Learning English has always been a task for most of us. We know the rules of grammar, but it is not only about the subtle grammar rules. It is about the words and sentences we use. The more English words we know the easier it gets for us to learn English. One thing we ignore is the use of phrases. Phrases are just a group of words which give a different meaning. It may be hard to speak a long sentence, but using a phrase instead sounds rather cool and is shorter and easier to speak. When you learn English, you should be mindful of speaking short sentences because the longer a sentence is, the higher chances are there of committing a mistake. On the other hand, phrases are never incorrect and are pretty easy to speak. Here are some phrases that will help you in the long run as they are from the day-to-day life situations we face and they will make many sentences you speak comparatively short.
Back of My Hand
Meaning: To have complete knowledge about something
Example: I know Delhi like the back of my hand.
Take It Easy
Meaning: To relax
Example: Gaurav, whenever you get angry, you should take it easy.
All of A Sudden
Meaning: A thing happened unexpectedly and quickly
Example: We were enjoying our picnic all of a sudden it started raining.
Herculean Task
Meaning: A work that is difficult to do
Example: It is a herculean task to defeat Usain Bolt in racing.
The Time Is Ripe
Meaning: The correct time to do something
Example: The time from 5:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. is ripe for a morning walk.
Double Minded
Meaning: One who is confused
Example: Ramesh is a double-minded person, he could not select his own clothes.
See Eye To Eye
Meaning: To be completely agreed
Example: Mr. Satish and Mr. Kunal were shown eye to eye on their business partnership.
When Pigs Fly
Meaning: A thing that can never happen/impossible
Example: When pigs can fly you will be punctual.
A Piece Of Cake
Meaning: A task/work/thing that is very easy
Example: Typing 40 words per minute is a piece of cake for me.
Hand to Mouth
Meaning: To have enough resources just to survive/ stay alive
Example: Sonu is a laborer and he is living hand to mouth.
To Cost an Arm and A Leg
Meaning: Very Expensive
Example: The diamond necklace she selected cost an arm and a leg to me.
Break the Ice
Meaning: To break the silence/ speak up
Example: The local government did not break the ice on the matter of a scam done by a local MLA.
Break a Leg
Meaning: To wish somebody good luck
Example: “Break a leg, my son, I am excited about your performance.” My mother wishes me on an annual day.
Once In A Blue Moon
Meaning: Thing that happens rarely
Example: All of my friends are busy in their lives so I talk to them once in a blue moon.
Hit the Sack
Meaning: Go to bed
Example: I was tired yesterday so I hit the sack at 8 O’clock.
By The Skin of One’s Teeth
Meaning: Barely/ by a narrow margin/ just
Example: I have attempted too many competitive exams and failed by the skin of my teeth.
Head Over Heels
Meaning: To be in love
Example: Whenever Tannu sees Rohan, she feels her head over heels.
All Greek and Latin to Me
Meaning: Difficult to understand
Example: Today’s Economics lecture was all Greek and Latin to me.
To Feel Under The Weather
Meaning: To feel ill
Example: I want to play football but I am feeling under the weather today.
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