Learning Idioms in Context Robert's Big Dream

Learning Idioms in Context: Robert’s Big Dream

Here is a story of a fresh graduate who is always happy and positive. You’ll find idiom definitions, example sentences, conversations, and a short quiz after reading the story.

Robert just graduated in college a few months ago. There is a dime a dozen about this young man but you can still learn from him. He is one of the many aspirants to become a famous actor. Nothing is terrible about it, but chances are closing to his door as he always focuses on growing to be a star. Any penny for your thoughts about this? There is nothing wrong to dream, but achieving it is a different story as you need to be realistic. This got into a snowball effect. Robert ignored other opportunities. With this, he is experiencing difficulties when he decided to look for a job. 

Let’s face it: A lot of people in today’s world hopes to be successful like their model icon Jack Ma or Warren Buffet, two of the successful businessmen in the world. There is nothing wrong to be like them, but weighing the situations and realities in life should be part of the decision in leading your journey in life to be successful. While it is true that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink, and the probability of achieving your goal in life should always be realistic. Despite the failure, Robert is still very positive. He keeps on smiling in every rejection he received from every audition. He can wait. 

Robert has always been patient and kind to everybody though he has encountered many failures in life. He believes that “you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar”. He always stays kind to the needy and be there for all his friends when they need him. This is Robert, the man who has a big dream with a big heart. 

A dime a dozen

Meaning
  • things that are common, easy to acquire, and of no or little value
Example Sentences

Watching movies online is a dime a dozen nowadays, but this act is illegal.

Businesses that are losing money are a dime a dozen.

A. I am afraid I’ll get a low paying job.

B. Life doesn’t need to be complicated, Ella. Jobs with low salary are a dime a dozen, but you need to do your best to get the high paying ones. 

A penny for your thoughts

Meaning
  • it is a way of asking what others are thinking
Example Sentences

You are serious today, a penny for your thoughts.

The group has been so quiet about the low result of their project then suddenly the leader asked, “A penny for your thoughts, guys.”

A. Hi Bill, this is our new classmate. Do you know her, a penny for your thoughts?

B. No, this is the first time I met her.

A snowball effect

Meaning
  • a situation in which an action or event leads to the same actions or events
Example Sentences

We have to start thinking that we can win the game today and it will be a snowball effect.

Ella has been so positive in life. Her outlook in life has a snowball effect.

A. You keep on failing all your weekly quizzes. What is happening to you?

B. I think my initial failure to my science subject has a snowball effect on all subjects. 

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink

Meaning
  • you can provide ideas or offer assistance to others, but you cannot force them to accept whatever you offer
Example Sentences

Bob always wanted me to become a lawyer, but his father wanted him to be a cop. It is happening that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.

My best friend is still single, and this causes his unhappiness. I had told him to try accepting suitors, but he refused. Things are getting worse that no matter you wanted to help, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. 

A. Shane is still not listening to us. He always plays mobile games, and his studies got affected.

B. Yes, I have tried my best to advise him about the harmful effects of too much playtime in mobile games, but as you know, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. 

You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar

Meaning
  • You can get people to agree with you quickly by being kind or polite instead of being rude.
Example Sentences

Ana has been acting rude due to the restaurant server gave the wrong meal but did not get any refund because of her attitude. Put yourself in Ana’s shoes next time and be kind and you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

At all times, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. This is a good practice that makes you a better person.

A: This hotel is expensive, but the air conditioner is not working. Let’s talk to the hotel manager and make a scene unless he gives us a full refund.

B: We can get the refund if we ask nicely. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Quiz

1. Life is too short. Things that are _____________ should be ignored and aim to be successful.

2. Candy’s girlfriend is nice and pretty. Do you know her, _______________.

3. Word of mouth causes ____________ that leads some businesses to their success.

4. Many of his friends tried to offer help but he did not accept them. It is always true in some cases that ___________________________.

5. Ruben has been the king of politeness and has won most of his classmate’s trust. With this, it is authentic that ________________________.

Learning Idioms in Context: Lily's Belief in Life

Learning Idioms in Context: Lily’s Belief in Life

Here is a story about a young lady who is diligent and friendly. You’ll find idiom definitions, example sentences, conversations, and a short quiz after reading the story.

Lily is a lady who lives in a small town near the city. She loves to walk every weekend together with her brown puppy. During her summer vacation, she makes sure to relax to compensate for the busy moments in her school days. For her, living near the city is a blessing in disguise. In her first few months, she wasn’t able to appreciate the scarcity of establishments around. But now, she enjoys the simplicity and calmness of the neighborhood. She now sees the significance of some situations that seem terrible at first, but good things happen after.

Lily believes that contentment is one of the most useful virtues in life. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” Lily advised. She is delighted with what she has right now. Moreover, she also believes that a little learning is a dangerous thing. “People who don’t understand something fully are dangerous,” she said. She always reiterates the significance of wisdom as a tool for success. She is also a fan of real justice and equality. “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” she said. A person may look bad, but you should observe and know him before judging. 

Lily stressed that one of the most important virtues in life is a sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs,” she suggested. It is hard to achieve goals in life without doing your best. Sometimes, unpleasant things happen, but life must go on. What doesn’t kill you makes you wiser and stronger. Finally, make sure to give your best at all times. At any rate, that’s how to be happy and successful in life according to Lily.

A blessing in disguise

Meaning
  • a favorable situation or a result that seemed terrible at first, but it turns out to be an advantage or a fortune
Example Sentences

Adam’s early resignation from his work was a blessing in disguise because he got plenty of rest and a break from his toxic work life. 

Amanda’s failure in her exams was a blessing in disguise for she realized that she was not happy anymore with her bachelor’s degree and decided to change it to the degree she loves.

A: What makes you blessed now these days?

B: When Alana broke up with me, I was so distressed for a few months. But now, I think the breakup is a blessing in disguise because no one stops me when I want to stay late with my friends on weekends.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Meaning
  • what you have is more precious or valuable than what you can get later, so it is best to be contented and happy with what you possess right now no matter how small it is
Example Sentences

Layla might have got a better offer if she had waited for some more time, but she decided to take the one she had. After all, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

People may not like their job, but they should not quit just because they have the belief of finding a better one. They may not realize a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

A: You have been working in the company for quite a long time. What’s your secret?

B: Our company is already established. We have excellent benefits here that other companies cannot offer to their employees. You know, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A little learning/knowledge is a dangerous thing

Meaning
  • this applies to people who don’t understand something or those who know a few are dangerous, and they are prone to errors
Example Sentences

Tom came home with some bruises that he got when playing in the mud. Just because his best friend jumps and runs in the dirt, it doesn’t mean that he will not get wounded. This goes to show that a little learning/knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Sam read about how to take care of himself when he has a high fever. He thought he doesn’t need a doctor. With this, he got worse and stayed in the hospital for a few days. This turned out that a little learning/knowledge is a dangerous thing

A: Are you now ready for the thesis defense this Friday?

B: No, I have to go over my research notes and study possible inquiries so that I can have organized thoughts, and my presentation will run smoothly. I have to be ready because I know that a little learning/knowledge is a dangerous thing.

You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs

Meaning
  • give up something or to take much effort to get something in return or something desirable
Example Sentences

Helen is trying to do her best for her to get the university scholarship. She is not going out with her friends and watching movies. She has realized that she can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs

I have been studying English, and it’s hard work. However, I am hopeful that I can improve soon as it is true that I can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.

A: How long have you been preparing for the 5k Marathon competition?

B: It has been two months, and I am not giving up. I can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. I know, I can do it.

You can’t judge a book by its cover 

Meaning
  • don’t just look at the value of something by its appearance and this may sound bad in the outside appearance, but it’s good inside
Example Sentences

One of the applicants did not look very smart, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

The restaurant looked so attractive from outside, but the meals were so horrible. We made a mistake. It’s really true that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

A: John has married Ella, one of the smartest students in his batch. She has a brown complexion and small. 

B: I think John has made a wise decision. He is happy now. He believes that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Quiz

  1. A major problem in life that you may encounter can turn out to be _________________. Embrace it and be positive.
  2. Be grateful for what you have accomplished. Be happy! You can never be promoted in your workplace for several years but _________________.  
  3. Human resource professionals scrutinize each applicant and they practice the belief that ____________________. So they hire based on skills and attitude not on appearance.
  4. Do not start a business without researching your market and efficiently planning because ______________ as you might face difficulties and issues that lead to failure.
  5. My best friend and I hope to achieve outstanding scores this summer class. We plan to decrease our screen time though this will make us upset. We believe that _____________________.

Learn more idiomatic expressions using short stories, sentences, and quizzes. It is essential to learn them in context as they are never easy to understand. Happy learning!

March Idioms

Although St. Patrick was the Patron Saint of Ireland, on the 17th of March, people from all over the United States have lots of parties and parades to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On this day, those of Irish descent,  or simply those with Irish pride, celebrate Ireland’s heritage on t-shirts that might say: “Kiss me, I’m Irish” or “Luck of the Irish,” bars sell green beer, and lots of people wear green and luck charms, such as shamrocks.

 

Here are some common expressions having to do with LUCK:

beginner’s luck – when a new or inexperienced person has a great success; meaning it was luck rather than skill.
Example: -“Wow, he made that shot on his first professional game ever!”
– “It was just beginner’s luck.”

you’re in luck – used to describe a good situation for another person.
Example: “You’re in luck, this was the last pair in your size and in this color!”

better luck next time –  used after minor failures when someone attempts something but can’t
succeed.
Example: “Dude, she beat me at that new video game!”
“Oh, well. Better luck next time!”

just my luck – used sarcastically to say something was very unlucky.
Example: “I skipped school to go to the beach, and just my luck: it rained all day!”

pushing your luck – to try to extend the good luck or a good situation you’ve had and risk having a negative result or losing what you have so far.
Example: “ I was chosen out of the twenty who applied for the position so I accepted with the
starting salary they offered me because I thought asking for a higher starting salary would be
pushing my luck.”

the luck of the draw – the result of chance and you have no control over
Example: “Sometimes you have to wait for hours to see a doctor in the emergency room, other times you can see a doctor in 20 minutes. It’s just the luck of the draw.” 

try your luck – try to accomplish something even though you know you may not succeed
Example: “He is going to try his luck at Las Vegas casino.” 

 

 

 

Love and Relationships Idioms

In February, there are several special dates observed or celebrated in the United States:
Groundhog Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Rosa Parks Day, Presidents’ Day, Chinese New Year, and
the Super Bowl among others, but none is more popular than Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated by
approximately 54% of Americans. Considering that the population of the U.S. is 325.7
million… that’s a lot of people!

 

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a day in which many people celebrate their
love for their partner. This includes giving cards, flowers, chocolate, jewelry, fancy gifts,
romantic dinners, and many other demonstrations of love. Here are some idioms connected with
love and relationships.

 

fix somebody up with somebody – to find a romantic partner for somebody
Example: I tried to fix him up with my friend, and he said he wasn’t looking for a relationship,
but the next time I saw him, he was engaged!

 

be an item – to have a romantic relationship
Example: I was surprised when I found out that they were an item.

 

love at first sight – to have strong feelings for somebody from the first moment you see them
Example: They met at a party and it was love at first sight. They started to go out and got
married six months later.

 

be head over heels – to be very much in love with somebody
Example: I never saw him so head over heels for any other girl.

 

lovey-dovey – to express love in public by constantly kissing and hugging
Example: They were all lovey-dovey at the movie theater.

 

pop the question – to ask somebody to marry you
Example: So, how did he pop the question?

 

tie the knot – to get married
Example: When did they tie the knot?

 

a match made in heaven – a couple that is great because they complement each other so well
Example: I think that their marriage will last; they’re really a match made in heaven.