150 Common Idioms in English

150 modismos comunes en inglés

English idioms, love them or hate them they are  a necessary part of the language and so today I'm  

Los modismos en inglés, los amas o los odias, son una parte necesaria del idioma, por lo que hoy

going to cover over 150 of the most common English  idioms with their meanings and an example sentence  

cubriré más de 150 de los modismos en inglés más comunes con sus significados y una oración de ejemplo

so you can learn them in context. And to make  your life really easy I've put together a free  

para que puedas aprenderlos en contexto. Y para hacerte la vida realmente fácil, he creado un

super pdf so that you have all the idioms I  cover and their meanings and examples as well.  

super pdf gratuito para que tengas todas las expresiones idiomáticas que cubro y también sus significados y ejemplos.

All you have to do to download your pdf is click  on the link provided, add your name and your email  

Todo lo que tiene que hacer para descargar su pdf es hacer clic en el enlace provisto, agregar su nombre y su

address to sign up to my ESL mailing list and I'll  send the pdf to you. An idiom is a common phrase  

dirección de correo electrónico para registrarse en mi lista de correo de ESL y le enviaré el pdf. Un modismo es una frase común

which is used colloquially but the meaning is not  immediately obvious, for example, bite the bullet.

que se usa coloquialmente pero el significado no es inmediatamente obvio, por ejemplo, muerde la bala.

It means just do it, go for it. I'm  going to share 10 common idioms with you  

Significa simplemente hazlo, ve por ello. Voy a compartir contigo 10 modismos comunes

now. Number one, under the weather,  this means to be feeling ill.

ahora. Número uno, bajo el clima, esto significa sentirse enfermo.

I'm not coming to work today I'm feeling a  little under the weather. Number two, the  

No vendré a trabajar hoy. Me siento un poco mal. Número dos, la

ball is in your court, this means the next action  is with you. I've already given a counter offer  

pelota está en tu cancha, esto significa que la próxima acción está contigo. Ya he hecho una contraoferta,

the ball's in your court now. Number three,  spill the beans, this means to share a secret.  

ahora la pelota está en tu campo. Número tres, derrame los frijoles, esto significa compartir un secreto.

Come on sally spill the beans, did you two kiss  or what? Number four, you're pulling my leg,  

Vamos, Sally, derrama los frijoles, ¿ustedes dos se besaron o qué? Número cuatro, me estás tomando el pelo,

this means to play a joke on someone or to  suggest someone is playing a joke on you. No  

esto significa gastarle una broma a alguien o sugerir que alguien te está jugando una broma. No

there's no way I've won the lottery you're pulling  my leg. Number five, take it with a pinch of salt,  

, no hay forma de que haya ganado la lotería, me estás tomando el pelo. Número cinco, tómalo con pinzas,

this means to not believe it fully. I'd take  those numbers with a pinch of salt though,  

esto significa no creerlo del todo. Sin embargo, tomaría esos números con una pizca de sal,

you know polls are not always accurate. Number  six, you can say that again, this means to agree  

ya sabes que las encuestas no siempre son precisas. Número seis, puedes decir eso nuevamente, esto significa estar de acuerdo

on the trueness of something. Usually we only  hear this, we wouldn't write this. We need this  

en la veracidad de algo. Por lo general, solo escuchamos esto, no escribiríamos esto. Necesitamos que este

launch to work or the business will fail. You  can say that again. Number seven, see eye to eye,  

lanzamiento funcione o el negocio fracasará. Puedes decir eso de nuevo. Número siete, estar de acuerdo,

this means to agree. James and Stuart are always  arguing, they never see eye to eye on anything.  

esto significa estar de acuerdo. James y Stuart siempre están discutiendo, nunca están de acuerdo en nada.

Number eight to beat around the bush this means to  not get to the point, you're just talking around  

Número ocho andar por las ramas, esto significa no ir al grano, solo estás hablando por

it. Oh Juan doesn't half beat around the bush,  he never just makes a quick point. Number nine to  

ahí. Oh, Juan no se anda con rodeos, nunca hace un punto rápido. Número nueve para

miss the boat. To miss the boat means to miss an  opportunity. I always wanted to go to the concert  

perder el barco. Perder el barco significa perder una oportunidad. Siempre quise ir al concierto

but I missed the boat and now the tickets are  sold out. Number 10, by the skin of your teeth,  

pero perdí el barco y ahora las entradas están agotadas. Número 10, por la piel de tus dientes,

this means you've only just achieved something. Oh  the team won that game by the skin of their teeth  

esto significa que acabas de lograr algo. Oh, el equipo ganó ese juego por la piel de sus dientes,

my heart. Oh have you got a few minutes of  free time? Rather than killing time playing  

mi corazón. Oh, ¿tienes unos minutos de tiempo libre? En lugar de matar el tiempo jugando

games let's have a whale of a time learning  30 time related idioms. These are phrases  

, vamos a divertirnos mucho aprendiendo 30 modismos relacionados con el tiempo. Estas son frases

that are used in everyday situations formal and  informal so it's good to be familiar with them.  

que se usan en situaciones cotidianas formales e informales por lo que es bueno estar familiarizado con ellas.

Number one, it's high time this phrase can be  used to say that it's time to do something that  

Número uno, ya es hora de que esta frase se pueda usar para decir que es hora de hacer algo que

should have happened a long time ago. You've  been struggling with your maths homework for  

debería haber sucedido hace mucho tiempo. Has estado luchando con tu tarea de matemáticas durante

months it's high time we got you a  tutor. Number two, against the clock,  

meses, ya es hora de que te consigamos un tutor. Número dos, contra el reloj,

if you're doing something against the  clock then you're doing it as quickly  

si está haciendo algo contra el reloj, entonces lo está haciendo lo más rápido

as possible in order to meet a deadline. All  the party guests will arrive at 6 p.m so we're  

posible para cumplir con una fecha límite. Todos los invitados a la fiesta llegarán a las 6:00 p. m., por lo que estamos

working against the clock to get everything  ready in time quick. Number three, the 11th  

trabajando contrarreloj para tener todo listo a tiempo. Número tres, la

hour. If something happens at the 11th hour that  means it happens at the last possible moment.  

hora 11. Si algo sucede en la hora 11, significa que sucede en el último momento posible.

I found that question really difficult  but I remembered the answer at the 11th  

Encontré esa pregunta realmente difícil, pero recordé la respuesta en la

hour just before the exam finished phew.  Number four, to make up for lost time,  

hora 11, justo antes de que terminara el examen, uf. Número cuatro, recuperar el tiempo perdido,

to do something faster or more often in order  to compensate for not having done it quickly  

hacer algo más rápido o con más frecuencia para compensar por no haberlo hecho lo

enough or often enough is known as making up for  lost time. Many of us, because of the pandemic,  

suficientemente rápido o con la frecuencia suficiente se conoce como recuperar el tiempo perdido. Muchos de nosotros, debido a la pandemia,

are now making up for lost time because of all  the things we've missed we didn't get to see our  

ahora estamos recuperando el tiempo perdido debido a todas las cosas que nos hemos perdido, no pudimos ver

family much last year, so this year I hope to make  up for lost time and spend lots of time with them.  

mucho a nuestra familia el año pasado, así que este año espero recuperar el tiempo perdido y pasar mucho tiempo con ellos.

Number five, in the nick of time, to do  something in the nick of time means to do it  

Número cinco, en el último momento, hacer algo en el último momento significa hacerlo

just in time we almost missed the train but we got  here just in the nick of time, oh that was close.  

justo a tiempo casi perdimos el tren pero llegamos aquí justo a tiempo, oh, eso estuvo cerca.

Number six, the ship has sailed, we use this  phrase informally to discuss an opportunity which  

Número seis, el barco ha zarpado, usamos esta frase de manera informal para hablar de una oportunidad que

has passed or a situation which can no longer  be changed. I thought about running the marathon  

ha pasado o una situación que ya no se puede cambiar. Pensé en correr la maratón

this year but I haven't done any training so that  ship has sailed. Number seven, around the clock,  

este año pero no he hecho ningún entrenamiento así que ese barco ha zarpado. Número siete, todo el día,

if something is done around the clock then it's  done all day and all night without stopping.  

si algo se hace todo el día, entonces se hace todo el día y toda la noche sin parar.

Oh yes we have around the clock security  nobody's getting into this place.  

Oh, sí, tenemos seguridad las 24 horas. Nadie entrará en este lugar.

Number eight, to call it a day, this  means to decide to stop doing something  

Número ocho, para llamarlo un día, esto significa decidir dejar de hacer algo

either permanently or for a while depending on  the context. I'm too tired to finish my homework  

, ya sea de forma permanente o por un tiempo, según el contexto. Estoy demasiado cansado para terminar mi tarea

I'm gonna call it a day and I'll finish it  tomorrow. Number nine, in the blink of an  

. Voy a terminar el día y la terminaré mañana. Número nueve, en un abrir y cerrar de

eye. If something happens in the blink of an eye  then it happens very quickly just like a blink.

ojos. Si algo sucede en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, sucede muy rápidamente como un parpadeo.

A calculator can solve a maths  problem in the blink of an eye.

Una calculadora puede resolver un problema matemático en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.

Number 10, to kill time this phrase is used  informally and it means to spend time doing  

Número 10, para matar el tiempo, esta frase se usa de manera informal y significa pasar el tiempo haciendo

something unimportant particularly  when waiting for something else  

algo sin importancia, especialmente cuando estamos esperando otra cosa

yes we'll go shopping at the airport  to kill time before the flight.  

. Sí, iremos de compras al aeropuerto para matar el tiempo antes del vuelo.

Number 11, like clockwork. If something happens  like clockwork then it happens very smoothly  

Número 11, como un reloj. Si algo sucede como un reloj, entonces sucede muy suave

and easily. Ah the presentation ran like clockwork  everyone was very happy number 12 on the dot this  

y fácilmente. Ah, la presentación funcionó como un reloj. Todos estaban muy felices. Número 12 en punto. Esta

is an informal phrase which means exactly on time  she starts work at 9 00 am on the dot not 903.  

es una frase informal que significa exactamente a tiempo. Ella comienza a trabajar a las 9:00 a. m. en punto, no 903.

Number 13, to do time or to serve time. This is  a colloquial term meaning to be in prison. He's  

Número 13, para hacer tiempo o para servir tiempo Este es un término coloquial que significa estar en prisión. Está

doing time for money laundering. Number  14, to turn back time. To turn back time  

cumpliendo condena por lavado de dinero. Número 14, para retroceder el tiempo. Retroceder en el tiempo

means to recreate, remember or imagine things  as they were before. Oh I like to reminisce  

significa recrear, recordar o imaginar las cosas como eran antes. Oh, me gusta recordar

while looking through all photographs but  I do wish I could just turn back time.  

mientras miro todas las fotografías, pero me gustaría poder retroceder el tiempo.

Number 15, to have a whale of a time. This means  to have a brilliant time to really enjoy oneself.  

Número 15, para tener una ballena de un tiempo. Esto significa pasar un buen rato para disfrutar de verdad.

Ah I had a whale of a time learning  to ski until I broke my leg.

Ah, me lo pasé genial aprendiendo a esquiar hasta que me rompí la pierna.

Number 16 to lose track of time. To  lose track of time means to be unaware  

Número 16 para perder la noción del tiempo. Perder la noción del tiempo significa no saber

of how much time has passed or to not be sure of  what time it is. Oh iIm sorry I'm late I totally  

cuánto tiempo ha pasado o no estar seguro de qué hora es. Oh, lo siento, llegué tarde,

lost track of the time, sorry. Number 17, free  time. Free time refers to time available for  

perdí totalmente la noción del tiempo, lo siento. Número 17, tiempo libre. El tiempo libre se refiere al tiempo disponible para

hobbies and activities you enjoy in my free time.  I like to play football what do you like to do?  

pasatiempos y actividades que disfruto en mi tiempo libre. Me gusta jugar al fútbol ¿Qué te gusta hacer?

Number 18, spur of the moment. Something done  in the spur of the moment is done impulsively  

Número 18, de improviso. Algo que se hace en el calor del momento se hace impulsivamente

without planning in advance. Uh we aren't going to  Argentina now instead we're going to Switzerland,  

sin planearlo de antemano. Uh, no vamos a Argentina ahora, sino que vamos a Suiza,

don't ask me why. It was a  spur of the moment decision.  

no me preguntes por qué. Fue una decisión espontánea.

Number 19, behind the times. If something  is behind the times then it's not using the  

Número 19, atrasado. Si algo está atrasado, es que no está utilizando las

latest technology ideas or techniques. It could  also be referred to as out of date. This library  

últimas ideas o técnicas tecnológicas. También podría denominarse desactualizado. Esta biblioteca

is so behind the times they don't even have a  computer. Number 20, to hit the big time. This  

está tan atrasada que ni siquiera tienen una computadora. Número 20, para llegar a lo grande. Esta

is an idiomatic phrase which means to become very  successful or famous. She hit the big time and got  

es una frase idiomática que significa volverse muy exitoso o famoso. Logró el éxito y obtuvo

a part in a very successful film after years of  hard work. Number 21, hour of need. An hour of  

un papel en una película muy exitosa después de años de arduo trabajo. Número 21, hora de necesidad. Una hora de

need is the time when most help is needed. Thank  you so much for helping us in our hour of need.  

necesidad es el momento en que se necesita más ayuda. Muchas gracias por ayudarnos en nuestra hora de necesidad.

Number 22, a laugh a minute. You could  use this phrase to describe someone who is  

Número 22, una risa por minuto. Podrías usar esta frase para describir a alguien que es

very funny oh John's great he's a laugh a minute  so funny. Number 23, like there's no tomorrow.  

muy divertido, oh, John es genial, se ríe por un minuto, es muy divertido. Número 23, como si no hubiera un mañana.

To do something like there's no  tomorrow means to do it in a quick  

Hacer algo como que no hay un mañana significa hacerlo de forma rápida

or careless way without considering the future.  He is spending money like there's no tomorrow.  

o descuidada sin pensar en el futuro. Está gastando dinero como si no hubiera un mañana.

Number 24, long time no see. This is  informally used as a greeting to mean  

Número 24, mucho tiempo sin verte. Esto se usa informalmente como un saludo para indicar

it's been a long time since we last  met. Hey Christopher long time no see.  

que ha pasado mucho tiempo desde la última vez que nos vimos. Hola Christopher, mucho tiempo sin verte.

Number 25, a mile a minute. If something is  happening a mile a minute then it's happening  

Número 25, una milla por minuto. Si algo sucede a una milla por minuto, entonces sucede

at a very fast pace. I can barely understand  Connor because he talks a mile a minute.  

a un ritmo muy rápido. Apenas puedo entender a Connor porque habla a mil por hora.

Number 26, now and then. If something  happens now and then then it happens  

Número 26, de vez en cuando. Si algo sucede de vez en cuando, sucede

occasionally. I don't see her much  but we go out for coffee now and then.  

ocasionalmente. No la veo mucho, pero salimos a tomar un café de vez en cuando.

Number 27, the moment of truth. This is  a time when a person or a thing is tested  

Número 27, el momento de la verdad. Este es un momento en que una persona o una cosa se pone a prueba

a decision has to be made or a crisis has to  be faced this is a moment of truth. Grace has  

, se debe tomar una decisión o se debe enfrentar una crisis, este es un momento de la verdad. Grace ha

spent hours baking the perfect cake and now  it is the moment of truth time to taste it.  

pasado horas horneando el pastel perfecto y ahora es el momento de la verdad para probarlo.

Number 28, to have too much time on one's hands.  To have too much time on your hands means to have  

Número 28, tener demasiado tiempo libre. Tener demasiado tiempo libre significa tener

a lot of extra time, we often use this phrase  to describe someone who is engaged in unhelpful  

mucho tiempo extra, a menudo usamos esta frase para describir a alguien que se dedica a

or useless activities. She is such a gossip she  obviously has far too much time on her hands.  

actividades inútiles o inútiles. Ella es tan chismosa que obviamente tiene demasiado tiempo libre.

Number 29, once in a blue moon. This means  it rarely happens. I don't speak to my old  

Número 29, una vez en una luna azul. Esto significa que rara vez sucede. No hablo con mis antiguos

uni mates these days I mean Fernando will  call me for a catch-up once in a blue moon  

compañeros de uni en estos días, quiero decir que Fernando me llamará para ponerse al día de vez en cuando,

but apart from that we've all lost touch. And  number 30, donkey's years. Donkey's years is  

pero aparte de eso, todos hemos perdido el contacto. Y el número 30, años de burro. Los años de burro es

an informal way of saying a long time Adam  and I have been friends for donkey's years.

una forma informal de decir que Adam y yo hemos sido amigos durante mucho tiempo durante los años de burro.

It is getting hot in here.

Hace calor aquí.

The temperature in London is soaring so i thought  this was the perfect opportunity for me to teach  

La temperatura en Londres está por las nubes, así que pensé que esta era la oportunidad perfecta para enseñarte

you five very hot english phrases plus an extra  tasty little treat at the very end if you stay all  

cinco frases en inglés muy interesantes, además de un pequeño obsequio extra al final si te quedas hasta

the way through. Here's the first one, hot off the  press. If something is hot off the press then it  

el final. Aquí está el primero, recién salido de la imprenta. Si algo está recién salido de la prensa,

means it's news just in, it's just happened, you  need to hear it because no one else is talking  

significa que acaba de llegar, acaba de suceder, necesita escucharlo porque nadie más está hablando

about it. It's hot off the press. The second  super hot phrase is to blow hot and cold, this  

de eso. Está recién salido de la prensa. La segunda frase súper caliente es soplar frío y calor, esto

means to alternate between two different states.  For example somebody might be very happy friendly  

significa alternar entre dos estados diferentes. Por ejemplo, alguien puede ser muy feliz, amable

warm and welcoming one moment and then completely  the opposite the other they might be distant maybe  

, cálido y acogedor en un momento y luego completamente opuesto al otro, puede estar distante, tal vez

a little angry they might seem like they don't  like you at all the next. They are blowing hot and  

un poco enojado, puede parecer que no le agradas en absoluto al siguiente. Están soplando caliente y

cold, and it's very hard to know where you stand  with someone who blows hot and cold. For example  

frío, y es muy difícil saber cuál es tu posición con alguien que sopla caliente y frío. Por ejemplo

imagine we have just started working together and  on the first day I come to you and say hi I'm so  

, imagina que acabamos de empezar a trabajar juntos y el primer día me acerco a ti y te digo hola. Estoy muy

happy that you're working here we're going to be  best friends why don't you take the space next to  

feliz de que estés trabajando aquí. Seremos mejores amigos. ¿Por qué no tomas el espacio de al lado?

me, sit with me we'll work together. Oh and we  should have lunch together today, see you soon.  

yo, siéntate conmigo vamos a trabajar juntos. Ah, y deberíamos almorzar juntos hoy, nos vemos pronto.

And the next day it's more like oh you're sitting  next to me are you, I think you should move to  

Y al día siguiente es más como, oh, estás sentado a mi lado, creo que deberías moverte al

the other side of the office and I can't do  lunch with you today, no I'm really busy.

otro lado de la oficina y no puedo almorzar contigo hoy, no, estoy muy ocupado.

I'm blowing hot and cold. Super hot phrase  number three, strike while the iron is  

Estoy soplando caliente y frío. Frase súper candente número tres, golpea mientras el hierro está

hot. To strike while the iron is hot means to act  when the conditions are most favourable so take  

caliente. Golpear mientras el hierro está caliente significa actuar cuando las condiciones son más favorables, así que aprovecha

the opportunity when you have the chance. For  example let's imagine you want to buy a house  

la oportunidad cuando tengas la oportunidad. Por ejemplo, imaginemos que quiere comprar una casa

and suddenly there's a big change in the  economy and the housing market crashes  

y de repente hay un gran cambio en la economía y el mercado de la vivienda colapsa

and houses are suddenly very very cheap and even  though you've not been sure if you want to commit  

y las casas de repente son muy, muy baratas y, aunque no ha estado seguro si quiere comprometerse

to buying a house, now is a good time to act  so you should strike while the iron is hot.  

a comprar una casa, ahora es un buen momento para actuar, por lo que debe golpear mientras el hierro está caliente.

Super hot phrase number four, to get  into hot water or to be in hot water.  

Frase súper caliente número cuatro, meterse en agua caliente o estar en agua caliente.

If you're in hot water then I'm afraid tot this  means you are in trouble. So imagine you've been  

Si estás en problemas, me temo que esto significa que estás en problemas. Así que imagina que has estado

married for 10 years and you forget it's your  wedding anniversary and you decide to go out for  

casado durante 10 años y olvidas que es tu aniversario de bodas y decides salir a

some drinks after work with your work friends and  forget all about your lovely partner sat at home.  

tomar unas copas después del trabajo con tus amigos del trabajo y olvidarte de tu encantadora pareja sentada en casa.

You can guarantee that by the time you get back  you are going to be in very hot water. Oh call  

Puede garantizar que para cuando regrese estará en agua muy caliente. Oh, llama a

the fire brigade it is getting far too hot with  super hot phrase number five, I have had more  

la brigada de bomberos, hace demasiado calor con la frase súper candente número cinco, he tenido más

something replace that with whatever you like  then you've had hot dinners. To have something  

algo que reemplace eso con lo que quieras que cenas calientes. Tener algo

more than you've had hot dinners means that your  experience is greater than the other person so in  

más que cenas calientes significa que tu experiencia es mayor que la de la otra persona, así que en

this case I'm saying my experience in something is  greater than yours. Let's imagine my sentence is  

este caso estoy diciendo que mi experiencia en algo es mayor que la tuya. Imaginemos que mi oración es

I've had more internet stalkers than you've had  hot dinners, which let's face it is probably true,  

He tenido más acosadores en Internet que cenas calientes, lo cual, seamos sinceros, probablemente sea cierto,

that means I've had more internet stalkers  than you have. What would your sentence be?  

eso significa que he tenido más acosadores en Internet que tú. ¿Cuál sería tu sentencia?

What have you had more than I've had hot  dinners? Put it down in the comments box below.  

¿Qué has tenido más de lo que yo he tenido cenas calientes? Póngalo en el cuadro de comentarios a continuación.

And finally, before I spontaneously combust  that means burst into flames because I'm so hot,  

Y finalmente, antes de que entre en combustión espontánea, es decir, estalle en llamas porque tengo mucho calor,

let's do the final one. Super hot phrase  number six and she's forgotten it, is  

hagamos la última. La frase supercaliente número seis y ella la olvidó, es

to be hot under the collar. If you are getting  hot under the collar it means that you're becoming  

estar caliente bajo el cuello. Si te estás enfadando, significa que te estás

emotional usually it means you're becoming  embarrassed or angry. Oh I'm getting a little  

emocionando, por lo general significa que te estás avergonzando o enfadando. Oh, me estoy poniendo un poco

hot under the collar or oh I'm getting a little  hot under the collar. Okay so there you go six  

caliente debajo del cuello o oh, me estoy poniendo un poco caliente debajo del cuello. De acuerdo, ahí tienes seis

super hot phrases for you to use this summer while  the temperatures soar and I did promise a bonus.  

frases súper candentes para usar este verano mientras las temperaturas suben y te prometí una bonificación.

I have the hots for you. What does that mean?  It means that I fancy you, I'm attracted to you.  

Tengo los calores para usted. ¿Qué significa eso? Significa que me gustas, me atraes.

So tell me in the comments box below who do you  have the hots for? Do you dare share that secret. 

Así que dime en el cuadro de comentarios a continuación, ¿por quién tienes los hots? ¿Te atreves a compartir ese secreto?

Idioms we have countless idioms in the english  language so once again I've broken it down by  

Modismos Tenemos innumerables modismos en el idioma inglés, así que una vez más lo he desglosado por

category and today we're going to be learning 20  of the most commonly used weather related idioms.  

categoría y hoy vamos a aprender 20 de los modismos más utilizados relacionados con el clima.

These are phrases that most native speakers will  use often and without much thought but really  

Estas son frases que la mayoría de los hablantes nativos usarán a menudo y sin pensar mucho, pero en realidad

they're not that self-explanatory, so they take  a little bit of explaining and that's what we're  

no se explican por sí mismas, por lo que requieren un poco de explicación y eso es lo que

going to learn about today. The first idiom is to  brighten up. To brighten up means to become more  

vamos a aprender hoy. El primer modismo es alegrarse. Iluminar significa volverse más

cheerful now brighten up is a separable phrasal  verb which means that you can put the object in  

alegre ahora iluminar es un verbo frasal separable que significa que puedes poner el objeto en

the middle of those two words, the object that's  being brightened up, for example, let's brighten  

medio de esas dos palabras, el objeto que se está iluminando, por ejemplo, vamos a alegrar

this room up. The second idiom is to take a shine  to, to take a shine to something means to develop  

esta habitación. El segundo idioma es tomar un brillo, tomar un brillo a algo significa desarrollar

a liking for it. Philip has taken a shine to  Yorkshire tea over Tetley tea. The third idiom is  

un gusto por ello. A Philip le ha gustado más el té de Yorkshire que el té de Tetley. El tercer modismo es

to chase rainbows. To chase rainbows means  to pursue something that is impossible  

perseguir arcoíris. Perseguir arcoíris significa perseguir algo que es imposible

or very unlikely. Georgia wants to be a famous  singer but with that voice she's chasing rainbows.  

o muy improbable. Georgia quiere ser una cantante famosa pero con esa voz está persiguiendo el arcoíris.

The fourth idiom is to save it for  a rainy day. To save something for  

El cuarto modismo es guardarlo para un día lluvioso. Guardar algo para

a rainy day means to keep it aside for a  time when it might be needed in the future.  

un día lluvioso significa mantenerlo a un lado para cuando pueda ser necesario en el futuro.

I won some money on the lottery so  I'm going to save it for a rainy day.

Gané algo de dinero en la lotería, así que lo guardaré para un día lluvioso.

The fifth idiom is right as rain, if someone  is right as rain that means they are well  

El quinto idioma es derecho como la lluvia, si alguien tiene la razón como la lluvia, eso significa que está en buena

fit and healthy. Yesterday I was unwell but today  I feel right as rain. The sixth idiom is to take  

forma y saludable. Ayer no estaba bien pero hoy me siento bien como la lluvia. El sexto modismo es tomar

a rain check. To take a rain check is more of  an American phrase which we're beginning to see  

un cheque de lluvia. To take a rain check es más una frase americana que estamos empezando a ver

more and more of in British english and it means  to cancel or refuse something with an intention of  

cada vez más en inglés británico y significa cancelar o rechazar algo con la intención de

doing it another time. Hey are we still going  for coffee later? Oh let's take a rain check,  

hacerlo en otro momento. Oye, ¿todavía vamos a tomar un café más tarde? Oh, hagamos un cheque de lluvia,

maybe next week? The seventh idiom is to weather  the storm. To weather the storm means to survive  

¿tal vez la próxima semana? El séptimo modismo es capear la tormenta. Capear la tormenta significa sobrevivir a

through difficulties. I had a really difficult  month but I told myself to weather the storm  

través de las dificultades. Tuve un mes realmente difícil, pero me dije a mí mismo que debía capear la tormenta

and everything is finally back to normal. The  eighth idiom is to rain on someone's parade.  

y finalmente todo volvió a la normalidad. El octavo modismo es llover sobre el desfile de alguien.

To rain on someone's parade means to stop them  from enjoying themselves or to ruin their plans.  

Llover sobre el desfile de alguien significa impedirle disfrutar o arruinar sus planes.

I don't want to rain on your parade but you're  being so loud please could you be quieter.  

No quiero llover en tu desfile, pero estás haciendo tanto ruido, por favor, ¿podrías estar más callado?

The ninth idiom is to shoot the breeze. To shoot  the breeze, it means to have an informal chat.  

El noveno idioma es disparar la brisa. Para disparar la brisa, significa tener una charla informal.

Hey do you want to go for a walk and shoot  the breeze. The 10th idiom is to catch wind  

Oye, quieres salir a caminar y disparar la brisa. El décimo modismo es

of something, to catch wind of something means  to hear a rumour about it. Now the 11th idiom  

enterarse de algo, enterarse de algo significa escuchar un rumor al respecto. Ahora, el undécimo idioma

is to throw caution to the wind. To throw  caution to the wind means to take a risk.  

es tirar la precaución al viento. Echar la precaución al viento significa correr un riesgo.

I need to just throw caution to  the wind and tell him how I feel.

Necesito dejar de lado la precaución y decirle cómo me siento.

The 12th idiom is storm on the horizon.  

El duodécimo idioma es tormenta en el horizonte.

If there is a storm on the horizon that  means that there is a problem approaching.  

Si hay una tormenta en el horizonte, significa que se acerca un problema.

Francis keeps getting into trouble at school so  I think there might be a storm on the horizon.  

Francis sigue metiéndose en problemas en la escuela, así que creo que podría haber una tormenta en el horizonte.

The 13th idiom is every cloud has a silver  lining. This is a phrase we use to express  

El decimotercer idioma es que cada nube tiene un revestimiento plateado. Esta es una frase que usamos para expresar

that there is something good that comes  out of every bad or difficult situation.  

que hay algo bueno que sale de cada situación mala o difícil.

Lockdown has been really stressful for everyone  but I have had a chance to spend lots more time  

El encierro ha sido realmente estresante para todos, pero he tenido la oportunidad de pasar mucho más tiempo

with my family so I guess every cloud  has a silver lining. The 14th idiom is  

con mi familia, así que supongo que cada nube tiene un lado positivo. El idioma 14 está

on cloud nine. If someone is on cloud nine then  they are in a state of overwhelming happiness.  

en la nube nueve. Si alguien está en la nube nueve, entonces está en un estado de felicidad abrumadora.

I got the job, I feel so lucky I'm on cloud  nine. The fifteenth idiom is to have your head  

Conseguí el trabajo, me siento muy afortunado de estar en las nubes. El decimoquinto modismo es tener la cabeza

in the clouds, now if someone has their head  in the clouds that means that they're being  

en las nubes, ahora si alguien tiene la cabeza en las nubes, eso significa que no está siendo

unrealistic or impractical, a bit of a dreamer  and not very down to earth. Oh Grace is a lovely  

realista o práctico, un poco soñador y no muy realista. Oh Grace es una chica encantadora

girl but she does have her head in the clouds.  The 16th idiom is to not have the foggiest,  

pero tiene la cabeza en las nubes. El modismo 16 es no tener la mayor confusión,

this means that you're not sure about something  you don't have an idea or a clue about it. You  

esto significa que no estás seguro de algo de lo que no tienes una idea o una pista al respecto. Podrías

might say I don't have the foggiest or I haven't  the foggiest or I haven't got the foggiest.  

decir que no tengo la más nebulosa o que no tengo la más nebulosa o que no tengo la más nebulosa.

Could you help me with directions please,  I haven't the foggiest where I am?

¿Podrían ayudarme con las direcciones por favor, no tengo ni la más remota idea de dónde estoy?

The 17th idiom is under the weather,  

El modismo 17 está bajo el clima,

if you're under the weather that  means you're feeling unwell.

si estás bajo el clima, eso significa que no te sientes bien.

I'm going to stay at home today as I'm a bit  under the weather. The 18th idiom is the calm  

Me voy a quedar en casa hoy porque estoy un poco mal. El idioma 18 es la calma

before the storm, this means a moment of quiet  or stability before difficult or busy times.  

antes de la tormenta, esto significa un momento de tranquilidad o estabilidad antes de tiempos difíciles o ocupados.

Those moments before the shop opened  were the calm before the storm.

Esos momentos antes de que abriera la tienda fueron la calma antes de la tormenta.

The 19th idiom is to break the ice. To break  the ice means to do or say something to relieve  

El modismo 19 es romper el hielo. Romper el hielo significa hacer o decir algo para aliviar la

tension or to break a silence. Ah  it was really awkward when we first  

tensión o romper un silencio. Ah, fue realmente incómodo cuando nos conocimos por primera

met that it didn't take long to break  the ice. And finally the 20th idiom is  

vez que no tomó mucho tiempo romper el hielo. Y finalmente, el vigésimo modismo es

face like thunder if someone has a face  like thunder it means that their face  

cara como un trueno si alguien tiene una cara como un trueno, significa que su cara

looks very unhappy or very angry this is not very  polite so only use it in informal situations.  

se ve muy infeliz o muy enojada, esto no es muy cortés, así que solo utilícelo en situaciones informales.

I knew she was very annoyed with me  because she had a face like thunder.

Sabía que estaba muy enfadada conmigo porque tenía cara de trueno.

To catch someone red-handed is to discover  someone in the act of doing something wrong  

Atrapar a alguien con las manos en la masa es descubrir a alguien en el acto de hacer algo malo,

for example if the police found a robber still  holding the bag that he has stolen you could say  

por ejemplo, si la policía encuentra a un ladrón que aún sostiene la bolsa que ha robado, se podría decir

they caught him red-handed or if a mother  walked into the kitchen at night to find her son  

que lo atraparon con las manos en la masa o si una madre entró en la cocina. por la noche para encontrar a su hijo

with chocolate cake all over his face  you might say I've caught you red-handed.

con pastel de chocolate en toda la cara se podría decir que te he pillado con las manos en la masa.

Grey area a grey area is an ill-defined  

Área gris un área gris es una

unclear situation which does not have an obvious  answer or outcome, it's not black or white,  

situación poco clara mal definida que no tiene una respuesta o resultado obvio, no es blanco o negro,

that's another idiom meaning it's not clear  it's a grey area, for example, if I use a clip  

esa es otra expresión idiomática que significa que no está claro es un área gris, por ejemplo, si uso un clip

from a movie in this video to illustrate an  educational point is that copyright infringement?  

de un película en este video para ilustrar un punto educativo es una infracción de derechos de autor?

It's not clear, it's a bit of a grey area. To give  the green light, this means to give permission  

No está claro, es un poco un área gris. Dar luz verde significa dar permiso

for someone to do something or for something  to happen, for example, a parent could give  

para que alguien haga algo o que suceda algo, por ejemplo, un padre podría dar

the green light for their child to start a new  club or to go on a school trip, go on sonny. 

luz verde para que su hijo inicie un nuevo club o se vaya de viaje escolar, continúe. hijo.

In the red, if a person or a company is in the  red that means they've spent more money than they  

En números rojos, si una persona o empresa está en números rojos, significa que ha gastado más dinero del que

have, and now they owe money to the bank. I can't  sleep at night, not now that we're in the red. 

tiene y ahora le debe dinero al banco. No puedo dormir por la noche, no ahora que estamos en números rojos.

Once in a blue moon, if something happens  once in a blue moon it happens very rarely  

Una vez en una luna azul, si algo sucede una vez en una luna azul, sucede muy raramente

for example, we go on holiday once in a blue moon  it doesn't mean never it just means not often.

, por ejemplo, nos vamos de vacaciones una vez en una luna azul, no significa que nunca, solo significa que no a menudo.

Out of the blue. If something happens out of the  blue then it is completely unexpected for example,  

Inesperadamente. Si algo sucede de la nada, entonces es completamente inesperado, por ejemplo,

my brother arrived out of the blue so  his brother was completely unexpected.

mi hermano llegó de la nada, por lo que su hermano fue completamente inesperado.

Red tape. Red tape refers to rules or  boundaries that prevent or slow down  

Cinta roja. La burocracia se refiere a las reglas o límites que impiden o ralentizan

something you're trying to achieve. For example,  it took me ages to get a working visa because of  

algo que está tratando de lograr. Por ejemplo, me tomó años obtener una visa de trabajo debido a

all the red tape. Rose tinted glasses. To look  at something through rose tinted glasses means  

toda la burocracia. Lentes tintados en rosa. Mirar algo a través de lentes de color rosa significa

to think of it with a positive bias perhaps only  seeing or paying attention to the good things,  

pensar en ello con un sesgo positivo, tal vez solo viendo o prestando atención a las cosas buenas,

for example, ah I have lots of fond memories of  school I can't remember the bad parts I suppose  

por ejemplo, ah, tengo muchos buenos recuerdos de la escuela, no puedo recordar las partes malas, supongo.

I look back at it through rose tinted glasses.  To show one's true colours. To show one's true  

Lo miro a través de lentes de color rosa. Para mostrar los verdaderos colores de uno. Mostrar los verdaderos

colours means to reveal the kind of person you  really are. This could be used in a positive way,  

colores de uno significa revelar el tipo de persona que realmente eres. Esto podría usarse de manera positiva,

for example, Nicole was so patient with the  children she really showed her true colours. Or  

por ejemplo, Nicole fue tan paciente con los niños que realmente mostró sus verdaderos colores. O

in a negative way, for example, I  can't believe Nicole betrayed you  

de una manera negativa, por ejemplo, no puedo creer que Nicole te haya traicionado,

she has really shown her true colours. Golden  opportunity, this is an excellent chance to  

ella realmente ha mostrado sus verdaderos colores. Oportunidad de oro, esta es una excelente oportunidad para

do something that is likely to be successful or  rewarding. For example, going to Oxford university  

hacer algo que probablemente sea exitoso o gratificante. Por ejemplo, ir a la universidad de Oxford

is a golden opportunity or being invited to  go to a place you've always wanted to go to  

es una oportunidad de oro o ser invitado a un lugar al que siempre has querido ir

is a golden opportunity. White lie. A white  lie is a lie about a small or unimportant  

es una oportunidad de oro. Mentira piadosa. Una mentira piadosa es una mentira sobre un asunto pequeño o sin

matter that someone tells to avoid hurting another  person, for example, it was a bit of a white lie,  

importancia que alguien dice para evitar lastimar a otra persona, por ejemplo, fue un poco una mentira piadosa,

I told her I couldn't go to her party but really  I just didn't want to. To pass with flying  

le dije que no podía ir a su fiesta, pero en realidad simplemente no lo hice. no quiero Aprobar con

colours.To pass something with flying colours  means to do it very successfully, for example,  

nota. Aprobar algo con nota significa hacerlo con mucho éxito, por ejemplo,

if you get top marks in an exam you could say  you've passed with flying colours. See red. To  

si obtienes las mejores notas en un examen, podrías decir que lo has aprobado con nota. Ver rojo. Ver

see red means to become very angry, for example,  when I realised he'd been lying I saw red.  

rojo significa enojarse mucho, por ejemplo, cuando me di cuenta de que había estado mintiendo, vi rojo.

Blue collar, this phrase refers to the colour  on a labourer's uniform and is typically used  

Cuello azul, esta frase se refiere al color del uniforme de un trabajador y generalmente se usa

to refer to people who work in manual labor, such  as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.  

para referirse a las personas que trabajan en trabajos manuales, como agricultura, manufactura y construcción.

In context you could say, he's got a  new blue collar job as an electrician. 

En contexto se podría decir que tiene un nuevo trabajo manual como electricista.

White collar this refers to an office worker or  someone whose profession does not require manual  

Cuello blanco esto se refiere a un oficinista o alguien cuya profesión no requiere

labour. In context you could say, he's got a  new white collar job as a lawyer. A red flag.  

trabajo manual. En contexto se podría decir que tiene un nuevo trabajo administrativo como abogado. Una bandera roja.

A red flag is a sign of a problem which  requires attention. For example, the fact  

Una bandera roja es una señal de un problema que requiere atención. Por ejemplo, el hecho de

that no one seemed to enjoy working there was a  red flag. This means that it's a sign that should  

que nadie pareciera disfrutar trabajando allí era una señal de alerta. Esto significa que es una señal a la que se debe

be paid attention to, you probably won't enjoy  working somewhere if everyone who works there  

prestar atención, probablemente no disfrutarás trabajando en un lugar si todos los que trabajan allí

doesn't enjoy their job. Red letter day. A red  letter day is a special or memorable occasion,  

no disfrutan de su trabajo. Día de cartas rojas. Un día de letras rojas es una ocasión especial o memorable,

for example when Francesca returns from  her two-year trip it'll be a red letter  

por ejemplo, cuando Francesca regrese de su viaje de dos años, será un

day. Although I will just add that red letter  day is probably now falling out of fashion as  

día de letras rojas. Aunque solo agregaré que el día de la carta roja probablemente ya no esté de moda, ya

we don't really send letters anymore. Next,  to paint the town red, this means to party or  

que en realidad ya no enviamos cartas. Luego, pintar la ciudad de rojo significa festejar o

celebrate in a rowdy or wild manner particularly  in a public place such as a nightclub or bar.  

celebrar de una manera ruidosa o salvaje, particularmente en un lugar público como un club nocturno o un bar.

You could say for my birthday we'll paint  the town red, which just means we'll party.  

Podrías decir que para mi cumpleaños pintaremos la ciudad de rojo, lo que significa que haremos una fiesta.

Next, to roll out the red carpet, this means  to welcome someone with special treatment,  

A continuación, extender la alfombra roja significa dar la bienvenida a alguien con un trato especial,

for example, oh when she gets home from  the hospital we'll roll out the red carpet,  

por ejemplo, oh, cuando llegue a casa del hospital, extenderemos la alfombra roja,

meaning we'll take extra good care of her. This  refers to the red carpet that celebrities and vips  

lo que significa que la cuidaremos muy bien. Esto se refiere a la alfombra roja por la que caminan las celebridades y los vips

walk on to get to award ceremonies or premieres,  it indicates a mark of respect and good care,  

para llegar a las entregas de premios o estrenos, indica una muestra de respeto y buen cuidado,

bringing me on to my next one. Red carpet  treatment, along the same lines of the last one,  

llevándome a la siguiente. Trato de alfombra roja, en la misma línea del último,

but it's not about only welcoming someone when  they first arrive somewhere, to give someone the  

pero no se trata solo de dar la bienvenida a alguien cuando llega por primera vez a algún lugar, darle a alguien el

red carpet treatment is to treat them as if  they are special and important. For example,  

trato de alfombra roja es tratarlo como si fuera especial e importante. Por ejemplo,

at this hotel we give all of our guests the  red carpet treatment now let's get to work.

en este hotel le damos a todos nuestros huéspedes el trato de alfombra roja, ahora manos a la obra.

To get back to or put your nose to the grindstone  the grindstone this means to return to or start  

Regresar o poner la nariz en la piedra de afilar la piedra de afilar significa volver o comenzar

a hard tedious task.

una tarea ardua y ardua.

Right that's my break over I  better get back to the grindstone.

Bien, ese es mi descanso. Será mejor que vuelva a la piedra de afilar.

To be on a roll this means experiencing a period  of success or good luck. Yeah we signed up two new  

Estar en racha significa experimentar un período de éxito o buena suerte. Sí, registramos dos nuevos

clients last week and four new clients this week  with three more in the pipeline we are on a roll.

clientes la semana pasada y cuatro nuevos clientes esta semana con tres más en proceso, estamos en racha.

Be snowed under to be snowed under means to be  overwhelmed with a very large quantity of work  

Ser nevado por estar nevado por significa estar abrumado con una gran cantidad de trabajo

or commitments. Oh I am so sorry I missed the  teachers meeting today with the exams around the  

o compromisos. Oh, lamento mucho haberme perdido la reunión de maestros hoy con los exámenes a la vuelta de la

corner and several members of staff self-isolating  I'm completely snowed under at the moment.

esquina y varios miembros del personal autoaislados. Estoy completamente abrumado en este momento.

To bend over backwards this means to work extra  hard to help someone or to make them happy. I  

Inclinarse hacia atrás significa trabajar más duro para ayudar a alguien o hacerlo feliz. No

don't understand why he continues to bend over  backwards for Julia she doesn't appreciate it.

entiendo por qué sigue haciendo lo imposible por Julia, ella no lo aprecia.

Blood sweat and tears if something needs  blood sweat and tears then it's a hard  

Sangre, sudor y lágrimas Si algo necesita sangre, sudor y lágrimas, entonces es algo difícil

thing to do or requires a lot of effort. We spent  

de hacer o requiere mucho esfuerzo. Pasamos

15 years building this business it took blood  sweat and tears to make it what it is today.

15 años construyendo este negocio, se necesitó sangre, sudor y lágrimas para convertirlo en lo que es hoy.

Burning a candle at both ends this means  to work too hard as well as trying to do  

Quemar una vela en ambos extremos significa trabajar demasiado y tratar de hacer

other things. My boss had a  nervous breakdown last month  

otras cosas. Mi jefe tuvo un ataque de nervios el mes pasado

it's not surprising he was burning the  candle at both ends for many months.

, no es de extrañar que haya estado quemando la vela por ambos extremos durante muchos meses.

Get cracking this means to get  started on a project or task.  

Ponte manos a la obra con este medio para comenzar un proyecto o tarea.

Right do we all know what we're supposed  to be doing great then let's get cracking.

Si todos sabemos lo que se supone que debemos hacer bien, entonces empecemos.

Give it 110 this means to try really hard to  achieve something. I know you are all tired  

Dale 110 esto significa esforzarse mucho para lograr algo. Sé que están todos cansados

it's really hot outside and you would rather  be relaxing in the shade eating ice cream, but  

, hace mucho calor afuera y preferirían relajarse a la sombra comiendo helado, pero

today is a very important day for our school  so I want you to get out there and give it 110.

hoy es un día muy importante para nuestra escuela, así que quiero que salgan y den 110.

To go the extra mile this means to  do more than what is expected to  

Para ir más allá milla esto significa hacer más de lo que se espera para

make something happen or help someone. We  have decided to promote nick he went the  

hacer que algo suceda o ayudar a alguien. Hemos decidido promover a Nick, hizo

extra mile for us during the pandemic  and really showed us his commitment.

un esfuerzo adicional por nosotros durante la pandemia y realmente nos mostró su compromiso.

Hang in there, this means don't give  up keep going through the hard times.  

Aguanta, esto significa que no te rindas, sigue pasando por los momentos difíciles.

The next few months will be hard for all of  us just hang in there, things will improve.

Los próximos meses serán difíciles para todos nosotros, solo aguanta, las cosas mejorarán.

Jump through hoops this means  to go through an elaborate or  

Saltar aros significa pasar por un

complicated procedure in  order to achieve an objective.  

procedimiento elaborado o complicado para lograr un objetivo.

We are in the process of applying for a mortgage  but we have to jump through so many hoops.

Estamos en el proceso de solicitar una hipoteca, pero tenemos que pasar por muchos obstáculos.

To knuckle down or buckle down this means to  focus and work diligently on a task or problem,  

Ponerse manos a la obra o abrocharse el cinturón significa concentrarse y trabajar diligentemente en una tarea o problema,

if you all knuckle down and do your revision  between now and the exams then you will pass  

si todos se ponen manos a la obra y hacen su revisión entre ahora y los exámenes, entonces aprobarán

with flying colours.

con gran éxito.

To make up for lost time this means to  do something as much as possible because  

Para recuperar el tiempo perdido, esto significa hacer algo tanto como sea posible porque

you were not able to do it before like to  catch up. I haven't seen my family for over  

no pudo hacerlo antes como para ponerse al día. No he visto a mi familia en más de

two years so we're going to go on holiday  together we really need to make up for lost time.

dos años, así que nos vamos de vacaciones juntos, realmente necesitamos recuperar el tiempo perdido.

To move mountains, this means to make every  possible effort doing the impossible if needed.  

Mover montañas significa hacer todos los esfuerzos posibles para hacer lo imposible si es necesario.

Trust me I will move mountains to make sure  that you are satisfied with your new branding.

Confía en mí, moveré montañas para asegurarme de que estés satisfecho con tu nueva marca.

No pain no gain this means suffering is  necessary in order to achieve something.  

Sin dolor no hay ganancia, esto significa que el sufrimiento es necesario para lograr algo.

The athletes are complaining about having  to train on a Sunday but no pain no gain.

Los atletas se quejan de tener que entrenar un domingo pero sin dolor no hay ganancia.

To pull one's own weight this means to do your  fair share of work that a group of people are  

Tirar de su propio peso significa hacer su parte justa del trabajo que un grupo de personas está

doing together James you have taken a lot  of time off this month and when you have  

haciendo juntos. James, se ha tomado mucho tiempo libre este mes y cuando ha

been in you haven't done very much work. We  are all working hard to reach our deadline  

estado allí no ha hecho mucho trabajo. Todos estamos trabajando arduamente para cumplir con nuestra fecha límite

so we need you to start pulling your own  weight otherwise we will have to let you go.

, por lo que necesitamos que comiences a esforzarte por ti mismo, de lo contrario, tendremos que dejarte ir.

To raise the bar this means to raise the  standards which need to be met in order to  

Subir el listón significa elevar los estándares que deben cumplirse para

qualify for something. Oh Apple have really  raised the bar with their latest iPhone.

calificar para algo. Oh, Apple realmente ha subido el listón con su último iPhone.

To stay ahead of the game, this means to  react quickly and gain or keep an advantage.  

Para mantenerse a la vanguardia del juego, esto significa reaccionar rápidamente y ganar o mantener una ventaja.

Okay, we're changing our marketing  strategy advertising will now include  

Bien, estamos cambiando nuestra estrategia de marketing, la publicidad ahora incluirá

tick tock we must stay ahead of the game.

tic tac, debemos mantenernos a la vanguardia del juego.

To stay the course this means to keep going  strongly to the end of a race or contest or  

Mantener el rumbo significa continuar con fuerza hasta el final de una carrera, competencia o

task we've been working with this  client for 12 months on this project  

tarea. Hemos estado trabajando con este cliente durante 12 meses en este proyecto

we plan to stay the course and get the job done.

. Planeamos mantener el rumbo y hacer el trabajo.

To take the bull by the horns, this means to  deal decisively with a difficult or dangerous  

Tomar el toro por los cuernos significa afrontar con decisión una

situation. I've asked him several times but  he just ignores me, I must take the bull by  

situación difícil o peligrosa. Le he preguntado varias veces pero simplemente me ignora, debo tomar el toro por

the horns and just tell my landlord that I'm  moving out unless he fixes the central heating. 

los cuernos y decirle al propietario que me voy a mudar a menos que arregle la calefacción central.

We use so many idioms in our day-to-day  life and many of them are animal related  

Usamos tantos modismos en nuestra vida cotidiana y muchos de ellos están relacionados con animales

so we're going to focus on idioms which are animal  based today the first idiom is fly on the wall. To  

, por lo que nos centraremos en los modismos que se basan en animales. Hoy, el primer modismo es volar en la pared. Ser

be a fly on the wall means to be unnoticed while  watching or listening to something. Oh they're  

una mosca en la pared significa pasar desapercibido mientras miras o escuchas algo. Oh, están

discussing the argument now, I'd love to be a fly  on the wall so I could hear what they're saying.  

discutiendo el argumento ahora, me encantaría ser una mosca en la pared para poder escuchar lo que están diciendo.

The second idiom is bee's knees, if something  is the bee's knees that means it is excellent  

El segundo idioma es rodillas de abeja, si algo es rodillas de abeja significa que es excelente

and of the highest quality. You could  also say someone is the bee's knees.

y de la más alta calidad. También podrías decir que alguien es las rodillas de la abeja.

This chocolate cake is the bee's knees you have  to try it. The third idiom is to make a beeline  

Esta tarta de chocolate son las rodillas de abeja tienes que probarla. El tercer modismo es hacer una línea recta

for something. To make a beeline for something  means to move towards it quickly and with purpose.

hacia algo. Hacer una línea recta hacia algo significa moverse hacia él rápidamente y con un propósito.

I've wanted to meet Harry for ages so as  soon as I saw him I made a beeline for him.  

Quería conocer a Harry desde hace mucho tiempo, así que tan pronto como lo vi me dirigí directamente hacia él.

The fourth idiom is to kill two birds with one  stone. To kill two birds with one stone means  

El cuarto modismo es matar dos pájaros de un tiro. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro significa

to accomplish two tasks or objectives at once. I  wanted to try out the new restaurant and I haven't  

cumplir dos tareas u objetivos a la vez. Quería probar el nuevo restaurante y no he

seen Justine in ages so I've booked a table for  us both and it'll kill two birds with one stone.  

visto a Justine en mucho tiempo, así que reservé una mesa para los dos y matará dos pájaros de un tiro.

The fifth idiom is sitting duck. A sitting duck  is an easy target, something or someone which  

El quinto modismo es pato sentado. Un blanco fácil es un blanco fácil, algo o alguien que

is vulnerable to attack. If we leave the shop  doors unlocked it'll be a sitting duck. The sixth  

es vulnerable al ataque. Si dejamos las puertas de la tienda abiertas, será un blanco fácil. El sexto

idiom sixth idiom is to chicken out. To chicken  out of something means to back out of it because  

modismo sexto modismo es acobardarse. Acobardarse de algo significa echarse atrás porque

you're feeling scared or worried about it. James was going to go on the roller coaster but  

te sientes asustado o preocupado por ello. James iba a subirse a la montaña rusa, pero

he chickened out at the last minute because he was  just so scared. Number seven on our list is a wild  

se acobardó en el último minuto porque estaba muy asustado. El número siete en nuestra lista es una

goose chase. A wild goose chase is a pointless  task particularly one that involves travel.  

búsqueda inútil. Una búsqueda inútil es una tarea sin sentido, particularmente una que implica viajar.

She sent me to the supermarket to buy  socks but they don't even sell socks so  

Me envió al supermercado a comprar calcetines, pero ni siquiera los venden, así

it was simply a wild goose chase.  The eighth idiom is to take a bull  

que fue simplemente una búsqueda inútil. El octavo modismo es tomar un toro

by its horns this means to face a problem  directly you take the bull by the horns  

por los cuernos, esto significa enfrentar un problema directamente. Tomas el toro por los cuernos

sometimes you might hear someone say to grab a  ball by its horns which means the same thing.  

. A veces, puedes escuchar a alguien decir que agarres una pelota por los cuernos, lo que significa lo mismo.

I hate confrontation but I'm so angry I'm gonna  have to take the bull by its horns and tell her.  

Odio las confrontaciones, pero estoy tan enojado que voy a tener que tomar el toro por los cuernos y decírselo.

The ninth idiom is to horse around.

El noveno modismo es andar a caballo.

To horse around means to act in a way that  is silly and playful and sometimes noisy  

Hacer el tonto significa actuar de una manera tonta y juguetona y, a veces, ruidosa

will you please stop horsing  around I'm trying to concentrate.

, por favor, deja de jugar. Estoy tratando de concentrarme.

The tenth idiom is until the cows come home. Until  the cows come home means for a long possibly even  

El décimo modismo es hasta que las vacas vuelvan a casa. Hasta que las vacas vuelvan a casa significa durante un largo período de tiempo posiblemente incluso

never-ending length of time, it's usually  used when talking about something that you  

interminable, por lo general se usa cuando se habla de algo que

could do for a long time because you enjoy it.  

podrías hacer durante mucho tiempo porque lo disfrutas.

Ah I could sit here and read until the cows  come home but unfortunately I've got work to do.

Ah, podría sentarme aquí y leer hasta que las vacas vuelvan a casa, pero desafortunadamente tengo trabajo que hacer.

The 11th idiom is a dark horse a dark horse is  somebody who is surprisingly good at something  

El undécimo idioma es un caballo oscuro un caballo oscuro es alguien que es sorprendentemente bueno en algo

that you might not expect them to be. This could  be used to describe someone in a competition  

que no esperarías que fuera. Esto podría usarse para describir a alguien en una competencia

who places much higher than expected or  someone who surprises you with their skill  

que obtiene un lugar mucho más alto de lo esperado o alguien que te sorprende con una habilidad

that you didn't know they had. Wow Beth you're a  dark horse, I didn't know you could bake so well.  

que no sabías que tenía. Wow Beth, eres un caballo oscuro, no sabía que podías hornear tan bien.

The 12th idiom is hold your horses,  to hold your horses means wait.

El modismo 12 es sostener sus caballos, sostener sus caballos significa esperar.

Hello brilliant you're home  I've been wanting to talk to you  

Hola genial, estás en casa. He estado queriendo hablar contigo

about your .... Hold your horses  I've only been here for two seconds.

sobre tu.... Aguanta tus caballos, solo he estado aquí por dos segundos.

The 13th idiom is straight from the horse's mouth.  

El modismo 13 es directamente de la boca del caballo.

If you hear something straight  from the horse's mouth,  

Si escucha algo directamente de la boca del caballo,

that means you're hearing it from the source, from  somebody who has direct or personal experience.  

eso significa que lo está escuchando de la fuente, de alguien que tiene experiencia directa o personal.

I don't usually pay attention to gossip but  I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.  

No suelo prestar atención a los chismes, pero los escuché directamente de la boca del caballo.

The 14th idiom is in two shakes of a lamb's tail.  I love this one, in two shakes of lamb's tail  

El modismo 14 está en dos sacudidas de la cola de un cordero. Me encanta este, en dos sacudidas de rabo de cordero

means in a very short amount of time. I'll be back  with a cup of tea in two shakes of lamb's tail.

significa en muy poco tiempo. Volveré con una taza de té en dos sacudidas de rabo de cordero.

The 15th idiom is to go the whole  hog. To go the whole hog means  

El modismo 15 es ir todo el cerdo. Hacer todo lo posible significa

to really commit to something and to take it  as far as possible. I mean most people in the  

comprometerse realmente con algo y llevarlo lo más lejos posible. Me refiero a que la mayoría de la gente en la

office don't celebrate halloween but Anna goes the  whole hog every year. The 16th idiom is the cat's  

oficina no celebra Halloween, pero Anna hace todo lo posible todos los años. El idioma 16 es el

pyjamas, similar to the bee's knees if something  or someone is the cat's pyjamas that means they're  

pijama del gato, similar a las rodillas de la abeja si algo o alguien es el pijama del gato, eso significa que son

the best. My last teacher wasn't very good but  my new one is great she's the cat's pyjamas.

los mejores. Mi última profesora no era muy buena, pero la nueva es genial, es el pijama del gato.

The 17th idiom to let the cat out of  the bag. To let the cat out of the bag  

El modismo 17 para dejar que el gato salga de la bolsa. Dejar salir al gato de la bolsa

means to reveal a secret. This could be  accidentally or it could be on purpose.  

significa revelar un secreto. Esto podría ser accidental o podría ser a propósito.

Right I think it's time to let the  cat out of the bag. I'm pregnant!

Right I think it's time to let the cat out of the bag. I'm pregnant!

The 18th idiom is cat's got your tongue.  

The 18th idiom is cat's got your tongue.

This is a question normally that you might ask  someone who is unusually quiet, what's the matter  

This is a question normally that you might ask someone who is unusually quiet, what's the matter

cat got your tongue? The 19th idiom is raining  cats and dogs. I think most people know this one,  

cat got your tongue? The 19th idiom is raining cats and dogs. I think most people know this one,

if someone says it's raining cats and dogs  that means it's raining very heavily outside.

if someone says it's raining cats and dogs that means it's raining very heavily outside.

I wanted to go for a run this afternoon but it's  raining cats and dogs outside. I think I'll have  

I wanted to go for a run this afternoon but it's raining cats and dogs outside. I think I'll have

to go tomorrow instead. The 20th idiom is to let  sleeping dogs lie. To let sleeping dogs lie means  

to go tomorrow instead. The 20th idiom is to let sleeping dogs lie. To let sleeping dogs lie means

to leave a situation alone, to not interfere so  that you don't cause any unnecessary trouble.

to leave a situation alone, to not interfere so that you don't cause any unnecessary trouble.

I am so angry I'm gonna just call her  right now and and argue with her. Wait  

I am so angry I'm gonna just call her right now and and argue with her. Wait

a minute don't you think it might be  better just to let sleeping dogs lie?

a minute don't you think it might be better just to let sleeping dogs lie?

Number 21 is in the doghouse. To be in the  doghouse means to be in trouble or disgraced  

Number 21 is in the doghouse. To be in the doghouse means to be in trouble or disgraced

usually because you've upset or angered  somebody with something you've done  

usually because you've upset or angered somebody with something you've done

or not done. He forgot his girlfriend's  birthday so he's in the doghouse.  

or not done. He forgot his girlfriend's birthday so he's in the doghouse.

Number 22 is dog eat dog. Dog eat dog is a phrase  that we use to describe an environment which is  

Number 22 is dog eat dog. Dog eat dog is a phrase that we use to describe an environment which is

very competitive to an extent where people are  prepared to harm one another not physically  

very competitive to an extent where people are prepared to harm one another not physically

but um you know metaphorically maybe in a business  sense they're willing to harm one another to win.  

but um you know metaphorically maybe in a business sense they're willing to harm one another to win.

Yeah I hate working in that office because  it's dog-eat-dog in there, everybody tries  

Yeah I hate working in that office because it's dog-eat-dog in there, everybody tries

to make each other look bad, to make themselves  look better. Number 23 is ants in your pants.  

to make each other look bad, to make themselves look better. Number 23 is ants in your pants.

If you have ants in your pants that means you are  restless and moving around a lot usually because  

If you have ants in your pants that means you are restless and moving around a lot usually because

you're nervous or excited or you just can't sit  still because you're bored and you want to get  

you're nervous or excited or you just can't sit still because you're bored and you want to get

doing things. As a child I was often told I had  ants in my pants because I couldn't sit still.

doing things. As a child I was often told I had ants in my pants because I couldn't sit still.

Wow you've got ants in your pants today. Yeah  I'm just so nervous about this job interview  

Wow you've got ants in your pants today. Yeah I'm just so nervous about this job interview

I just can't sit still. Number 24 to smell a rat.  Ooh to smell a rat means to be suspicious of a lie  

I just can't sit still. Number 24 to smell a rat. Ooh to smell a rat means to be suspicious of a lie

or something underhanded going on. She  said she couldn't come to my birthday  

or something underhanded going on. She said she couldn't come to my birthday

party because she had other plans but I smell a  rat. Number 25 is simply fishy or you could say  

party because she had other plans but I smell a rat. Number 25 is simply fishy or you could say

something fishy is going on. If something  is fishy then that means it's suspicious.

something fishy is going on. If something is fishy then that means it's suspicious.

There's something fishy going on in that office,  something's not quite right with their numbers.  

There's something fishy going on in that office, something's not quite right with their numbers.

The 26th idiom is to have bigger fish  to fry. If you have bigger fish to  

The 26th idiom is to have bigger fish to fry. If you have bigger fish to

fry then that means you have more  important or better things to do.  

fry then that means you have more important or better things to do.

Don't worry about the invitations you have  bigger fish to fry, you need to find a venue.  

Don't worry about the invitations you have bigger fish to fry, you need to find a venue.

The 27th idiom is another kettle of fish.  If something is another kettle of fish or  

The 27th idiom is another kettle of fish. If something is another kettle of fish or

a whole other kettle of fish then that  means it is something entirely different  

a whole other kettle of fish then that means it is something entirely different

to what's being discussed. Look I'm just  so stressed because we're moving house and  

to what's being discussed. Look I'm just so stressed because we're moving house and

it's all changing so quickly and how's your  mum. Oh that's a whole other kettle of fish.

it's all changing so quickly and how's your mum. Oh that's a whole other kettle of fish.

The 28th idiom is crocodile tears. Crocodile  tears are fake tears for example if someone is  

The 28th idiom is crocodile tears. Crocodile tears are fake tears for example if someone is

pretending to cry or has forced themselves to cry  to gain something like sympathy. I know they're  

pretending to cry or has forced themselves to cry to gain something like sympathy. I know they're

just crocodile tears he doesn't actually care  about me. The 29th idiom is elephant in the room,  

just crocodile tears he doesn't actually care about me. The 29th idiom is elephant in the room,

an elephant in the room is something obvious  and uncomfortable which has not been discussed,  

an elephant in the room is something obvious and uncomfortable which has not been discussed,

it's like everyone's ignoring this huge problem,  the elephant in the room. Obviously I know that  

it's like everyone's ignoring this huge problem, the elephant in the room. Obviously I know that

he said horrible things about me but I didn't  mention it so there's this elephant in the room.  

he said horrible things about me but I didn't mention it so there's this elephant in the room.

And finally the 30th idiom is to have the lion's  share, to have or to get the lion's share of  

And finally the 30th idiom is to have the lion's share, to have or to get the lion's share of

something means to have the largest amount of  something. As the main character in Harry Potter  

something means to have the largest amount of something. As the main character in Harry Potter

Daniel Radcliffe definitely gets the lion's  share of praise but I think all the other  

Daniel Radcliffe definitely gets the lion's share of praise but I think all the other

actors are just as good. Right 20 money idioms  coming up, there are many more which are not on  

actors are just as good. Right 20 money idioms coming up, there are many more which are not on

the list so if you can think of one that I don't  mention please leave it in the comments and we can  

the list so if you can think of one that I don't mention please leave it in the comments and we can

all learn together. Let's get started. A penny  for your thoughts I love this phrase this is a  

all learn together. Let's get started. A penny for your thoughts I love this phrase this is a

question which means what are you thinking about  if someone looks confused you might ask them,  

question which means what are you thinking about if someone looks confused you might ask them,

a penny for your thoughts. Number two to cost a  pretty penny. If something costs a pretty penny  

a penny for your thoughts. Number two to cost a pretty penny. If something costs a pretty penny

and that means it's very expensive, so if you  say I love your dress I might say yeah but it  

and that means it's very expensive, so if you say I love your dress I might say yeah but it

costs a pretty penny, and you know I've spent  a lot of money on it. The next is a quick buck,  

costs a pretty penny, and you know I've spent a lot of money on it. The next is a quick buck,

a quick buck, money which is easy to make  is basically the meaning. So if something  

a quick buck, money which is easy to make is basically the meaning. So if something

is a very easy way to make money then you say oh  it's a quick buck, another example is if you sell  

is a very easy way to make money then you say oh it's a quick buck, another example is if you sell

something you own it's really easy to sell and you  can say oh that was a quick buck or I just made a  

something you own it's really easy to sell and you can say oh that was a quick buck or I just made a

quick buck. The next phrase is daylight robbery.  Daylight robbery, this describes an obviously  

quick buck. The next phrase is daylight robbery. Daylight robbery, this describes an obviously

unfair overcharging so a good example would be a  cinema selling a can of lemonade for three pounds  

unfair overcharging so a good example would be a cinema selling a can of lemonade for three pounds

when you could buy it for 70p from the corner  shop you could consider that daylight robbery.

when you could buy it for 70p from the corner shop you could consider that daylight robbery.

Number five, from rags to riches. From rags  to riches, this means from poverty to wealth  

Number five, from rags to riches. From rags to riches, this means from poverty to wealth

from poverty to wealth we hear this saying about  celebrities who come from a poverty-stricken  

from poverty to wealth we hear this saying about celebrities who come from a poverty-stricken

background but now have lots of money, they  are now wealthy, they went from rags to riches.  

background but now have lots of money, they are now wealthy, they went from rags to riches.

Number six, I don't have  two pennies to rub together.  

Number six, I don't have two pennies to rub together.

This is a colloquial phrase which means I'm very  poor, I don't have much money at all, I don't even  

This is a colloquial phrase which means I'm very poor, I don't have much money at all, I don't even

have two pennies to rub together. Number seven,  if I had a penny for every time this happened  

have two pennies to rub together. Number seven, if I had a penny for every time this happened

I'd be rich now. This phrase can be used to  describe something that happens a lot for example  

I'd be rich now. This phrase can be used to describe something that happens a lot for example

you could say if I had a penny for every time you  were late I'd be rich. You can adjust this phrase  

you could say if I had a penny for every time you were late I'd be rich. You can adjust this phrase

to be a pound, if I had a pound for every time  I stubbed my toe on the door I'd be very rich.  

to be a pound, if I had a pound for every time I stubbed my toe on the door I'd be very rich.

It just means, oh this happens a lot. Okay,  number eight, money doesn't grow on trees,  

It just means, oh this happens a lot. Okay, number eight, money doesn't grow on trees,

this is a saying that means  money is not easy to acquire,  

this is a saying that means money is not easy to acquire,

it doesn't grow on trees, you have to earn it. You  often hear parents saying this to their children  

it doesn't grow on trees, you have to earn it. You often hear parents saying this to their children

when their children ask for something, or want  to waste their money, and come to mum and dad  

when their children ask for something, or want to waste their money, and come to mum and dad

saying "I need more money to waste on something"  and they say "look money doesn't grow on trees.  

saying "I need more money to waste on something" and they say "look money doesn't grow on trees.

I can't give you this money you  have to earn it". Number nine,  

I can't give you this money you have to earn it". Number nine,

to be on the money. Now this means to be correct  about something or someone, for example, you could  

to be on the money. Now this means to be correct about something or someone, for example, you could

say I had an instinct that we should hire her  and I was on the money, meaning that she was a  

say I had an instinct that we should hire her and I was on the money, meaning that she was a

good choice to hire. For example, you could say  I had an instinct that we should hire her, and I  

good choice to hire. For example, you could say I had an instinct that we should hire her, and I

was on the money, meaning that you made the right  choice, this person was the right person to hire  

was on the money, meaning that you made the right choice, this person was the right person to hire

you were on the money. Number ten, two sides  of the same coin, this means two people  

you were on the money. Number ten, two sides of the same coin, this means two people

with a shared goal but opposing views, so for  example, you could say I thought we should buy mum  

with a shared goal but opposing views, so for example, you could say I thought we should buy mum

flowers but my sister said we should buy her  chocolates so we're on two sides of the same coin,  

flowers but my sister said we should buy her chocolates so we're on two sides of the same coin,

we both want to buy mum something but we want  to do in different ways. Number 11, strapped  

we both want to buy mum something but we want to do in different ways. Number 11, strapped

for cash. Strapped for cash, to be strapped for  cash means to be short of money, for example that  

for cash. Strapped for cash, to be strapped for cash means to be short of money, for example that

restaurant looks lovely but I'm a bit strapped  for cash at the moment, could we go somewhere  

restaurant looks lovely but I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment, could we go somewhere

cheaper. Number 12, 10 a penny. 10 a penny, if  something is 10 a penny it means it's very common  

cheaper. Number 12, 10 a penny. 10 a penny, if something is 10 a penny it means it's very common

the americanised version of this phrase would  be a dime a dozen. A dime a dozen and that's in  

the americanised version of this phrase would be a dime a dozen. A dime a dozen and that's in

American English. Number 13 to cut one's losses,  if you cut your losses it means that you abandon  

American English. Number 13 to cut one's losses, if you cut your losses it means that you abandon

a plan or a project which is clearly going to be  unsuccessful before the situation becomes worse.  

a plan or a project which is clearly going to be unsuccessful before the situation becomes worse.

For example, it started raining as soon as we  went outside for the barbecue so we decided to  

For example, it started raining as soon as we went outside for the barbecue so we decided to

cut our losses and have a takeaway instead.  Number 14 to earn a living. To earn a living  

cut our losses and have a takeaway instead. Number 14 to earn a living. To earn a living

this basically means to make enough money to  live comfortably, for example, he earns a living  

this basically means to make enough money to live comfortably, for example, he earns a living

by selling his art. How do you earn your living?  Sometimes you might hear make a living as well,  

by selling his art. How do you earn your living? Sometimes you might hear make a living as well,

to make a living, I need to make a living,  we all need to make a living. Number 15  

to make a living, I need to make a living, we all need to make a living. Number 15

to feel the pinch, to feel the pinch,  this is to experience financial hardship.  

to feel the pinch, to feel the pinch, this is to experience financial hardship.

So for example Christmas is expensive so it is  common to feel the pinch in January. Number 16 to  

So for example Christmas is expensive so it is common to feel the pinch in January. Number 16 to

foot the bill. To foot the bill, this means to pay  for everyone, to pay the entire bill. For example,  

foot the bill. To foot the bill, this means to pay for everyone, to pay the entire bill. For example,

it's johnny's birthday so I'll foot the bill,  my treat. Number 17, to give someone a run  

it's johnny's birthday so I'll foot the bill, my treat. Number 17, to give someone a run

for their money, this means to be a challenging  competitor. For example, Florence is a good baker  

for their money, this means to be a challenging competitor. For example, Florence is a good baker

but Joe could give her a run for her money. Joe is  just as good and actually he might be better. Okay  

but Joe could give her a run for her money. Joe is just as good and actually he might be better. Okay

number 18, to have the penny drop. So you'd say  oh the pennies just dropped, or the penny dropped,  

number 18, to have the penny drop. So you'd say oh the pennies just dropped, or the penny dropped,

this means to finally realise or understand  something. For example, I used to find playing  

this means to finally realise or understand something. For example, I used to find playing

guitar really difficult but now the penny has  dropped now I've got it, it's much easier to  

guitar really difficult but now the penny has dropped now I've got it, it's much easier to

learn. Continuing with pennies, we might want  to spend a penny. To spend a penny, this is an  

learn. Continuing with pennies, we might want to spend a penny. To spend a penny, this is an

interesting one because it means something  very different to what you would expect,  

interesting one because it means something very different to what you would expect,

to spend a penny means to go to the toilet.  It's very British, a polite way of saying it,  

to spend a penny means to go to the toilet. It's very British, a polite way of saying it,

excuse me I'm just going to spend a penny. Some  people might consider this old-fashioned but it's  

excuse me I'm just going to spend a penny. Some people might consider this old-fashioned but it's

widely known and in some cases still  used so it's good to be aware of.  

widely known and in some cases still used so it's good to be aware of.

The next one is your two cents, two cents this  is your opinion so you could give your two cents  

The next one is your two cents, two cents this is your opinion so you could give your two cents

or put your two cents in and that means  just to give your opinion about something.  

or put your two cents in and that means just to give your opinion about something.

So imagine you're sat in a meeting and  they're discussing something that you  

So imagine you're sat in a meeting and they're discussing something that you

have an idea about you might say Oh can  I just put my two cents in I think this.

have an idea about you might say Oh can I just put my two cents in I think this.