15 English Idioms That Will Instantly Boost Your Vocabulary!

Summary

In this episode of English Podcast Adventures, Michael and Sophia explore 15 common English idiomatic expressions, breaking down their meanings and providing practical examples. From 'all things considered' to 'not think twice', they delve into idioms that reflect different aspects of life, such as decision-making, learning processes, and navigating challenges. The hosts emphasize how understanding these idioms unlocks a deeper connection with the language and culture. With clear explanations and engaging examples, this episode helps learners gain fluency by recognizing and using idiomatic expressions in everyday conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Idioms are expressions that offer a more colorful, natural way to communicate in English.
• 😀 Learning idioms helps learners understand native speakers better and sound more fluent in everyday conversations.
• 😀 The idiom 'All things considered' is used when summarizing an overall judgment after weighing both the positives and negatives.
• 😀 'Bit by bit' refers to making gradual progress, emphasizing small, consistent efforts over time.
• 😀 'Before you know it' suggests that something will happen quickly, often sooner than expected.
• 😀 'Out of the blue' describes something that happens unexpectedly and without warning.
• 😀 'At a glance' refers to quickly understanding something without needing to dive into the details.
• 😀 'Have something against someone' means disliking someone for a specific reason, often based on past experiences.
• 😀 'Look on the bright side' encourages finding the positive in negative situations or reframing challenges as opportunities.
• 😀 'Take issue with' is a formal way of expressing strong disagreement or objection to a specific point or action.
• 😀 Idioms like 'keep a low profile' and 'in accordance with' help with navigating social and professional situations by advising caution and compliance.
• 😀 Idioms can also help with specific actions or directions, like 'bear left/right' for navigation and 'set the record straight' to correct misinformation.

Q & A

What does the idiom 'All things considered' mean?

'All things considered' means giving an overall judgment after weighing both the positive and negative aspects of something, ultimately landing on a positive conclusion despite imperfections.

Can you give an example of how 'bit by bit' is used?

'Bit by bit' refers to gradual progress or small steps over time. For example, 'She's learning English bit by bit, mastering a few new words each day.'

What does the idiom 'before you know it' imply?

'Before you know it' implies that time will pass quickly and something will happen sooner than expected. It encourages living in the present as time flies by.

What is the meaning of 'out of the blue'?

'Out of the blue' refers to something happening unexpectedly, with no prior indication or warning.

What does 'at a glance' mean?

'At a glance' means to make a quick assessment or understanding of something without needing to dive into the details.

What is meant by 'having something against someone'?

'Having something against someone' means disliking someone for a specific reason, often due to a past incident or misunderstanding.

How would you use 'look on the bright side' in a sentence?

'Look on the bright side' encourages finding positive aspects in a negative situation. For example, 'The car broke down, but look on the bright side—at least we’re stuck in this beautiful town.'

What does it mean to 'take issue with' something?

'Take issue with' means to formally disagree with something, often in a more serious and professional context, where you raise a significant objection.

What is the idea behind 'keeping a low profile'?

'Keeping a low profile' means avoiding attention or staying out of the spotlight, often for strategic reasons or to avoid trouble.

What does 'strike a balance' refer to?

'Strike a balance' means finding an equilibrium between two or more competing things, ensuring that neither one dominates completely. For example, striking a balance between work and personal life.