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American Idiom: under the weather

Under the weather means to be sick or ill.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, under the weather.

Video Transcript

I won’t be able to attend the party tonight. I am feeling under the weather.

‘Under the weather’ means to be sick or ill.

Here are example sentences :

Patricia is under the weather because she has the flu.

She doesn’t feel like attending the meeting today. I think she’s a bit under the weather.

Let’s do an exercise!

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Alice has been feeling sick since she left L.A.

Alice has been feeling under the weather since she left L.A.

Question 2:

I usually feel ill for a few days when the seasons change from fall to winter.

I usually feel under the weather for a few days when the seasons change from fall to winter.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I’m sorry but I really can’t come to work today. I feel a little bit sick.

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Question 2:

I don’t feel going to the shopping mall later. I’m feeling a bit sick.

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American Idiom: draw the line

To draw the line means to define a limit on something. It’s often used to set the limit on what one will tolerate or refuse to do.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, draw the line.

Video Transcript

I need to draw the line somewhere. You cannot expect me to do all the household chores.

What’s the meaning of ‘to draw the line’ here? 

It means that the person needs to divide the household chores.The person is refusing to do all the work. To draw the line means to define a limit on something. It’s often used to set the limit on what one will tolerate or refuse to do.

Here are example sentences :

You frequently play music loudly at night. I need to draw the line here. Please, no loud music after 9:00 pm!

My son frequently uses inappropriate and rough language. I had drawn the line at saying certain words.

Let’s do an exercise so that you can better remember the idiom.

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Elizabeth calls me too frequently for help with her homework. I set the limit of calling me, no more than twice a day.

Elizabeth calls me too frequently for help with her homework. I drew the line at calling me, no more than twice a day.

Question 2:

Lawrence wanted to borrow money from Brian. Brian sets the limit on lending him, no more than $100.

Lawrence wanted to borrow money from Brian. Brian draws the line at lending him, no more than $100.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

More questions here!

Question 1:

I don’t mind doing some gardening but I can’t at digging.

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Question 2:

Mr Park stopped at around $ 52 billion.

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American Idiom: land on one’s feet

To land on one’s feet means to overcome a bad or difficult situation and to be in a good position. You can also say to ‘fall on one’s feet’ in place of ‘to land on one’s feet.

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Watch the full video below to learn about the idiom, land on one’s feet.

Video Transcript

After going through some difficult times, Charles just landed on his feet.

What’s the meaning of ‘landed on his feet’ here? 

It means that Charles has just overcome whatever difficulties he had.‘To land on one’s feet’ means to overcome a bad or difficult situation and to be in a good position. You can also say ‘to fall on one’s feet’ in place of ‘to land on one’s feet.

Here are example sentences :

I will land on my feet no matter what happens. Or, you can say, I will fall on my feet no matter what happens.

Don’t worry about Sharon. She will manage to land on her feet.  Or, you can say, she will manage to fall on her feet.

Let’s do an exercise so that you can better remember the idiom.

For each question, replace a word or words in a sentence with the idiom so that the meaning of the sentence is not changed. You have five seconds per question.

Question 1:

Charles couldn’t overcome his depression for many months after his mom passed away.

Charles couldn’t land on his feet (or fall on his feet) for many months after his mom passed away.

Question 2:

The company is successful while other companies are struggling.

The company lands on its feet (or falls on its feet) while other companies are struggling.

Practice makes perfect!

A working knowledge of frequently used idioms is essential in order to naturally communicate with Americans. Learn to speak English fluently with Poly Languages.

Land on one’s feet.

More questions here!

Question 1:

This is a company that tends to overcome it’s difficulties.

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Question 2:

After some ups and downs, Ella has overcome it.

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Learn more Idioms with American Teachers here in POLY! Apply now!