English Idioms and Sayings

[RonBee]

What does it mean to run around like a chicken with its head cut off?

:)

[RonBee]

What does it mean to be led on a wild goose chase?

:)

[bmo]

Originally Posted by RonBee

Do you have any more interesting idioms to discuss?

:)

Yes, I have quite a few. This thread has over 720 viewings, an indication that ESL learners are interested in idioms. We should continue, but there is one problem, I am not sure if my definitions and grammar are correct. When edited, this article will be sent to a Taipei's Christian newspaper for publication.

1. A wet blanket.
One who spoils other people’s fun.

Example: We were having such fun skinny-dipping (1) in Mark’s swimming pool yesterday while his parents were away, but Timothy did not want to join us, what a wet blanket he was!

2. Spend money like water.
Spend money uncontrollably.

Example: Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” However, some members of our congregation spend money like water wasting on luxuries, but they would not contribute the ten percents toward God’s work.

3. Two heads are better than one.
Two (or more) can come up with more ideas than one person. (2)

Example: Pastor Yang and our congregation had been agonizing over whether to build our own church or continue to rent for some time. Recently, after consulting with Pastor Cheng from a neighboring church, our pastor decided to build one. Indeed, two heads are better than one.

It would be great if this can be edited as we don't want to see bad grammar going around.

Thanks a bunch.

BMO

[Tdol]

Originally Posted by bmo

2. Spend money like water.
Spend money uncontrollably.

Example: Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” However, some members of our congregation spend money like water wasting on luxuries, but they would not contribute the ten percents toward God’s work.

3. Two heads are better than one.
Two (or more) can come up with more ideas than one person. (2)

Example: Pastor Yang and our congregation had been agonizing over whether to build our own church or continue to rent for some time. Recently, after consulting with Pastor Cheng from a neighboring church, our pastor decided to build one. Indeed, two heads are better than one.

It would be great if this can be edited as we don't want to see bad grammar going around.

Thanks a bunch.

BMO

• However, some members of our congregation spend money like water wasting on luxuries, but they would not contribute the ten percents toward God’s work.

There are a couple of changes I'd make here. Firstly, I'd say 'the ten percent' in the singular. Secondly, I don't think 'spending money like water' eeds qualifying with 'wasting on luxuries'. We don't use this idiom for sensible spending, so the explanation is redundant, IMHO.

[bmo]

Originally Posted by tdol

There are a couple of changes I'd make here. Firstly, I'd say 'the ten percent' in the singular. Secondly, I don't think 'spending money like water' needs qualifying with 'wasting on luxuries'. We don't use this idiom for sensible spending, so the explanation is redundant, IMHO.

Thanks tdol, what if I redefine "Spending money like water" as: Spending money wastefully and uncontrollably? Is there anything else you woould change? (When you have some free time.) BMO

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by RonBee

What does it mean to run around like a chicken with its head cut off?

:)

That means to "run around" doing things that are pointless or senseless.

Example:

• She was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. She was doing frivolous things and not doing what she should have been doing. Because she was engaging in senseless activity, her life was getting out of control.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by RonBee

What does it mean to be led on a wild goose chase?

:)

To go on a wild goose chase (or "be led on a wild goose chase") is to engage in pointless activity or to do something to no end.

Example:

• We were led on a wild goose chase. We looked for Tom for an hour and he was home all the time.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by bmo

Thanks tdol, what if I redefine "Spending money like water" as: Spending money wastefully and uncontrollably? Is there anything else you woould change? (When you have some free time.) BMO

That definition is fine, altho spending money wastefully is sufficient, I think. Another one, perhaps more colorful, is spending money like a drunken sailor. As you can imagine, a drunken sailor can't be counted on to be responsible.

:wink:

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Red5

So tell me, what does the following mean (and why)?

"They get on like a house on fire"

blaze. n. a brilliant display, a violent outburst (of passion).

:D

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by RonBee

What does it mean to run around like a chicken with its head cut off?

:)

The very second after a chicken's head is cut off, its body runs around, and around, and around; disorientated.