Idiom/Saying Explanation An *anorak*
For example: "He's got hundreds of old Japanese robots that he insists on showing to anyone who visits. He's such an anorak." Used to describe a dull person or an individual with a boring hobby who insists on talking about it. Below the *belt*. For example: "I think it was a bit below the belt when he lied to her." To do something in an unfair or cowardly way. *Buckle* down. For example: "He realised before the exam that it was time to buckle down to some real work." To put in a lot of effort into doing something. To put on your thinking *cap*. For example: "The economy is in a mess, it's time for everyone to put their thinking caps on." To start to think seriously about how to solve a problem. Wolf in sheep's *clothing*. For example: "I don't trust him, I think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing." To pretend to be harmless when your really dangerous. Hot under the *collar*. For example:- "She got very hot under the collar when I told her someone had scratched her car." To be very angry. Off-the-*cuff*. For example: "He made a stupid off-the-cuff remark." Without preparation. To *dress*someone down. For example: "He was given a real dressing down for making such a stupid mistake." To tell someone off for doing something bad. Mutton *dressed* as lamb. For example: "In her mini skirt and short tank top, she looked like mutton dressed as lamb." To be dressed too young for your age. *Dressed* to kill. For example: "She had bought a new outfit and was dressed to kill." To make yourself look really good by wearing your best clothes. *Dressed* up like a dog's dinner. For example: "She was dressed up like a dog's dinner." To be overdressed Fit like a * glove*. For example: "The dress fitted her like a glove." Fits very well. To be hand in *glove*. For example: "They make a great team. They work hand in glove." To have an extremely close relationship, especially at work. At the drop of a *hat*. For example: "If he asked me out I would go at the drop of a hat." To make a decision or do something very quickly without thinking about it. Old *hat* For example: "I've been doing this job for so long it's all old hat now." Not new or different. Take one's *hat* off. For example: "He always works so hard on his English, you have to take your hat off too him." To admire or respect someone. Keep something under one's *hat*. For example: "You can trust me, I'll keep anything you tell me under my hat." To keep something you are told or know in strictest confidence. To air one's dirty *linen* in public. For example: "The president was embarassed to have his dirty linen aired in public." To have your private or personal problems discussed in public. Have ants in your *pants*. For example: "She never sits still, it's as though she's got ants in her pants." To be restless or incapable of sitting still. Burn a hole in one's *pocket*. For example: "He was never able to save any money, it always burned a hole in his pocket." To have money that you just want to spend. Bursting at the *seams* . For example: "The airport was so busy it was bursting at the seams." To be very busy or overcrowded. Keep your *shirt* on. For example: "Stop shouting, keep your shirt on!" Don't lose your temper. Lose one's * shirt*. For example: "He went to the races and lost his shirt." To lose all your money (usually in a business venture or by gambling). Stuffed *shirt*. For example: "He never has a laugh or a joke, he's a real stuffed shirt." To be to rigid or formal. In someone else's *shoes*. For example: "I hear he is very ill, I would hate to be in his shoes." To be in someone elses place or position. Card up your *sleeve*. For example: "When he grinned like that I knew he had a card up his sleeve. To have something in reserve in case it is needed. Roll up your *sleeves*. For example: "We'll get the job finished if we all roll up our sleeves." Prepare to work hard. To be in your birthday *suit*. For example: "When I walked into the bathroom she was just standing their in her birthday suit!" To be completely naked. Wear the *trousers*. For example: "His wife is always telling him what to do. You can tell who wears the trousers in their house." To be the boss of a family or household. Keep it *zip*ped. For example: "He was warned to keep it zipped, or else." To keep quiet about something. (Usually with an implied threat.) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "English Learner's Cafe" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/english_learners?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
