English Edutainment

This is a blog which focuses on teaching and learning English materials for students and teachers. It is still far from what students and teachers need. So, let's share each other.

English Edutainment

This is a blog which focuses on teaching and learning English materials for students and teachers. It is still far from what students and teachers need. So, let's share each other.

English Edutainment

This is a blog which focuses on teaching and learning English materials for students and teachers. It is still far from what students and teachers need. So, let's share each other.

English Edutainment

This is a blog which focuses on teaching and learning English materials for students and teachers. It is still far from what students and teachers need. So, let's share each other.

English Edutainment

This is a blog which focuses on teaching and learning English materials for students and teachers. It is still far from what students and teachers need. So, let's share each other.

CLICK THE FOLLOWING

Friday, January 27, 2012

How To Write A Review Text


The purpose of review is to inform the reader about something to help them decide if they want to use it or buy it.
Review appear in magazines, newspaper, on the radio, TV and on the internet every day.
The following are most commonly reviewed in the mainstream media:
Books, movies, plays, concerts, music CD’s and singles, computer games, TV programs, exhibition and so on.
Here are the common structure to write a review:


A Book Review
1. First Paragraph-Background
  • Tittle of review
  • Name of the book
  • Name of the author, if necessary mention other books by this writer
  • Type of genre of book, for example romance, thriller, science fiction, etc.
  • Intended audience, for example children, teenager adults, etc.
2. Second Paragraph-Main Body
  • List briefly and describe the main characters
  • Give a brief summary of the plot (story), but don’t give the ending away.
3. Third Paragraph-Main Body
  • Next include your opinions, praise and criticism.
  • Are the characters realistic?
  • Are they well written and described?
  • Comment on the plot. Is it simplistic/boring/complicated/intelligent...?
  • Mention the style of writing/descriptive language used.
4. Final Paragraph-Conclusion and Recommendations
  • Give Brief overall opinion positive  and/or negative
  • Recommend suitability for target audience or recommend an audience
  • Mention released date if it’s a new book, its cost and where it can be bought


Movie Review
1. First Paragraph:
  • Tittle of review
  • Name of movie
  • Who the movie is by director & producer
  • Names of actor
2. Second Paragraph
  • List briefly and describe the main characters
  • Briefly describe the plot
  • DON’T give away the ending
  • Comment on writing/dialog
  • Comment on technical aspects like lighting, sound, music, special effect, etc.
3. Final Paragraph
  • Give Brief overall opinion positive  and/or negative
  • Recommend suitability for target audience
  • Mention where & when it can bee seen


Review on TV Program
1. First Paragraph
  • Tittle of review
  • Name of program
  • Who the program is by for example Sinetron
  • Genre of program/movie
  • Names of actor
2. Second Paragraph
  • List briefly and describe the main characters
  • Briefly describe the plot
  • DON’T give away the ending
  • Comment on writing/dialog
  • Comment on technical aspects like lighting, sound, music, special effect, etc.

3. Final Paragraph
  • Give Brief overall opinion positive  and/or negative
  • Recommend suitability for target audience
  • Mention where & when it can be seen


Review on CD Album
1. First Paragraph
  • Tittle of review
  • Name of artist and album
  • Genre of music
  • Number of album: debut (first), or second
2. Second Paragraph
  • List briefly and describe the main songs 
  • Choose one or two songs and describe in more detail, include opinions of music and lyrics
  • Comment on the overall theme/style
  • Comment on production
  • Make comparison with other albums by the artist and in this genre
3. Final Paragraph
  • Give Brief overall opinion positive  and/or negative
  • Recommend suitability for target audience
  • Mention where & when it can be bought and cost
Example of Movie Review.



Kungfu Panda 2 Review
(R.L. Shaffer)
Animated sequels can be rough. They're not always bad, but they're most certainly not always good, either. Basically, if you're not Toy Story, don't expect your sequel to turn out all that great. Case in point, Ice Age 2-3, Madagascar 2, the later Shrek sequels, Happy Feet 2, the DTV Disney collection (pretty much all of them) and even do-no-wrong studio Pixar had a misfire in Cars 2.
So naturally some apprehension was expected with Kung Fu Panda 2, a film that seemed, at least on the surface, to be a retread of the first film (it's not). Oddly enough, I saw the film as part of a double-bill with Super 8 at a cozy local drive-in theater. Super 8 was unequivocally my most-anticipated movie of the summer. But, quite shockingly, my favorite of the two films that night ended up being Kung Fu Panda 2. Perhaps it was the lowered expectations, or the tasty pizza I was munching on while watching the film, but I'd chalk it up as good old fashioned storytelling that drove KFP2 to the top. The film is rich with character and emotion, not to mention some fantastic action beats, playing more like a hardened kung fu action drama than a kids-centric animated picture. The usual pop culture junk from other Dreamworks films is stripped away, leaving a movie that focuses entirely on the plot and characters. Now, the film does have its goofy moments, too, with several scenes where Po (voiced by Jack Black) does something dumb just to make the kids laugh. But between those gags and silly set ups, there's a very genuine, sweet film, with an honest, heartfelt message about family, friends, forgiveness and coming to peace with who you are – not to mention summer 2011's single best plot twist tagged on right at the end of the picture (if you saw the film, you know what I'm referring to). I was upset when many box office pundits hailed KFP2 as a financial disappointment, despite earning more than $660 million worldwide. Yes, it underperformed in the U.S., grossing a "mere" $165 million, but the film was hardly a failure, or even a mild disappointment. Usually I don't bring up stats like this in a review, but after the film's awesome finale, I can't help but long for at least one more adventure with Po and the gang (who are sorely underused in this sequel – the film's biggest issue). It promises to be the series' most emotionally complex installment yet. Let's hope we see the sequel soon, and that it delivers something just as special as this chapter. Kung Fu Panda 2 chops, kicks and slides to Blu-ray encoded in 1080p/AVC, mixed in thunderous 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio. If you've come to KFP2 expecting a demo-worthy presentation, be prepared to smile ear-to-ear. This is one fantastic presentation, packed with dazzling texture, inky, bright visuals and pristine depth and shadows. There's not a speck of compression on the transfer whatsoever, either. Like so many direct-to-digital transfers out there, KFP2 looks remarkable.
And it sounds remarkable, too. The 7.1 lossless mix is staggeringly designed, with aggressive surround cues that deliver a balanced, engaging listening environment. Bass is finely tuned and polished. Dialogue sounds fantastic – no mic distortions, hiss or crackles reported. And surrounds are flush with discrete elements that dance all around the listener. Again, if you want reference – look no further. Kung Fu Panda 2 is a knockout. Extras continue the impressive streak, with a great collection of goodies that not only explore the production, but also complement the extras found on the first film's Blu-ray (from way back in 2008). For starters, there's a picture-in-picture commentary track titled "The Animator's Corner," which explores the production, featuring cast and crew interviews, storyboards, behind-the-scenes footage and so much more. If you listened to the previous "Animator's Corner" track from the first film's Blu-ray, you know what you're in store for. Not into PiP tracks? There's also a clever pop-up trivia track and an audio commentary featuring the crew of KFP2 that's equally as great, though much information is repeated.
Next are two shorts, Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of Masters and Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (from the TV series). Both run about 23 minutes and are well worth a look, especially for kids and hardcore fans. There's also a few deleted scenes and two featurettes, one hosted by the cast and one that highlights pandas and their struggle to survive. On the interactive front, we've got a great assortment of goodies geared mostly at the kids. There's an interactive map showing the film's inspirations, a tutorial on speaking Mandarin and a few games for the little ones. Rounding out the goodies are a few trailers and a flier that gets you access to the Kung Fu Panda online game. The two-disc set includes a Blu-ray and a Digital Copy/DVD copy of the film. Oddly, Paramount/Dreamworks doesn't deliver any BD-Live features.
If you passed on Kung Fu Panda 2, you missed a great film. But fear not, the Blu-ray is here, and it's a magnificent release, demo-worthy in every way imaginable. I have one simple recommendation: Buy this one. You won't regret it.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

English Idioms Using "down", "in" and "off"


There are so many English idioms with or using phrasal verb. In this post, you will find some English idioms using the words "down", "in" and "off". What is the meaning of the idioms? How to use them? Read and practice the following English idioms.

English Phrasal Verb with "down"

Back down (or climb down) = to no longer stick to your original ideas or position: "After weeks of negotiating, she backed down and accepted their conditions."
Break down (1) = examine the different parts of something: "The profits break down in the following way – 50% profit in European sales, a 20% profit in North American sales and a 30% profit in Asian sales."
Break down (2) = when communication stops between two parties: "The negotiations broke down after two days."
Bring down = destroy something: "A series of disastrous investments brought down the company."
Cut back on = reduce something: "The government has cut back on its defence budget."
Drive down = work hard to reduce prices or costs: "Over the last year we have driven down the distribution costs."
Live down = when other people can forget a bad reputation: "I was two hours late for the meeting and now my colleagues will never let me live it down."
Play down = minimise the importance of something: "She played down the fact that her father was the boss."
Set down = put something in writing: "The conditions are set down in the contract."
Stand down = resign: "After ten years at the head of the company, the chairman has decided to stand down."
Take down = write notes in a meeting: "Can someone take down the minutes?"
Wear down = argue so much that the other person abandons their position: "The unions finally wore the management down on the issue of overtime pay."
Write down (or note down) = write something: "Could you write down your mobile phone number?"

 English Phrasal Verb with "in"

break in (1) = interrupt: "He broke in to their conversation to add that he couldn't work overtime."
break in / into (2) = burgle / steal: "Thieves broke into the warehouse and stole 100 computers."
bring in (1) = introduce: "She has brought in some changes to the company."
bring in (2) = receive income: "He brings in a lot of money as a computer programmer."
cave in = accept someone's idea or decision: "The unions finally caved in and accepted the new contracts."
chip in = contribute: "We're all chipping in for Maria's birthday present."
fill in (1) = complete: "You need to fill in this form."
fill in (2) = act as a substitute: "As Robert is on holiday, you'll have to fill in for him this week."
fill in (3) = bring someone up to date: "Can you fill me in on the new project?"
fit in = be accepted by a group: "He doesn't really fit in at work. He's very different from us."
give in = finally accept something: "She gave in to her children's demands for sweets."
hand in = give something to someone: "They handed in their assignment early."
kick in = start to have an effect: "The painkillers have finally kicked in. I feel much better."
lead in = start with something: "In our presentation, we are going to lead in with our vision for the future."
move in = occupy a house: "Some new neighbours have moved in next door."
take in (1) = understand: "I still can't take in the news."
take in (2) = deceive someone: "He really took me in with his hard-luck story."
take in (3) = provide refuge: "She took the old couple in."
work in = incorporate: "Is there any way of working in this paragraph? The text is a little unclear otherwise."


English Phrasal Verb with "off"

There are many phrasal verbs in English that use the word "off". Here are some of the more common.
Break off= end: "Talks have broken off between the union and management."
Bring off = succeed in something difficult: "The new management brought off an amazing recovery in the company's fortunes."
Call off = cancel: "The proposed merger has been called off."
Cut off = disconnect: "Their electricity was cut off when they didn't pay the bill."
Lay off = make workers redundant: "The car manufacturer laid off 5000 workers."
Live off = get money from another source: "He invested the money and lived off the interest."
Pay off = settle your debt: "She saved money every month and finally managed to pay off her student loan."
Put off = (1) postpone: "They put off the decision for another month."
            = (2) dissuade: "Falling prices put me off investing in the English property market."
Take off = do well: "Business has really taken off!"
Write off = accept a loss: "We'll never get the money back – I think we should write it off."

As we know that we can translate the English idioms word for word. So, we must memorize them. To help you memorize the English idioms, we must often read from some sources and use them when we write a sentence. The source of  the English idiom above is from english-at-home.com. You can visit the sites directly to get complete information. Finally, Let's learn for sharing and share learning.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

British English vs American English (2)


AMERICAN                          BRITISH


fender (of a car)                      wing
fervor                                    fervour
festive gathering                   jollities (sl.)
fetus                                      foetus
fiber                                      fibre
fire department                     fire brigade
fired                                      sacked
first floor                              ground floor
flashlight                              torch
flavor                                   flavour
fooling around                     messing about or mucking about (sl.)
for rent                                 to let
freeway                               motorway
freight train                         goods train
French                                 Frog (sl.)
french fries                         chips
fuel oil                                petrol
gasoline (or gas)                 petrol
gas                                     cooking gas
garbage can                       dustbin
garbage dump                   rubbish tip
genuflection                      genuflexion
get lost! (sl. leave)            push off! (sl.)
glasses                              +spectacles (sl. specs)
gray (color)                       grey (colour)
grounded (electrical)         earthed
got                                     have gotten
hand drill                          +brace and bit
hang around (sl. loiter)     hang about (sl.)
hang up (telephone)          ring off
hardware store                 ironmongers
harbor                               harbour
hemoglobin                      haemoglobin
hearing aid                      deaf aid
hiccup                              hiccough
honor                               honour
hood                               bonnet
horn (of a car)                 hooter
hubcap                           +wheel cover
humor                             humour
inflection                        inflexion
installment plan             hire-purchase
intermission                   interval
jail                                 gaol
janitor                           porter
jewelry                         jewellery
judgment                      judgement
kind of                         +rather
labor                            labour
lawyer                         barrister

AMERICAN                               BRITISH


lawyer                                         soliciter
leather neck (sl. US Marine)      jollies (sl. Royal Marines)
legal holiday                             +bank holiday
leveling                                      levelling
license                                       licence (n.; v.= license)
line                                             que
lining up                                    queueing
lodgment                                   lodgement
long distance (telephone)          trunk call
looney                                       dottie (sl.)
loot                                           boodle, swag (sl.)
luggage                                     +baggage
luster                                        lustre
mail                                          post
mail                                          letter
mailbox                                   postbox or pillar box
mailman                                  +postman
maneuver                               manoeuvre
marvelous                              marvellous
men's room                            gents (sl.)
messy                                    shabby
meter (unit)                            metre
meter (as in voltmeter)          meter
mist                                       damp
mold                                     mould
molder                                  moulder
molt                                      moult
mom (mother)                      mum
movie                                  +film
movie theater                      +cinema
municipal judge                  magistrate
neighbor                              neighbour
newsstand                           kiosk
notary public                      commisioner of oaths
nuts (sl. crazy)                    dotty (sl.)
offense                                offence
orchestra seat                      stall
organize                              organise
overdraw (an account)        overdraft
overpass (highway)           flyover
pad (sl. house)                  digs (sl.)
pal (sl. friend)                 +fellow, chap (sl.)
pants                               +trousers
paralyze                           >paralyse
parking lot                       motor park
penny (cent)                     pence
picked up (arrested)         nicked (sl.)
pharmiscist                      chemist
phone booth                    call box
phony                              phoney
photo flash                     flashlight

AMERICAN                     BRITISH


plain                                          moor
plow                                          plough
practice                                     practise (v.; n.= practice)
pretense                                    pretence
program                                    programme
pulled up                                  drew up
radio                                         wireless
railroad car                               railroad carriage
rain cape                                   ulster
raincoat                                    mackintosh (or mac sl.)
research scientist                      boffin (sl.)
red hair                                     ginger hair (sl.)
restroom                                  +lavatory
rigor                                         rigour
root beer                                   ginger beer
rubber boots                             +gum boots
rubbers                                     +galoshes
rumble seat                              dickey seat (sl.)
savor                                        savour
sawed                                      sawn
scallion                                    spring onion
schedule (SKED-JEWL)         scedule (SHED-DUAL)
Scotch tape                             celotape
scratch pad                             scribbling block
second floor                           first floor
sepulcher                               sepulchre
set the table                           lay the table
sewers                                   drains
sidewalk                                path or footpath
shoes                                     boots
shoeshine boy                      bootblack
shorts (underwear)               pants
show up (sl. arrive)              pop in (sl.)
shower                                +shower bath
smelled                                smelt
smolder                                smoulder
somber                                 sombre
space heater                        electric fire
speakeasy (sl.)                    off licence (sl.)
specter                                spectre
speedboat                           engine boat
stand (law court)                dock
station wagon                     estate car
stool pigeon (sl. informer)  grass (sl.)
store                                   +shop
story (as in: three story)   storey
streaked with...                 shot through with...
streetcar                            tram
subway                             underground
subway station                 tube station
suspenders                       braces

AMERICAN                     BRITISH


swamp                              bog or mire
swimming pool                swimming bath
switch (railroad)               points
tailored shirt maker          bespoke shirtmaker
takeout (food)                   takeaways
taxes                                 rates
taxpayers                          ratepayers
taxi                                  +cab
theater                              theatre
thumbtacks                      drawing pins
time= HH:MM                time=HH.MM
trailer                              caravan
trench coat                      duffle coat      
truck (motor truck)          lorry
truck                               bogie
trunk (of a car)                boot
tire                                    tyre
toilet                                water closet (W.C.)
traffic cirle                     roundabout
tumor                             tumour
TV (sl.)                          telly (sl.)
undershirt                      vest
vacation                         holiday
vacuum tube                  valve
valet (military)               batman
vapor                              vapour
vaudeville                      music hall
vest                               waistcoat
vise (tool, clamp)          vice
wagon                           waggon
watch out for the...        mind the...
whiz                             +whizz
will                              shall/will
will not                        shan't
windsheild                  windscreen
workman                     tradesman
wrench                       spanner
z (zee)                        z (zed)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

British English vs American English

English is used as an international language has two types based on its origin.  They are British and American. When we want to learn English we must pay attention to some rules. We must be consistent whether using British English or American English. Remember, you must avoid to mix both of them.  The following are some differences of British English vs American English. Let's learn and share.
KEY:     sl. = slang
              n.  = noun
              v.  = verb
              +   = can be used by Americans, but rare and/or archaic
              >   = American spelling can be used as alternate spelling
             (XX)= Pronounciation difference


AMERICAN                          BRITISH

a knockout (sl. beautiful)      a stunner (sl.)
a little bit                            a spot (sl.)
abrigment                           abrigement
acknowledgment                  acknowledgement
ad (sl.)                               advert (sl.)
airplane                              aeroplane
aisle                                   gangway
alley                                   mews
aluminum                           aluminium
analyze                              >analyse
anemia                              anaemia
anesthetic                          anaesthetic
annex                                annexe
apartment                          mansion flat
apprise/apprize                   apprise
amortize                            amortise/amortize
ardor                                ardour
baby buggy (sl.)                 pram (sl. perambulator)
babysitter                          child-minder
bar                                    pub
bartender                          landlord
bathroom                          loo (sl.)
bathroom                         +lavatory
beat (sl. tired)                   fagged
biscuit                              scone
big deal (sl.)                      big noise (sl.)
blacktop                            macadam
brash                                cheeky (sl.)
breakfast sausage              banger (sl.)
bucks (sl. dollars)              quid (sl. pounds)
buffet                              set meal
buggy (4 wheel carriage)    buggy (2 wheel carriage)
bum (sl. vagrant)             +tramp
bum (sl. vagrant)              bum (sl. backside)
burglary                           house-breaking
cafeteria                           refrectory
can (metal container)         tin
can (sl. jail)                     nick (sl. gaol)

AMERICAN                        BRITISH


can (sl. backside)                bum (sl.)
caliber                                calibre
call up (telephone)              ring up
cark shark (sl. gambler)      card sharper (sl.)
center                               centre
cinder road                        metalled roadway
check                                cheque
checkers (game)                draughts
clerk (KLERK)                    clerk (KLAHRK)
closet (clothes closet)        closet (toilet)
closet (clothes closet)        cupboard (clothes closet)
color                                colour             
corn                                 +Indian corn
connection                        connexion
confused                          fogged (sl.)
cookie                              biscuit
cop (police officer)             bobby
county court                     assize
coveralls                          boiler suit
crap (sl. worthless)           rot (sl.)
crooked (illegal)                bent (sl.)
curb                                kerb
dead on (sl.)                    bang on
defense                           defence
deflection                        deflexion (but not in engineering)
derby (hat)                     bowler
detour                            diversion
dialyze                           >dialyse
diarrhea                         diarrhoea
diner                             chop house
disbarred                       struck off
disgusting                      off-putting
dishrag                          dish mop
discount store                cut-price shop
dock                              quay
draft beer                      draught beer
dresser                         +wardrobe
dude                             tosh (sl.)
ecology                        oecology (old sp.)
edema                          oedema
efficiency apartment       bed-sit
electrolyze                    >electrolyse
elevator                        lift
engineer (railroad)         engine driver
enrollment                    enrolment
eolian                           aeolian
esophagus                    oesophagus
estrogen                      oestrogen
etiology                        aetiology
favor                            favour
favorite                        favourite

To be continued....


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Cloth Terms In English Idioms


keep something under your hat = don't say anything to anyone: "It's a secret. Keep it under your hat. It's not public knowledge."
take your hat off to someone = admire someone: "People really take their hat off to someone who work and study hard!"
tied to his mother's apron strings = someone (normally a man) who does what his mother tells him: "He will not come to the party out last weekend, because his mother will not allow him. He's really tied to her apron strings!"
keep something up your sleeve = keep something hidden for later: "We've been negotiating my new pay and conditions, but I've kept the other job offer up my sleeve for the time being."
all talk no trousers = someone who talks a lot but doesn't act: "He is always lie. Don't believe him, though. He's all talk, no trousers."
who wears the trousers? = who has the power in a relationship: "Why didn't your mother allow you?  Who wears the trousers in your house? Ask to him/her to get permission"
 pull your socks up = work harder: "You'll have to pull your socks up if you want a promotion next year."
it will blow your socks off = very hot food: "This is a fantastic stir-fry – it's hot enough to blow your socks off!"

hot under the collar = upset or angry about something: "My mother gets really hot under the collar"
it's pants (UK slang) = rubbish : "Do you have any idea about the novel?" "Pants!"
get something under your belt = achieve something: "She is really glad she passed the examination. Now she has got the score result that under her belt."
belt up = keep quiet: "Keep silent, please. Just belt up, would you? I can't hear what the teacher says."
below the belt = unfair: "You know he's really sensitive about the accident. I think it was a bit below the belt to mention it."
the boot's on the other foot = your opponent now has the advantage: "Now that she has been promoted, the boot's on the other foot! You should watch what you say from now on."
get your skates on = to hurry up: "Get your skates on – we're late as it is!"
have the shirt off your back = to steal all you own: "He asked you for how much rent? He'd have the shirt off your back, if you let him."
in only the clothes he stood up in = to only possess what you wear: "After the fire, they were left with only the clothes they stood up in."
get shirty = become angry with someone: "Don't get shirty with me! I'm only reporting the new rules."
skirt around the issue = not talk directly about something: "They skirted around the issue for a while, then got down to the real business."
cloak and dagger = mysterious: "Who's arranging the party? I don't know – it's all very cloak and dagger at the moment."
give someone a dressing down = tell someone off / reprimand someone: "He gave the whole department a dressing down after they failed to meet their agreed targets."
dressed to the nines / dressed to kill = dressed up: "Where are you going, dressed up to the nines?"

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Money In English Idioms


To cost a lot of money
  • to break the bank: "I can't afford a skiing holiday this winter – it would break the bank."
  • to cost an arm and a leg: "It costs an arm and a leg to buy all these Christmas presents."
  • to pay through the nose: "They had to pay through the nose to get their son insured to drive."
  • to splash out on something: to pay a lot for an important event: "They're splashing out on their anniversary this year."

To be rich
to be loaded: "He works in the City and he's loaded!"
to be sitting on a small fortune / goldmine: "She will inherit everything. She's sitting on a goldmine!"
to have money to burn: "I've just received a bonus and I have money to burn!"
To be poor
to not have a bean to rub together: "Those two don't earn enough money. They don't have a bean to rub together."
to be as poor as church mice: "His family have always been as poor as church mice."
to be skint: British slang that means having no money: "Can you lend me some money until next Friday? I'm skint!"
to be broke: "She's always broke at the end of the month."
to scrimp and save: to make as many economies as you can to save money: "His parents scrimped and saved to send him to university."
 
To not want to spend money
  • a scrooge:  Scrooge was a Dickens character, famous for being mean: "Why don't you want to buy her a leaving present? You're such a scrooge."
  • a skinflint: someone who doesn't want to spend money: "She reuses tea bags – she's such a skinflint!"
  • tight-fisted: "One reason he has so much money is that he's so tight-fisted!"

Other idioms
  • to have more money than sense: to have a lot of money which you waste rather than spend carefully: "He just bought another camera – he has more money than sense."
  • to burn a hole in your pocket: to not be able to stop spending money: "He can't just go out window-shopping. Money burns a hole in his pocket."
  • money for old rope: an easy source of income: "He sells bunches of flowers he has grown himself. It's money for old rope."
  • make a fast buck: to make money quickly and sometimes dishonestly: "He made a fast buck selling those shares. I wonder if he had insider knowledge."
  • ten a penny: very common: "These scarves are ten a penny in the markets here."

Friday, January 13, 2012

"Hot" In English Idioms



  • a hot favourite = someone / something most likely to win: "Red Rum was always the hot favourite to win the Grand National."
  • a hot tip = important or useful suggestion: "He gave me a hot tip for my interview."
  • a hot topic = an issue which is important: "Climate change is a hot topic at the moment."
  • be like a cat on a hot tin roof = restless or jumpy: "He's like a cat on a hot tin roof with all this talk about redundancies."
  • blow hot and cold = keep changing your mind about something: "I'm blowing hot and cold about moving to the countryside."
  • get hot under the collar = get angry about something which isn't very important: "You always seem to get hot under the collar about people's driving habits. Don't let it worry you!"
  • hot off the press = very new story: "This gossip is hot off the press."
  • a hot date = a date with someone you find very attractive: "She's got a hot date tonight!"


  • hot stuff = attractive: "Her new boyfriend is hot stuff."
  • have a hot temper = to get angry easily: "He has a hot temper, so don't provoke him into an argument."
  • hot and bothered = feeling uncomfortable, either because it's too hot, or because you have too much to do in too little time: "She's all hot and bothered now that she's been invited to the theatre this evening."
  • in hot pursuit = to follow closely: "The pickpocket ran off, with members of the public in hot pursuit."
  • in the hot seat = in a position of responsibility: "You make the decisions – you're in the hot seat now!"
  • in hot water = in trouble because you have done something wrong: "If you send that email now, you'll find yourself in hot water with the boss."
  • hot on the trail = close to finding something: "The police are hot on the trail of the mastermind behind the bank robbery."

  • hot air = something which is not as important or true as it sounds: "What he says is just a lot of hot air don't take it too seriously."
  • than you've had hot dinners = an expression to mean that you've had a lot of something: "I've had more jobs than you've had hot dinners!"
  • to be hot = very popular / fashionable: "Iceland is a really hot weekend destination at the moment."
  • to get too hot = become too dangerous: "Things are getting too hot and the relief agencies are pulling out of the area."

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

English Idioms Relate To Musics




The next idioms are English idioms that relate to musical instruments, types of music, or musical performance.

Musical instruments
  1. bang the drum = speak in support of something: "We're banging the drum for womens' rights."
  2. drum something in = keep repeating something: "She drummed in the importance of good manners to her children."
  3. drum up support / business = try and get support / extra business: "They went on TV to drum up support for their new idea."
  4. play second fiddle = be lower down in rank than someone else: "He plays second fiddle to the CEO."
  5. fit as a fiddle = to be fit and healthy: "She plays tennis twice a week – she's as fit as a fiddle."
  6. trumpet something = to broadcast the news loudly: "He keeps trumpeting his promotion. It's a bit annoying.
  7. wet your whistle = to drink something (alcoholic): "Come and wet your whistle!"

Types of music
  1. jazz something up = to make something more interesting: "We're jazzing up our new home page. What do you think?"
  2. march to the same tune = all follow the same plan / say the same thing: "I think the problem with this company is that the management don't march to the same tune."



Musical performance
  1. know the score = understand the rules / situation: "You don't need to tell me how to behave at the meeting. I know the score!"
  2. be pitch-perfect (be note-perfect) = to be able to perform / say something perfectly: "She was pitch-perfect in her presentation."
  3. make a song and dance out of something = make a fuss out of something: "She made a song and dance out of organising the flowers. Just as well we didn't give her anything more complicated to do!"
  4. be music to someone's ears = say something that others want to hear: "Giving us all a day off was music to our ears!"
  5. play something by ear = not plan something: "I don't know what I'm going to say – I'll just play it by ear."
  6. sing from the same songsheet = say the same thing as others (an alternative to "march to the same tune")
  7. give a virtuoso performance = do something perfectly: "He gave a virtuoso performance in his speech. All the audience were moved."