collection of idioms

8/3/2019 Collection of Idioms

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COLLECTION OF IDIOMS- CLOTHES

1.All dressed up and nowhere to goYou're prepared for something that isn't going to happen.

2.All hat, no cattle(USA) When someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they are all hat,

no cattle.

('Big hat, no cattle' is also used.)

3.All mouth and trousers(UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a lot but

doesn't deliver. 'All mouth and no trousers' is also used, though this isa corruption of the original.

4.All talk and no trousers(UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about doing big,

important things, but doesn't take any action.

5.Apron stringsA man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively dependent

on her, especially when it is his mother's apron strings.

6.At the drop of a hatIf you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it

immediately.

7.Belt and braces(UK) Someone who wears belt and braces is very cautious and takes

no risks.

8.Belt and suspenders(USA) Someone who wears belt and suspenders is very cautious and

takes no risks.

9.Big girl's blouseA person who is very weak or fussy is a big girl's blouse.
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10. Birthday suitIf you are in your birthday suit, you are naked.

11. Boot is on the other footWhen the boot's on the other foot, a person who was in a position ofweakness is now in a position of strength.

12. Bright as a buttonA person who is as bright as a button is very intelligent or smart.

13. By the seat of your pantsIf you do something by the seat of your pants, you achieve something,

but only by a narrow margin or do something without advance

preparation.

14. Cut your coat according to your clothIf you cut your coat according to your cloth, you only buy things that

you have sufficient money to pay for.

15. Dead men's shoesIf promotion or success requires replacing somebody, then it can only

be reached by dead men's shoes' by getting rid of them.

16. Deep pocketsIf someone has deep pockets, they are wealthy.

17. Dig your heels inIf you dig your heels in, you start to resist something.

18. Down at heelSomeone who is down at heel is short of money. ('Down in heel' is

used in American English)

19. Drag your heelsIf you drag your heels, you either delay doing something or do it as

slowly as possible because you don't want to do it.

20. Dress to killWhen someone is dressed to kill, they are dressed very smartly.


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21. Dressed to the ninesIf you are in your very best clothes, you're dressed to the nines.

22. Dyed-in-the-woolIf someone is a dyed-in-the-wool supporter of a political party, etc,they support them totally, without any questions.

23. Eat my hatPeople say this when they don't believe that something is going to

happen e.g. 'If he passes that exam, I'll eat my hat!'

24. Feather in your capA success or achievement that may help you in the future is a feather

in your cap.

25. Fit like a gloveIf something fits like a glove, it is suitable or the right size.

26. Fly by the seat of one's pantsIf you fly by the seat of one's pants, you do something difficult even

though you don't have the experience or training required.

27. Fur coat and no knickersSomeone with airs and graces, but no real class is fur coat and no

knickers.

28. Gloves are offWhen the gloves are off, people start to argue or fight in a more

serious way. ('The gloves come off' and 'take the gloves off' are also

used. It comes from boxing, where fighters normally wear gloves so

that they don't do too much damage to each other.)

29. Goody two-shoesA goody two-shoes is a self-righteous person who makes a great dealof their virtue.

30. Grey suitsThe men in grey suits are people who have a lot of power in business

or politics, but aren't well-known or charismatic.


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31. Hand in gloveIf people are hand in glove, they have an extremely close relationship.

32. Hang by a threadIf something hangs by a thread, there is a very small chance indeed ofit being successful or surviving.

33. Hard on someone's heelsIf you are hard on someone's heels, you are close to them and trying

to catch or overtake them. ('Hot on someone's heels' is also used.)

34. Have a trick up your sleeveIf you have a trick up your sleeve, you have a secret strategy to use

when the time is right.

35. Have your collar feltIf someone has their collar felt, they are arrested.

36. Hot under the collarIf you're hot under the collar, you're feeling angry or bothered.

37. I'll eat my hatYou can say this when you are absolutely sure that you are right to let

the other person know that there is no chance of your being wrong.

38. If the cap fits, wear itThis idiom means that if the description is correct, then it is describing

the truth, often when someone is being criticised. ('If the shoe fits,

wear it' is an alternative)

39. In another's shoesIt is difficult to know what another person's life is really like, so we

don't know what it is like to be in someone's shoes

40. In someone's pocketIf a person is in someone's pocket, they are dependent, especially

financially, on them.

41. Keep it under your hatIf you keep something under your hat, you keep it secret.


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42. Keep your shirt on!This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.

43. Keep your wig on!(UK) This idiom is used to tell someone to calm down.44. Kick up your heels

(USA) If you kick up your heels, you go to parties or celebrate

something.

45. Kick your heels(UK) If you have to kick your heels, you are forced to wait for the

result or outcome of something.

46. Kid glovesIf someone is handled with kid gloves, they are given special

treatment and handled with great care.

47. Knickers in a twistWhen your knickers are in a twist, you are angry and snappish over

something trivial. 'Whenever he loses his car keys, he gets his knickers

in a twist.'

48. Knock your socks offIf something knocks your socks off, it amazes and surprises you,

usually in a positive way.

49. Laugh up your sleeveIf you laugh up your sleeve, you laugh at someone secretly.

50. Lose your shirtIf someone loses their shirt, they lose all their money through a bad

investment, gambling, etc.

51. Notch on your beltA success or achievement that might help you in the future is a notch

on your belt.

52. Off the cuff


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If you do something off the cuff, you do it without any preparation.

53. Old hatIf something's old hat, it seems rather old fashioned and dated.

54. On pins and needlesIf you are on pins and needles, you are very worried about something.

55. Out of pocketIf you are out of pocket on a deal, you have lost money.

56. Pass the hatIf you pass the hat, you ask a people in a group to give money.

57. Pop your clogsWhen someone pops their clogs, they die.

58. Pull up your socksIf you aren't satisfied with someone and want them to do better, you

can tell them to pull up their socks.

59. Pull yourself up by your bootstrapsIf you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you make the effort to

improve things for yourself.

60. Put a sock in itIf someone tells you to put a sock in it, they are telling you to shut up.

61. Put it on the cuffIf you put something on the cuff, you will take it now and pay for it

later.

62. Put yourself in someone's shoesIf you put yourself in someone's shoes, you imagine what it is like tobe in their position.

63. Shoe is on the other footIf the shoe is on the other foot, someone is experiencing what they

used to make others experience, normally negative things.


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64. ShoestringIf you do something on a shoestring, you try to spend the absolute

minimum amount of money possible on it.

65.

Show someone a clean pair of heelsIf you show someone a clean pair of heels, you run faster than them

when they are chasing you.

66. Smarty pantsA smarty pants is someone who displays the intelligence in an

annoying way.

67. Take to your heelsIf you take to your heels, you run away.

68. Take your hat offIf you say that you take your hat off to someone, you are showing

your respect or admiration.

69. Take your hat off to somebodyIf you take your hat off to someone, you acknowledge that they have

done something exceptional or otherwise deserve your respect.

70. Talk out of your hatIf someone is talking out of their hat, they're talking utter rubbish,

especially if compounded with total ignorance of the subject on which

they are pontificating. ('Talk through your hat' is also used.)

71. Throw down the gauntletThrow down the gauntlet is to issue a challenge to somebody.

72. Throw your hat in the ringIf someone throws their hat in the ring, they announce that they want

to take part in a competition or contest. 'Toss your hat in the ring' isan alternative.

73. Tighten your beltIf you have to tighten your belt, you have to economise.

74. Too big for your boots


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If someone is too big for their boots, they are conceited and have an

exaggerated sense of their own importance.

75. Too big for your britchesIf someone is too big for their britches, they are conceited and have anexaggerated sense of their own importance.

76. Tough as old bootsSomething or someone that is as tough as old boots is strong and

resilient.

77. Trail your coatIf you trail your coat, you act in a provocative way.

78. Under someone's heelIf you are under someone's heel, they have complete control over you.

79. Under your beltIf you have something under your belt, you have already achieved or

experienced it and it will probably be of benefit to you in the future.

80. Velvet gloveThis idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is

determined and inflexible underneath. ('Iron fist in a velvet glove' is

the full form.)

81. Walk a mile in my shoesThis idiom means that you should try to understand someone before

criticising them.

82. Wear sackcloth and ashesIf someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear

sackcloth and ashes.

83. Well-heeledSomeone who is well-heeled is rich.

84. Who wears the pants?(USA) The person who wears the pants in a relationship is the

dominant person who controls things.


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85. Who wears the trousers?(UK) The person who wears the trousers in a relationship is the

dominant person who controls things.

86. Work your socks offIf you work your socks off, you work very hard.

87. Zip itThis is used to tell someone to be quiet.


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COLLECTION OF IDIOMS-

CHARACTER AND EXPRESSION

1.As cold as iceThis idiom can be used to describe a person who does not

show any emotion.

2.As mad as a hatterThis simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very

strangely. In the past many people who made hats went

insane because they had a lot of contact with mercury.

3.Average JoeAn average Joe is an ordinary person without anything

exceptional about them.

4.Bald as a cootA person who is completely bald is as bald as a coot.

5.Barefaced liarA barefaced liar is one who displays no shame about lying

even if they are exposed.

6.Bark is worse than their biteSomeone who's bark is worse than their bite may well get

angry and shout, but doesn't take action.

7.Barrel of laughsIf someone's a barrel of laughs, they are always joking

and you find them funny.

8.Bold as brassSomeone who is as bold as brass is very confident and not

worried about how other people will respond or about

being caught.

9.Class actSomeone who's a class act is exceptional in what they do.
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10. Cry-babyA cry-baby is a person who gets emotional and cries too

easily.

11. Daft as a brush(UK) Someone who is daft as a brush is rather stupid.

12. Dumb as a rockIf you are dumb as a rock, you have no common sense

and are stupid.

13. Fit of piqueIf someone reacts badly because their pride is hurt, this is

a fit of pique.

14. Hail-fellow-well-metSomeone whose behavior is hearty, friendly and

congenial.

15. Hard as nailsA person who is as hard as nails is either physically tough

or has little or no respect for other people's feelings.

16. High-handedIf someone is high-handed, they behave arrogantly and

pompously.

17. I may be daft, but I'm not stupidI might do or say silly things occasionally, but in this

instance I know what I am doing (Usually used when

someone questions your application of common-sense).

18. In rude health(UK) If someone's in rude health, they are very healthyand look it.

19. Johnny-come-latelyA Johnny-come-lately is someone who has recently joined

something or arrived somewhere, especially when they


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want to make changes that are not welcome.

20. Just off the boatIf someone is just off the boat, they are naive and

inexperienced.

21. Keep up with the JonesesPeople who try to keep up with the Joneses are

competitive about material possessions and always try to

have the latest and best things.

22. Laughing stockIf someone becomes a laughing stock they do something

so stupid or wrong that no one can take them seriously

and people scorn and laugh at them.

23. Moral fibreMoral fibre is the inner strength to do what you believe to

be right in difficult situations Example: He lacked the

moral fibre to be leader (In American English the correct

spelling is 'fiber'.)

24. Off your chump(UK) If someone is off their chump, they are crazy or

irrational.

25. Out of your mindIf someone is out of the mind, they are so emotional

about something that they are no longer rational.

26. Plain JaneA plain Jane is a woman who isn't particularly attractive.

27. Pleased as punchWhen someone is pleased as punch, they are verysatisfied about something

28. Rest on your laurelsIf someone rests on their laurels, they rely on their past

achievements, rather than trying to achieve things now.


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29. Sharp as a tack(USA) If someone is as sharp as a tack, they are very

clever indeed.

30. To have the courage of your convictionsIf you have the courage of your convictions, you are brave

enough to do what you feel is right, despite any pressure

for you to do something different.

31. Two-facedSomeone who is two-faced will say one thing to your face

and another when you're not there.

32. Yes-manSomeone who always agrees with people in authority is a

yes-man.


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PROVERBS

1.Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that different people have different opinions about what isgood/beautiful/valuable.

Example:

Most people here hate this food, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. People in many othercountries love it and eat it every day.

2.The best advice is found on the pillow.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that if you have a difficult problem and cannot find the answer now,just go to bed and have a good night's sleep. You may find it tomorrow morning.

If someone says, "The best advice is found on the pillow," he/she means that it might not begood to worry about your problem now. You may be able to solve the problem after a goodnight's sleep. People often say "I'll sleep on it" to express the same idea.

Example:

Let's end this meeting now. I don't think we can come up with the answer tonight. We're all tired.

Let's sleep on it. The best advice is found on the pillow.

Don't worry about it too much today. Go to bed now. The best advice is found on the pillow.


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3.Birds of a feather flock together.

Meaning:

People who are a lot alike tend to gather together and become friends. This can be used to meanthat people are alike in both good ways and bad ways.

This proverb is often shortened. Many people just say "Birds of a feather. . ."

This proverb expresses the idea opposite to the idea of"Opposites attract."

Example:

Max and Saula are sitting in the cafeteria at their school. They see a group of people that they donot like very much. All of the people in this group are a little mean. They are often rude to the

other students at the school. Saula points to the group and then turns to Max.

"Every one of those people is a little mean. How did they all get to be friends with one another?"she asks.

"Well, birds of a feather flock together. Maybe that is the reason they are friends. They all actthe same way," Max answers.

"Maybe," says Saula, "but I don't like any of them very much."

4. Better safe than sorry.

Meaning:

When you say, "Better safe than sorry," you mean that it is better to use some extra time,energy, and effort to be careful than to take risks without doing anything.

Example:

We will take our firstaid kit to the hike tomorrow. Better safe than sorry.

Make sure you have locked all the doors before you leave. Better safe than sorry.
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5.The bigger, the better.

Meaning:

The meaning of this proverb is opposite to that of"Good things come in small packages." Youuse this proverb to say that if something is bigger than others, it is better.

If someone says, "The bigger, the better," he/she means that something is good because it is big.

Example:

A. Which stereo system do you want to buy?

B. This big one. It has more features, and the sound quality is better. The bigger, the better.

6. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say it is better to accept something that you have or you can use nowthan to try to get something better that you might not be able to obtain. Sometimes people justsay, "A bird in the hand."

If someone says, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," he/she means that it is betterto be satisfied with something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something betteryou may not succeed in getting.

Example:

If I were you, I'd accept the job. It might not be the best job for you, but a bird in the hand isworth two in the bush.

7. Curiosity killed the cat.Meaning:

If you are too interested in things you should not be interested in, you could be in danger. Youmay be causing yourself problems by trying to find out things you don't need to know.
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Example:

Tom and Steve are walking down the street when they see a building that has been abandoned.There is wood over the windows and locks on the doors. There are weeds everywhere, and thegarbage has been blown in by the wind. There is also a fence around the building to keep people

out. The two boys hear a noise inside the building.

"I'm going to see what that noise is," says Tom.

"You'd better not," warns Steve, "Curiosity killed the cat, you know. It might be verydangerous. Let's just go home instead."

8.Don't count your chickens before they

hatch.Meaning:

You use this proverb to warn someone not to plan anything that depends on a good thing youexpect to happen in the future, and tell him/her to wait until it really happens.It is used to tell people not to be too sure that something good you hope for will really happen. Itmight not happen after all.

It is often shortened to "Don't count your chickens."

The "before they hatch" part can be substituted by "before they are hatched" or "beforethey've hatched."

Example:

A: Here's the list of the things I'm going to buy next month when I get money.B: It looks great, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

You might think the new president will fix all the problems in our company and we will get araise, but don't count your chickens (before they are hatched).

9.Don't cross your bridges before you come

to them.

Meaning:


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You use this proverb to tell someone not to worry about something until it actually happens.

People often say "I/We will cross that bridge when I/we come to it" to mean they will notworry about the particular possible problem until it actually appears.

Example:

A: Our proposal is ready, but what if the committee doesn't accept it?B: Don't cross your bridges before you come to them. We will see what happens then.

A (woman): I'll introduce you to my parents tonight.B (the woman's boyfriend): Okay.., but they might not like me.A: Don't worry. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

10. The early bird catches the worm.Meaning:

This proverb is used to tell you to act early or right now to be successful.

If someone says, "The early bird catches the worm," he/she means that if you do somethingearly or before anyone else, you will have an advantage and be successful.

Example:

The early bird catches the worm! Don't miss this year's best deal! The sale will start onThursday, and the store opens at 5:00 a.m.

Though you have more than 6 months before you leave, start looking for good deals on airlinetickets and reserve your seats early. The early bird catches the worm.

11. Good things come in small packages.Meaning:

The meaning of this proverb is opposite to that of"The bigger, the better." You use thisproverb to say that the size of things doesn't always indicate their quality, and small things oftenhave better quality than big ones.

If someone says, "Good things come in small packages," he/she means that something is small,
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but it has better quality than big ones.

Example:

A: Why did you decide to buy such an important thing from such a small store? They don't have

a wide selection of engagement rings.

B: Well, I know big stores offer wider selections, but, I found that store sells only the bestproducts. They never sell second-class products. Good things come in small packages, youknow.

12. The grass is always greener on theother side of the fence.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that the things other people have or their situations always lookbetter than your own,even when they are not really so.

It is often shortened to "The grass is greener on the other side," or even 'The grass isgreener."

Example:

Don't compare your talents with others. The grass is always greener on the other side of thefence. Just do your best.

You might think you'd be happy if you were working in my company, but, well, the grass isgreener on the other side.

13.

Home is where the heart is.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say if you are with the person or at the place you love most, it becomesyour true home.


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Example:

Don't worry about where you're going to live next year. Home is where the heart is.

14. It's no use crying over spilled (spilt)milk.

There's no use crying over spilled (spilt)

milk.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you shouldn't worry about something that has already happened.It is no use being angry over or upset about something that has already happened and/or youcannot change.

Example:

I failed the exam, but it's no use crying over spilled milk. I'll try it again.

You've broken the vase now! There's no use crying over spilt milk. We will buy a new one.

15. A kite rises against the wind.Meaning:

A person grows when he/she faces opposition and conquers it.

People say this: Don't be afraid of opposition; remember a kite rises against, not with the wind.

Example:

Don't worry about opposition from those groups. You are doing the right thing. A kite risesagainst the wind.


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16. Money doesn't grow on trees.Meaning:

You use this proverb to tell someone that he/she shouldn't waste money or there is not enoughmoney to buy something expensive.

If someone says, "Money doesn't grow on trees," he/she means that it is not easy to earn money,so it is valuable, and you have only a limited amount of money. You should be careful how muchmoney you spend.

Example:

A: "Mom, can I buy a new dress?"B: "We can't afford one now. Money doesn't grow on trees."

Our lab computers are getting old, but we can't afford to buy new ones this semester. Moneydoesn't grow on trees, you know.

17. Necessity is the mother of invention.Meaning:

The meaning of this proverb is that if someone really needs something or has a problem, he/shewill find a way of doing or solving it.

Example:

Throughout the history of science, a lot of evidence has proven that necessity is the mother ofinvention.

If you want to invent something, think about what people need or what problems they have.Necessity is the mother of invention.

18. A bird in the hand is worth two in thebush.


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Meaning:

You use this proverb to say it is better to accept something that you have or you can use nowthan to try to get something better that you might not be able to obtain. Sometimes people justsay, "A bird in the hand."

If someone says, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," he/she means that it is betterto be satisfied with something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something betteryou may not succeed in getting.

Example:

If I were you, I'd accept the job. It might not be the best job for you, but a bird in the hand isworth two in the bush.

19. Birds of a feather flock together.Meaning:

People who are a lot alike tend to gather together and become friends. This can be used to meanthat people are alike in both good ways and bad ways.

This proverb is often shortened. Many people just say "Birds of a feather. . ."

This proverb expresses the idea opposite to the idea of"Opposites attract."

Example:

Max and Saula are sitting in the cafeteria at their school. They see a group of people that they donot like very much. All of the people in this group are a little mean. They are often rude to theother students at the school. Saula points to the group and then turns to Max.

"Every one of those people is a little mean. How did they all get to be friends with one another?"she asks.

"Well, birds of a feather flock together. Maybe that is the reason they are friends. They all actthe same way," Max answers.

"Maybe," says Saula, "but I don't like any of them very much."
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20. Opposites attract.Meaning:

People use this proverb to say people tend to be attracted to those who are not like them. Peoplefeel those who have different talents, personality, appearance, etc. are attractive to them.

This proverb expresses the idea opposite to the idea of"Birds of a feather flock together."

Example:

A: It looks your mom and dad don't have anything in common. Your mom is plump andoutgoing, but your dad is skinny and shy, and loves being alone. He likes math and philosophy,

but she likes music and sports.B: I know that, but they love each other and get along very well. Some people say, "Birds of afeather flock together," but others say, "Opposites attract." That's their case.

21. The pen is mightier than the sword.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you can solve problems or achieve your purpose better and moreeffectively through communication with words than by violence with weapons. Edward GeorgeBulwer Lytton (1803-1873), an English novelist, wrote this for the first time in 1839. He wrote,"Beneath the rule of men entirely great, the pen is mightier than the sword."Here's another quote:

THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD? Here, we are offered the insight that wordsare superior to action, even deady killers, like swords. Meet Martin Luther's printed words thatchanged history, and all the king's men were useless. (James Crystal, 12/11/02)

This proverb means words are more powerful and effective than weapons in accomplishing your

purpose.

Example:

I want to stress that articles you write on newspapers can change the world. The pen is mighterthan the sword!
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A picture is worth a thousand words.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that a picture can give you as much information as a written orspoken text with a lot of words can.If someone says, "A picture is worth a thousand words," he/she means that you can describesomething by drawing just one picture as well as you can by writing or saying a lot of words.

People also say "A picture paints a thousand words."

Example:

Thank you for trying to give me directions, but it's too confusing to me. Would you minddrawing a map for me? A picture is worth a thousand words.

22. Procrastination is the thief of time.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you are wasting your time if you keep delaying something thatmust be done instead of doing it today. Edward Young (16831765), a British poet, was the firstone who said this.

If someone says, "Procrastination is the thief of time," he/she advises you not to procrastinate(put off doing something that you must do) and use your precious time wisely.

Example:

Don't put off the things you must do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.

on't put off the things you must do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.

23. Safety lies in the middle course.Meaning:


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This proverb teaches us that it is best to act in a way between two opposite (especially extreme)ones to solve a problem or to deal with something.

If you say "Safety lies in the middle course," you mean it is safe to act or do something in amoderate way.

Example:

I think those two parties need to take more time to negotiate. We cannot accept either of theirproposals. One is extremely conservative, and the other is extremely radical. Safety lies in themiddle course.

24.

Silence is golden.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that saying/doing noting is better than saying/doing or trying tosay/do something when you face a difficult situation.

People say "Silence is golden" to tell you not to say/do anything when you cannot come up withsomething to say/do easily to handle a difficult sitatuion.

People also say "Silence is golden, speech is silver."

Example:

A: How did you get throgh such a difficult situation?B: I didn't say anything. Silence is golden.

25. A stitch in time saves nine.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that it is better to spend a little time to deal with problems or act rightnow than wait. If you wait until late, things will get worse, and it will take much longer to dealwith them.

It is often shortened to "A stitch in time." This proverb expresses a similar idea to that ofAnounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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Example:

I advise fixing the leak now. If not, you might need to replace the whole engine later. Fixing the

leak costs $50, but you need to pay at least $1,000 to replace the engine. A stitch in time, youknow.

If you have an idea for your final research paper, start writing today. Don't wait until the end ofthe semester. A stitch in time saves nine.

26. There's no place like home.Meaning:

Your home is a special place. Nothing can replace your own home.

Example:

How do you like your new apartment here?

It's nice and comfortable, but there's no place like home. I really miss Mom's homemade bread.

27. Time flies.Meaning:

You say "Time flies" when you are surprised to see minutes, hours, days, weeks, or years havepassed very quickly.

Example:

A: Haven't we met each other for such a long time?

B: Yes, it's been 10 years since we met last time.Time flies!

(After they talk together for 4 hours)A: It's already midnight. We nee

d to go home.B: Is it already? Time flies!


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28. Too many cooks spoil the broth.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that if too many people do the same thing (job, project,, etc.), it willnot be done well. Sometimes people just say, "Too many cooks. " Another proverb "There issafety in numbers" expresses the opposite idea.

If someone says, "Too many cooks spoil the broth," he/she means that your work will be moreefficient if you use fewer people.

Example:

The director never asks more than 10 people to work with him in his projects, and he wants thebest 10. He always says, "Too many cooks spoil the broth."

29. You can lead a horse to water, but youcan't make it drink.

Meaning:

You can give someone the opportunity to learn or to do something, but you can never force him

to accept that opportunity.

This proverb is often shortened to you can lead a horse to water. . . .

Example:

Hannah and Jack are married and have a twelve year old daughter named Nicole. Hannah istrying to help Nicole with her English homework. Nicole doesn't care about school. She justwants to go play soccer with her friends. Hannah becomes angry and finally lets Nicole go.

"Nicole just doesn't understand how important school is. She just wants to play," Hannah tells

Jack.

"She'll understand someday. But right now, you have to remember that you can lead a horse towater, but you can make it drink. When she wants to do better, she will ask for your help. Youcan't force her to learn."

"I guess you're right, but I don't like it."


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30. You can't judge a book by its cover.Meaning:

You use this proverb to say that you can't tell what something/someone is really like just bylooking at it. It might be different from what it looks.

If someone says, "You can't judge a book by its cover," he/she advises you not to judgesomeone or something only by its appearance.

People also say, "You can't tell a book by its cover."

Example:

A: I want to buy this car. It looks great.

B: Have a test drive with someone who knows cars well before you decide. You can't judge abook by its cover.

I know you want to think he's honest and trust him, but be careful. You can't tell a book by itscover.

31. You can't take it with you when youdie.

Meaning:

You use this proverb to say you have to leave everything you have on earth when you die. Evenif you are very rich, you cannot take money, jewelry, a big house, or any other material thingswith you.This proverb is often used to say some material things are not as valuable and important as youthink, and you don't have to worry about them too much.

Example:

A: Should I buy a large house or a small house?B: It doesn't matter. You can't take it with you when you die.

You don't have be a millionaire.You can't take it with you when you die.


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