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1. To blow off steam
Definition: To release or relieve stress or frustration.
Example: “After a long day at work, he goes to the gym to blow off some steam.”
2. To beat around the bush
Definition: To avoid addressing a topic directly or to speak in a roundabout manner.
Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.”
3. A rolling stone gathers no moss
Definition: A person who is always on the move or changing things is unlikely to accumulate responsibilities or burdens.
Example: “He’s constantly changing jobs and moving cities; he believes that a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
4. To cut someone some slack
Definition: To give someone leniency or forgiveness; to be less critical or demanding.
Example: “He’s been going through a rough time, so let’s cut him some slack.”
5. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Definition: Don’t assume something will happen or be successful until it is certain.
Example: “Yes, we submitted the proposal, but let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. We still have to wait for their response.”
6. To keep one’s eyes peeled
Definition: To be watchful, attentive, or observant.
Example: “Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.”
7. Take the bull by the horns
Definition: To confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and with determination.
Example: “Instead of avoiding the issue, she decided to take the bull by the horns and address the problem head-on.”
8. To give someone the cold shoulder
Definition: To intentionally ignore or treat someone with indifference.
Example: “She tried to start a conversation, but he gave her the cold shoulder.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Emily: Hey, John, you seem pretty stressed out lately. Everything okay?
John: Ugh, work has been incredibly hectic. I need to blow off some steam this weekend.
Emily: I totally understand. Sometimes you just need to relax and unwind. Speaking of work, our boss has been beating around the bush about the upcoming project. Have you noticed?
John: Yeah, it’s frustrating. I wish they would just be straightforward with us instead of being so vague. You know, it’s like they forget that a rolling stone gathers no moss—we need clear direction.
Emily: Absolutely. And let’s not forget to cut them some slack if they’re under pressure too. It’s important to be understanding.
John: You’re right. It’s just that sometimes they promise big things, and I can’t help but get excited. But then I remember, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Emily: Wise words. By the way, we need to keep our eyes peeled for any last-minute changes in the project plan. We can’t afford to miss anything.
John: True, and if our boss continues to be evasive, we might need to take the bull by the horns and seek clarity ourselves.
Emily: Agreed. But let’s not forget about Sarah. She tried to talk to us earlier, and we kind of gave her the cold shoulder unintentionally.
John: Oh, you’re right. I didn’t even realize. We should go find her and have a chat.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Liam: Hey, Mia, did you see the email from the boss about the upcoming project?
Mia: Yeah, I did. It’s so frustrating how they’re ________ instead of giving us clear instructions.
Liam: I know what you mean. They should realize that ________, and we need to get started as soon as possible.
Mia: And we need to __________, especially considering the tight deadline. They’re probably under a lot of pressure too.
Liam: You’re right. We shouldn’t ________, but it would be nice to have a clear plan.
Mia: Absolutely. In the meantime, we should ________ for any updates or changes in the project details.
Liam: Agreed. If the boss continues to be vague, we might have to _________ and seek clarification ourselves.
Mia: And we should also make sure we don’t ________ at work. We’re all in this together.
Options:
1. beating around the bush
2. a rolling stone gathers no moss
3. cut them some slack
4. don’t count our chickens before they hatch
5. keep our eyes peeled
6. take the bull by the horns
7. give anyone the cold shoulder
Exercise 4: Discussion
- Create examples using the idioms above.
- If that is too easy, challenge yourself and create a dialogue with each idiom!
- Discuss which idioms you found interesting.
- Are any of the idioms similar or different compared to idioms in your language?
- Discuss where you think each idiom got its meaning.
