOMS !!! IDIOMS
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Introduction Here I wrote a proverbs’ definition, some proverbs with the definition, an equivalent in Spanish, a picture and an example of each. Later on, I included an idioms’ definition, some animal idioms with their meaning, picture and an example. Also, others idioms about feelings and human relationships without picture. Proverbs A proverb is a short sentence, usually known by many people, that gives advice or expresses something that is generally true. Too many cooks spoil the broth Meaning: When there are too many people involved in trying to do something, so that the final result will not be good. Equivalent: “Muchas manos en un plato hace mucho garabato.” Example: There were so many people working on the same project, no one knew what anyone else was doing. I think it was a case of too many cooks spoil the broth. One man´s meat is anothe man´s poison Meaning: Something that one person likes may be distasteful to someone else. Equivalent: “Sobre gustos no hay nada escrito.” or “Para gustos, los colores.” Example: I would absolutely hate to be a ballerina. I’m extremely shy and I hate being the centre of attention. However, it really is the case that one man’s meat is another man’s poison, because my sister Maria dreams of being a ballerina on a TV show. She finds being watched by an audience exhilarating.
The early bird catches the worm Meaning: something that you say in order to tell someone that if they want to be successful they should do something immediately. Equivalent: “A quien madruga, Dios lo ayuda.” Example: If you have the opportunity to live in England, go as soon as possible. The early bird catches the worm. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched Equivalent: “No cantes victoria antes de tiempo.” Or “No montes el caballo antes de ensillarlo.”
Meaning: you should not make plans that depend on something good happening before you know that it has actually happened.
Example: A: I’m sure my boss will give me a raise next month, so I’ve decided to go to visit my grandmother in north for holiday. B: If I were you I wouldn’t do it until you actually get the raise… don’t count your chickens before they're hatched.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away Meaning: This means that eating an apple each day can help to keep you healthy. Equivalent: “Más vale prevenir que curar.” Example: A: I have been sick ten times this winter. I can’t believe it! B: Do you eat lots of Vitamin C? A: Vitamin what? B: You know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Marry in haste, repent at leisure Meaning: This means that if you marry someone without knowing him or her very well, you will later feel sorry that you got married. Equivalent: “Antes que te cases, mira lo que haces.” Example: It's true, I've only known him for four months and I know you're thinking 'marry in haste, repent at leisure' but I'm telling you, he's the man for me. I really love him. He who pays the piper calls the tune Meaning: To emphasize that the person who is paying someone to do something can decide how it should be done. Equivalent: “El que paga al músico, elige la canción.” Example: I didn’t like the fact that Marco made all of the decisions; but what could I do? He who pays the piper calls the tune. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush Meaning: When you recognize that you should not risk losing something you already have by trying to get something you think might be better. Equivalent: “Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.” Example: I didn’t really like the dress, but I decided to buy it. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If I were you, I'd accept going out with her. It might not be the sexiest girl for you, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Make hay while the sun shines Meaning: If you have an opportunity to do something, do it before the opportunity expires. Equivalent: “Aprovecha mientras puedas.” or “No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy.” Example: A: While my father's out of town, I'm going to go out, and do all he wouldn't let me do. B: Are you crazy? A: Why not? Make hay while the sun shines. A stitch in time saves nine Meaning: That it is better to act or deal with problems immediately, because if you wait and deal with them later, things will get worse and the problems will take longer to deal with. Equivalent: “Más vale prevenir que curar.” Example: A: Are you going to start studying, this weekend? The exam is next week. B: Noooo...!!! i wanto to go out this weekend. I’ll study on monday. A: But you should start soon, after all, a stitch in time saves nine. It’s easier to have fun than study all the day! B: You’re right! You can´t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Something that you say which means you cannot judge the quality or character of someone or something just by looking at them.
Equivalent: “No juzgues al libro, por su portada”, “Las apariencias engañan” or “ las cosas no son siempre lo que parecen.” Example: Don't go falling in love with that girl so fast. Wait until you get to know her better. You can't judge a book by its cover. The more the merrier Meaning: Used to say an occasion will be more enjoyable if a lot of people are there. Equivalent: “Cuantos mas, mejor” Example: A:Do you mind if I invite my friends and boyfriend to the party? B: Yes, Why not? The more the merrier. It never rains but it pours Meaning: When one bad thing happens, followed by a lot of other bad things that make a bad situation worse. Equivalent: “Las desgracias nunca vienen solas.” Example: Today, I missed my train this morning, lost my wallet and spilt coffee all over myself. It never rains but it pours.
Every cloud has a silver lining Meaning: To emphasize that every difficult or unpleasant situation has some advantage. Equivalent: “No hay mal que por bien no venga.” Example: I lost my job last week, but every cloud has a silver lining and now, I have time to visit my family in England, and meet someone!
Waste not, want not
Meaning: If you do not waste anything, you will always have enough. Equivalent: “Quien no malgasta no pasa necesidades” Example: Don't you want those chips? Pass them over here then. I'll have them. Waste not, want not, as they say! There are plenty more fish in the sea Meaning: Used to tell someone whose relationship has ended that there are many other people that they could have a relationship with. Equivalent: “Hay muchos peces en el mar.” Example: A: My boyfriend broke my heart! I’ll never date again! B: Come on, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Why don’t we go out tonight? Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning: Don't be ungrateful when you receive a gift. Equivalent: “A caballo regalado, no se le miran los dientes.”
Example: I know maybe this book it´s not like you imagine, but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. A rolling gathers no moss Meaning: Has two meanings people pay a price for being always on the move, in that they have no roots in a specific place, the original meaning or people who keep moving avoid picking up responsibilities and cares. Equivalent: “Piedra movediza no coge musgo.” Example: It was time for you to live with her. She´s your girlfriend since 2000. You should find a place that both like and build a home there because a rolling stone gathers no moss. Let sleeping dogs lie Meaning: To warn someone that they should not talk about a bad situation that most people have forgotten about. Equivalent: “al perro que duerme, no lo despiertes.” Example: It’s best to keep your opinion to yourself around him. Just let sleeping dogs lie. A little learning is a dangerous thing Meaning: People who know only a little do not understand how little they know and are therefore prone to error. Equivalent: “No abras la boca, antes de tiempo.” Example: He said he'd done a course on home electrics, that he got a ten on the course, but when he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I think a little learning is a dangerous thing.
No news is good news
Meaning: To make someone feel less worried when they have not received information about someone or something, because if something bad had happened, they would have been told about it. Equivalent: “La falta de noticias es una buena noticia.� Example: A: Honey, I'm worried about our son. He hasn't called us for months. B: Darling, No news is good news, right? Idioms An idiom is an expression that has it owns meaning you can only understand it in context than the literal meanings of its individual words. ANIMAL IDIOMS Act like an ape Meaning: Behave badly, wildly, foolishly. Example: He has been acting like an ape ever since his girlfriend left him.
Bark up the wrong tree Meaning: To choose the wrong course of action or to ask the wrong person. Example: My boss is barking up the wrong tree. I did not cause the computer problem.
One's bark is worse than one's bite
Meaning: Someone is not as unpleasant, tough or strong as someone seems. Example: You shouldn’t worry about her. Her bark is worse than her bite and she is really a very nice person.
Bet on the wrong horse Meaning: To misread the future, to choose or support something or someone that cannot win or succeed. Example: When I voted for him I was convinced he would win, but I betted the wrong horse!
Bull in a china shop Meaning: A tactless person who upsets others or upsets plans, a very clumsy person. Example: He is like a bull in a China shop, when it comes to dating girls.
Cash cow Meaning: A business that makes a lot of profit. Example: The idea of starting a shopping website, is a cash cow. We are making much money now.
Cat get one´s tongue Meaning: Can’t speak because of shyness. Example: The cat got the woman's tongue and she could not say anything at all.
Cat nap Meaning: A short sleep taken during the day. Example: I had a cat nap during the afternoon so I would feel refreshed in the evening.
Change horses in midstream Meaning: Make new plans or choose a new leader in the middle of an important activity. Example: They have decided to change lawyers but I told them that they shouldn’t change horses in midstream.
Copycat Meaning: Someone who copies other people's clothes, behaviour, work, etc. Example: He is a copycat according to the other students in the class.
Cry wolf Meaning: To give a false alarm, to warn of a danger that is not there. Example: This is the third time my brother has complained of a mouse running around our home and I thought he was crying wolf, but when I ran into the small rodent in the kitchen I realized I was wrong.
Curiosity killed the cat Meaning: Being too nosy or curious may get a person into trouble. Example: You shouldn’t worry about what he is doing. Remember curiosity killed the cat.
Dark horse Meaning: A person who is not well known and who does something surprising. Example: She's a dark horse. I didn't know she'd written a novel.
Dog-eat-dog Meaning: Ready or willing to fight and hurt others to get what one wants. Example: In showbusiness it's dog eat dog one day you're a star, the next you've been replaced by younger talent.
Donkey´s years Meaning: A very long time. Example: I was happy to see my friend because I had not seen her in donkey's years.
Dumb bunny
Meaning: A stupid or gullible person. Example: He really is a dumb bunny. He does such stupid things.
IDIOMS ABOUT FEELINGS
Idiom On the top of the world Thrilled to bits Cool, calm and collected
Make my day
Jump for joy
Good/positive feelings Example Im/feel on the top of the world today. I´ve just passed all my exams. She was thrilled to bits when I told her she had won the lottery. I was very cool, calm and collected while I was drinking a mojito.
When I returned home my husband surprised me with a meal. It made my day. I jumped for joy when Karina told me I didn´t have to do the final exam.
Meaning Very happy Very happy and excited Relaxed, prepared, in control, not nervous Made me feel happy/satisfied Felt very glad/happy about something, often a reaction to good news.
Idiom Down in the dumps Have my fill of
Sick and tired of
On edge
At the end of my tether
Bad/negative feelings Example Meaning Shes a bit down in the dumps because Depressed, in low she failed one of her exams. spirits I’ve had my fill of exams. I hope I Had enough (often never do another one for the rest of in a negative my life. sense) Im sick and tired of studying. I just Have had enough want to get a job and earn money. (always in a negative sense. Its much stronger than “have your fill”) Before I do an oral exam, Im always Nervous, anxious, on edge because I find it difficult to agitated relax. After arguing with my boss all day, I´m Am so tired or at the end of my tether. I don’t want to annoyed I cant do anything. deal with the situation anymore.
Idiom Be in someones good books Get on like a house on fire
Keep/get/be/stay in touch with someone Make it up to someone
Take a shine to
Have a soft spot for
Good relationships Meaning That person is pleased with you (possibly only temporally) Get on extremely well with someone Keep/get/be/stay in contact with someone Do something good for someone you have done something bad to in the past Like someone immediately Feel a lot of affection for one particular person, often without knowing why
Example Im in the teacher´´s good books. I helped her tidy the classroom. Fortunately, we got on like a house on fire from the start. We must keep in touch after our course is over. Im sorry I forgot your birthday. I promise I will make it up to you. I could see from her smile that she had taken a shine to him. Nick was a naughty little boy, but I couldn’t help having a soft spot for him.
Idiom Be at loggerheads (of two people or groups)
Be (talking) at crosspurposes (of two people or groups) Have it in for someone
Have it out with someone
Rub someone up the wrong way
Difficult relationships meaning Disagree strongly with each other
Not understand each other because they are trying to do or say different things. Be determined to criticise or harm someone
Talk to someone about something they have done in order to solve the problem Irritate someone
Two-time someone
Have a romantic or sexual relationship with two people at the same time.
Keep yourself to yourself
Prefer to be on your own and avoid talking with or doing things with other people. Prevent someone/something from coming near or harming you
Keep someone/something at bay
Example The council and local residents are at loggerheads over the plans for a new car park. We´´´re talking at crosspurposes. I was referring to my brother and you´´re talking about my father. I can´´t understand why he has it in for me. I´´ve never done anything to harm him. I can´´t take Ben´s selfishness any longer. I am goint to have it out with him this evening. She seems to always rub her boss up the wrong way. She refused to believe he was two-timing her until she saw him with another girl. Judy seems nnice. But she keeps herself to herself, so Idont know much about her. So far this year, I´´ve managed to keep the flu at bay.
Extra idioms: these are some picture about other idioms
Sometimes you should learn the meaning of an idiom and how to use it.