Have you ever estimated how long something will take, how much it costs, or how many people will come—and added, “plus or minus a little”? In English, you can say give or take! This practical phrase is used to show that a number or amount is approximate, with a small margin of error. What Does…

Have you ever met someone who seemed nice at first—but later showed they couldn’t be trusted? Maybe they lied, broke promises, or acted selfishly when it mattered most. In English, you might call them a bad egg! This old-fashioned but vivid idiom describes a person who is dishonest, unreliable, or morally flawed—despite appearing normal on…

Have you ever heard someone say, “She’s the breadwinner in their household”? In English, the breadwinner is the person who earns the main income to support their family. This practical term is used to describe whoever brings in the most money—whether through a job, business, or other source—to pay for housing, food, bills, and other…

Have you ever been unsure about the future—but stayed open to possibilities? Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted, but something even better came along. Or you hesitated to say hello to a stranger—and they turned out to be a lifelong friend. In English, we often say, “You never know!” This simple phrase expresses…

Have you ever needed to talk to someone about a problem—like a noisy neighbor, a billing error, or a misunderstanding at work? Or maybe you’ve started spending time with a new friend or joined a new hobby? In English, you might say you’ll take it up with them or take up with a group. This…

Have you ever seen someone give lots of compliments to a teacher before asking for an extension, or praise their boss nonstop before requesting a raise? In English, we say they’re trying to butter someone up! This playful idiom means to flatter or praise someone excessively—usually to win favor or get something in return. What…

Have you ever looked away for just a second—and suddenly your toddler spilled juice, your phone battery died, or your train pulled away? In English, we say it happened in the blink of an eye! This vivid idiom describes something that occurs so fast it feels instantaneous—faster than the time it takes to blink. What…

Have you ever received news that was hard to accept—like a rejection, a loss, or harsh feedback—even though you knew it was true? In English, we call that a bitter pill to swallow! This vivid idiom describes a painful truth or difficult situation that you must accept, even though it’s emotionally hard or disappointing. What…

Have you ever seen two people argue repeatedly about the same issue—like splitting chores, choosing a vacation spot, or deciding who gets the last slice of pizza? In English, we call that a bone of contention! This classic idiom describes a subject or object that causes ongoing disagreement, tension, or conflict between people. What Does…

Have you ever seen someone enter a new, complex, or tough situation—like moving to a big city for the first time, starting a high-pressure job, or navigating a tricky social scene—and seem completely lost or overwhelmed? In English, we might call them a babe in the woods! This evocative idiom describes someone who is innocent,…

Unexpected events happen to everyone. Sometimes news shocks you, or an event happens when you least expect it. In English, we say these things take by surprise. This idiom is perfect for describing moments of unexpected shock or discovery. What Does “Take By Surprise” Mean? “Take by surprise” means to shock or surprise someone unexpectedly….

Have you ever set your coffee cup on the table, made a rude comment about someone’s idea, or paid a deposit on a new apartment? In English, all of these actions can be described with the phrase put down! This versatile phrasal verb has three common meanings: (1) to place something on a surface, (2)…