Lesson 1: Common Idioms in Context
Understanding Fixed Expressions
Welcome to the world of idioms! An idiom1 is a common expression2 where the meaning is not what you would expect from the words themselves. The meaning is not literal3. For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," they don't mean animals are falling from the sky! They mean it's raining very heavily. Learning idioms will help you understand native speakers and make your own English sound more natural and fluent.
Key Idioms and Their Meanings
Let's look at some very common idioms you will hear in conversations, movies, and at work.
1. To bite off more than you can chew
- Meaning: To take on a responsibility or a project that is too big or difficult for you.
- Example: I agreed to manage the project and study for my exam at the same time. I think I have bitten off more than I can chew.
2. To be on the ball
- Meaning: To be very alert, quick to understand, and efficient.
- Example: Our tour guide in Kampot was great. She was really on the ball and answered all of our questions perfectly.
3. To hit the books
- Meaning: To begin to study in a serious and dedicated way.
- Example: I have a final exam next Friday, so I need to go to the library and hit the books all weekend.
4. To twist someone's arm
- Meaning: To persuade or convince someone to do something they were hesitant to do.
- Example: I didn't want to go to the party, but my friend kept asking. He finally twisted my arm and I agreed to go.
5. A piece of cake
- Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
- Example: I thought the visa application would be difficult, but with the new online system, it was a piece of cake.
In Conversation
Sophea sees her colleague, Narin, looking stressed at work.
Sophea: Hey Narin, you look worried. Is everything okay with the new project?
Narin: I'm not sure. It's a huge responsibility. I'm worried I have bitten off more than I can chew.
Sophea: Don't say that! You are always so organized and quick. You're the most on the ball person in our office.
Narin: Thanks, but I feel like I need to hit the books and study the market reports all night to be ready.
Sophea: Well, I know the manager really had to twist your arm to get you to accept the role. But he chose you for a reason. You'll see, it will be a piece of cake for you.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. If a task is "a piece of cake", it is...
- a) Very difficult
- b) Very tasty
- c) Very easy
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) Very easy
2. What does it mean "to hit the books"?
- a) To study hard
- b) To go to the library
- c) To get angry at your books
Click to see the answer
Answer: a) To study hard
3. Your boss asks you to lead three big projects this month. You feel overwhelmed. You might say, "I think I have..."
- a) ...been on the ball.
- b) ...twisted my arm.
- c) ...bitten off more than I can chew.
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) ...bitten off more than I can chew.
edit Your Mission
- Write Your Own Sentences: In your notebook, write two new sentences. Use "on the ball" in the first sentence and "twist someone's arm" in the second.
- Describe a Situation: Think about the easiest test you ever took at school. How would you describe it using an idiom from this lesson? Write one sentence.
- Listen for Idioms: When you watch an English TV show or movie this week, listen carefully for any expressions you don't understand literally. Write it down and try to find its meaning online. This is a great way to learn!
book Lesson Glossary
- Idiom (noun) - Khmer: សំនួនវោហារ (sɑm-nuən vo-ha) - A group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words. ↩
- Literal (adjective) - Khmer: តាមព្យញ្ជនៈ (tam pʰy-ɑn-chɛə-nĕə) - The most basic or original meaning of a word. ↩
- Expression (noun) - Khmer: កន្សោមពាក្យ (kɑn-saom peak) - A word or a group of words with a particular meaning. ↩