Idioms & Proverbs
Idioms & Proverbs
Issue No. 1| Date of publication: October 27th 2021
Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
This note provides useful idioms and proverbs that can help to ensure smooth delivery of ideas for various language functions.
This note is produced by Tutorial 3 of Science Foundation
Programme and Tutorial 21 of Information Technology
Foundation Programme of session 2021/2022
This note is intended primarily to assist readers who appreciate the indispensability of the English language in the pursuit of knowledge, as well as mature students and lovers of English, to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the language which is acknowledged as a unique vehicle for the conveyance of all human thought. This note should be proven useful to all students, especially those who are sitting for Malaysian English University Test (MUET).
Iziana Hani Ismail
Preface
, Nur Anneliza Abd Latip, Queencie Dohny
Uswatun Nurrahmah binti Noorhassanah, & Mohd Affaddil Izmi bin Roslan
To begin a letter/an email
A whale of time
Meaning: Enjoy yourself very much.
Example: How's it going? I'm having a whale of time here in [place].
Writing Your Response in Task 1
To describe an event
In the pink
Meaning: In extremely good health and spirits
Example: It's great to hear from you! I hope you're in the pink of health.
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In good physical condition
Example: I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to get back at you. I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. How about you?
Under the weather
Meaning: Slightly unwell or in low spirits
Example: Sorry I haven't written for ages, because I was feeling under the weather for the past few days.
More fun than a barrel of monkeys
Meaning: Something very amusing or enjoyable Example: The [event] was more fun than a barrel of monkeys! It's unfortunate you weren't be able to join us.Cut and dried
Meaning: Something which is evident, understandable, and uncomplicated.
Example: When we arrived at the [place], we didn't find the situation as cut and dried as we had expected. It was easier to get where we need to go since we were provided with map.
Been through the war
Meaning: A place or thing that shows signs of a lot of use or is significantly damaged.
Example: We went to the St. Paul' Church in Malacca for the school trip. The ruins of the ancient church looked as though it had been through war!
Second to none
Meaning: The best; Better than everything else (in a certain group or category)
Example: It's a shame you couldn't join us for the school trip. We went to a restaurant owned by a famous pastry chef, so the desserts there are truly second to none!
Hive of activity
Meaning: Place where a lot is happening and everyone is busy doing something.
Example: The whole place was a hive of activity.
Everyone was busy preparing for the competition.
Up to the eyes
Meaning: Extremely busy (with something); deeply or overly involved (in something)
Example: Everyone is up to the eyes in planning the school excursion. I really hope you could join us.
Burning the midnight oil / Pull an all-nighter
Meaning: To work late into the night / To stay up all nightExample: I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
I've been burning the midnight oil/ pulling an all- nighter studying for the exam
To describe an experience
Experience is the best teacher
Meaning: Learn more from things that happen to you in real life
Example: A few years ago, I couldn't even get on the stage without having panic attacks, but, with practice, I'm much calmer and can speak publicly with no problems. Experience is the best teacher after all.
Writing Your Response in Task 1
To describe feelings
Trip down memory lane
Meaning: When people remember or talk about things that happened in the past.
Example: We were taking a trip down the memory lane when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad talked about his years serving as a Prime Minister.
Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example: She was over the moon when she found out she emerged as a champion in the Public Speaking Competition.
On pins and needles
Meaning: Feeling anxious and nervous
Example: We were on pins and needles waiting to hear about the results. We practiced day and night just to win this competition.
Feel blue
Meaning: To feel sad or depressed.
Example: Don't feel blue! There's a reason why your parents didn't allow you to join the trip. Perhaps you could join us next time.
Down in the dumps / Down in the mouth
Meaning: Feel depressed or sad about something that has happenedExample: She's a bit down in the dumps because she failed one of her exams. She needs to pull an all- nighter if she wants to improve her grades.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Meaning: An experience that seems highly unlikely to happen again.
Example: Going to the Louvre Museum in Paris is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So many works of art to discover in this fabulous museum.
Variety is the spice of life
Meaning: The new and different experiences make life more interesting and enjoyable.
Example: I've gone to many places around the world over the past five years and everything was a variety is the spice of life.
Bent out of shape
Meaning: Feel very annoyed, infuriated or angry.
Example: They got bent out of shape because the judges were biased. They should've won the competition!
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy when something wonderful happens.
Example: She was on cloud nine ever since her mother agreed to let her join the school trip.
Like a dog with two tails
Meaning: To be very happy and excited
Example: She looked like a dog with two tails when she heard that she won the district singing competition.
Writing Your Response in Task 1
To accept an invitation
In seventh heaven
Meaning: Bliss, to be so happy it feels like you are in heaven.
Example: Since he won the competition, he has been in seventh heaven because he won the prize worth RM 20 000.
Tickled pink
Meaning: Very happyExample: I was tickled pink when I got my hands on the VIP pass to see him perform live on stage.
Right up one's alley.
Meaning: Ideally suited to one's interest
Example: I am thrilled to go to the museum with you this Sunday because it's right up my alley. I always love seeing rare and valuable ancient artifacts up close!
Cup of tea
Meaning: Something you like, something you are good at or something you enjoy doing
Example: I'd love to join you in the next school trip to the museum. Seeing paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from different times is really my cup of tea.
Twist someone's arm
Meaning: To try to force someone to do something Example: I was not really planning to join the school camping trip but my parents have been twisting my arm about joining! This trip will take my time off from my studies to catch up with my friends.
On top of the world
Meaning: Extremely happyExample: Mary and I won the State Debate Championship. I was feeling on top of the world.
Full of the joys of springs
Meaning: Someone who is both happy and full of energy.
Example: He was so full of the joys of spring ever since he received the news.
Wind down
Meaning: To gradually relax after doing something that has made you tired or worried
Example: I'd love to join you. It is a great way to wind down after weeks of studying for the examination.
To reject an invitation
Hit the books
Meaning: Going to study
Example: I'd love to join you, but I need to hit the books this weekend. I have to get good grades for the examination.
A lot on one's plate
Meaning: A lot of work to doExample: I have a lot on my plate since my examination is just around the corner, so I have to decline your invitation. Perhaps you can invite the others to join you. I'm sure they'll be delighted to join.
Writing Your Response in Task 1
Take a rain check
Meaning: Politely refuse an invitation
Example: I'd love to tag along but I need to take a rain check. I am swarmed with homework this week.
Down for the count
Meaning: Unconscious or in a deep, insensible sleep.
Example: I'm sorry I won't be able to join you. I am so tired from football practices that I'll be down for the count as soon as my head hits the pillow.
To be snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with something
Example: I'm sorry that I couldn't make it as I'm snowed under with homework, especially when the examination is just around the corner.
(Not) my cup of tea
Meaning: Dislike somethingExample: I'm not planning to join any competition during the Teachers' Day celebration. Singing and dancing aren't my cup of tea.
