Check out other Idioms
Throw Money Down The Drain - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS
Understanding and appropriately utilizing idioms can greatly increase speaking scores for candidates taking the IELTS exam. 'Throw Money Down The Drain' is one of these expressions. We will discuss this idiom's definition, origin and application in this blog post, along with examples of how to use it to your advantage when preparing for the IELTS. Throw Money Down The Drain: MeaningWhen someone spends money and gets nothing in return, they throw money down the drain. Throw Money Down The Drain: OriginThe idiom 'throw money down the drain' most likely refers to the actual act of unintentionally or carelessly allowing priceless...
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Chase Rainbows - IELTS Idiom of the Day
Candidates preparing for the IELTS exam need to understand and use idioms correctly can significantly boost your speaking scores. One such idiom is 'chase rainbows'. In this blog, we will explore the meaning, usage, and implications of this idiom, along with examples on how to incorporate it effectively into your IELTS preparation.Chase Rainbows: MeaningWhen someone is pursuing fanciful or unrealistic goals, he is said to be chasing rainbows.Chase Rainbows: OriginThe term comes from the old tale about finding a pot of gold if one digs at the end of the rainbow, where it touches earth. Obviously, no such thing exists....
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A Plum Job – Idiom of the Day
If you want to get a high band score on the IELTS exam, it is always a good idea to learn how to sound natural. Native users frequently use idioms in their speech, so you should be familiar with a few of the more common ones. So, now, let us learn a new idiom to ace your IELTS - A Plum Job! Before that, take a look at the latest 25 Common Idioms in IELTS Speaking too! Meaning of the A Plum Job - IELTS Idiom The idiom "A Plum Job" means A good job which is well-paid and relatively...
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Idiom – Face the Music
Face the Music – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Be confronted with the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions. Origin: The phrase originated in America in the mid 1800s. The precise origin of this phrase is not known, but there are theories which have not been proven. One theory says that it originated in the military, where disgraced officers were dismissed to the beating of drums and band music. Another theory is it comes from theatre, where the actors have to face the orchestra pit. Examples: Tyler was caught smoking marijuana in a classroom and now had to face the music...
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Idiom – Penny Pincher
Penny Pincher – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Miserly. History: The idiom seems to have originated in the 19th century. This idiom is related to the idiom called “A penny-a-liner” which was in use in 1834. It was to be used to refer to a writer for a periodical or magazine. In those days, publishers wanted to pay less and earn more profits. So they chose writers who wrote less content because they can be paid less. The writers were also tactful and restricted themselves to limited content inorder to write regularly for the publisher. The publishers were called penny...
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Idiom – A Lone Wolf
A Lone Wolf – Idiom of the Day Meaning: A very independent and/or solitary person; one who enjoys spending time alone. A terrorist or criminal who acts alone rather than as part of an organisation. Origin: The expression was first used in the early 20th century. It relates to the literal meaning of wolf, which is a dog-like type of animal. Wolves are famous for living in packs. Therefore, a lone wolf is one that, for whatever reason, has no pack. Examples: I was always a lone wolf in high school, which led me to be overly social in college....
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Idiom – On Top of the World
On Top of the World – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Feeling Content and Ecstatic. This idiom can be used when you want to express your happiness. Origin: The idiom ‘On the top of the world’ has been used since the beginning of the 20th century by many authors in their publications. They used this idiom to express their glorious feelings or describing someone who’s at the peak of success. Idiom Scenarios: Scenario 1: Janet: Congratulations! You deserve this award for the Best Entrepreneur. Rose: Thank you! But did you know? When I heard the announcement, It was a surreal...
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Idiom – Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Not getting involved (ignoring) and leaving the situation as it is. Origin: The idiom ‘Let sleeping dogs lie’ is a proverbial saying that was very popularly used in the 13th century to wake up the sleeping dogs, which may cause harm to the person who is waking up the sleeping dog. Idiom scenarios: Scenario 1: Rose: I feel really sad for that older woman as those men are mistreating her. Do you think that we should help her? John: Although I feel sorry for her, it’s better to let sleeping...
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Idiom – Pie In The Sky
Pie In The Sky – Idiom of the Day Meaning: A joyous thought very unlikely to materialize. History: History dates back to the early 19th century, roughly in 1906 when it was used by Joe Hill in his song “The Preacher and the Slave”. There are also references to the idiom being used later in the 19th century, in the Harvard Bulletins in Education in 1926 and in the Infantry Journal in 1927, and in the The Fortnightly magazine in 1953. In recent times, the Daily Telegraph used it in 2016. Idiom scenarios: Scenario 1: Friend 1: Tom’s younger son...
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Idiom – To Go Pear-Shaped
To Go Pear-Shaped – Idiom of the Day Meaning: To describe something that has turned wrong History: Primarily, this one is a British idiom; however, its origin is still in dispute. To explain the origin of this phrase, there are a few conflicting elucidations. One goes back to 1940s when RAF pilots used to get frustrated in case their endeavour to create a phenomenal aerial route went pear shaped instead of perfectly circular. Another story is related to WWI when observational balloons wouldn’t get inflated as designed but go pear-shaped. Lesser known in the United States of America, the phrase...
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Idiom – A Different Kettle of Fish
A Different Kettle of Fish – Idiom of the Day Meaning: A different kind of thing or person in comparison to the one mentioned earlier History: Although originated in the United Kingdom, this phrase is also prevalently used in the United States. The origin can be traced to 1785 when A Tour in England and Scotland by Thomas Newte was published. Another origin of the phrase dates back to 1889 when it was mentioned in Carlisle Patriot, a newspaper published in Scotland. The newspaper had mentioned this phrase as, “To enable them to manage their own local affairs will not...
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Idiom – A Hail Mary
A Hail Mary – Idiom of the Day Meaning: A plan or project with a very low chance of success. Origin: The expression originates from American football, wherein it means “a long, typically unsuccessful pass made in a desperate attempt to score late in the game”. The phrase became widespread after a December 28, 1975, National Football League playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, when Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach said about his game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson, “I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary*.” *Note: Taken literally, a Hail Mary is...
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Idiom – Rank And File
Rank and File – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Referred to an ordinary person History: The phrase originated as a military term back in the 16th century. This is because troops used to stand next to one another (rank) and in a straight line (file) while marching. And, the other officers used to march on this formation’s outside. Its early example was printed in The Theorike and Practike of Moderne Warres by Rober Barret. It referred to ordinary members of an organization. The columns and rows of soldiers without the officers, drawn for a drill was known as ranks and...
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Idiom – Grasping At Straws
Grasping At Straws – Idiom of the Day Meaning: To struggle with desperate effort to save oneself History: The etymology goes back to 1534 when this phrase was originally mentioned in Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation by Thomas More. This idiom was used to refer to a drowning man who was grasping for anything, even as small as a straw, to save himself. In the current world, it means a decision or an act, usually executed in desperation, without referring to an adequate amount of resources or information. This idiom can also be used in a situation when somebody is...
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Idiom – At Your Wit’s End
At Your Wit’s End – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Not being able to respond to anything because of extreme confusion and exhaustion History: The first mention of this idiom was read in Piers Plowman, a poem published by William Langland in 1377. In this literature work, the stanza read: “Astronomyens also aren at hir wittes ende.” However, it must be noted that the phrase also appeared in Psalms 107:27 of the Bible. It says, “They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.” Unlike the poem, in the Bible, the phrase is used in the actual...
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Idiom – Sacred Cow
Sacred Cow – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Something venerated and is exempted from criticism or doubt. History: History debated between the mid eighteenth century and late nineteenth century ( is suspected of American origin) . The term was first used in a letter written to the Calcutta Times by Wady Jahed, an Indian emigre, who lived in Janesville, Wisconsin and it was printed by The Janesville Free Press in 1854. There is also evidence of the idiom being used by NewYork Herald in 1890. In recent times it was used by The Galveston Daily News in September 1909 to...
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Idiom – Baptism by Fire
Baptism by Fire – Idiom of the Day Meaning: A difficult introduction to a new job or activity. Origin: The phrase baptism by fire is rooted in the Bible’s Matthew 3:11. The following passage is from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The phrase was originally synonymous with a personal ordeal that someone went through. In Biblical and Christian references, a...
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Idiom – Pull The Wool Over Someone’s Eyes
Pull The Wool Over Someone’s Eyes – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Dupe someone so that they don’t know what you’re doing. History: History debated of 16th century British and 19th century American origin. The idiom is suspected to have originated from the ancient British practice of wearing woolen wigs. There is evidence of this idiom in paper as early as November 1935. The Gettysburg newspaper, The People’s Press, seems to have published it. Idiom scenarios: Scenario 1: Shopkeeper: This necklace is worth 1 lakh rupees. Customer: What? Shopkeeper: Yes madam. It has diamonds all over it. So it is...
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Idiom – Close but no Cigar
Close but no Cigar – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Be very close to accomplishing a goal but fall short Almost successful in doing something, but not quite Fall just short of a desired outcome, and get nothing for the efforts Nearly, but not completely correct Origin: The expression is said to have originated in the United States, likely during the mid 20th century. It refers to the practice of stalls at fairgrounds and carnivals giving out cigars as prizes. People would use this phrase for those who were close to winning a prize, but failed to do so. The...
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Idiom – Drop the Ball
Drop the Ball – Idiom of the Day Meaning: Completely mess things up; commit a blunder. Origin: This idiom has its roots in American football, wherein one has to catch a ball for a pass to be successfully completed. Dropping the ball would give the opposing team possession of it, thus giving them a chance to score. Its use for more general kinds of mistakes dates from about 1950. Examples: Oh Richard for God’s sake, don’t drop the ball on this one. We’re counting on you. The Prime Minister really dropped the ball when he announced loan waivers for farmers...
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