Find Treasure Today
Find something today for which you can sincerely grateful and show your appreciation. Find someone today whom you can encourage and lift them up. Find a task today that needs to be done and then take it upon yourself to do it.
Find something you can learn today and add it to your knowledge. Find something you can enjoy and take pure delight in it. Find a few moments of quiet peace and just let yourself be.
Find a challenge and let it energize you. Find something new and creative to wonder at and admire. Find something timeless and venerable to respect.

There is treasure in every moment, around every corner. Look for it. Find it. Live it. Be it. Fill today with special treasures, every chance you get. Ralph Martone

گنج را امروز بیاب

امروز در جستجوی آنی باش که ترا یارای سپاس باشد و نشانی از درک راستینش.
آنانی را بجوی که مشتاقشان نمایی و بر اوج نشانی.
رسالتی را دریاب که انجامش نیاز است و پذیرای اجرای آن باش.

آن چیزی را بجوی که امروزش بیاموزی و بر دانش خود افزایی.
چیزی را بیاب که از آن لذت بری و در آن مسرتی ناب یابی.
در خلوت خویشتن مجالی آرام بیاب و بگذار که فقط خودت باشی.

در پی چالشی باش که ترا نیرو بخشد و در پی نکته ای بدیع و خلاق باش که آنرا بستایی و حیران آن شوی. چیزی را دریاب در خور احترام و فراتر از حیطه زمان , و آن را به اوج رسان.

در هر لحظه از زمان گنجی است و در هر گوشه ایش. تو آنرا بجوی. همپای آن زیستن آغاز کن و آن را مایه بودن باش. امروز و هر فرصتی را سرشار از گنجی خاص کن.

INSIDE OUT

Much of what's on the outside comes from what's on the inside. External situations ultimately are the result of internal values and thoughts. Unfortunately, we too often allow the negative external circumstances to control our internal thoughts, which in return affect the external circumstances. The result is that we get stuck in a rut of negative thinking and negative reality.

Your internal thoughts are separate from the external world. Sure, you can internalize, comprehend and consider the external world in elaborate detail. Yet on the inside, you have the ability to be completely independent. You have control. Even people who are in physical bondage can control their own internal thoughts.

There is no reason for your thoughts to reinforce any negativity in the world outside. Perceive it for what it is, to be sure, but don't give your own power to it. Break the downward spiral. Take a positive initiative with your own thinking and experience what a difference it truly can make.
(Ralph Martone)

درونت را بنمای
هر آنچه در وجود آ دمی احساس می شود بی مهابا به دنیای بیرونی او می تراود .و آنچه در لحظه های دنیایی رخ می نماید حاصل اندیشه ها و ارزشهای درونی ا ست. اما افسوس که دنیا را آزاد گذاشته ایم تا اندیشه هایمان را احاطه کند, اگر چه انعکاس این سلطه بر رویدادهای بیرونی آشکار است; و سپس اینگونه است که در تنگنای اندیشه و ناواقعیتها گرفتار می شویم.

تفکرات درونت از دنیای بیرونت جداست . و به یقین خواهی توانست دنیای بیرونت را به تمامی درک نمایی, درونی اش سازی و در عین حال می توانی درونت را از قید وابستگی ها رها سازی. حتی همه آنهایی که در قید و بندهای ظاهری گرفتارند می توانند افکار درونی خود را برای خود داشته باشند .

به هیچگونه نمی توان پذیرفت که اندیشه های درونت یأسهای دنیایی را رنگ و جلای بیشتر بخشد.یأسهایی که بی گمان باید برا ی آن چیزی که هست در یابی اما تن بدو مسپار . سراشیبی ها را در هم شکن . اولین گامی را استوار و با اندیشه ا ی به رنگ امید همراه ساز تا نظاره گر تجربه متفاوتی باشی که برایت به ارمغان خواهد آورد

Useful capabilities
Why is it that, in a world where we're able to do so much, we have time to do so little? Perhaps this is because it is very easy for us to spend more time developing our capabilities than we spend actually using them.
Certainly you want to be capable and effective, but take care not to become a slave to mere capabilities. Don't put so much time and effort into being able to do something that there's no time or energy remaining to actually do it.
Preparation is vital. Yet at some point the preparation needs to end so the actual doing can begin. Being highly prepared means very little if nothing is ever attempted.
Learn by doing, not at the expense of doing. Rather than collecting empty, unused capabilities, develop your capabilities in response to the challenges you undertake.
Sure, it's enticing to be able to send e-mail while walking the dog. Just be certain you have something valuable to say. Be prepared, and be useful too. (Ralph Martone)

قابلیتهای سودمند

چرا باید چنین باشد که در دنیایی که می توان کوشید و باز کوشید تنها به اندک ها قناعت می کنیم؟ شاید به این دلیل که صرف وقت روی توسعه قابلیت ها و استعدادها سهل تر از وقت گذاشتن روی کار برد واقعی آنهاست.

یقینا می خواهی قابل و موثر باشی ولی مراقب باش که برده قابلیت های صرف نشوی. وقت و تلاشت راآنقدر صرف توانایی انجام کاری مکن که زمان و توان کافی برای انجام واقعی آن را نداشته باشی.

آمادگی حیاتی است. ولی آمادگی باید در نقطه ای تمام شده تا اقدام واقعی آغاز گردد. در صورتی که تلاش جهت شروع کار صورت نگیرد, آمادگی زیاد چندان ارزشی ندارد.

از انجام دادن بیاموز نه از هزینه ای که برای انجام می پردازی .به جای دستیابی به قابلیتهایی تهی و بی مصرف, استعداد خود را در پاسخ به چالشهایی که با آنها مواجه می شوی گسترش ده.

WELCOME LIFE
Welcome the day with open arms, with a grateful heart, and it will be a good and productive day. Welcome the challenges, the obstacles, as being necessary and they will strengthen rather than stop you. Welcome the opinions and the perspectives of others, specially if they differ from yours, and your own perspective will grow more valuable.

Accept what is, and you will increase your ability to do. Make or have whatever you wish. Live as though there is possibility for good in every circumstance, and you'll discover that there is indeed.

Welcome and celebrate life in all its ups and downs. Relish the cold, dark days just as enthusiastically as the bright, warm ones. Find as much value in the defeats and mistakes as in the victories and successes. The majesty of the sunrise would not occur without the darkness of the night. Effort would be impossible without rest, and likewise rest without effort. Seeking only a select portion of life serves to diminish it all.

Embrace the world in all its fullness and delight in the experience of being thoroughly alive. (Ralph Martone)

به پیشواز زندگی بشتاب
با آغوشی باز , سینه ای پر ناز و دلی پر سپاس به پیشواز روزی نیکو شتاب کن.
و به سوی چالشها بشتاب نه موانع, چنانچه ترا بدانها نیاز است.
چالشها و موانعی که ترا سعی اند و توان و نه سد و ملال.
زین پس تو اینان را و اندیشه دگران را پذیرا باش هر چند در تباین با تو باشند, و در آن دم است که ارزش نگاهت را به نظاره می نشینی.
آنچه را که هست بپذیر که بر توان تو برای انجام و داشتن و انچه را که در آرزوی آنی, افزاید.
آنگونه زندگی کن که نیکی در هر ذره آن هویدا باشد و نیکی در هر ذره برای تو ممکن .سر انجام براستی در می یابی که اینگونه بوده و هست.

به پیشواز زندگی رو با تمام فراز و نشیب هایش, پستی ها و بلندیهایش.
و جشنی به پا دار که سر خوش شوی از روزهای سرد و تاریک چونان که پر شور و سرور گردی از روزهای گرم و روشن.
و ارزنده دار خطاها و شکست ها را همچو پیروزی ها و کامیابی ها.

شکوه و جلال طلوع بدون تاریکی و غروب مقدور نخواهد بود چنان که سعی بی راحت و راحت بی سعی.
در پی جزئی از زندگی بودن , بر باد دادن همه آن است, پس در آغوش کش دنیا را با تمام و کمالش, و شادمان باش از تجربه زنده بودن.

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REACHING FOR PERFECTION

The way to achieve excellence and perfection is through experience. And experience is filled with mistakes. If it were not, we would not learn very much from it.

It is admirable to aspire to perfection, but foolish indeed to expect that it will come quickly or without mistakes. It certainly pays to expect the best of yourself. It also pays to be realistic. And patient. Perfection in any endeavor is an aiming point, not a starting point. Let the desire for it push you, but don't let the absence of it stop you. If you're ever going to get anything done, you must start somewhere. More specifically, you must start where you are.

Even in our world of instant fortunes, instant communications and instant gratification, it is still true that anything of true and lasting value takes time and effort. Aim for perfection, and follow the less-than-perfect road that will get you there. Ralph Martone

دستیابی به کمال

تجر به راهی است سرشار از خطا به سر منزل تعا لی و کمال. چو آکنده از خطا نباشد باری از آن بر نخواهیم بست .
راه یابی به کمال در خور ستایش است ولی بس نا بخردانه است که بیندیشی ترا بدان راهی است بی وقفه و عاری از خطا.
چو خود را در قله پنداری پس یقین دار که پندارت ترا به عرش رهنمون می سازد, عرشی در بلندای قله شکیبایی و حقیقت جویی.
در هر تکاپویی کمال نقطه غایت است نه آغازین. چون آهنگ ان کردی از جایگاهی که درآنی آغاز کن.
حتی در دنیای ما, دنیایی مملو از خوشیها, روابط زود گذر, و کامیابیهای نا پایدار , هنوز بر این باوریم که دستیابی به هر چیز ارزشمند و ماندگار در گرو گذر زمان است و همت انسان . کمال را هدف گیر و راهی بر گزین کوتاهتر از مسیر کمال , که اینگونه به سر منزل مقصود خواهی رسید

A man is as great as the dreams he dreams،

as great as the love he bears ;

As great as the values he redeems,

And the happiness he shares .

A man is as great as the thoughts he thinks ,

As the worth he has attained ;

AS the fountains at which his spirit drinks ,

And the insight he has gained .

A man is as great as the truth he speaks ,

As great as the help he gives ,

As great as the truth he seeks ,

And as great as the life he lives

 

بزرگی و شأن انسان در بزرگی و شأن رویاهایش

در عظمت عشقش ، در والایی ارزش هایش

و در شادی و سرور تقسیم شده اش نهفته است

بزرگی و شأن انسان در بزرگی و شأن افکارش

در ارزش تجسم یافته اش

در چشمه هایی که روحش از آنها سیراب می گردد

و در بینشی که بدان دست یافته ، نهفته است

بزرگی و شأن انسان در بزرگی و شأن

حقیقتی که بر لبان جاری می سازد

در یاری و مساعدتی که بذل می کند

در مقصدی که می جوید

و در چگونه زیستن او نهفته است .

جملات روز مره

۱- اگر رد بشی شانس دیگه ای نداری .If you flunk out you won`t get a second chance 2- عصبانیم نکن .Don`t get on my bad side 3- بهتره تصمیمتو بگیری . .You`d better make up your mind 4- خوب گوش بده ( این رو تو مغزت فرو کن ) دیگه نباید او مسئله رو شروع کنی. .Now , get it straight . You shouldn`t get started on that again ۵- این آخرین پیشنهاد منه ، می خوای بخواه ، می خوای نخواه. .That`s my last offer, take it or leave it 6- انتظار دارم این مسئله را خیلی جدی بگیری. .I expect you to take this seriously 7- اگر نمی خواهیم از پروازمون عقب بمونیم بهتره که الان حرکت کنیم. .We`d better take off now if we don`t want to miss our flight 8- دلم برایت می سوزد .I feel sorry for you 9- فقط ایندفعه رو بهت اجازه میدهم ، بار دیگه نه. .I let you have it this time, but not anymore 10- تو دخالت نکن (این به تو ارتباطی نداره ) .Keep out of this - This is not your bussiness - Don`t try to get involved 11- همون قدر که به تو ارتباط داره به من هم داره . .It`s just as much my bussiness as yours 12- اگر روی اون نون را نپوشانی زود خشک می شود. .If you don`t cover that bread, it will soon dry out 13- صبرم داره تموم می شه . .My patience is running out 14 - با اون کاری نداشته باش . .Don`t mess with him 15- این قدر به اون ماشین ور نرو .Stop missing around with that car 16- شما دو تا بس کنید (از دعوا سر و صدا و ...) نمی بینید دارم کار می کنم. .Knock it off you two. Don`t you see I`m working 17- اون فقط داره از شما سو ء استفاده میکنه. .He is just using you 18- درست ازش استفاده کن (ازش بد استفاده نکن). .Don`t misuse it 19- این ممکنه باعث دردسرت بشه. .This might get you into trouble 20- تازگی ها تو مدرسه مشکل پیدا کردی (تو دردسر افتادی)؟ ?Are you getting into trouble at school lately 21- سیستم الکتریکی ایراد (عیب) داره. .There must be a flaw in the electrical system 22- اگر فکر میکنی مشکل الکتریکی داره بهش دست نزن. . Don`t touch it if you think it`s got an electrical fault 23- بس کن و گرنه چغلی تو پیش بابات می کنم.( به بابات می گم). .Stop it, or I`ii tell your dad on you 24- این قدر فضولی (دخالت ) نکن . Stop being so nosy 25- این که دلیل نمیشه. .That`s no excuse 25- اون کار دزدیه. .That is called stealing 27- خیلی با احتیاط رفتار کن. .Use extreme caution 28- باید آروم و با احتیاط کار کنی. .You have to do it slowly and always with caution 29- حواست جمع باشه. .Be alert 30- حماقت نکن. .Stop being a fool 31- از عواقب کارت خبر داری. .Are you aware of consequences to you 32- سعی خودتو بکن ممکنه فرصت دیگری گیرت نیاد. .Do the best you can, you might not get another chance 33- مستقیم میرم سر اصل مطلب. . I come straight to the point 34- تمبر را با آب دهانش خیس کرد. . He moistened the stamp with his own saliva 35- اگر آب نباشد از تشنگی هلاک میشویم. . If there is no water, we will die of thirst 36- این سفر برایمان خیلی آب خورد. .This trip cust us a lot 37- این شایعات از کجا آب می خورد؟ ?Where these rumors originate from 38- مهمانی آنها خوب از آب درآمد. . Their party ended up being good 39- بی خود و بی جهت از همه انتقاد می کند. .She criticizes everyone for no reson at all 40- با دیدن آن خوراک خوشبو دهانم آب افتاد. .Upon seeing that Fragnant food, My mouth waterd 41- تنها پخت و پزی که بلدم آب پز کردن تخم مرغ است . .The only cooking I can do is to boil eggs 42- یک مشت آبدار به سرش کوفتم. . I gave him a strong punch to his head 43- آبروی خوانده ام در خطر است. .my family`s honor is at stake 44- برای حفظ آبرو این کار را کرد. .He did it to save his face 45- مواظب باش ممکنه لیوان از دستت لیز بخوره و بیفته .Becareful, the glass might slip out of your hand 46- در آینده ای نزدیک .In the near future 47- این آخرین مد لباس مردانه است . This is the latest men`s fashion 48- یکی مانده به آخر. The last but one 49- در این شرکت حتی یک آدم حسابی نداریم. We don`t have even one qualified person in this company. 50- این آرزو را به گور خواهد برد. she shall not live to see her wish fulfilled 51- بهترین موفقیت ها را برایت آرزو میکنم I wish you the best of luck 52- ورود برای عموم آزاد است. It is open to the public 53- آیا از عهده کار بر می آئید؟ ?Can you handle the job/task 54- این روزها اوضاع و احوال چگونه است؟ ? How is everything going with you nowadays 55- وضع زندگیت چطور است؟ ? How is life treating you 56- یک کمی پکر به نظر می رسی. You look alittle bit down in the mouth 57- ای بد نیستم. So so 58- دنبال یک لقمه نان می دویم. Too much for an effort 59- امروز روز سختی را سپری کردم. Today I had a hard day 60- تا دیر وقت بیدار بودم. I stayed uo late 61- از چه طریق امرار معاش می کنید؟ ?How do you make your bread and butter 62- مشغول چه کاری هستید؟ ? What are you busy with 63- امیدوارم که همه چیز روبراه باشد I hope everything works out well 64- اونجا خیلی خفه بود خوشحال شدم که بیرون آمدم It was stifling in there; I was glad to get out 65- خواهرش در کنارش بود ولی سرش طرف دیگری بود (به او نگاه نمیکرد). his sister, was at his side, her face averted 66- او خیلی مواظب گله اش است He is very watchful of his flock 67- او تا آنجا که میتواند با صدای بلند آواز میخواهد و تا حدی تو دماغی He sings as loud as he can, rather nasally 68- خریداران، شرکتهایی را میخواهند که به نیازهایشان توجه داشته باشند. Customers want companies that are attentive to their needs. 69- رز به النات نگاه کرد و چشمهایشان به هم افتاد. Rose looked at Allnutt, and their eyes met 100- او با دستمال چند باری (برای تمیز کردن) به لبهایش زد، صندلی اش را عقب برد و بلند شد. She patted her lips with her handkerchief, pushed back her chair, and got up 101- برای یک لحظه از تقاضائی که از من کرد جا خوردم. For a moment, I was completely taken aback by her request 102- از ترس حمله های بیشتر اکثر جمعیت شهر را ترک کردن. Fearing further attacks, most of the population had abandoned the city 103- دیروز در روی پله های بیمارستان نوزادی سر راهی را پیدا کردیم. A new-born baby was found abandoned on the steps of a hospital yesterday 104- هیچ کس در توانائی او در تمام کردن سریع کارها (در اینکه میتواند کارها را سریع به اتمام برساند) شک ندارد. No one doubts his ability to get work done quickly 105- او درب را باز کرد و داخل شد و خواهرش بعد از او داخل آمد. .He opened the door and went through it, and his sister came through after him 106- واقعا خانه ام شلوغ است. .My house is in an absolute mass 107- او واقعا یکی از بهترین دانش آموزان کلاس زبان من به حساب می آمد. .She was really regarded as one of the most able students of my English class 108- او در حالیکه دستش را (به علامت خدا حافظی) تکان می داد از نزد مادرش رفت. .He left his mother with a wave of the hand 109- والدینم خیال میکردند که کمی غیر طبیعی است که پسری به رقص باله علاقه داشته باشد. .My parents thought it was rather abnormal for a boy to be interested in ballet 110- او رفتاری غیر عادی دارد که ممکن است نشانه عقب افتادگی ذهنی (او) باشد. .He has an abnormal behaviour that may be a sign of mental illness 111- اگر بچه ام (جنینم) یکجورائی ناقص الخلقه باشد میتوانم سقطش کنم؟ ?Would I abort if my child was likely to have some kind of deformity 112- او در مورد سنش به ما دروغ گفت (سن واقعی اش را نگفت). He lied about his age 113- در مقابل (مورد) رشد جمعیت چه کاری میتوان انجام داد. ?What can be done about the rising levels of population 114- این همه سر و صدا برای چیه؟ ?What`s all the fuss about 115- از وقتی که (آخرین بار)رضا را دیده ام حدود 5 سال گذشته است. It`s been about five years since I`ve seen reza 116- اون بچه 11 ماهه است و دیگر باید شروع به راه رفتن کند. .She`s 11 months old and just about ready to start walking 117- شانس اینکه در مردها کسی کور رنگ باشد 1 در 12 است. .The chance of men being born colourblind is about 1 in 12 118- دیگه نزدیک بود بریم که مینا رسید. .We were just about to leave when mina arrived 119- هیچ یک از سازمانهای فوق الذکر به سوال ما پاسخ ندادند. .None of the organizations mentioned above answered our inquiries 120- دانش آموزانی که از درصد توانائی بیشتری برخوردارند باید در مدرسه ای مخصوص درس بخوانند. .Students of above-average ability should attend a special school 121- ما در هر بازی حدود 4000 نفر شرکت کنندة ورزش دوست داشتیم. .We have an average attendance of 4000 fans per game 122- حضار جلسه از حد پیش بینی شده بیشتر بودند. .Attendance at the meeting was higher than expected 123- با وجود بدی هوا خیلی شرکت کننده داشتیم. .We had pretty good attendance despite the bad weather 124- آنها با دقت تمام به سخنرانی گوش دادند. .They listened to the speech with close attention 125- در این شغل توجه به جزئیات ضروری است. .Attention to detail is essential in this job 126- وسط سخنرانی حواس الناز داشت پرت می شد (دیگر تمرکز نداشت). .During the lecture elnaz`s attention began to wander 127- زنجیر دوچرخه و هر جای دیگری که احتیاج به مراقبت دارد را روغن کاری کن. .Grease the bike`s chain and any other areas that need attention 128- وقتی به آنها گفتم که من دکتر هستم طرز برخورد همه عوض شد. .When I told them I was a doctor their whole attitude changed 129- صنایع احتیاج دارند که به چیزهائی که مشتری ها را جذب میکند توجه کند. .The industry needs to focus on what attracts customers 130- موضوعی که مرا به طرف این شغل کشید، (مقدار) حقوق ماهیانه آن و امکان سفر به خارج است. .What attracts me to the job is the salary and the possibility of foreign travel 131- یک مدیر خوب باید چه صفاتی داشته باشد؟ ?What attributes should a good manager possess 132- مرگ او ناگهانی و غیر منتظره بود. .His departure / death was abrupt and completely unexpected 133- او علت استعفا دادنش را کاملا شفاف بیان کرد. .He made his reasons for resigning absolutely clear 134- اواخر آن روز حسابی (از خستگی) از پا در آمده بودم. .By the end of the day, I was absolutely exhausted 135- کاملا حق با شماست ما همه تو این ماشین جا نمیشیم. .You`re absolutely right - we can`t all fit in one car 136- اون بچه قابلیت عجیبی در درک مطالب دارد. .the Baby has an enormous capacity for absorbing new information 137- به نظر می آمد که (مطلب را ) فهمیده باشد ولی نمی دانم بگویم همه جزئیاتش را هم گرفته باشد. .He appeared to understand, but whether he absorbed every detail I cannot say 138- از کارهائی که برای من انجام میدی ممنون. .I appreciate what you are doing for me 139- از تعریفت خیلی ممنون .Thanks for your compliment 140- خیلی متشکرم کمک زیادی کردی. .Thank you very much. You were a big help 141- جدا نمیدونم چطور از شما تشکر کنم (نمیدانم با چه زبانی از شما تشکر کنم). .I`ve no word to express my seep gratitude 142- جدا خیلی متشکرم. .Thanks you very much indeed 143- نمیدونم محبت شما را چگونه جبران کنم. .I don`t have anything to give in return 144- لطف کردید تشریف آوردید. .Nice of you to come 145- اینجا رو منزل خودتون بدونید. .Make yourself at home 146- موذب نباشید. .Don`t feel restrained 147- تا دم در با شما می آیم (شما را بدرقه میکنم). .I will just see you to the door 148- امروز زیاد حال و حوصله ندارم. .I am not in a good mood today 149- سر آخر این حقیقت را پذیرفتم که اگر سیگار را ترک نکنم خواهم مرد. .I finally accepted the fact that I would die if I didn`t stop smoking 150- والدین من همیشه من را همان گونه که هستم پذیرفته اند. (انتظار بیهوده از من نداشتند). .My parents have always accepted me just as I am 151- او به خاطر قبول رشوه در زندان است. .He is in prison for accepting bribes 152- کودکان سخت میتوانند خود را با مدرسه جدید وفق دهند. .The children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school 153- اگر به جای بیشتری برای کالا احتیاج دارید میتوانید قفسه ها / تاقچه های بیشتری اضافه کنید. .If you need more storage space it`s possible to add more shelves 154- اون کتاب میتوانست با اضافه کردن چند عکس رنگی جذاب تر شود. .The book would look a lot more attractive if they added a few color pictures 155- خواهر زاده من واقعا به بازیهای ویدئوئی معتاد است. .My nephew is a complete video game addict 156- برای اکثر سیگاریها سخت است قبول کنند که آنها هم معتادند. .It`s difficult for most smokers to admit that they are addicts 157- بسیاری از معتادان از رفتن به مراکز درمان امتناع میکنند. .Many addicts refuse to go to treatment centers 158- لحظه به لحظه به لیست چیزهائی اضافه میکنیم. .Additions are made to the list from time to time 159- برای بار سفر بیش از وزن مجاز هزینه بیشتری اعمال شده است. .An additional charge is made on baggage exceeding the weight allowance 160- ماشین ما از کار افتاد از این رو هزینه اضافه ای برای کرایه یک ماشین متحمل شدیم. .Our own car broke down, so we had the additional expense of renting a car 161- تعدادی عامل دیگر وجود دارد که باید مورد توجه قرار گیرد. .There are a number of additional factors that require consideration 162- میتوانم آدرس یک وکیل خوبی را در اختیارتان بگذارم. .I can give you the address of a good attorney 163- لطفا تغییر آدرستان را به ما اطلاع دهید. .Please notify us of any change of address 164- قبل از اینکه آتش نشانان بتوانند آتش را کنترل کنند شعله به دو خانه مجاور نیز سرایت کرد. .The blaze spread to two adjacent buildings before firefighters were able to contain it 165- او مرد صاحب نفوذی است .He is a man of influence 166- او اراده ای آهنین دارد. .He has an iron will 167- او از هر جهت یک آدم با شخصیت است. .He is a gentleman all round 168- تو برای من یک دنیا ارزش داری. .You mean a world to me 169- از اینکه با شما دوست هستم افتخار میکنم. .I feel honored to have you as a friend 170- جای شما واقعا خالی بود. .You were greatly missed 171- بدون شما سر کردن خیلی مشکل است. .That`s so hard to deal without you 172- منظور بدی نداشتم (نمیخواستم ناراحتت کنم). .I didn`t want to offend you 173- میتوانم منظورم را به شما برسانم یا نه؟ ?Am I making myself understood or not 174- نتوانستم از چیزی که گفتید سر در بیاورم. .I couldn`t make sense of what you said 175- شغل پر درآمدی دارید. .You have a well-paid job 176- من همیشه اضافه کاری میکنم. .I always stay over time 177- این واقعا لطف شما را میرساند. .That`s awfully very kind of you 178- یک کمی کارهای عقب مانده دارم که باید انجام دهم. .I have a little bit of catching up to do 179- تا چشم بهم بزنی بر میگردم. .I will be back before you know it 180- در یک چشم بهم زدن بر میگردم. .I will be back in a flash 181- تو ترافیک گیر افتاده بودم. .I was stuck in the traffic 182- ممکن است من را پیاده کنید؟ ؟Could you let me off 183- یک لیست بلند بالا از خلافی های ماشین من آنجا بود. .There was a long list of infraction for my car 184- من به تو اعتماد نمیکنم ماشینم را به تو بسپارم. .I don`t trust you with my car 185- بدنه ماشین قر شده است. .The body of the car is dented 186- او یک هفته مرخصی گرفت. .He took a week leave 187- من میخواهم نقطه نظر خود را متذکر شوم. .I want to present my point 188- ممکن است نظر خود را در این باره بیان کنید؟ ?Could you voice your views on that 189- ببخشید که حرف شما را قطع میکنم. .Sorry for interruption / interrupting you 190- پیش خودت بمونه. .Keep it to yourself 191- اجازه نده خبر به جائی درز پیدا کند. .Don`t let the news get out 192- به طور محرمانه آن را انجام بده. .Do it on private 193- خیلی سخت پسند نباش. .Don`t be so particular 194- زیاد قضیه را بزرگ جلوه نده. .Don`t make a big deal out of it 195- از او دل پری دارد. .She has a heart feeling toward him 196- حافظه ام یاری نمیکند. .My memory fails me 197- ناگهان به ذهنم خطور کرد. .It occurred to me suddenly 198- یکدفعه همه چیز یادم آمد. .Every thing clicked back to me at once 199- یک لحظه حواسم پرت شد. .My mind got distracted for a second 200- حواسم من دائما پرت میشود. .My memory keeps wondering 201- فکر من پراکنده است (تمرکز ندارم). .I am scattered-minded 202- زیاد بهت نمی آید. .It doesn`t suit you very much 203- نهایت سعیت را بکن. .Try your best 204- یکبار دیگر سعی کن. .Give it another try 205- نهایت تلاش خود را بکن. .Try your greatest effort 206- بخت باهاشون یار نبود. .Luck wasn`t on their side 207- او آدم پر طاقت و قرصی است. .He is a tough guy 208- به زبان ساده. .In plain term 209- دیگه اما و اگر نداره. .No buts and ifs 210- اصلا کی اینو گفته؟ ؟No buts and ifs 211- برای اینکه جوانب احتیاط را در نظر گرفته باشیم... ...No buts and ifs 212- بدون داشتن هدفی معین، نسبت به زندگی ات احساس نارضایتی خواهی کرد. .Without a clearly defined purpose, you feel unsatisfied with your life 213- اگر در مورد این موضوع فکر کنی میتوانی به جمع بندی درستی برسی. .If you think about the matter, you can reach the right conclusions 214- از کتاب او بعد از انتشار بیش از ده ملیون نسخه فروخته شد. .His book has sold over 10 million copies since its release 215- زندگی من 180 درجه بهتر شده است. .My life has taken a 180 degree turn for the better 216- خیلی هزینه کردم ولی فقط مقدار کمی عائدم شد. .I`ve paid a lot more and just gotten far less 217- احساس میکنم که دوباره به دنیا آمده ام. .I feel like I`ve been re-born 218- گویا که دنیای جدیدی به روی من باز شده است. .It seems like a whole new world has opened up for me 219- بر خجالتی که مانع از آن میشود که چیزی بگوئی، غلبه کن. .Overcome the shame that hold you back from saying something 220- دیگر یک آدم پاچه خوار نباش و سعی کن روی پای خودت بایستی. .Stop being the bootlicking guy and try to be on your own feet 221- باید بیاموزی که چگونه از فکرت استفاده کنی. .You need to learn how to use your intellect 222- رفتار یک فرد معرف شخصیت اوست. .A Mans` Demeanor Reveals His Status 223- زنان موجودات بسیار حساسی هستند. .Women are highly emotional creatures 224- غرورت را از بین ببر. .Fade out your own ego 225- دوست داری در چه موردی صحبت کنیم؟ ?What do you enjoy talking about 226- چطور شد که به این نتیجه رسیدی؟ ?How did you come to this conclusion 227- قوزک پایم بدجوری رگ به رگ شده است. .My ankle is badly sprained 228- این زخم بسیار عمیقی است متاسفانه باید بخیه بخورد. .It`s quite a deep wound. I`m afraid it needs some stitches 229- واقعا از حرفی که دیروز به تو زدم پشیمان هستم. .I deeply regret what I said to you yesterday 230- او فقط دو سال دارد ولی میتواند از یک تا ده بشمارد. .He is only two years old, but he can count up to ten

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Conversation Questions

• What is the most dangerous thing in your home? How can it be made less dangerous  
• What is the most dangerous thing in your home for a child? How can it be made less dangerous  
• What is the most dangerous thing in your home for an elderly person? How can it be made less dangerous  
• What dangers can be found in the kitchen that can cause accidents  
• What can be done to prevent kitchen accidents  
• What can a parent do to childproof a kitchen  
• What dangers can be found in bathrooms that can cause accidents  
• What can be done to prevent bathroom accidents  
• What can a parent do to childproof a bathroom  
• What dangers can be found outside the home in the   yard that can cause accidents
• What can be done to prevent yard accidents
• What can a parent do to childproof the yard
• What other dangers can be found in a home in bedrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and living areas
• What can be done throughout the house to prevent accidents
• What can a parent do to childproof the different rooms of the home
• Where at home would you put your first aid kit? What would you have in it
• Where are these items found in a house, why could they be dangerous, to whom could they be dangerous, and what could someone do to lessen the danger they present
  • hot pan/pot
  • hot curling iron
  • knife
  • window
  • iron
  • medicines
  • gasoline
  • pool
  • insecticides
  • natural gas
  • balcony
  • toilets
  • staircase
  • stove/oven
  • stool/ladder
  • yard tools
  • fireplace
  • cellar /attic
  • bathtub
  • bad dog
  • tall pieces of furniture
  • swing set / playground
  • very clean glass sliding door
  • electronic equipment
  • cleaning supplies
  • lake/retention pond
  • loose carpet on slippery tile floor
  • glass table or sharp edged table
  • hairdryer
  • bric-a-brac
• What do you need to do if...
  • you cut your finger preparing food
  • you fall down and can not move a limb
  • your child drinks a poisonous liquid? (discuss syrup of ipecac)
  • the toilet is flooding the bathroom
  • a pan on the stove is on fire
  • a neighborneighbor's dog is growling at you
  • our child falls off a chair and is bleeding

Bird Idioms

an albatross -around someone's neck

- a problem that prevents someone from succeeding

The man's lack of a university degree was an albatross around his neck and prevented him from being promoted.

as a duck takes to water

- easily and naturally

The little boy started to swim just as a duck takes to water.

as bald as a coot

- completely bald

The man in the gas station was as bald as a coot.

as crazy as a loon

- crazy

Our neighbor is as crazy as a loon.

as dead as a dodo

- dead, no longer in existence

The dog was as dead as a dodo after the accident.

as easy as duck soup

- very easy, requiring no effort

Convincing the man to buy the car was as easy as duck soup.

as free as a bird

- carefree, completely free

I was as free as a bird after I finished my last school exam.

as graceful as a swan

- very graceful

The figure skater was as graceful as a swan.

as happy as a lark

- very happy and cheerful

The boy was as happy as a lark when he received his birthday present.

as hoarse as a crow

- very hoarse

The professor was as hoarse as a crow when he finished the lecture.

as mad as a wet hen

- angry

The nurse was as mad as a wet hen when the patient tried to bite her.

as naked as a jaybird

- naked

The little boy was as naked as a jaybird when he finished his bath.

as proud as a peacock

- very proud, haughty

The father was as proud as a peacock of his young son.

as scarce as hen's teeth/scarcer than hen's teeth

- very scarce or nonexistent

Cheap hotels in this city are as scarce as hen's teeth.

as silly as a goose

- very foolish, very silly

My aunt acted as silly as a goose last evening.

as soft as down

- very soft to the touch (down is the soft/fine feathers from a goose or duck)

The fur on the little dog was as soft as down.

as the crow flies

- by the most direct way, along a straight line between two places

As the crow flies it is about six kilometers between my house and downtown.

as wise as an owl

- very wise

My grandfather is as wise as an owl and he seems to know everything.

a bat out of hell

- very fast (bats are not birds but are mammals that can fly)

The man left here like a bat out of hell. I do not know why he was in such a hurry.

bats in the belfry

- crazy, eccentric (bats are not birds but are mammals that can fly)

I think that my boss has bats in the belfry. His ideas are absolutely crazy.

bird brain

- someone who you think is stupid

The man is a bird brain and he is always making mistakes at work.

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

- something that is certain is better than something that is not certain

"You should keep the prize money and not try to win more. Remember that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

birds and the bees

- the facts about sex and birth and life

The boy learned about the birds and the bees in his health education class at school.

birds-eye view

- a general view from above

"Let`s go up to the roof and get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area."

birds of a feather flock together

- people who are similar become friends or join together

"Do not complain about your friends. Remember that birds of a feather flock together. They are just like you."

chicken and egg situation

- two things happen together and it is difficult to see which one of them caused the other

It was a chicken and egg situation and it was difficult to know who caused the problems with the computer.

chicken feed

- a small sum of money

The money that I spent last night was chicken feed and I am not worried about it at all.

chicken-livered

- cowardly, easily scared

The boy called his friend chicken-livered which made him very angry.

chicken out of (doing something)

- to stop doing something because of fear

My friend was planning to come with us but he chickened out at the last moment.

chickens come home to roost

- someone`s words or actions come back to cause trouble for him or her

The man was very mean to other people when he was supervisor. Now his chickens have come home to roost and people are very unkind to him.

clip (someone`s) wings

- to limit or hold someone back, to bring someone under control

We plan to clip the supervisor's wings as he is becoming too aggressive when dealing with other people.

cock-and-bull story

- a silly story that is not true

The student told her teacher a cock-and-bull story about why she was absent.

cock of the walk

- someone who thinks that he or she is more important than others in a group

The supervisor thinks that he is cock of the walk and can do anything that he wants.

cold turkey

- abruptly and without medical aid (used when someone stops taking addictive drugs or tries to stop a bad habit)

The government program helped the drug addicts stop using heroin cold turkey.

cook (someone`s) goose

- to destroy someone`s future chances or reputation

The woman cooked her goose when she fought against her employer and lost.

count one`s chickens before they`re hatched

- to depend or think that you will get something before you actually have it

"Don`t count your chickens before they`re hatched. Remember that you may not get the job that you expect and you should not spend too much money."

dead duck

- someone in a hopeless situation or condition

The man is a dead duck. When the police catch him he will have to go to jail.

duck soup

- a task that does not require much effort

The exam was duck soup. I am sure that I did very well.

eagle eye

- an intently watchful eye

The boy has an eagle eye and he never misses anything.

early bird

- someone who arrives someplace early or starts something early

I am an early bird and I like to arrive early at work every morning.

the early bird catches the worm

- a person who gets up early in the morning has the best chance of success

"Let`s leave at six o`clock in the morning. Remember, the early bird catches the worm."

eat crow

- to admit that you are mistaken or defeated

Our boss was forced to eat crow when he discovered that what he had said was totally wrong.

eat like a bird

- to eat very little

The boy must be sick. He has been eating like a bird recently.

feather in one`s cap

- something to be proud of, an honor

Winning the speech contest was a feather in my son's cap and we are very proud of him.

feather one`s nest

- to look after one`s own financial interests - especially while holding public office

The politician was feathering his nest for many years until he was replaced in the election.

fly the coop

- to escape, to leave (like a chicken escaping from a chicken coop)

The two boys wanted to fly the coop when the school bell rang.

for the birds

- not interesting, something that you do not like, worthless

The movie was for the birds so we left early and went to eat.

foul one's own nest

- to harm one's own interests, to bring discredit to one's family

I do not want to foul my own nest so I try to be very honest in all of my dealings with others.

get one's ducks in a row

- to put one's affairs or something in order

When I get my ducks in a row I will be able to make a decision about a new career.

go to bed with the chickens

- to go to bed as the sun is setting, to go to bed very early

My grandfather always goes to bed with the chickens because he works on a farm.

a gone goose

- someone or something that has departed or run away

The boy is a gone goose. He will not be returning today.

goose bumps

- a prickly or bumpy feeling on one's skin because of cold/fear/excitement (like the skin of a goose or chicken)

I got goose bumps as I watched the horror movie.

one's goose is cooked

- one has been discovered to have done something wrong and he or she is now in trouble

My goose is cooked. Soon my friend will discover that I lost her bicycle.

in fine feather

- in good humor

My friend is in fine feather today and he has been laughing all morning.

kill the goose that lays the golden egg

- to spoil/destroy something that is beneficial or makes a lot of money

My friends sold part of their business but it is the most profitable part. I think that they have killed the goose that lays the golden egg.

kill two birds with one stone

- to succeed in doing two things by only one action

"Let`s have the meeting when we come to town to go shopping so that we can kill two birds with one stone."

lame duck

- a politician who has little time left in office and therefore has little power

The politician is a lame-duck leader and he is not effective at all.

lay an egg

- to give a bad performance

The performer laid an egg at the concert last night.

like water off a duck`s back

- without any effect, easily

Criticism falls away from my father like water off a duck`s back and he never worries about anything.

a little bird told me

- something is learned from a mysterious and secret source who you do not want to name

A little bird told me that my friends will have a surprise party for me next week.

look like the cat that swallowed the canary

- to look very self-satisfied, to look as if you have just had a great success

The boy looked like the cat that swallowed the canary after he won the relay race.

lovely weather for ducks

- rainy weather

I commented to the wet letter carrier that it was lovely weather for ducks today.

neither fish nor fowl

- something that does not belong to a definite group

The manager's idea was neither fish nor fowl. Nobody knew what to do with it.

night owl

- someone who likes to stay up very late at night

My friend is a night owl and he loves to stay up late at night.

pecking order

- the way that people are ranked in relation to each other

I have not worked at my company very long so I do not understand the pecking order yet.

play chicken

- to do something dangerous in order to see who becomes frightened first and stops

The two boys were playing chicken in the schoolyard.

rare bird

- someone who is unusual

The woman is a rare bird and she has done many interesting things in her life.

ruffle its feathers

- a bird points its feathers outward

The bird sat in the tree and ruffled its feathers.

ruffle (someone's) feathers

- to upset or annoy someone

I am usually very careful not to ruffle my supervisor's feathers.

rule the roost

- to be the boss or manager somewhere but often at home (a roost is a place where birds can perch/sit)

My grandfather ruled the roost in his family.

run around like a chicken with its head cut off

- to run around frantically and with no aim or purpose

I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off all morning as I prepared for my trip.

sitting duck

- an unsuspecting person who is easily fooled - as if waiting to be attacked

The soldier should move away from the window. He is like a sitting duck for the enemy.

spread one's wings

- to begin to be independent and try new things

My uncle's friend is beginning to spread his wings and try many new things.

no spring chicken

- not young anymore

I do not know how old my aunt is but she is no spring chicken.

swan song

- the last work or performance by an artist before death or retirement

The actor's swan song was his magnificent performance in his recent movie.

take (someone) under one's wings

- to begin to look after and care for a person

The teacher took the young boy under her wings when he first came to the school.

talk turkey

- to talk frankly, to talk business

I went to see my friend because I knew that it was time to talk turkey with him.

try out one's wings

- to try to do something that you have recently learned or become qualified to do

I plan to try out my wings at golfing now that my lessons have finished.

ugly duckling

- an ugly or plain child (who grows up to be pretty)

The girl was an ugly duckling when she was a child but now she is quite beautiful.

under the wings of (someone)

- to be under the care/control/protection of someone

The new teacher is now under the wings of the principal of the school.

watch (someone or something) like a hawk

- to watch someone very carefully

The mother watched her young child like a hawk.

what's good/sauce for the goose is good/sauce for the gander

- what is good for one person should be good for another person as well

What's good for the goose is good for the gander and if the food is good enough for me, then it is good enough for the other members of the basketball team.

wild goose chase

- a chase that is futile or worthless

The motorcycle riders led the police on a wild goose chase.

wing it

- to do the best in a situation that one is not prepared for

I forgot to study so I had to wing it on the test.

Chicken Idioms

as mad as a wet hen

- angry

The nurse was as mad as a wet hen when the patient tried to bite her.

as scarce as hen's teeth/scarcer than hen's teeth

- very scarce or nonexistent

Cheap hotels in this city are as scarce as hen's teeth.

chicken and egg situation

- two things happen together and it is difficult to see which one of them caused the other

It was a chicken and egg situation and it was difficult to know who caused the problems with the computer.

chicken feed

- a small sum of money

The money that I spent last night was chicken feed and I am not worried about it at all.

chicken-livered

- cowardly, easily scared

The boy called his friend chicken-livered which made him very angry.

chicken out of (doing something)

- to stop doing something because of fear

My friend was planning to come with us but he chickened out at the last moment.

chickens come home to roost

- someone`s words or actions come back to cause trouble for him or her

The man was very mean to other people when he was supervisor. Now his chickens have come home to roost and people are very unkind to him.

count one`s chickens before they`re hatched

- to depend or think that you will get something before you actually have it

"Don`t count your chickens before they`re hatched. Remember that you may not get the job that you expect and you should not spend too much money."

go to bed with the chickens

- to go to bed as the sun is setting, to go to bed very early

My grandfather always goes to bed with the chickens because he works on a farm.

play chicken

- to do something dangerous in order to see who becomes frightened first and stops

The two boys were playing chicken in the schoolyard.

run around like a chicken with its head cut off

- to run around frantically and with no aim or purpose

I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off all morning as I prepared for my trip.

no spring chicken

- not young anymore

I do not know how old my aunt is but she is no spring chicken.

Crow Idioms

as hoarse as a crow

- very hoarse

The professor was as hoarse as a crow when he finished the lecture.

as the crow flies

- by the most direct way, along a straight line between two places

As the crow flies it is about six kilometers between my house and downtown.

eat crow

- to admit that you are mistaken or defeated

Our boss was forced to eat crow when he discovered that what he had said was totally wrong.

Duck Idioms

as a duck takes to water

- easily and naturally

The little boy started to swim just as a duck takes to water.

as easy as duck soup

- very easy, requiring no effort

Convincing the man to buy the car was as easy as duck soup.

dead duck

- someone in a hopeless situation or condition

The man is a dead duck. When the police catch him he will have to go to jail.

duck soup

- a task that does not require much effort

The exam was duck soup. I am sure that I did very well.

get one's ducks in a row

- to put one's affairs or something in order

When I get my ducks in a row I will be able to make a decision about a new career.

lame duck

- a politician who has little time left in office and therefore has little power

The politician is a lame-duck leader and he is not effective at all.

like water off a duck`s back

- without any effect, easily

Criticism falls away from my father like water off a duck`s back and he never worries about anything.

lovely weather for ducks

- rainy weather

I commented to the wet letter carrier that it was lovely weather for ducks today.

sitting duck

- an unsuspecting person who is easily fooled - as if waiting to be attacked

The soldier should move away from the window. He is like a sitting duck for the enemy.

ugly duckling

- an ugly or plain child (who grows up to be pretty)

The girl was an ugly duckling when she was a child but now she is quite beautiful.

Goose Idioms

as silly as a goose

- very foolish, very silly

My aunt acted as silly as a goose last evening.

cook (someone`s) goose

- to destroy someone`s future chances or reputation

The woman cooked her goose when she fought against her employer and lost.

a gone goose

- someone or something that has departed or run away

The boy is a gone goose. He will not be returning today.

goose bumps

- a prickly or bumpy feeling on one's skin because of cold/fear/excitement (like the skin of a goose or chicken)

I got goose bumps as I watched the horror movie.

one's goose is cooked

- one has been discovered to have done something wrong and he or she is now in trouble

My goose is cooked. Soon my friend will discover that I lost her bicycle.

kill the goose that lays the golden egg

- to spoil/destroy something that is beneficial or makes a lot of money

My friends sold part of their business but it is the most profitable part. I think that they have killed the goose that lays the golden egg.

what's good/sauce for the goose is good/sauce for the gander

- what is good for one person should be good for another person as well

What's good for the goose is good for the gander and if the food is good enough for me, then it is good enough for the other members of the basketball team.

wild goose chase

- a chase that is futile or worthless

The motorcycle riders led the police on a wild goose chase.

Owl Idioms

as wise as an owl

- very wise

My grandfather is as wise as an owl and he seems to know everything.

night owl

- someone who likes to stay up very late at night

My friend is a night owl and he loves to stay up late at night.

Swan Idioms

as graceful as a swan

- very graceful

The figure skater was as graceful as a swan.

swan song

- the last work or performance by an artist before death or retirement

The actor's swan song was his magnificent performance in his recent movie.

 

Animal Idioms

ahead of the pack

- to be more successful than other people who are doing the same thing as you (a pack is a group of animals like dogs or wolves who live together)

The girl studied hard all summer and was ahead of the pack when she returned to school in the autumn.

alley cat

- a stray cat

I began to feed the alley cat and now it comes to my house every day.

as awkward as a cow on roller skates

- very awkward

The little girl was as awkward as a cow on roller skates when she first began riding her bicycle.

as blind as a bat

- blind

The man is as blind as a bat and cannot see more than a small distance ahead.

as busy as a beaver

- very busy

I have been as busy as a beaver all morning trying to finish my work.

as clean as a hound's tooth

- very clean

The classroom was as clean as a hound's tooth when the students finished cleaning it.

as conceited as a barber's cat

- very conceited, vain

My friend became as conceited as a barber's cat after she won the award at school.

as crooked as a dog's hind leg

- dishonest

The politician is as crooked as a dog's hind leg and everybody dislikes him.

as drunk as a skunk

- very drunk

The man was as drunk as a skunk when he walked into the restaurant.

as fat as a pig

- very fat

The woman in the supermarket was as fat as a pig.

as gentle as a lamb

- very gentle

The girl is as gentle as a lamb when she is with her little sister.

as gruff as a bear

- gruff, unsociable

Our neighbor is as gruff as a bear when we meet him in the morning.

as hungry as a bear

- very hungry

I was as hungry as a bear when I arrived home from work.

as innocent as a lamb

- having no guilt, naive

The little girl is as innocent as a lamb and everybody loves her.

as meek as a lamb

- quiet, docile, meek

The secretary was as meek as a lamb when she went to ask her boss for a salary increase.

as nervous as a cat

- very nervous

The man was as nervous as a cat when he talked to the woman.

as poor as a church mouse

- very poor

My cousin is as poor as a church mouse and never has any money to spend.

as quiet as a mouse

- very quiet, shy

I was as quiet as a mouse when I left my house early this morning.

as scared as a rabbit

- very scared

I was as scared as a rabbit when I entered the empty room.

as sick as a dog

- very sick

My friend was as sick as a dog when he left the restaurant last night.

as sly as a fox

- smart and clever

The manager of our apartment is as sly as a fox.

as strong as a horse/lion/ox

- very strong

The man was as strong as an ox and easily helped us move the sofa.

as stubborn as a mule

- very stubborn

My friend is as stubborn as a mule and you can never make her change her mind.

as weak as a kitten

- weak, sickly

The girl is as weak as a kitten and cannot carry the pile of books.

as wild as a tiger

- very wild

The little boy was as wild as a tiger when we were trying to look after him.

back the wrong horse

- to support someone or something that cannot or does not win or succeed

We backed the wrong horse when we supported the new candidate for mayor.

badger (someone)

- to get someone to do something by repeated questions or by bothering them

I always have to badger my friend in order to make him return my computer games.

one's bark is worse than one's bite

- one's words are worse than one's actions

You should not worry about her. Her bark is worse than her bite and she is really a very nice person.

bark up the wrong tree

- to choose the wrong course of action, to ask the wrong person (a hunting dog may make a mistake when chasing an animal and bark up the wrong tree)

My boss is barking up the wrong tree. I did not cause the computer problem because I was away at the time.

the best-laid plans of mice and men

- the best thought-out plans that anyone can make

The best-laid plans of mice and men could not prevent the problems that we had with our travel plans.

bet on the wrong horse

- to misread the future, to not choose the winning person or solution

He is betting on the wrong horse if he supports the other city in their bid for the Olympic games.

the black sheep of the family

- the worst or the most unpopular/disliked member of a family

My cousin is the black sheep of the family and nobody likes to talk about him.

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

- to be very cheerful and eager (like a squirrel with bright eyes and a bushy tail)

The children were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when they got up in the morning.

a bull in a china shop

- a tactless person who upsets others or upsets plans, a very clumsy person

The boy is like a bull in a china shop so you should be careful if you invite him to your house.

buy a pig in a poke

- to buy something without seeing it or knowing if it will be satisfactory

You can buy the used computer but it will be like buying a pig in a poke if you do not look at it first.

by shank's mare

- by foot

I came to the meeting by shank's mare.

call the dogs off

- to stop threatening/chasing/hounding someone

The police decided to call the dogs off and stop hunting for the man.

a cash cow

- a product or service that makes much money

Our new business is a cash cow. We are making a lot of money now.

cast pearls before swine

- to waste something on someone who will not be thankful or care about it

Giving the jewellery to the woman will be casting pearls before swine. She will not appreciate it at all.

cat gets one`s tongue

- one cannot speak because of shyness

The cat got the woman's tongue and she could not say anything at all.

a cat nap

- a short sleep taken during the day

I had a cat nap in the afternoon so that I would feel refreshed in the evening.

a cat on a hot tin roof

- full of lively activity

The boy was jumping around like a cat on a hot tin roof and we could not make him be quiet.

champ/chomp at the bit

- to be ready and anxious to do something (a bit is put into a horse's mouth for control of the horse)

Everyone was chomping at the bit to get started on their holiday.

change horses in midstream

- to make new plans or choose a new leader in an activity that has already begun

They have decided to change lawyers but I told them that they should not change horses in midstream.

a cock-and-bull story

- a silly story that is not true

Our neighbor gave us a cock-and-bull story about how our window was broken.

a copycat

- someone who copies another person`s work etc.

The boy is a copycat according to the other students in the class.

cry wolf

- to give a false alarm, to warn of a danger that is not there

The man is crying wolf. There is no danger that the electrical system will cause a fire.

curiosity killed the cat

- being too nosy may lead a person into trouble

"You should not worry about what your friend is doing. Remember, curiosity killed the cat."

a dark horse

- a candidate who is little known to the general public

The candidate was a dark horse in the race to be the next mayor until he gave some good speeches on TV.

dog and pony show

- something that you disapprove of because you think that it has only been organized to impress you (like a dog and pony show in a circus)

We had serious questions about the project but we only got a dog and pony show when we asked for answers from our business partners.

dog-eat-dog

- ready or willing to fight and hurt others to get what one wants

It is a dog-eat-dog world in our company.

dog in the manger

- someone who prevents others from doing what they themselves do not want to do (in Aesop's Fables a dog that cannot eat hay lays in the hayrack and prevents the other animals from eating the hay)

My friend always acts like a dog in the manger and often tries to prevent us from enjoying ourselves.

donkey's years

- a very long time

I talked to my friend for a long time because I had not seen her in donkey's years.

a dumb bunny

- a stupid or gullible person

"He really is a dumb bunny. I cannot believe that he does such stupid things."

eager beaver

- a person who is always eager to work or do something extra

The woman is an eager beaver and I am sure that she will do very well in this company.

eat high on/off the hog

- to eat good or expensive food

We were eating high off the hog during our ocean cruise.

eat like a horse

- to eat a lot

My brother eats like a horse.

every dog has his day

- everyone will have his chance or turn, everyone will get what he deserves

"Don`t worry about him. Every dog has his day and he will eventually suffer for all the bad things that he is doing."

ferret (information or something) out of (someone)

- to get something from someone by being persistent

I worked hard to ferret the time and place of the party out of my friend.

fight like cats and dogs

- to argue and fight with someone (usually used for people who know each other)

The two children were fighting like cats and dogs when we entered the room.

flog/beat a dead horse

- to continue fighting a battle that has been won, to continue to argue a point that has been settled

My friend was flogging a dead horse when she would not stop arguing about the mistake on her paycheck.

a fraidy-cat

- someone who is easily frightened (usually used by children)

The little boy called his friend a fraidy-cat because his friend would not climb the tree.

get (someone`s) goat

- to annoy someone

My friend is always complaining about the way that I do things which gets my goat.

get off one`s high horse

- to begin to be humble and agreeable

I wish that she would get off her high horse and begin to think about how other people feel about things.

get on one`s high horse

- to behave with arrogance

My friend is always getting on her high horse and telling people what to do.

go ape (over someone or something)

- to become highly excited or angry about someone or something

Our teacher will go ape if he sees that you have not finished the work that was due today.

go hog-wild

- to behave wildly

The young soccer fans went hog-wild when they arrived in the city for the game.

go to the dogs

- to deteriorate, to become bad

Many things in our city have gone to the dogs during the last ten years.

go whole hog

- to do everything possible, to be extravagant

We went whole hog in our effort to make sure that the convention was a success.

the hair of the dog that bit one

- a drink of alcohol that one takes when recovering from a hangover

The man woke up and had the hair of the dog that bit him before he ate breakfast.

have a cow

- to become very angry and upset about something

Our teacher had a cow when he discovered that nobody had prepared for the class.

have a whale of a time

- to have an exciting and interesting time

We had a whale of a time at the party last night.

have bats in one's belfry

- to be a little bit crazy

I think that our neighbor has bats in her belfry.

hit the bulls-eye

- to reach the main point of something

I think that our manager hit the bulls-eye when he talked about the real problems in the company.

hold one`s horses

- to wait, to be patient

"Hold your horses for a moment while I make a phone call."

Holy cow

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment/pleasure/anger

"Holy cow," the man said when he saw the car that had hit the street lamp.

hoof it

- to walk or run (a hoof is the foot of a horse/sheep/cow etc.)

I decided to hoof it when I came downtown this morning.

horse around

- to play around (in a rough way)

The teacher told the children not to horse around while they were getting ready for class.

a horse of a different color

- something totally separate and different

Changing locations is a horse of a different color. It was never mentioned in any of our meetings.

horse sense

- common sense, practical thinking

The boy does not have much horse sense and sometimes he makes the wrong decision.

horse trade

- to bargain in a hard and skillful way

We had to do some horse trading but finally we reached a deal to buy the new house.

to hound (someone)

- to pursue/chase someone, to harass someone

The manager is always hounding the younger members of her staff to make sure that they work hard.

in a pig`s eye

- unlikely, not so, never

In a pig`s eye will my friend be able to save enough money to go to Mexico for the winter.

in the doghouse

- in disgrace or disfavor, in trouble

The man is in the doghouse with his wife because he came home late last night.

in two shakes of a lamb's tail

- very quickly

I promised that I would meet my friend in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

kangaroo court

- an illegal court formed by a group of people to settle a dispute among themselves

The military court in the small country was like a kangaroo court that permitted the military to do whatever they wanted.

keep the wolf from the door

- to maintain oneself at the most basic level

My friend's part-time job is enough for him to keep the wolf from the door.

keep the wolves at bay

- to fight against some kind of trouble

The university students were angry and the administration had to work hard to keep the wolves at bay.

kill the fatted calf

- to prepare an elaborate banquet for someone

We decided to kill the fatted calf and have a big feast for my parents.

lead a dog`s life

- to lead a miserable life

The man is leading a dog`s life since he married the woman who everyone told him not to.

a leopard can't change its spots

- you cannot change someone's basic human nature or bad qualities

The manager wrote a letter of apology to the customer but a leopard can't change its spots and I do not believe that the manager has changed and the letter does not mean anything.

let sleeping dogs lie

- to not make trouble if you do not have to

You should let sleeping dogs lie and not ask our boss any questions about the dispute.

let the cat out of the bag

- to tell something that is supposed to be a secret

The teacher let the cat out of the bag when she began talking about the plans for the new school.

like a bat out of hell

- with great speed and force

I ran like a bat out of hell to get the bus.

like a deer caught in the headlights

- like someone who is very confused and does not know what to do

The boy looked like a deer caught in the headlights when we discovered him in the room that was supposed to be locked.

like lambs to the slaughter

- quietly and without complaining about the dangers that may lie ahead

Our football team went like lambs to the slaughter to meet the best football team in the country.

lion's share of (something)

- the larger part/share of something

We found the lion's share of the lost tickets but some are still missing.

live high on/off the hog

- to have the best of everything

My friend has been living high on the hog since he changed jobs.

loaded for bear

- very angry

The man was loaded for bear when he went in to see the supervisor.

lock horns with (someone)

- to get into an argument with someone

I locked horns with my neighbor yesterday morning.

lock the barn door after the horse is gone

- to try to deal with something after it is too late

Now my friend wants to fix his house but it is like locking the barn door after the horse is gone. There was a flood and the damage is already done.

a lone wolf

- someone who prefers to spend time alone and has few friends

The boy was a lone wolf and spent most of his time alone.

look a gift horse in the mouth

- to complain if a gift is not perfect

The girl should not look a gift horse in the mouth and should be happy that she received a present from her friends.

look like something the cat dragged in

- to look tired/worn out/dirty

I was very tired and I am sure that I looked like something the cat dragged in.

look like the cat that swallowed/ate the canary

- to look smug and self-satisfied, to look as if you have just had a great success

"You look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What happened?"

make a monkey out of (someone)

- to make someone look foolish

My friend made a monkey out of me when he started arguing with me in front of my boss.

make a mountain out of a molehill

- to make something that is unimportant seem important

You are making a mountain out of a molehill when you talk about the mistake.

make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

- to create something of value from something of no value

You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and there is no point in trying to teach the woman manners.

monkey around with (someone or something)

- to play with or waste time with someone or something

The father and son spent the morning monkeying around with the old radio.

monkey business

- unethical or illegal activity, mischief

The boy should stop the monkey business and try to do the job the correct way.

a monkey on one's back

- a serious problem that stops someone from being successful at something

The time without scoring a goal was a monkey on the back of the famous soccer player.

monkey see, monkey do

- someone copies something that someone else does

It is always monkey see, monkey do for the boy. He copies everything that his friend does.

more fun than a barrel of monkeys

- very funny, fun

The children love the man because he is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and makes everybody laugh.

not enough room to swing a cat

- not very much space

There was not enough room to swing a cat in the small apartment.

on horseback

- on the back of a horse

We rode out to the old red barn on horseback.

a paper tiger

- a person or organization that is supposed to have a lot of power but actually is very weak

The manager was a paper tiger and did not really have any power in the company.

piggy bank

- a small bank (sometimes in the shape of a pig) for saving money

The boy has been putting money into his piggy bank to save for a bicycle.

piggyback

- sitting or being carried on someone`s back and shoulders

The boy was riding piggyback on his father`s shoulders.

play cat and mouse with (someone)

- to tease or fool someone, to change between different types of behavior when dealing with someone

The man is playing cat and mouse with his company about his plans to quit or not.

play possum

- to pretend to be inactive/asleep/dead

I think that the man is playing possum and is not really sleeping.

put on the dog

- to dress or entertain in a luxurious and extravagant manner

We put on the dog for my parents when they came to visit us.

put (someone or something) out to pasture

- to retire someone or something (just as you would put a horse that is too old to work out to pasture)

We finally decided to put our old car out to pasture and buy a new one.

put the cart before the horse

- to do things in the wrong order

I think that buying a ticket before we make our holiday plans is putting the cart before the horse.

put the cat among the pigeons

- to cause trouble

Sending the bad supervisor to talk to the angry workers was like putting the cat among the pigeons.

rain cats and dogs

- to rain very hard

It has been raining cats and dogs all day.

rat on (someone)

- to report someone's bad behavior to someone

The little boy ratted on his friend at school.

rat out on (someone)

- to desert or betray someone

The boy ratted out on his friends and now they won`t talk to him.

rat race

- a rushed and confusing way of living that does not seem to have a purpose

My uncle is tired of being in the rat race every day and he plans to quit his job soon and do something else.

ride herd on (someone)

- to watch closely and strictly supervise someone (as a cowboy would supervise a herd of cattle)

The manager has been riding herd on his employees so that he can get the job done quickly.

a road hog

- a car driver who uses more than his share of the road

The person in front of me on the highway was a road hog but I tried not to get angry.

rub (someone/someone's fur) the wrong way

- to irritate someone (just as you would irritate a dog or cat if you rub their fur the wrong way)

The woman who I work with rubs me the wrong way when I speak to her.

a sacred cow

- a person or thing that is never criticized or changed even if it should be (from a cow which is sacred in India)

The school lunch program is a sacred cow which they will never change.

a scaredy-cat

- someone who is easily frightened (usually used by children)

The children called their friend a scaredy-cat because she would not go into the empty house.

see a man about a dog

- to leave for some unmentioned purpose (often to go to the washroom)

I left the table in the restaurant to go and see a man about a dog.

separate the sheep from the goats

- to divide people into two groups

We had to separate the sheep from the goats when we began to make selections for the school choir.

serve as a guinea pig

- to allow some kind of test to be performed on someone

I was not happy that I had to act as a guinea pig for the managers who were testing the new training material.

a shaggy dog story

- a long and often pointless story that is told as a joke and often ends in a very silly or unexpected way

My friend told me a shaggy dog story about how he lost his bicycle.

smell a rat

- to be suspicious, to feel that something is wrong

I smell a rat. There is something wrong with the offer of a free credit card.

squirrel (something) away

- to hide or store something

My niece likes to squirrel away as much money as possible from her part-time job.

straight from the horse`s mouth

- directly from the person who said something, directly from a dependable source

I heard it straight from the horse`s mouth that our supervisor will be leaving the company next week.

the straw that broke the camel`s back

- a small final trouble or problem which follows other troubles and causes everything to collapse or something to happen

The supervisor accusing me of not working hard enough was the straw that broke the camel`s back and I asked for a transfer to another section of the company.

one's tail between one`s legs

- feeling beaten or humiliated (like a frightened or defeated dog as it walks away)

The man left the meeting with his tail between his legs after he was criticized by the company president.

the tail wagging the dog

- a situation where a small part controls the whole thing

When the small group of managers began to run the large company, it was like the tail wagging the dog.

take the bull by the horns

- to take decisive and direct action

My aunt decided to take the bull by the horns and begin preparations for the family reunion.

there is more than one way to skin a cat

- there is more than one way to do something

I knew that there was more than one way to skin a cat so I did not worry about the rules and time limit of my project.

throw (someone) to the lions

- to permit someone to be blamed or criticized for something without trying to help or protect him or her

The company threw the manager to the lions and made him take responsibility for the problem that he had caused.

throw (someone) to the wolves

- to send someone into danger without protection, to sacrifice someone

The salesman decided to throw his co-worker to the wolves when he asked him to meet the angry customer.

top dog

- the most important person in an organization

My uncle is the top dog in his company.

turn tail

- to run away from trouble or danger

We decided to turn tail and leave the restaurant before there was an argument.

until the cows come home

- until very late, for a long time

We can talk until the cows come home this weekend.

weasel out of (something)

- to get out of something or not have to do something (like a weasel which can move through small openings)

My friend was able to weasel out of going to the store for his mother.

when the cat's away, the mice will play

- when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble

When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to move around.

a white elephant

- something that is not useful and costs a lot of money to maintain

The airport was a white elephant and nobody liked to use it.

wild horses could not drag (someone away)

- there is nothing that will force someone to go somewhere or do something

Wild horses could not drag me away from my favorite TV show last night.

a wildcat strike

- a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers

There was a wildcat strike at the factory and over 100 people stopped work.

wolf down (something)

- to gulp down something, to eat something quickly

I wolfed down my dinner and left the house for the movie.

a wolf in sheep`s clothing

- a person who pretends to be good but really is bad

"Be careful of that man. He is a wolf in sheep`s clothing."

work like a horse

- to work very hard

My grandfather worked like a horse when he was a young man.

you can lead a horse to water (but you can't make it drink)

- you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you cannot force him or her to do it if they do not want to

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink and no matter how hard we try to help my cousin get a job he will not make any effort when we introduce him to someone who knows about a job.

you can't teach an old dog new tricks

- it is difficult for older people to learn new things

You can't teach an old dog new tricks and I don't think that my father will ever change his eating habits.

cat Idioms

alley cat

- a stray cat

I began to feed the alley cat and now it comes to my house every day.

as conceited as a barber's cat

- very conceited, vain

My friend became as conceited as a barber's cat after she won the award at school.

as weak as a kitten

- weak, sickly

The girl is as weak as a kitten and cannot carry the pile of books.

cat gets one`s tongue

- one cannot speak because of shyness

The cat got the woman's tongue and she could not say anything at all.

a cat nap

- a short sleep taken during the day

I had a cat nap during the afternoon so that I would feel refreshed in the evening.

a cat on a hot tin roof

- full of lively activity

The boy was jumping around like a cat on a hot tin roof and we could not make him be quiet.

a copycat

- someone who copies another person`s work etc.

The boy is a copycat according to the other students in the class.

curiosity killed the cat

- being too nosy may lead a person into trouble

"You should not worry about what your friend is doing. Remember, curiosity killed the cat."

fight like cats and dogs

- to argue and fight with someone (usually used for people who know each other)

The two children were fighting like cats and dogs when we entered the room.

a fraidy-cat

- someone who is easily frightened (usually used by children)

The little boy called his friend a fraidy-cat because his friend would not climb the tree.

let the cat out of the bag

- to tell something that is supposed to be a secret

The teacher let the cat out of the bag when she began talking about the plans for the new school.

look like something the cat dragged in

- to look tired/worn out/dirty

I was very tired and I am sure that I looked like something the cat dragged in.

look like the cat that swallowed/ate the canary

- to look smug and self-satisfied, to look as if you have just had a great success

"You look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What happened?"

not enough room to swing a cat

- not very much space

There was not enough room to swing a cat in the small apartment.

play cat and mouse with (someone)

- to tease or fool someone, to change between different types of behavior when dealing with someone

The man is playing cat and mouse with his company about his plans to quit or not.

put the cat among the pigeons

- to cause trouble

Sending the bad supervisor to talk to the angry workers was like putting the cat among the pigeons.

rain cats and dogs

- to rain very hard

It has been raining cats and dogs all day.

rub (someone/someone's fur) the wrong way

- to irritate someone (just as you would irritate a dog or cat if you rub their fur the wrong way)

The woman who I work with rubs me the wrong way when I speak to her.

a scaredy-cat

- someone who is easily frightened (usually used by children)

The children called their friend a scaredy-cat because she would not go into the empty house.

there is more than one way to skin a cat

- there is more than one way to do something

I knew that there was more than one way to skin a cat so I did not worry about the rules and time limit of my project.

when the cat's away, the mice will play

- when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble

When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to move around.

cow Idioms

as awkward as a cow on roller skates

- very awkward

The little girl was as awkward as a cow on roller skates when she first began riding her bicycle.

a bull in a china shop

- a tactless person who upsets others or upsets plans, a very clumsy person

The boy is like a bull in a china shop so you should be careful if you invite him to your house.

a cash cow

- a product or service that makes much money

Our new business is a cash cow. We are making a lot of money now.

have a cow

- to become very angry and upset about something

Our teacher had a cow when he discovered that nobody had prepared for the class.

hit the bulls-eye

- to reach the main point of something

I think that our manager hit the bulls-eye when he talked about the real problems in the company.

Holy cow

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment/pleasure/anger

"Holy cow," the man said when he saw the car that had hit the street lamp.

a sacred cow

- a person or thing that is never criticized or changed even if it should be (from a cow which is sacred in India)

The school lunch program is a sacred cow which they will never change.

take the bull by the horns

- to take decisive and direct action

My aunt decided to take the bull by the horns and begin preparations for the family reunion.

until the cows come home

- until very late, for a long time

We can talk until the cows come home this weekend.

dog Idioms

as clean as a hound's tooth

- very clean

The classroom was as clean as a hound's tooth when the students finished cleaning it.

as crooked as a dog's hind leg

- dishonest

The politician is as crooked as a dog's hind leg and everybody dislikes him.

as sick as a dog

- very sick

My friend was as sick as a dog when he left the restaurant last night.

one's bark is worse than one's bite

- one's words are worse than one's actions

You should not worry about her. Her bark is worse than her bite and she is really a very nice person.

bark up the wrong tree

- to choose the wrong course of action, to ask the wrong person (a hunting dog may make a mistake when chasing an animal and bark up the wrong tree)

My boss is barking up the wrong tree. I did not cause the computer problem because I was away at the time.

call the dogs off

- to stop threatening/chasing/hounding someone

The police decided to call the dogs off and stop hunting for the man.

dog and pony show

- something that you disapprove of because you think that it has only been organized to impress you (like a dog and pony show in a circus)

We had serious questions about the project but we only got a dog and pony show when we asked for answers from our business partners.

dog-eat-dog

- ready or willing to fight and hurt others to get what one wants

It is a dog-eat-dog world in our company.

dog in the manger

- someone who prevents others from doing what they themselves do not want to do (in Aesop's Fables a dog that cannot eat hay lays in the hayrack and prevents the other animals from eating the hay)

My friend always acts like a dog in the manger and often tries to prevent us from enjoying ourselves.

every dog has his day

- everyone will have his chance or turn, everyone will get what he deserves

"Don`t worry about him. Every dog has his day and he will eventually suffer for all the bad things that he is doing."

fight like cats and dogs

- to argue and fight with someone (usually used for people who know each other)

The two children were fighting like cats and dogs when we entered the room.

go to the dogs

- to deteriorate, to become bad

Many things in our city have gone to the dogs during the last ten years.

the hair of the dog that bit one

- a drink of alcohol that one takes when recovering from a hangover

The man woke up and had the hair of the dog that bit him before he ate breakfast.

to hound (someone)

- to pursue/chase someone, to harass someone

The manager is always hounding the younger members of her staff to make sure that they work hard.

in the doghouse

- in disgrace or disfavor, in trouble

The man is in the doghouse with his wife because he came home late last night.

lead a dog`s life

- to lead a miserable life

The man is leading a dog`s life since he married the woman who everyone told him not to.

let sleeping dogs lie

- to not make trouble if you do not have to

You should let sleeping dogs lie and not ask our boss any questions about the dispute.

put on the dog

- to dress or entertain in a luxurious and extravagant manner

We put on the dog for my parents when they came to visit us.

rub (someone/someone's fur) the wrong way

- to irritate someone (just as you would irritate a dog or cat if you rub their fur the wrong way)

The woman who I work with rubs me the wrong way when I speak to her.

see a man about a dog

- to leave for some unmentioned purpose (often to go to the washroom)

I left the table in the restaurant to go and see a man about a dog.

a shaggy dog story

- a long and often pointless story that is told as a joke and often ends in a very silly or unexpected way

My friend told me a shaggy dog story about how he lost his bicycle.

one's tail between one`s legs

- feeling beaten or humiliated (like a frightened or defeated dog as it walks away)

The man left the meeting with his tail between his legs after he was criticized by the company president.

the tail wagging the dog

- a situation where a small part controls the whole thing

When the small group of managers began to run the large company, it was like the tail wagging the dog.

top dog

- the most important person in an organization

My uncle is the top dog in his company.

turn tail

- to run away from trouble or danger

We decided to turn tail and leave the restaurant before there was an argument.

you can't teach an old dog new tricks

- it is difficult for older people to learn new things

You can't teach an old dog new tricks and I don't think that my father will ever change his eating habits.

horse Idioms

as strong as a horse/lion/ox

- very strong

The man was as strong as an ox and easily helped us move the sofa.

as stubborn as a mule

- very stubborn

My friend is as stubborn as a mule and you can never make her change her mind.

back the wrong horse

- to support someone or something that cannot or does not win or succeed

We backed the wrong horse when we supported the new candidate for mayor.

bet on the wrong horse

- to misread the future, to not choose the winning person or solution

He is betting on the wrong horse if he supports the other city in their bid for the Olympic games.

by shank's mare

- by foot

I came to the meeting by shank's mare.

champ/chomp at the bit

- to be ready and anxious to do something (a bit is put into a horse's mouth for control of the horse)

Everyone was chomping at the bit to get started on their holiday.

change horses in midstream

- to make new plans or choose a new leader in an activity that has already begun

They have decided to change lawyers but I told them that they should not change horses in midstream.

a dark horse

- a candidate who is little known to the general public

The candidate was a dark horse in the race to be the next mayor until he gave some good speeches on TV.

dog and pony show

- something that you disapprove of because you think that it has only been organized to impress you (like a dog and pony show in a circus)

We had serious questions about the project but we only got a dog and pony show when we asked for answers from our business partners.

donkey's years

- a very long time

I talked to my friend for a long time because I had not seen her in donkey's years.

eat like a horse

- to eat a lot

My brother eats like a horse.

flog/beat a dead horse

- to continue fighting a battle that has been won, to continue to argue a point that has been settled

My friend was flogging a dead horse when she would not stop arguing about the mistake on her paycheck.

get off one`s high horse

- to begin to be humble and agreeable

I wish that she would get off her high horse and begin to think about how other people feel about things.

get on one`s high horse

- to behave with arrogance

My friend is always getting on her high horse and telling people what to do.

hold one`s horses

- to wait, to be patient

"Hold your horses for a moment while I make a phone call."

hoof it

- to walk or run (a hoof is the foot of a horse/sheep/cow etc.)

I decided to hoof it when I came downtown this morning.

horse around

- to play around (in a rough way)

The teacher told the children not to horse around while they were getting ready for class.

a horse of a different color

- something totally separate and different

Changing locations is a horse of a different color. It was never mentioned in any of our meetings.

horse sense

- common sense, practical thinking

The boy does not have much horse sense and sometimes he makes the wrong decision.

horse trade

- to bargain in a hard and skillful way

We had to do some horse trading but finally we reached a deal to buy the new house.

lock the barn door after the horse is gone

- to try to deal with something after it is too late

Now my friend wants to fix his house but it is like locking the barn door after the horse is gone. There was a flood and the damage is already done.

look a gift horse in the mouth

- to complain if a gift is not perfect

The girl should not look a gift horse in the mouth and should be happy that she received a present from her friends.

on horseback

- on the back of a horse

We rode out to the old red barn on horseback.

put (someone or something) out to pasture

- to retire someone or something (just as you would put a horse that is too old to work out to pasture)

We finally decided to put our old car out to pasture and buy a new one.

put the cart before the horse

- to do things in the wrong order

I think that buying a ticket before we make our holiday plans is putting the cart before the horse.

ride herd on (someone)

- to watch closely and strictly supervise someone (as a cowboy would supervise a herd of cattle)

The manager has been riding herd on his employees so that he can get the job done quickly.

straight from the horse`s mouth

- directly from the person who said something, directly from a dependable source

I heard it straight from the horse`s mouth that our supervisor will be leaving the company next week.

wild horses could not drag (someone away)

- there is nothing that will force someone to go somewhere or do something

Wild horses could not drag me away from my favorite TV show last night.

work like a horse

- to work very hard

My grandfather worked like a horse when he was a young man.

you can lead a horse to water (but you can't make it drink)

- you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you cannot force him or her to do it if they do not want to

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink and no matter how hard we try to help my cousin get a job he will not make any effort when we introduce him to someone who knows about a job.

monkey Idioms

go ape (over someone or something)

- to become highly excited or angry about someone or something

Our teacher will go ape if he sees that you have not finished the work that was due today.

make a monkey out of (someone)

- to make someone look foolish

My friend made a monkey out of me when he started arguing with me in front of my boss.

monkey around with (someone or something)

- to play with or waste time with someone or something

The father and son spent the morning monkeying around with the old radio.

monkey business

- unethical or illegal activity, mischief

The boy should stop the monkey business and try to do the job the correct way.

a monkey on one's back

- a serious problem that stops someone from being successful at something

The time without scoring a goal was a monkey on the back of the famous soccer player.

monkey see, monkey do

- someone copies something that someone else does

It is always monkey see, monkey do for the boy. He copies everything that his friend does.

more fun than a barrel of monkeys

- very funny, fun

The children love the man because he is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and makes everybody laugh.

mouse Idioms

as poor as a church mouse

- very poor

My cousin is as poor as a church mouse and never has any money to spend.

as quiet as a mouse

- very quiet, shy

I was as quiet as a mouse when I left my house early this morning.

the best-laid plans of mice and men

- the best thought-out plans that anyone can make

The best-laid plans of mice and men could not prevent the problems that we had with our travel plans.

play cat and mouse with (someone)

- to tease or fool someone, to change between different types of behavior when dealing with someone

The man is playing cat and mouse with his company about his plans to quit or not.

when the cat's away, the mice will play

- when you are not watching someone they may get into trouble

When the cat's away, the mice will play and when the teacher left the classroom the students began to move around.

pig/hog Idioms

as fat as a pig

- very fat

The woman in the supermarket was as fat as a pig.

buy a pig in a poke

- to buy something without seeing it or knowing if it will be satisfactory

You can buy the used computer but it will be like buying a pig in a poke if you do not look at it first.

cast pearls before swine

- to waste something on someone who will not be thankful or care about it

Giving the jewellery to the woman will be casting pearls before swine. She will not appreciate it at all.

eat high on/off the hog

- to eat good or expensive food

We were eating high off the hog during our ocean cruise.

go hog-wild

- to behave wildly

The young soccer fans went hog-wild when they arrived in the city for the game.

go whole hog

- to do everything possible, to be extravagant

We went whole hog in our effort to make sure that the convention was a success.

in a pig`s eye

- unlikely, not so, never

In a pig`s eye will my friend be able to save enough money to go to Mexico for the winter.

live high on/off the hog

- to have the best of everything

My friend has been living high on the hog since he changed jobs.

make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

- to create something of value from something of no value

You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and there is no point in trying to teach the woman manners

piggy bank

- a small bank (sometimes in the shape of a pig) for saving money

The boy has been putting money into his piggy bank to save for a bicycle

piggyback

- sitting or being carried on someone`s back and shoulders

The boy was riding piggyback on his father`s shoulders

a road hog

- a car driver who uses more than his share of the road

The person in front of me on the highway was a road hog but I tried not to get angry

rat Idioms

rat on (someone)

- to report someone's bad behavior to someone

The little boy ratted on his friend at school

rat out on (someone)

- to desert or betray someone

The boy ratted out on his friends and now they won`t talk to him

rat race

- a rushed and confusing way of living that does not seem to have a purpose

My uncle is tired of being in the rat race every day and he plans to quit his job soon and do something else

smell a rat

- to be suspicious, to feel that something is wrong

I smell a rat. There is something wrong with the offer of a free credit card

sheep/goat Idioms

as gentle as a lamb

- very gentle

The girl is as gentle as a lamb when she is with her little sister

as innocent as a lamb

- having no guilt, naive

The little girl is as innocent as a lamb and everybody loves her

as meek as a lamb

- quiet, docile, meek

The secretary was as meek as a lamb when she went to ask her boss for a salary increase

the black sheep of the family

- the worst or the most unpopular/disliked member of a family

My cousin is the black sheep of the family and nobody likes to talk about him

get (someone`s) goat

- to annoy someone

My friend is always complaining about the way that I do things which gets my goat

in two shakes of a lamb's tail

- very quickly

I promised that I would meet my friend in two shakes of a lamb's tail

like lambs to the slaughter

- quietly and without complaining about the dangers that may lie ahead

Our football team went like lambs to the slaughter to meet the best football team in the country

separate the sheep from the goats

- to divide people into two groups

We had to separate the sheep from the goats when we began to make selections for the school choir

wolf Idioms

cry wolf

- to give a false alarm, to warn of a danger that is not there

The man is crying wolf. There is no danger that the electrical system will cause a fire

keep the wolf from the door

- to maintain oneself at the most basic level

My friend's part-time job is enough for him to keep the wolf from the door

keep the wolves at bay

- to fight against some kind of trouble

The university students were angry and the administration had to work hard to keep the wolves at bay

a lone wolf

- someone who prefers to spend time alone and has few friends

The boy was a lone wolf and spent most of his time alone

throw (someone) to the wolves

- to send someone into danger without protection, to sacrifice someone

The salesman decided to throw his co-worker to the wolves when he asked him to meet the angry customer

wolf down -something

- to gulp down something, to eat something quickly

I wolfed down my dinner and left the house for the movie

a wolf in sheep`s clothing

- a person who pretends to be good but really is bad

"Be careful of that man. He is a wolf in sheep`s clothing"

 

Structural parts of a paragraph

Topic Sentence -TS

The topic sentence provides the main idea or subject of the paragraph, and further

identifies a controlling idea restricting the topic area of discussion. It is the first

sentence in the paragraph. Look at the topic sentence in the sample paragraph

Environmental pollution is having a devastating effect on mankind.

topic controlling idea

The topic of the paragraph is environmental pollution, but this topic is further limited

to a discussion of the devastating effects on mankind

SSuuppppoorrttiningg s Senetnetnecnecse (sa s(S tShe) word ‘suppor t’ indicates) support the topic by providing

points, which develop the idea with an explanation, illustration, reason etc. The two

supporting sentences, which explain the topic sentence about environmental

pollution are

• Firstly, water pollution reduces valuable supplies of fresh, clean water needed

for daily consumption

• Another devastating effect is brought about by air pollution, which turns fresh,

clean air into smoggy, unpleasant smelling air

Developing Sentences-DS

Developing sentences further develop the points in the supporting sentences by

providing more information or an example, a reason, a clarification etc. For example,

the point about water pollution is further developed in the following two developing

sentences

• Most of the pollutants, which enter the water come from industry, sewage

systems, and agriculture

• These include chemicals and harmful wastes from animals and plants

The point about air pollution is further developed in the following sentences

• The result of air pollutants is the harm it has on human health.

• For example, the gases, which are released into the atmosphere can cause

such diseases as emphysema and cancer

Thus the paragraph on environmental pollu tion has the following structure

TS Environmental pollution is having a devastating effect on

mankind. SS1 Firstly, water pollution reduces valuable supplies of

fresh, clean water needed for daily consumption. DS1.1 Most of

the pollutants, which enter the water come from industry, sewage

systems, and agriculture. DS1.2 These include chemicals and

harmful wastes from animals and plants. SS2 Another devastating

effect is brought about by air pollution, which turns fresh, clean air

into smoggy, unpleasant smelling air. DS2.1 The result of air

pollutants is the harm it has on human health. DS2.2 For example,

the gases, which are released into the atmosphere can cause such

diseases as emphysema and cancer

PROVERB NOTEBOOK PROVERB	EXAMPLE	MEANING
absence makes the heart grow fonder	“You must be home sick by now, John. Isn’t it close to a year that you haven’t seen your partner? You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. “	being away from someone for a while will make you love them even more
actions speak louder than words	“Frankly, I’ll wait and see how management handles the impasse, but after all the promises I feel it’s reached a stage now where actions speak louder than words.”	what someone does is more important than what they say they’ll do
blood is thicker than water	“Michael has always caused the family so much grief and sorrow with his actions, but we aren’t going to forsake him now. Blood is thicker than water.”	family loyalty is far stronger than anything else could possibly be
every cloud has a silver lining	“Though she lost out on the IT job, the company did give her a promotion and salary increase. So every cloud has a silver lining.”	you can find something good in every bad or difficult situation
to err is human, (to forgive, divine)	“You shouldn’t have been so hard on him. Don’t you know to err is human!”	it’s only natural for people to make mistakes
don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched)	A: “I have everything worked out. By buying the little café on the corner, I can make lots of money.” B: “Jill, don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched).”	you shouldn’t make plans prematurely thinking that you’ll be successful because things may still go wrong

HOMONYMS — HOMOGRAPHS AND HOMOPHONES

Homonym is generally used to describe a word, which has the same spelling and

pronunciation as another, for example ‘the second row of seats in the cinema’ and

‘row the boat to shore’. The context tells us that row has two different meanings

If the words have the same spelling, but differ in pronunciation and meaning, they

are called homographs

For example

The Study English program was recorded before a live audience

live in this context is pronounced /laɪv/, and is an adjective describing

‘audience’ and means ‘is being recorded while the program is happening, and

broadcast at a later time’

If the words are pronounced the same, but differ in spelling and meaning, they are

called homophones

For example

Your concert tickets are in the mail.

Only male students participated in the survey.

 mail and male are pronounced the same /meɪl/, but mean two different

things, i.e. ‘the service that delivers letters’ and ‘the opposite of female’,

respectively

LEARN ENGLISH

Some football results

• Team A: 3   Team B: 1   
  Team A beat Team B 3-1.
  Team A won the match 3-1.
  Team B lost the match 3-1
• Team A: 1   Team B: 1
  Team A and Team B drew 1-1.
  The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
  

LEARN ENGLISH

Here are the names of some types of colours in English

salmon pink, milk white , blood red, cherry red, pitch black, chrome yellow, sunflower yellow, emerald green, olive green, ice blue, ocean blue, mushroom brown, walnut brown

A Nice Prayer

You never know when God is going to bless you

Good things happen when you least expect them to

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning

I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God

You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me 

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you

I ask now for Your forgiveness

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm

Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude 

Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over

And give the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart

Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others

Keep me strong that I may help the weak

 Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others

I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way

I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood

I pray for those who don't know You intimately 

I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households

I pray for peace , love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it

God I love you and I need you

funny thing

One day an employee sends a letter to Her boss asking for an increase in her salary!!! Dear Boss In thi$ life, we all need $ome thing mo$t de$perately. I think you $hould be under$tanding of the need$ of u$ worker$ who have given $o much $upport including $weat and $ervice to your company. I am $ure you will gue$$ what I mean and re$pond $oon. Your$ $incerely, Norman $hah The next day, the employee recieved this letter of reply: Dear NOrman I kNOw you have been working very hard. NOwadays, NOthing much has changed. You must have NOticed that our company is NOt doing NOticeably well as yet. NOw the newspaper are saying the world`s leading ecoNOmists are NOt sure if the United States may go into aNOther recession. After the NOvember presidential elections things may turn bad. I have NOthing more to add NOw. You kNOw what I mean.

writing a letter 3

 Phrasal Verbs

Informal (Phrasal Verb) Formal (Single Verb)

look into                           investigate

think about                          consider

look back                          reflect

pass on                             forward

go out                                exit

go in                                 enter

get off                               alight

get on                              board

 Modal Verbs

Informal Formal

I will be very happy if you can …. I would be very happy if you could….

I want to point out …. I would like to point out ….

Can you please …. Could you please ….

If you want …. If you would like ….

If you need …. Should you require ….

Why don’t you …. You might like to ….

You should take a train. It would be better for you to take a train.

Grammar

 Active/Passive Voice

Informal (Active Voice) Formal (Passive Voice)

Unless you do something about …. Unless something is done about ….

If you don’t do something about … If something is not done about ….

I will have to take …. I will be forced to take ….

I would appreciate it if …. It would be appreciated if ….

This caused the fire to break out. The fire was caused by ….

. Instructions and Polite Requests

Informal (Direct Instruction) Formal (Indirect Request)

Please clean all the windows= I would like all the windows cleaned.

Please make a reservation in my

name

I would like a reservation made in my name

writing a letter ( formal - informal) 2

We write because we have a purpose. It is important to indicate at the beginning of a

letter what its purpose is – exactly why you are writing:

Type of Letter Purpose Statement

Giving information I am writing to advise that ….

Requesting information I am writing to request information about ….

Giving instructions I am writing to explain how to ….

Relating an event I have been asked to give details of the accident ….

Giving good news I am very happy to tell you that….

Giving bad news I regret to inform ….

Complaining I am writing to complain about ….

Describing I am writing to describe what I remember of the ….

Advising or suggesting I would like to offer some suggestions about ….

Functions

Giving information

Structures

It gives me great pleasure to be able to…

I am pleased to be able to…

I am happy to announce…

Please be advised/informed that…

I would like to inform you that…

Here is the information you required/requested/asked for.

Attached please find the information you required/requested/asked for.

Giving good news

Structures

I am delighted to be able to advise/tell/inform you that…

I am pleased to advise/tell/inform you that…

It gives me great pleasure to advise/tell/inform you that…

It gives me great pleasure to be able to advise/tell/inform you that…

I have some great/good/happy news to share with/tell you.

Giving bad news

Structures

I am sorry to say that…

I regret to advise/tell/inform you that…

Giving a reason

This is due to…

This is owing to…

This is because of…

How are letters organised in English

How are letters organised in English

Letters in English are structured in a particular way. They consist of several parts:

•  
• . The Greeting, or salutation
• . The Body
• . The Conclusion – final words to conclude the letter
• . The Closing salutation and personal signature
• Greeting
• Body
• Conclusion
• of the letter
• Closing
• salutation
• Dear ______________ ,
•  introduce yourself and say why you are writing
•  your arrival details
•  what you look like, so your relative will recognise you
• Final words to close the letter
• Regards
• Yours sincerely for a formal letter
• or Yours faithfully for a business letter

listless \LIST-lis\, adjective:
Having no desire or inclination; indifferent; heedless; spiritless.
--LISTLESSLY, adverb -- LISTLESSNESS, noun

I was listless, and desponding.
-- Swift

If you say that something happens like clockwork you mean that it happens without any problems or delays, or happens regularly.

Example :  He reorganized Standard Brands twice a year, like clockwork. Something or someone that is chic is fashionable and sophisticated. Example :  Her gown was very French and very chic. a fantastic job You've done a fantastic job

For the birds  - no good, worthless, ridiculous

Example : This conference is for the birds -- let's leave now

Do the trick  - If something does the trick, it has the necessary or desired effect Example : This sauce needs a bit of flavor - I know, some lemon juice should do the trick. To be on the safe side  - being especially careful in order to avoid something unpleasant Example : I'm sure it won't rain, but I'll take an umbrella (just) to be on the safe side. Trivial  - Of little significant value, ordinary Example : Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter

 

Culture shock  - A condition of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an alien culture

Example : It's not just jet lag -- it's the culture shock of being in a new country On foot  - Walking or running, not using a vehicle. Example : There's no road to the lodge; we have to get there on foot.

Internet scam - An illegal plan for making money in the internet

That kind of internet scam is all too common these days

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Call in sick - Telephone one's employer or school that one is ill and cannot come to work or attend

She called in sick

Let off steam - relieve one's pent-up feelings

Example : He lifts weights after work to let off steam

Ins and outs - The detailed or complicated facts of something

Example : I know how to use computers, but I don't really understand the ins and outs of how they work.

Wet blanket - A person who says or does something that stops other people enjoying themselves  Please don't be a wet blanket. Inappropriate - Not proper Example : His casual behavior was wholly inappropriate for such a formal occasion Flesh and blood - One's blood relatives Example : I couldn't send him away - he's my own flesh and blood. Make a beeline for - to go directly and quickly towards Example : At parties he always makes a beeline for the prettiest woman in the room.

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Swamp - If something swamps a person, system or place, they receive more of it than they can easily deal with

Example : I'm swamped with work at the moment.

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Put you up - to provide you with a place to stay temporarily

Example : Tracy is putting me up for the weekend. Bend over backwards - try hard to do something Example : I've been bending over backwards trying to help you and this is all the thanks I get Moonlight  - To work at an additional job, especially without telling your main employer Example : A qualified teacher, he moonlighted as a cabbie in the evenings to pay the rent Call it quits  - To stop doing something Example : This ground is far too stony for a garden so I'm calling it quits

Veg out  - to relax and spend time doing very little

Example : I'm exhausted - I think I'll just go home and veg out in front of the TV tonight

Negation Form and Use