8 Common English Sayings (Part 3)
Here are some more common English sayings that you can use in conversation! The world is slowly opening up which means traveling will be a lot more common. This will allow more people to come to Canada and study English. If studying at VanWest College is in your future, maybe this blog can help. Just like any common sayings or limericks in your native language, using English idioms usually come easier for native speakers. So show off your English speaking skills improvement by using one of these sayings naturally in dialogue.
RULE OF THUMB
The phrase “rule of thumb” is usually referred to a practice or principle one person or company abides by. It usually comes from a place of experience.
For Example:
Maru: When do you usually go for your city tour?
Paola: My rule of thumb is to wait for all the students to finish their orientation before we leave.
A PIECE OF CAKE
“A piece of cake” is one of the most common sayings in the English language. It is used as a response to describe a task that was very easy and simple. Be careful, even though a task felt like a piece of cake it doesn’t always mean it is.
For Example:
Lucy: How did you do in your final exam?
Catherine: I did great! It was a piece of cake.
24/7
“24/7” refers to the 24 hours of the day and the seven days of the week. It means the referred to matter is an everyday, non-ceasing occurrence. The saying can be used to describe a condition of a being or service.
For Example:
Samer: I wonder if the store is still open.
Bihter: It should be, their sign says they are open 24/7.
BUTTERFLIES IN MY STOMACH
The saying “butterflies in my stomach” refers to the feeling you get in your stomach when you get nervous or anxious. It is not always a bad thing, it just means you are about to do something “big”. Everybody gets that “fuzzy”, sometimes uneasy feeling.
For Example:
Roger: Rina, are you nervous about your recital?
Rina: A little, I definitely have butterflies in my stomach.
PLAYING DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
To “play devil’s advocate” is to take on the opposing thought of a matter for the sake of debate or dialogue. This is a good practice especially when you are preparing to make a decision or argument without bias. If properly done, you are able to respectfully go deeper into topics with a view that differs from yours or your circle.
For Example:
Jed: I think they were wrong to question your views like that.
Yoalli: It’s okay, they were just playing devil’s advocate. I learned a lot.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
The “elephant in the room” is the matter that many know or is super obvious to many but no one says anything about it. It can be due to s controversial conversation that a group is avoiding addressing because it is more comfortable to do so. The elephant in the room can also be a group keeping a surprise for someone a secret. Depending on the situation it can be both a good or bad thing.
For Example:
Mustafa: I think we should address our differences and talk about our issues.
Gabriel: Great idea, we can’t keep tiptoeing around the elephant in the room.
UNDER THE WEATHER
“Under the weather” has a very simple meaning and is commonly used. It means you aren’t feeling well or you are in low spirits.
For Example:
Noor: Sara, I noticed you’ve been coughing a lot this morning, are you feeling okay?
Sara: Yeah, I’m just feeling a little under the weather today.
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
The saying “once in a blue moon” is to describe or emphasize a very rare moment. Fun fact: a blue moon is a term normally used for a second full moon that appears in a single month. Very rare.
For Example:
Michal: I heard you don’t like watching movies in the theaters?
Ingrid: Once in a blue moon I go to the cinema, it depends if I really want to watch the movie.
Well there you have it, 8 more common English sayings. Hopefully, these were helpful to you and you feel motivated to use them in conversation one day. No, we challenge you to use them in a conversation!
#VanWest
For more information about our Vocational College programs click here.
To learn more about other VanWest College ESL programs click here.
To contact us about anything else click here.
