Several years go one of my grandchildren (living abroad) said she was struggling with her English language because of something called IDIOMS and could I please help her. It was this that sent me on an idiomatic ( some might say idiotic) journey to discover precisely what they are……which, surprisingly, I enjoyed!
It seems that English idioms are common expressions with a meaning that is obvious to any native born English person, but not easy for ‘foreigners’. So at this stage I must apologise to those of my 5,000 readers from 140 countries, many of whom will not be native English speakers, and try to clarify it by means of a very short story.
The other day a friend rang me. He was really down in the dumps (depressed) and under the weather (feeling ill) as for some time he did not see eye to eye with his employer (disagreed with him) a man who certainly didn’t beat around the bush (got to the point) when he announced to him that he wasn’t worth his salt( not worthy of his pay) and thereupon gave him the sack. (dismissed him from his job).
My friend was very downcast, so I thought it might help to read him the riot act (tell him strongly )to get his act together (organise his life so that he could deal with things effectively) and bite the bullet (to do something unpleasant or painful because it is necessary even though you would like to avoid it.) If he managed to do all this he would pretty soon be able to bring home the bacon.( earn a living)
He should pull himself together (take control of his feelings and behave in a calm way) and try not to make a mountain out of a molehill.(over-react)
I also advised him not to count his chickens (make the mistake of assuming that the thing you are hoping for will definitely happen)and that good things come to those who wait.(patience and perseverence can lead to positive outcomes or rewards.)
I knew of his impressive family background and reminded him that he was definitely a chip off the old block ( just like one of his parents in excellent character and behaviour) and despite not being a big cheese ( the person who has the most power) in the new firm, if he toed the line (did what he was expected to do without causing trouble to anyone) and did not blot his copybook (damage his reputation by making a mistake or offending against social customs) he could achieve success and might soon be able to paint the town red. (go out and enjoy himself with friends, drink, dance and be merry)
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As for you, my dear readers, after struggling through the above I hope that you did not feel you were fighting a losing battle, or at your wit’s end.
I suggest you should now :
take it easy,
slow down,
let your hair down,
unwind,
take a breather and
recharge your batteries. !!!!
Unexpected Israel 