to run out of steam

steam-power

 

Do you know the phrase “to run out of steam“?

Look at the examples. Can you guess the meaning?

 

Example 1:

A: How was Peter’s presentation?

B: It started off well, but towards the end he ran out of steam. I think he was tired.

 

Example 2:

A: Are you still studying Russian?

B: Not really. I was very motivated at first, but it got really difficult. I ran out of steam after my second test.

A: Don’t give up! Everything is difficult until you get used to it!

 

Meaning: to lose energy, motivation or interest in something. 🙂

[Easy English Blog] Do you know this animal?

Tanuki_0161

Do you know the animal in the photograph?

It is a “tanuki”.

“Tanuki” is a Japanese word. It means “racoon dog”.

In rural Japan, tanuki are quite common. We can sometimes see them in the garden at night.  They move very quickly!

The statues in the photo below are also “tanuki’. These statues are very common in Japan!

Tanuki

 

Many houses, shops  and restaurants have these statues in front of their house.

In Japanese folklore, it is said that “tanuki” have magic powers.  They have a happy, mischievous image and many people think they bring good fortune.

Would you like to find out more about Japanese “tanuki”? Take a look here!

A trouble shared…

Can you complete this famous English proverb?

A trouble shared…

a) is a trouble doubled

b) is a trouble halved

c) is a trouble for your friends

 

The answer is below! ↓

penguin-love

 

 

 

Answer: b)

A trouble shared is a trouble halved.

Meaning: If you have a problem, talking to a friend about it will make the trouble smaller.

 

Example:

A: What’s wrong Peter? You look sad.

B: Yes, I’m OK I guess…

A: Do you want to talk about it? A trouble shared is a trouble halved!

B: Yes, maybe I will feel better if we talk about it. Well….

Bad books? Good books?

Do you know the English phrases “to be in someone’s bad books” and “to be in someone’s good books“?

Can you guess what they mean?

Question 1.

“Harry is in his teacher’s bad books because he didn’t do his homework” means

a) Harry’s teacher is angry with him

b) Harry’s teacher is pleased with him

c) Harry’s teacher wrote his name in a book with a list of bad children

Question 2.

“Wendy is in her teacher’s good books because she got 100% on the test” means

a) Wendy’s teacher is pleased with her

b) Wendy’s teacher is angry with her

c) Wendy’s teacher wrote her name in a book with a list of good children

The answers are below! ↓

love-of-books

Answers: 1. a) and 2. a)

Harry is in his teacher’s bad books means Harry’s teacher is angry with him.

Wendy is in her teacher’s good books means Wendy’s teacher is pleased with her.

Have you been in anyone’s good books or bad books recently?

to hang on

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 ↓

 

time-on-my-hands-1346441675IZv

 

 

 

Answer: a) to wait.

 

 

[Easy English Blog] Sand Museum

When I was a child, in the summer time, I used to go to the beach. I enjoyed digging in the sand, and building sandcastles. The castles were only small, but because I was a young child, they seemed really big to me.

I was reminded of long summers on the beach playing in the sand when my friend showed me some photographs from his trip to a sand museum.

A few weeks ago, my friend went to the sand museum in Tottori. It is the only sand museum in Japan. He sent me some pictures, which I would like to share with you on this blog.

When my friend showed me the pictures, I said, “These sand sculptures look amazing”. He said, “They are even more impressive when you see them in real life! If you get the chance, you really should go and see them!”

Here are some of the photographs. I hope you enjoy them!

sandmuseum6

This sculpture is huge! It must have taken a long time to make!

sandmuseum3

The detail on this sculpture is stunning.

sandmuseum2

sandmuseum4

This photo is my favourite. The colours and design are beautiful.

sandmuseum1

I think this one is still being made. I’d like to watch the artist finish it! I hope I can go to Tottori to see the sand sculptures someday!