ESL Blogs

Idioms or phraseological units are exactly those designs that adorn any language, make it vivid and unique, and most importantly - confusing and incomprehensible to foreigners who are trying to learn it. Idioms are a headache for interpreters who do not miss the opportunity to amuse native speakers with a verbatim translation of each word.

1. Pop one's clogs

You won’t find the phrase "more British" than this one. To pop one's clogs - euphemism for the purpose of determining death or dying.

Example: No one knew he was about to pop his clogs. = No one knew that he would soon die.

2. That went down a treat

If something goes down a treat, it means that it brings pleasure.

Example: That cake went down a treat. = This cake was enjoyed.

3. Take the mickey

Americans with the British simply love to "tune in" each other, which means "take the mickey".

Example: Stop taking the mickey out of your brother. = Stop laughing at your brother.

4. Itchy feet

The idiom indicates the state when you want to try or do something new, such as travel.

Example: After two years in the job she's got itchy feet, so she's going to spend three months in Australia.

5. At a loose end

If you're "at a loose end," it means you're tired or you have nothing to do.

Example: He's been at a loose end ever since he retired. = He has been bored since he retired. Although you will never get bored with these custom term paper writing services.

6. Another string to your bow

This means having another useful skill that can help in life, especially with employment.

Example: I'm learning French so I'll have another string to my bow. = I'm studying French now, so I'll have another weapon in my arsenal.

7. As the actress said to the bishop

Highlights the sexual content of what is said, regardless of whether it was deliberately used or not.

Example:

- Blimey, that's a big one - as the actress said to the bishop. =

- Oh, this big enough - as an actress told the priest.

8. Bob is your uncle (and Fanny's your aunt)

This phrase means that something will succeed. The equivalent of the phrase "and there you go" or the French "et voilà" (voila). And the app "and Fanny's your aunt" will make your English more "British".

Example:             

A: Where's the Queen Elizabeth Pub?

B: You go down the road, take the first left and Bob's your uncle - there's it on the corner!

9. Cheap as chips 

British people like bargains, and when this happens, there's nothing left to do, except to shout out "cheap as chips".

Example: Only a fiver for a ticket - cheap as chips mate!

10. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

This is what our grandparents tell us (the Britons) all their lives. If you do not throw even insignificant amounts into waste, they accumulate in a little more.