English Idioms and Sayings

[Tdol]

I've reached the age where I don't understand what young native speakers say.

[henry]

Originally Posted by tdol

I've reached the age where I don't understand what young native speakers say.

But, you look quite young for your age.

[RonBee]

He looks young for his age?

:wink:

[blacknomi]

Originally Posted by RonBee

Q: What is "the tip of the iceberg"?

A: Evidence of things unseen. The tip of the iceberg is only a small part of it. Most of an iceberg is below the water.

I have questions for this one. Shouldn't evidence of things unseen be the part that is below the water? I can see the tip easily. Why?

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by blacknomi

I have questions for this one. Shouldn't evidence of things unseen be the part that is below the water? I can see the tip easily. Why?

You can see the tip of the iceberg because it is above water. The tip of the iceberg is the visible evidence of what cannot be seen (the rest of the iceberg) because it is below water. Metaphorically, when somebody refers to the tip of the iceberg he means that there is much more than is obvious. It is somewhat similar to "Where there is smoke there is fire". In other words, what you can see indicates that there is more that you can't see.

:)

[blacknomi]

Ah, I see. Thanks, Ron the Poet.

I've heared this idiom in a movie called "Big Fish." If my memory serves, the son asked his father "Have you heard about the iceburg theory?" His father answered "I have seen an iceburg when I was...." (I am not sure of the wording) :wink:

[RonBee]

I am not sure what is meant by the iceberg theory. After all, it is not a theory. Most of an iceberg (about seven-eighths) really is below the surface. Perhaps that "iceberg theory" remark makes more sense in the context of the movie. (Or maybe not.)

:)

[RonBee]

Re:

• Banging one's head against a brick wall.

Meaning: feeling frustrated because of working hard to achieve something and not getting any results. (That is, only negative results.)

Example:

• I've been banging my head against a brick wall and all I've gotten out of it is a headache. I've been trying to explain things to her, but she just won't listen.
  
  :(

[RonBee]

Re:

• Going around in circles.

Explanation: trying hard to succed but failing to make any progress .

Example:

• You are going around in circles with that project of yours. You haven't made any progress. Maybe you need some help.

[RonBee]

Re:

• like pulling teeth

Explanation: frustrating; exasperating; difficult and frustrating; frustratingly difficult; maddening

Example:

• It's like pulling teeth trying to get you to say what you really mean. I wonder if it is really worth it.