Do you know the English phrase “to hang on“?
Look at these examples. Can you guess what it means?
Eg 1
A: Come on! We’re going to be late!
B: Hang on a minute. I can’t find my keys!
Eg 2
A: Can you help me tidy the room?
B: Yeah, hang on. I’m just going to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.
“to hang on” means:
a) to wait
b) to go away
c) to be quiet
The answer is below ↓
Answer: a) to wait.
Do you know the phrase “You can say that again“?
Can you guess what it means?
Does it mean:
a) Could you repeat that please?
b) Say it again! I didn’t hear you!
c) I agree!
The answer is below ↓
Answer: c) I agree!
Let’s look at some examples.
E.g. 1
A: It’s really hot today isn’t it.
B: You can say that again! I hope it cools down tomorrow.
E.g. 2
A: Ben’s a great speaker. His speech last night was amazing.
B: You can say that again. We were all really impressed with him.
It is getting very hot and humid in Japan. It looks like it is going to be a long, hot summer…I wonder if I can stand* the heat…
(*In this example, ‘stand’ means ‘put up with’/’endure’.)
There is a very famous English saying about “standing the heat”. Can you complete it?
If you can’t stand the heat…
a) buy a fan
b) go swimming
c) get out of the kitchen
d) don’t go out in summer
The answer is below! ↓
Answer: c)
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Meaning: Don’t continue to do something that is too stressful for you, or if the pressure is too much for you.
Example:
A: How is your new job? Are you enjoying it?
B: I hate it! It’s really tough. There is a lot of pressure and I have to work seven days a week. I am so stressed, I can’t sleep at night!
A: If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! You should look for a new job with less stress.
Do you know the English phrase “to have a ball”?
Can you guess what it means?
Example:
A: How was the party last weekend.
B: It was great! We had a ball!
Does it mean
a) to have a really good time
b) to attend a ball
c) to receive a ball
d) to play a ball game
The answer is below! ↓
Answer: a) to have a really good time
I went out with my friends in Tokyo a few weeks ago. We went to a restaurant, and then we went to a few bars. We had a ball!
How about you? When was the last time you had a ball?
Can you complete this English saying?
There’s no place…
a) like the office
b) like one’s country
c) like home
d) like this place
The answer is below! ↓
Answer: c)
There’s no place like home.
Meaning: Home is the best place.
Example:
A: Are you going anywhere in the summer holidays?
B: No I’m staying here. There’s no place like home!
What do you think? Do you agree with the phrase “There’s no place like home”? 🙂
Do you know the phrase “to bide (one’s) time“?
Look at the examples below. Can you guess the meaning?
E.g. 1:
A: Has Mike found a new job yet?
B: No, he isn’t even looking. He’s biding his time until the new factory opens near his house.
E.g. 2:
A: I heard Nelly said some bad things to you in the meeting yesterday. What did you do?
B: I didn’t do anything.
A: No? Why not?
B: I’m biding my time. The CEO is coming to our office next month. Maybe that will be a good chance to get revenge. Heheheh…
A: Ooh, nasty!
—–
Could you guess the meaning?
to bide (one’s) time = to wait patiently for a good chance.
Do you know the phrase “to jazz up“?
It means “to make something more interesting or better looking.”
E.g. 1
A: I don’t know what to wear to the party tonight. I’m thinking of wearing my blue dress, but it’s a little plain.
B: You could jazz it up with a sparkling necklace.
A: Yeah, that’s a good idea.
E.g. 2
A: This restaurant is a bit boring.
B: Yeah, it is. They need to jazz up the rooms with some pictures and music!
——
Question:
What do you think needs “jazzing up” in your town?
Can you complete this English saying?
Practice…
a) makes you stronger
b) makes perfect
c) makes success
The answer is below! ↓
Answer: b)
Practice makes perfect!
So, if you want perfect English, you have to practice! 😉
Do you know the phrase “Watching paint dry“?
Look at the examples below. Can you guess what “watching paint dry” means?
Eg. 1
A: Hey, how was the movie last night?
B: Terrible. It was like watching paint dry! I couldn’t wait for it to end!
Eg. 2
A: Did you go to the cricket match with Dan?
B: No, I didn’t. I’d rather watch paint dry than watch cricket.
Eg. 3
A: How was the awards ceremony?
B: Oh, the speeches were so long! The mayor’s speech was as interesting as watching paint dry!
If something is like watching paint dry, it is very, very boring!
Do you know the English phrase “to be on cloud nine“?
Can you guess what it means?
“I’m on cloud nine” means
a) I’m sitting on a cloud in the sky
b) I’m very happy
c) I’m disappointed
The answer is below! ↓
Answer: b)
Example 1:
I just found out that I passed the university entrance exam! I’m on cloud nine!
Example 2:
Judy and Paul were on cloud nine when they found out they were going to have a baby.
How about you? Can you tell us about a time when you were “on cloud nine“? 🙂
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