Explore expressions for ordinary conversations. Notice how the example connects the expression to a real situation.
Use break the ice when an action helps strangers or a quiet group begin talking: The host asked a simple question to break the ice. It is usually used for the start of an interaction. If you need to state the action plainly, say introduce yourself, ask a question, or begin the conversation.
Treat a colour idiom as a whole expression. Out of the blue means unexpectedly, green with envy means very jealous, red tape means unnecessary official procedures, and black and white means clear and definite. Check the relationship between the speaker, listener, and situation before choosing one.
An idiom is a fixed phrase with a meaning that you cannot always work out by translating each word separately.
When something is unclear, say what you need: ask for repetition, name the detail you want to check, or restate the meaning in your own words. Keep the phrase short and polite.
Use couch potato for an informal comment about someone who spends a lot of free time sitting and watching entertainment: 'I was a couch potato all weekend.' Be careful when you say it about another person. A direct sentence such as 'He spent the evening watching television' is kinder and more exact.
Use cry over spilt milk for a past problem that cannot be fixed: There is no use crying over spilt milk. We missed the deadline, so let us ask what we can do next. In American English, you may also see cry over spilled milk.
Listen for one useful detail, react briefly, then ask about that detail. Use questions such as ‘How did that happen?’, ‘What was it like?’, ‘And then what happened?’ or ‘What do you mean by that?’ to invite the speaker to continue.
In standard English, use one negative idea when you mean no. Write ‘I did not see anybody’ or ‘I saw nobody’, rather than ‘I did not see nobody’. Two negatives can also create a positive meaning: ‘It is not impossible’ means that it is possible.
An eager beaver is someone who is unusually keen and ready to take part: Priya is an eager beaver who signs up to help before anyone asks. The phrase is informal and often friendly, though it can sound like teasing if the speaker is making fun of the person's enthusiasm.
Use an -ed adjective for the person who feels something and an -ing adjective for what causes the feeling. Say The children were excited about the game and The game was exciting.
Use I agree, That makes sense, or Exactly when you share an idea. Use I see your point, but or I am not sure I agree when you want to disagree politely. Add a reason when the conversation needs more than a short response.
Learn an idiom as a complete expression and use the sentence around it to work out its meaning. Break the ice means make people feel more comfortable, under the weather means slightly ill, and hit the nail on the head means describe something exactly.