Image: Wave, king, bird, toes, shoulder
***Remember to use idioms appropriately in context to convey their intended meanings.
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1. Chip on your shoulder
Definition: To have a persistent sense of resentment or a readiness to take offense.
Example: “Ever since losing the competition, he has had a chip on his shoulder.”
2. Get off someone’s back
Definition: To stop criticizing or bothering someone.
Example: “She’s been working hard, so it’s time to get off her back and let her do her job.”
3. Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
Definition: To be in a dilemma or faced with two difficult choices.
Example: “I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea—I had to choose between accepting a job I didn’t like or staying unemployed.”
4. All bark and no bite
Definition: Someone who talks aggressively but doesn’t follow through with their threats.
Example: “He likes to boast about his strength, but he’s all bark and no bite when it comes to physical confrontations.”
5. Stepping on someone’s toes
Definition: To unintentionally offend or encroach upon someone’s territory or responsibilities.
Example: “I didn’t mean to step on her toes by offering suggestions. I was just trying to help.”
6. Blow your own horn
Definition: To boast or brag about one’s achievements or abilities.
Example: “He never misses an opportunity to blow his own horn and talk about his accomplishments.”
7. Bird’s-eye view
Definition: A panoramic or comprehensive overview of a situation or area.
Example: “From the top of the mountain, we had a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the entire city.”
8. Fit for a king
Definition: Extremely luxurious or of the highest quality.
Example: “The grand palace had lavish decorations and exquisite furnishings, truly fit for a king.”
Exercise 2: Dialogue
Emily: Hey, Sarah, have you noticed that ever since Mike’s promotion was announced, he’s had a chip on his shoulder?
Sarah: Yes, I have, Emily. He’s been acting defensive and resentful lately. I wonder if it’s because he thinks he deserved the promotion.
Emily: It’s possible. But I think it’s time for us to get off his back and give him a chance to prove himself in his new role.
Sarah: You’re right, Emily. He might surprise us with his performance. Speaking of challenges, I heard you’re caught between the devil and the deep blue sea about the upcoming project. Is that true?
Emily: Absolutely, Sarah. I’m stuck between the pressure to meet tight deadlines and the need to ensure quality work. It’s a real dilemma.
Sarah: I can see why you’re feeling that way. Just remember that we’re here to support you. And by the way, did you see the new intern’s presentation yesterday?
Emily: I did, and it was disappointing. She talked a big game but was all bark and no bite when it came to delivering results.
Sarah: That’s unfortunate. It’s important to back up words with actions. Also, I hope I didn’t step on your toes by offering suggestions during the meeting earlier.
Emily: Not at all, Sarah. Your input is always valuable, and I appreciate your perspective. I didn’t take it as you encroaching on my territory.
Sarah: Thanks for understanding, Emily. You know, you always blow your own horn when it comes to your achievements. It’s impressive.
Emily: Well, I believe in giving credit where it’s due, but I also appreciate your kind words. By the way, I heard you’re planning a trip. Any exciting destinations in mind?
Sarah: Yes, I’m planning a trip to Europe next summer. I want to experience a bird’s-eye view of different cultures and landscapes.
Emily: That sounds amazing, Sarah! I’m sure it’ll be an adventure fit for a king with all the wonderful places you’ll visit.
Sarah: I hope so, Emily. It’s a dream come true for me.
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
Tom: Hey, Alex, have you noticed that recently Mike has been carrying a __________ on his shoulder?
Alex: Yeah, it’s hard to ignore. Ever since he didn’t get the promotion, he’s had a __________ about it.
Tom: I think he just needs some time to get over it. We should probably __________ and let him work through it himself.
Alex: I agree. It’s not healthy to hold onto that kind of resentment. Speaking of dilemmas, I heard you’re __________ about whether to take that job offer or not.
Tom: You heard right, Alex. I’m really stuck, _________. On one hand, the new job pays well, but it’s in a city I don’t like.
Alex: That’s a tough situation. But don’t rush the decision. You don’t want to make a choice you’ll regret later. By the way, did you see Susan’s presentation yesterday?
Tom: I did, and it was quite disappointing. She talked a big game but was _________ when it came to delivering results.
Alex: That’s a shame. Actions speak louder than words. Also, I hope I didn’t __________ by suggesting a different approach during our project meeting.
Tom: Not at all, Alex. Your input is always valuable, and I didn’t take it as you ___________. We’re a team, after all.
Alex: Thanks for understanding, Tom. You know, you always __________ when it comes to your accomplishments. It’s impressive.
Tom: Well, I believe in giving credit where it’s due, but I appreciate the compliment. By the way, I heard you’re planning a vacation. Any exciting destinations in mind?
Alex: Yes, I’m planning a trip to Europe next summer. I want to experience a ________ of different cultures and landscapes.
Tom: That sounds amazing, Alex! I’m sure it’ll be an adventure ______ with all the incredible places you’ll visit.
Alex: I hope so, Tom. It’s a dream come true for me.
Options:
- chip on his shoulder
- get off his back
- caught between the devil and the deep blue sea
- all bark and no bite
- step on your toes
- blow your own horn
- bird’s-eye view
- fit for a king
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.
