Learn English idioms & phrases using MILK - Learn English phrases and idioms using the word 'milk'

English is full of all sorts of interesting words and sentences.

Today I'm going to tell you about an English idiom and an English proverb related to one thing.

MILK

first of all, the idiom is...'To milk something' In its usual form the sentence milk something

refers to obtaining milk from an animal...

You milk a cow. You milk a goat.

However as an idiom to milk something means to make more of an event or situation than is reasonable.

For example - You have a slight cold, but you insist on being treated as if you have something really serious wrong with you.

You want to get as much attention as possible and take advantage of the situation.

Be careful, you might end up being accused of milking the slight cold you have, so as to get more attention than is necessary.

Normally when something bad happens to someone, we will show a certain amount of sympathy and give comfort.

But you have to be careful not to milk that kindness.

To take advantage of someone over a period of time can also be referred to as 'milking'.

This often relates to the misuse of trust and money.

''He was milking the company accounts for many months before being caught.''

There is also a proverb in English that concerns 'milk', which is...

This phrase means that there is no point in getting upset over something that has already occurred.

The event has already happened and there is nothing you can do about it.

''There is no use crying over spilt milk.''

On a positive note...

is a nice expression that describes the care and consideration given by people.

Genuine care and compassion is the milk of human kindness.