Shadowing Practice: Learn the 100 Most Common Idioms in 30 Minutes (with examples) - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Hello everyone and welcome back to English with Lucy.
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Today I'm going to teach you 100 of the most common English idioms with definitions and examples of course.
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These are really gonna help you bring your English to the next level and help you sound more like a native.
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Number one is a blessing in disguise.
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A blessing in disguise.
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This means a good thing that seemed bad at first.
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For example, losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
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Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.
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Next, a picture is worth a thousand words.
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A picture is worth a thousand words.
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This means that a picture tells a story just as well as, if not better than, written words.
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For example, please could you sketch out a floor plan?
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A picture is worth a thousand words.
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Please could you sketch out a floor plan?
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A picture is worth a thousand words.
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Number three, you might have heard this one before, it's a piece of cake.
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A piece of cake.
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And this means really easy.
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For example, that exam was a piece of cake.
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That exam was a piece of cake.
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Number four is actions speak louder than words.
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Actions speak louder than words.
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And this means that what somebody actually does means more than what they say they will do.
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An example, I'm going to wait for him to show me he loves me because actions speak louder than words.
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I'm going to wait for him to show me he loves me because actions speak louder than words.
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Next we have add insult to injury, add insult to injury.
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This means to act in a way that makes a bad situation worse.
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For example, I was late and to add insult to injury, I forgot my keys.
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I was late and to add insult to injury, I forgot my keys.
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Number six, this is really common.
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It's as cheap as chips, as cheap as chips.
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And this means really cheap.
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For example, don't worry about paying me back, they were as cheap as chips.
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Don't worry about paying me back, they were as cheap as chips.
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Number seven is barking up the wrong tree, barking up the wrong tree.
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This means to be wrong about the way to achieve something or the reason for something.
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An example, I think you're barking up the wrong tree.
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Rather than reading the textbook cover to cover, you should try the SQRRR method.
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If you want to know more about that, then you should see my study, Smart Not Hard video.
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Number eight is beat around the bush.
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Beat around the bush.
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This means to avoid saying what you mean, usually because it's uncomfortable.
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For example, I'm not going to beat around the bush.
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I hate your boyfriend.
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I'm not going to beat around the bush.
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I hate your boyfriend.
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Number nine is better late than never.
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Better late than never.
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This means that it's better to arrive
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or do something later than expected than to not arrive or not do something at all.
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For example, wow, she finally turned up, better late than never.
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It's often used sarcastically.
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Wow, she finally turned up, better late than never.
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Number 10, bite off more than you can chew.
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Bite off more than you can chew.
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This means to try to do something that is too difficult or too much for you.
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An example, I have bitten off more than I can chew with this 100 idioms video.
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I have bitten off more than I can chew with this 100 idioms video.
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Number 11 is bite the bullet, bite the bullet.
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This means to force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult or to be brave in a difficult situation.
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For example, I'm going to bite the bullet and quit my job.
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I'm going to bite the bullet and quit my job.
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Number 12 is break a leg, break a leg.
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And this means, believe it or not, good luck.
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It's often what we say to actors as they are going on stage.
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For example, break a leg tonight, you're an amazing actor.
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Break a leg tonight, you're an amazing actor.
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Number 13 is break the ice, break the ice.
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This means to make people who have not met each other before feel more relaxed and comfortable.
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For example, I've organised a fun game to help us all break the ice.
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I've organised a fun game to help us all break the ice.
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I hate that in classes when we have to break the ice and introduce ourselves.
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I'm too British for that.
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Number 14, incredibly common this one, to call it a day, call it a day.
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This means to stop what you are doing
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because you either think you've done enough or you don't want to do any more.
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For example, I'm exhausted.
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I think I'm gonna call it a day.
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I'm exhausted, I think I'm gonna call it a day.
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I think I'm gonna stop now.
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Number 15 is cost an arm and a leg.
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Cost an arm and a leg.
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This means to be very expensive.
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For example, that coat looks like it cost you an arm and a leg.
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That coat looks like it cost you an arm and a leg.
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Number 16 is cut corners.
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Cut corners.
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And this means to do something in the fastest, easiest or cheapest way.
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An example, this report is of poor quality, I think the author may have cut some corners.
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This report is of poor quality, I think the author may have cut some corners.
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Number 17 is cut somebody some slack.
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Cut somebody some slack.
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This means to give somebody additional freedom.
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For example, because it was the last day of class, the teachers cut the students some slack.
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Because it was the last day of class, the teachers cut the students some slack.
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Number 18 is don't give up the day job.
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Don't give up the day job.
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And this is used for telling somebody that you don't think that they're very good at something.
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For example, your drum solo was very entertaining, but don't give up the day job.
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Your drum solo was very entertaining, but don't give up the day job.
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Number 19 is to put all of your eggs in one basket.
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put all of your eggs in one basket.
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And this means to depend for success on a single person or plan.
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For example, I'm applying for several jobs because I don't want to put all of my eggs in one basket.
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I'm applying for several jobs because I don't want to put all of my eggs in one basket.
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Number 20 is easy does it, easy does it.
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And this is used to tell someone to do something carefully and slowly.
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For example, easy does it, don't spill that paint.
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Easy does it, don't spill that paint.
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Number 21 is my favourite.
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It is every cloud has a silver lining.
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Every cloud has a silver lining.
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And this means that every negative has a positive.
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For example, every cloud has a silver lining.
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After being made redundant, I found my dream job.
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Every cloud has a silver lining.
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After being made redundant, I found my dream job.
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Number 22 is to get a taste of your own medicine, to get a taste of your own medicine.
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And this is to get treated the way you've been treating other people.
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An example, the nasty prison warden got a taste of his own medicine when he was thrown in jail.
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The nasty prison warden got a taste of his own medicine when he got thrown in jail.
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Number 23 is get out of hand, to get out of hand.
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And this means to become difficult to control.
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For example, over Christmas, our spending got a little out of hand.
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Over Christmas, our spending got a little out of hand.
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Number 24 is to get something out of your system, to get something out of your system.
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This means to get rid of a wish or emotion, especially a negative one, by allowing yourself to express it.
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For example, I went and bought that dress I was thinking about all day.
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I had to get it out of my system.
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I went and bought that dress I was thinking about all day.
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I had to get it out of my system.
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My mum uses this a lot when she buys things.
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We say, why did you get that?
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She says, I had to get it out of my system.
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It's a good excuse.
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Number 25 is to get your act together.
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Get your act together.
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This means to start to organise yourself so that you do things in an effective way.
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For example, my desk is a complete mess.
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I need to get my act together.
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My desk is a complete mess.
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I need to get my act together.
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True story.
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Number 26, to give someone the benefit of the doubt.
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To give someone the benefit of the doubt.
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This means to decide that you will believe someone even if you're not sure that what they're saying is true.
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For example, she said that she was late because her train was canceled and we gave her the benefit of the doubt.
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She said that she was late because her train was canceled and we gave her the benefit of the doubt.
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Number 27 is to give someone the cold shoulder.
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To give someone the cold shoulder.
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And this means to ignore someone.
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An example, I think Sally's giving me the cold shoulder.
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I think Sally is giving me the cold shoulder.
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Number 28 is to go back to the drawing board.
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To go back to the drawing board.
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This means to start planning something again because the first plan failed.
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For example, well that didn't work, let's go back to the drawing board.
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Well that didn't work, let's go back to the drawing board.
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Number 29 is good things come to those who wait.
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Good things come to those who wait.
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I say that to my dog a lot.
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It means be patient, be patient.
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For example, stop rushing me.
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Good things come to those who wait.
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Stop rushing me.
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Good things come to those who wait.
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Number 30 is hang in there, hang in there.
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And this is said as a way to tell people to not give up hope even through difficulties.
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For example, final exams are tough, but hang in there and it'll be okay.
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Final exams are tough, but hang in there and it'll be okay.
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Number 31 is to hit the nail on the head.
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To hit the nail on the head.
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And this means to get something exactly right.
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For example, you've hit the nail on the head, that is the route we should have taken.
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You've hit the nail on the head, that is the route we should have taken.
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Number 32 is to hit the sack.
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To hit the sack.
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This means to go to bed.
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For example, oh, I'm tired.
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Do you mind if I hit the sack?
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I'm tired.
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Do you mind if I hit the sack?
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Number 33 is ignorance is bliss.
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Ignorance is bliss.
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And this means you're better off not knowing.
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For example, I could ask my boss if she's planning to fire me, but ignorance is bliss.
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I could ask my boss if she's planning to fire me, but ignorance is bliss.
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I'm better off not knowing.
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Number 34 is in a nutshell, in a nutshell.
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And this means in the fewest words possible.
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For example, in a nutshell, everything went wrong.
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In a nutshell, everything went wrong.
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Number 35 is it takes one to know one.
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It takes one to know one.
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And this means you're just as bad as I am.
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You are just as bad as I am.
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For example, if someone says to me, you're such a gossip, I could respond with when it takes one to know one.
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Number 36 is it's not rocket science.
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It's not rocket science.
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And this is used to say that you don't think something is very difficult or hard to understand.
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For example, I don't understand why you can't work out how to use the washing machine.
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It's not rocket science.
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I don't understand how you can't work out how to use the washing machine.
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It's not rocket science.
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Number 37 is to jump on the bandwagon, to jump on the bandwagon.
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And this means to join an activity, trend, or opinion that has become popular.
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For example, I've jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded Fortnite.
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I've jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded Fortnite.
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I haven't.
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I don't have time, but I'm sure it's really fun.
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Number 38 is to keep one's chin up, to keep one's chin up.
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And this means to keep one's spirits high, to keep happy and positive.
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For example, I'm trying to keep my chin up after receiving that rejection letter.
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I'm trying to keep my chin up after receiving that rejection letter.
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Number 39 is to kill two birds with one stone.
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To kill two birds with one stone.
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This means to get two things done with a single action. For example,
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we could kill two birds with one stone by stopping off at the bakery on the way back from the butchers.
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We could kill two birds with one stone by stopping off at the bakery on the way back from the butchers.
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We could get two tasks accomplished in one trip.
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Number 40 is to leave no stone unturned.
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To leave no stone unturned.
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This means to try every possible course of action in order to get something done.
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For example, he left no stone unturned in his search for his natural mother.
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He left no stone unturned in his search for his natural mother.
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Number 41 is to let sleeping dogs lie, to let sleeping dogs lie.
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This means to leave a situation as it is in order to not make it worse.
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For example, I think we should let sleeping dogs lie and avoid confronting her about her issues.
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I think we should let sleeping dogs lie and avoid confronting her about her issues.
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Number 42 is to let someone off the hook, to let someone off the hook.
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This means to allow someone to go unpunished, to allow someone to go unpunished.
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For example, this is the third time you've been caught speeding
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and I don't think they're going to let you off the hook.
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This is the third time you've been caught speeding and I don't think they're going to let you off the hook.
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Number 43 is to let the cat out of the bag.
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To let the cat out of the bag.
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This means to reveal a secret.
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For example, don't let the cat out of the bag because the party is meant to be a surprise.
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Don't let the cat out of the bag because the party is meant to be a surprise.
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Number 44 is to make a long story short to make a long story short.
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This is very similar to in a nutshell.
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It's used to indicate that you are providing just basic facts and information in order to reduce the length of a story.
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For example, to make a long story short, I canceled the party because of financial problems.
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To make a long story short, I canceled the party because of financial problems.
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Number 45 is to miss the boat, to miss the boat.
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And this means to be too slow to take advantage of an opportunity.
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For example, I waited too long for the house prices to drop and I missed the boat.
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I waited too long for the house prices to drop and I missed the boat.
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Number 46 is neck of the wood, neck of the wood.
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And this either means the area where someone comes from or the area where you are.
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For example, I'm surprised to see you in this neck of the woods.
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I'm surprised to see you in this neck of the woods in this area.
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Number 47 is no pain, no gain.
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No pain, no gain.
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This is often used to talk about exercise.
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It means that suffering is necessary in order to achieve something.
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For example, I've been going to the gym twice a day and my muscles ache, but no pain, no gain.
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I've been going to the gym twice a day and my muscles ache, but no pain, no gain.
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Number 48 is not one's cup of tea.
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Not one's cup of tea.
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This one is very British.
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This means that someone doesn't like or isn't interested in something.
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For example, I'm sorry, but line dancing really isn't my cup of tea.
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I'm sorry, but line dancing really isn't my cup of tea.
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Number 49 is off the top of one's head.
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Off the top of one's head.
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This means from memory, without a lot of thought or consideration.
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For example, off the top of my head, I think she's been engaged five times.
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Off the top of my head, I think she's been engaged five times.
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Number 50 is on the ball, on the ball.
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And this means alert to new ideas, methods and trends, or it can also mean very organised.
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For example, I like hanging out with younger people, it keeps me on the ball.
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I like hanging out with younger people, it keeps me on the ball.
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Number 51 is on thin ice, on thin ice.
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And this means on probation.
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If you make another mistake, there will be consequences.
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For example, I'm on the thin ice after my behaviour at the office party.
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I'm on thin ice after my behaviour at the office party.
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You can hear more about that in my Stop Saying Sorry video.
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Link below.
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Number 52 is once in a blue moon.
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Once in a blue moon.
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And this means rarely, very infrequently.
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For example, I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon, but when I do go, I really enjoy it.
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I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon, but when I do go, I really enjoy it.
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Number 53 is out of someone's league.
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out of someone's league.
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And this means too good or too expensive for someone.
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For example, my crush is completely out of my league.
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My crush is completely out of my league.
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Number 54 is to play devil's advocate.
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To play devil's advocate.
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This means to argue the opposite just for the sake of an argument.
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We often say, I don't want to play devil's advocate
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because we're saying I don't want to just argue for the sake of arguing, but I have a different opinion.
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For example, I don't want to play devil's advocate, but are you really going out dressed like that?
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Number 55 is to play something by ear.
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To play something by ear.
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And this means to plan something in an improvised way.
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So you decide as you are going along.
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For example, instead of booking a table this weekend, shall we just play it by ear?
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Shall we just see what happens?
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Number 56 is to pull someone's leg.
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To pull someone's leg.
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This means to playfully deceive someone or to tease someone.
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For example, are you actually leaving your job or are you just pulling my leg?
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Are you actually leaving your job or are you just pulling my leg?
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Number 57, this is what my mother said to me this morning.
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Pull yourself together, pull yourself together.
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And this means recover control of your emotions.
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I was being a bit emotional this morning
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and my mum told me to pull myself together and I did and now I'm filming.
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For example, I need to pull myself together and stop crying.
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I need to pull myself together and stop crying.
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The number 58 is to rain on someone's parade, to rain on someone's parade.
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And this means to spoil something, to spoil something.
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For example, I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think you've made a huge mistake in your thesis.
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I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think you've made a huge mistake in your thesis.
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Number 59 is to rock the boat, to rock the boat.
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And this means to do or say something that could cause a problem or disturbance.
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For example, the team is getting on really well at the moment, so let's not rock the boat.
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The team is getting on really well at the moment, so let's not rock the boat.
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Number 60 is to save something for a rainy day.
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To save something for a rainy day.
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And this means to save something, usually money, for when you need it.
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For example, I think you should save that bonus for a rainy day.
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I think you should save that bonus for a rainy day.
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Number 61 is to see eye to eye, to see eye to eye.
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This means to agree.
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For example, I really don't see eye to eye with my grandma.
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I really don't see eye to eye with my grandma.
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Number 62 is to shed light on something, to shed light on something.
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This means to reveal information about or to clarify something.
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For example, please could you shed some light on your absence yesterday.
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please could you shed some light on your absence yesterday.
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Number 63 is to sit on the fence, to sit on the fence.
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We often also say to be on the fence, like I'm on the fence.
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And this means to avoid making a decision or choice.
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For example, I'm sitting on the fence, I really can't choose between these two adorable puppies.
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This happened to me in real life, I had to choose between my dog Diego and another puppy and hardest decision of my life.
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I've obviously had quite an easy life.
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Number 64 is to sit tight, to sit tight.
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And this means to refrain from taking action or changing one's mind.
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For example, the estate agent advised us to sit tight and neither buy nor sell.
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The estate agent advised us to sit tight and neither buy nor sell.
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Number 65 is to smell a rat, to smell a rat.
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And this means to begin to suspect trickery or deception.
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For example, when she passed away, investigators were called in and soon smelt a rat.
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When she passed away, investigators were called in and soon smelt a rat.
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Number 66 is so far so good, so far so good.
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And this is used to say that something, usually a plan or a project, has been progressing well with no problems.
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And this is up until the present.
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So if someone asks me, how's the new job?
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I could say, so far so good.
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Until this very moment, there hasn't been anything problematic.
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Number 67 is someone wouldn't be caught dead.
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Someone wouldn't be caught dead.
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And this means that someone dislikes something very much.
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For example, I wouldn't be caught dead in a dress like that.
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I hate that dress.
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I wouldn't be seen dead in it.
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Caught or seen dead.
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Number 68 is someone's heart is in the right place.
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Someone's heart is in the right place.
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This means that someone only has good intentions.
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For example, he's very strict with his students, but his heart is in the right place.
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He's very strict with his students, but his heart is in the right place.
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Number 69 is someone's jaw drops.
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Someone's jaw drops.
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And this means that someone is very surprised.
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For example, when I saw him in his suit, my jaw dropped.
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When I saw him in his suit, my jaw dropped.
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I was very surprised.
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Number 70 is someone's pride and joy.
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Someone's pride and joy.
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This means a person or a thing that gives someone a lot of satisfaction and happiness.
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For example, her vegetable garden is her pride and joy.
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Her vegetable garden is her pride and joy.
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Number 71 is someone's true colours.
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Someone's true colours.
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And this means the kind of person someone really is rather than what they appear to be.
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So if you show your true colours, you show how you really are rather than how you appear.
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For example, I thought he was really nice and then he was rude to the waiter and showed his true colours.
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I thought he was really nice, but then he was rude to the waiter and showed his true colours.
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That's one of my pet hates, when someone is rude to waiters.
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I know a lot of people like that actually.
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It really grinds my gears.
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It's another one, it means it annoys me.
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Number 72 is something rings a bell if something rings a bell.
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This means that something is familiar or you have heard something before.
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For example, I don't know him personally, but the name rings a bell.
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I've heard that name before.
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I don't know him personally, but the name rings a bell.
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Number 73 is speak of the devil.
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Speak of the devil.
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This is said when somebody appears just after being mentioned.
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For example, Stephanie is so mean.
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Speak of the devil, she just liked my Instagram post.
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Stephanie is so mean.
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Speak of the devil, she just liked my Instagram post.
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So mean of her.
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Number 74 is to spill the beans, to spill the beans.
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And this means to give away a secret or to reveal some gossip.
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For example, go on, spill the beans, I need to know how your date went.
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Go on, spill the beans, I need to know how your date went.
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Number 75 is to steal someone's thunder, to steal someone's thunder.
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And this means to take attention or praise away from someone else's accomplishments by outdoing them with your own.
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For example, she stole my thunder when she announced her pregnancy at my wedding.
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She stole my thunder when she announced her pregnancy at my wedding.
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Number 76 is to stick to one's guns.
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To stick to one's guns.
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This means to refuse to change your opinions or beliefs about something.
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For example, you need to stick to your guns and stop listening to what he says.
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You need to stick to your guns and stop listening to what he says.
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You need to stick to what you believe in, not what someone else believes in.
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Number 77 is to take something with a pinch of salt or also a grain of salt, that's used more in America.
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And this means to not take something too seriously.
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For example, I think you need to take anything that Martin says with a pinch of salt.
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I think you need to take anything that Martin says with a pinch of salt.
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Number 78 is to take the mickey.
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To take the mickey.
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This means to make fun of.
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To make fun of.
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For example, are you taking the mickey of my mum?
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Are you taking the mickey of my mum?
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It's often shortened to mic.
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Are you taking the mic?
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Number 79 is the ball is in your court.
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The ball is in your court.
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And this means it's your decision.
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For example, the ball is in your court regarding the location of the next event.
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It's your decision.
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The ball is in your court regarding the location of the next event
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Number 80 is the best of both worlds the best of both worlds
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This describes a situation in which you can enjoy the advantages of two different things For example, she works in the city but lives in the countryside
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so she can enjoy the best of both worlds She works in the city
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but lives in the countryside so she can enjoy the best of both worlds
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Number 81 is the best thing since sliced bread.
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The best thing since sliced bread.
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And this means a really great invention.
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For example, the spork is the best thing since sliced bread.
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The spork is the best thing since sliced bread.
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The spork is like a hybrid of a knife, a fork, and a spoon all in one.
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My mum uses them for picnics.
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Number 82 is the devil is in the details.
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The devil is in the details.
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This means it looks good from afar, but when you look more closely, there are problems.
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For example, the illustrations looked fine at first glance, but the devil is in the details.
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The illustrations look fine at first glance, but the devil is in the details.
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Number 83 is the early bird gets the worm.
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The early bird gets the worm.
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And this means the people who arrive first will get the best stuff.
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It's often used for Black Friday.
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For example, let's head to the sails at 6 a.m.
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The early bird gets the worm.
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Let's head to the sails at 6 a.m.
457
The early bird gets the worm.
458
Number 84 is the elephant in the room.
459
The elephant in the room.
460
This means the big issue, the problem that people are avoiding.
461
For example, I think we should address the elephant in the room, your hideous shoes.
462
I think we should address the elephant in the room, your hideous shoes.
463
People were avoiding talking about them, but I have to mention them.
464
They are so ugly.
465
Number 85 is the last straw.
466
The last straw.
467
And this comes from the straw that broke the camel's back, but we more commonly say the last straw.
468
And this means the last in a series of unfortunate events
469
or unpleasant events that make you feel like you just can't continue.
470
For example, she's always been rude to me, but it was the last straw when she started insulting my mother.
471
She's always been rude to me, but it was the last straw when she started insulting my mother, I couldn't accept that any longer.
472
Number 86 is there are plenty more fish in the sea.
473
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
474
This means it's okay to miss this opportunity because others will arise.
475
For example, just forget about him.
476
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
477
Just forget about him.
478
There are plenty more fish in the sea.
479
Number 87 is there's method to someone's madness.
480
There's method to someone's madness.
481
And this means that someone appears crazy, but actually they have a plan.
482
For example, my bedroom may seem messy, but there's method to my madness.
483
My bedroom may seem messy, but there is method to my madness.
484
Madness.
485
Number 88 is there is no such thing as a free lunch.
486
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
487
This means that nothing is entirely free.
488
There is always a reason behind something.
489
For example, I wonder what he wants from me.
490
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
491
I wonder what he wants from me.
492
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
493
Number 89 is through thick and thin, through thick and thin.
494
Anyone who struggles with the sound will struggle with that sentence.
495
This means under all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
496
For example, he stuck with her through thick and thin.
497
He stuck with her through thick and thin.
498
Number 90 is to throw caution to the wind.
499
To throw caution to the wind.
500
And this means to take a risk.
501
For example, I think you should throw caution to the wind and go on that date.
502
I think you should throw caution to the wind and go on that date.
503
Take that risk, girl, yeah.
504
Number 91 is to make matters worse.
505
To make matters worse.
506
This is similar to to add insult to injury.
507
This means with the result that a bad situation is made worse.
508
For example, she accidentally sent a romantic message to her family WhatsApp group, and to make matters worse, it included a picture.
509
This has happened to someone I know.
510
Very embarrassing.
511
Number 92 is to twist someone's arm.
512
To twist someone's arm.
513
This means to convince someone to do what you want.
514
For example, I didn't want to go out tonight, but Felicity twisted my arm.
515
I didn't want to go out tonight, but Felicity twisted my arm.
516
She convinced me.
517
Number 93 is under the weather, under the weather.
518
And this means slightly unwell or low in spirits.
519
For example, I don't think I'll come tonight because I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
520
I don't think I'll come tonight because I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
521
Number 94 is up in the air, up in the air.
522
And this means still to be settled or unresolved.
523
For example, the fate of our house purchase is still up in the air.
524
The fate of our house purchase is still up in the air.
525
Number 95 is we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
526
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
527
This is an expression that means you won't worry about a future problem that could arise, but if it does happen, then you'll deal with it.
528
For example, don't worry about the car breaking down.
529
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
530
Don't worry about the car breaking down.
531
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
532
Number 96 is to wrap your head around something.
533
To wrap your head around something.
534
And this means to find a way to understand or accept something.
535
For example, I still can't wrap my head around why she would do that.
536
I still can't wrap my head around why she would do that.
537
I can't understand it or accept it.
538
Number 97 is you can say that again.
539
you can say that again.
540
This is used to express emphatic agreement.
541
I agree, you can say that again.
542
So if someone says to me, the weather has been terrible, I as a true Brit will say, you can say that again.
543
And then if they didn't understand me, they might say it again and you don't need to, you don't need to say anything again if someone says you can say that again.
544
Number 98 is you can't have your cake and eat it too.
545
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
546
This means you can't have everything.
547
For example, You need to choose between the two options.
548
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
549
You need to choose between the two options.
550
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
551
Number 99 is you can't judge a book by its cover.
552
You can't judgments by its cover.
553
And that means don't judge what's on the outside.
554
For example, she may look scruffy but you can't judge a book by its cover.
555
She may look scruffy but you can't judge a book by its cover.
556
And number 100 is you live and you learn.
557
You live and you learn.
558
This is a nice way of saying you learn from your mistakes.
559
You learn from your mistakes.
560
For example, I know I failed that interview, but you live and you learn.
561
I know I failed that interview, but you live and you learn.
562
Right, that's it for today's lesson.
563
I hope you enjoyed it.
564
I hope you learned something.
565
I'd be surprised if you hadn't learned something because there's been a lot of information in this video.
566
You can comment below with five sentences using your favourite idioms.
567
And if you'd like to contribute any more idioms that you've learned in your classes, then please do comment them down below as well.
568
And don't forget to connect with me on all of my social media.
569
I've got my Facebook, my Instagram, my Twitter, and my Lucy Bella Earl channel.
570
Videos coming very, very soon, new videos.
571
And I will see you soon for another lesson.
572
Thank you.
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Woordenschat en spreektips bij deze les
Deze spreekles op niveau B1 is gebaseerd op de video “Learn the 100 Most Common Idioms in 30 Minutes”. Deze video bevat 572 zinnen en 5931 woorden om na te spreken. Het gesproken deel duurt 34:20. De spreker praat in een natuurlijk tempo van ongeveer 173 woorden per minuut, dicht bij een alledaags gesprek. 86% van de woorden hoort bij de 3.000 meest gebruikte Engelse woorden; de rest kun je beter vooraf bekijken.
Belangrijke woorden in deze video
De 15 moeilijkste woorden uit de video, met uitspraak en betekenis:
| Woord | Uitspraak | Betekenis |
|---|---|---|
| devil zelfstandig naamwoord | /ˈdɛvəl/ | duivel |
| bite werkwoord | /baɪt/ | bijten |
| insult zelfstandig naamwoord | /ɪnˈsʌlt/ | belediging |
| spill werkwoord | /spɪl/ | morsen |
| straw zelfstandig naamwoord | /stɹɔ/ | stro |
| idiom zelfstandig naamwoord | /ˈɪdiəm/ | idioom, taaleigen |
| nutshell zelfstandig naamwoord | /ˈnʌt.ʃɛl/ | notendop |
| madness zelfstandig naamwoord | /ˈmæd.nəs/ | krankzinnigheid, waanzin |
| fence zelfstandig naamwoord | /fɛns/ | hek, omheining |
| rude bijvoeglijk naamwoord | /ɹuːd/ | grof, onbeschoft |
| chew werkwoord | /tʃuː/ | kauwen |
| slack bijvoeglijk naamwoord | /slæk/ | slap |
| disguise werkwoord | /dɪsˈɡaɪz/ | vermommen, zich vermommen |
| rainy bijvoeglijk naamwoord | /ˈɹeɪni/ | regenachtig |
| worm zelfstandig naamwoord | /wɝm/ | worm, pier |
Phrasal verbs die je zult horen
| Woord | Uitspraak | Betekenis |
|---|---|---|
| give up werkwoord | zich overgeven | |
| go out werkwoord | naar buiten gaan | |
| break down werkwoord | stukgaan, kapot gaan | |
| pass away werkwoord | overlijden, ontslapen | |
| work out werkwoord | /ˌwɝk ˈaʊt/ | uitrekenen |
| give away werkwoord | weggeven |
Zinnen om te herhalen
Korte, volledige zinnen uit de video die je in alledaagse gesprekken kunt gebruiken:
- Please could you sketch out a floor plan?
- We say, why did you get that?
- Do you mind if I hit the sack?
- Shall we just see what happens?
- Are you taking the mickey of my mum?
Grammatica in deze video
De structuren die de spreker het meest gebruikt, met de exacte woorden uit de video:
| Structuur | In de video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — iets dat eerder begon en nog bezig is | you've been treating · has been progressing |
| Voorwaardelijke zinnen if + zin, will/would + werkwoord — een voorwaarde en het gevolg | If you make another mistake, there will be · if it does happen, then you'll deal |
| Present perfect have/has + voltooid deelwoord — iets uit het verleden dat nu nog telt | have bitten · have not met · I've organised |
| Lijdende vorm be + voltooid deelwoord — het gaat om wat er gebeurt, niet om wie het doet | is cost · is cut · is used |
Uitspraak om op te letten
De spreker gebruikt 148 samentrekkingen en verkorte vormen, zoals don't, I'm, can't. Spreek ze kort uit, zoals je ze hoort.
- De “th”-klanken: thunder /ˈθʌndɚ/, thesis /ˈθisɪs/
- De klanken “sh” en “zh”: nutshell /ˈnʌt.ʃɛl/, caution /ˈkɔːʃ(ə)n/, rejection /ɹɪˈd͡ʒɛkʃən/, illustration /ˌɪləsˈtɹeɪ̯ʃən/, crush /kɹʌʃ/
- Lange woorden — let op de klemtoon: investigator /ɪnˈvɛs.tɪˌɡeɪ̯.təː/, illustration /ˌɪləsˈtɹeɪ̯ʃən/, examination /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, accomplishment /əˈkɑm.plɪʃ.mənt/, problematic /ˌpɹɑ.bləˈmæt.ɪk/
Klanken die Nederlandstaligen lastig vinden:
- Stemhebbende eindmedeklinker — /b/, /d/, /g/, /z/, /v/ niet verscherpen: rude /ɹuːd/, disguise /dɪsˈɡaɪz/, parade /pəˈrɑd/, countryside /ˈkʌn.tɹiˌsaɪd/, arise /əˈɹaɪz/
- /æ/ — opener dan de Nederlandse “e”: madness /ˈmæd.nəs/, bandwagon /ˈbændˌwæɡ.ən/, slack /slæk/, sack /sæk/, basket /ˈbæskɪt/
- /g/ — een harde plofklank, geen Nederlandse “g”: bandwagon /ˈbændˌwæɡ.ən/, disguise /dɪsˈɡaɪz/, ignorance /ˈɪɡ.nɚ.əns/, exhaust /ɪɡˈzɔst/, investigator /ɪnˈvɛs.tɪˌɡeɪ̯.təː/
Zo oefen je met deze video
- Luister de hele video één keer zonder te spreken en noteer de woorden die je niet kent.
- Begin op 0,75× snelheid, spreek zin voor zin na en ga terug naar normale snelheid zodra het makkelijk gaat.
- Neem jezelf op en vergelijk met het origineel; let daarbij op woorden als devil, bite, insult.
Wat is de Shadowing-techniek?
Shadowing is een wetenschappelijk onderbouwde taalleermethode die oorspronkelijk is ontwikkeld voor professionele tolkentraining en gepopulariseerd door polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. De methode is eenvoudig maar krachtig: je luistert naar native Engelse audio en herhaalt het onmiddellijk hardop — als een schaduw die de spreker volgt met slechts 1–2 seconden vertraging. In tegenstelling tot passief luisteren of grammaticadrills, dwingt shadowing je hersenen en mondspieren om echte spraakpatronen tegelijkertijd te verwerken en te reproduceren. Onderzoek toont aan dat het de uitspraaknauwkeurigheid, intonatie, ritme, verbonden spraak, luisterbegrip en spreekvaardigheid aanzienlijk verbetert — waardoor het een van de meest effectieve methoden is voor IELTS Speaking-voorbereiding en echte Engelse communicatie.