Learn English in a few different ways and avoid feeling overwhelmed. In this article, I’m going to show you how to use podcasts, audio books, blogs, articles, video games, and even your smartphone to learn English. If you’re already familiar with these methods, great! If not, let’s get started. STEP 1: Find an Online Course…
COME OFF IT! In this idiom, the phrase “come off it” is a colloquialism that indicates a request for someone to stop deceiving themselves. It is often accompanied by a rhetorical question, inviting the person to stop denying the truth or to admit that they are wrong. The phrase come off it is an idiomatic…
BY THE BOOK, GO A person who “goes by the book” might be someone who does things in a very systematic way. Such people are always following procedures to the letter, not taking any risks or side-stepping any rules. It is important to go by the book, or to follow the rules. Without following the…
DEAD TO THE WORLD If someone is “dead to the world” they are asleep or unconscious. However, this can also be used as an idiom to mean that someone is unaware of something that is happening around them.One example of this is when a salesman comes up to you on the street and tries selling…
Learn how to use American English idioms with confidence. 7 Steps to Learn American English Idioms In order to become fluent in English, you need to be able to use common English expressions correctly in your everyday conversation. This means knowing how to use common phrases and words in a different way from their usual…
DARK HORSE Originally, the phrase “dark horse” was used to describe a candidate in an election who entered relatively unknown or unexpected. In recent years, the term has been used to describe a person or thing that is unexpectedly successful. A dark horse is an unexpected candidate for victory or success. It can also refer…
GO OVERBOARD The idiom to go overboard typically means to take an action that’s excessive. For example, if someone says they’re going to be too busy with work and can’t do any more chores around the house, their partner might say “you’ve gone overboard.” A person can also go overboard by doing something they didn’t…
GIVE (SOMEONE) THE SHIRT OFF (ONE’S) BACK The idiom “give someone the shirt off one’s back” means to give someone something of great value, even if it means impoverishing oneself. The person giving does not expect anything in return. The phrase “give someone the shirt off one’s back” is an idiom meaning to give all…
FIRST-RATE First-rate is typically used to indicate that something is of the highest quality. It can be used as an adjective or adverb and can also be used as a noun, meaning “one who is of the best quality.” As an adjective, first-rate indicates that something is excellent. For example, “a first rate school” means…
GET TO THE BOTTOM OF (SOMETHING) To get to the bottom of something is to understand its origin, cause, or meaning. The phrase has an idiomatic meaning that is difficult to pinpoint due to its various uses. It can imply that one is “digging for” the truth or reasoning behind something; understanding what makes it…