The most popular idioms or proverbs

[Ulli]

The origins are unclear:
http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-rai1.htm

We don't use it much any more in the UK.

Really? I'm very surprised I found that idiom in my English book.
What do you say instead

Ulli :wink:

[twostep]

""Hanging up goat's heads and selling dog meat" does, no doubt, mean that the seller is advertising one thing and selling another. (Apparently, goat meat is considered preferable to dog meat.) I don't think that particular expression will catch on here (USA).

:)

In German you would call it literally translated a roof rabbit (Dachhase) = cat. The term probably goes back to hard times when meat was scarce and feral cats plenty.

[twostep]

""Hanging up goat's heads and selling dog meat" does, no doubt, mean that the seller is advertising one thing and selling another. (Apparently, goat meat is considered preferable to dog meat.) I don't think that particular expression will catch on here (USA).

:)

In German you would call it literally translated a roof rabbit (Dachhase) = cat. The term probably goes back to hard times when meat was scarce and feral cats plenty.

[Susie Smith]

The origins are unclear:
http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-rai1.htm

We don't use it much any more in the UK.

Really? I'm very surprised I found that idiom in my English book.
What do you say instead

Ulli :wink:

You will find the answer to your question on the 1st page. It was discussed quite extensively there.
:)

[Susie Smith]

The origins are unclear:
http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-rai1.htm

We don't use it much any more in the UK.

Really? I'm very surprised I found that idiom in my English book.
What do you say instead

Ulli :wink:

You will find the answer to your question on the 1st page. It was discussed quite extensively there.
:)

[Ulli]

I'll take a look right away, Susie. THX.

Ulli :wink:

[Ulli]

I'll take a look right away, Susie. THX.

Ulli :wink:

[bmo]

Never has it rained cats and dogs,
But sometimes it rains frogs.

:wink:

In China, we often use " rains cats and dogs " :) When I use this idiom first time, I felt it is very funny, how can the cats and dogs be rained?? *_*

From: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/298100.html

Meaning: Raining very heavily.

Origin: The phrase is supposed to have originated in england in the 17th century. City streets were then filthy and heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals. Richard Brome's The City Witt, 1652 has the line 'It shall rain dogs and polecats'. Also, cats and dogs both have ancient associations with bad weather. Witches were supposed to ride the wind during storms in the form of cats.

[bmo]

Never has it rained cats and dogs,
But sometimes it rains frogs.

:wink:

In China, we often use " rains cats and dogs " :) When I use this idiom first time, I felt it is very funny, how can the cats and dogs be rained?? *_*

From: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/298100.html

Meaning: Raining very heavily.

Origin: The phrase is supposed to have originated in england in the 17th century. City streets were then filthy and heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals. Richard Brome's The City Witt, 1652 has the line 'It shall rain dogs and polecats'. Also, cats and dogs both have ancient associations with bad weather. Witches were supposed to ride the wind during storms in the form of cats.

[Susie Smith]

I'll take a look right away, Susie. THX.

Ulli :wink:

You're welcome.
:)