Idioms

– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! In sports, players who "sit out" are not playing in the game. But what does "sit this one out" mean as an idiom? Sit This One Out Speaker A: Anna, I have an extra ticket to a death metal show tonight.Speaker B: A what?Speaker A: Death metal show.Speaker B: You know, I prefer music that doesn't have the word "death" in … [Read more...] about Sit This One Out (Idioms)

– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! The phrase across-the-board comes from horse racing. A bet placed on horses that come in first, second, and third is an across-the-board bet. But we use this in other ways, too. Across-the-Board Speaker A: Dan, don't forget pickle ball practice tonight!Speaker B: But we don't practice on Fridays.Speaker A: Coach said … [Read more...] about Across-the-Board (Idioms)

– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! To live it up means to have a very good and exciting time. But the phrase to never live something down has a very different meaning. Never Live Something Down Speaker A: Anna, did you try the cake I made for George's birthday?Speaker B: A bite. One bite. Dan, it was kind of the talk of the party.Speaker A: Oh no. It was … [Read more...] about Never Live Something Down (Idioms)

– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Pockets are super useful. They can hold things like money. But how does money burn a hole in your pocket? Let's listen. To Burn a Hole in Your Pocket Speaker A: Guess what, Anna? I won $500 last week!Speaker B: That's great! Dan, remember to save some of it.Speaker A: I spent it.Speaker B: What? All of it?Speaker A: … [Read more...] about To Burn a Hole in Your Pocket (Idioms)

– Manuscript – Welcome to English in a Minute! Cookies are a sweet treat. A cookie cutter is something we use to cut cookies in a particular shape. But what else does cookie-cutter mean? Cookie-cutter Speaker A: Anna, can you help me think of a good housewarming gift?Speaker B: Yes! I love parties that celebrate a new house! Tell me, what kind of house is it?Speaker … [Read more...] about Cookie-cutter (Idioms)