10 Everyday English Phrases and What They Really Mean
English is a language spoken by millions of people around the world. It is the most commonly spoken language in the world and is used in a wide range of settings, including business, education, and entertainment. If you are learning English as a second language, you may come across some common English phrases that are used in everyday conversation. In this blog post, we will discuss ten of the most common English phrases and their meanings.
- “Break a leg”
This is a phrase that is commonly used to wish someone good luck before a performance or presentation. It is believed to have originated in the theatre, where actors would say “break a leg” to each other instead of “good luck” to avoid jinxing the performance.
- “Bite the bullet”
This phrase means to endure a difficult or painful situation without complaining. It is believed to have originated in the military, where soldiers would bite on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain.
- “Cost an arm and a leg”
This phrase means something is very expensive. It is believed to have originated in the 1940s when the cost of prosthetic limbs was very high.
- “Hit the nail on the head”
This phrase means to get something exactly right. It is believed to have originated in the carpentry trade, where hitting a nail on the head is essential for securing wood.
- “Let the cat out of the bag”
This phrase means to reveal a secret. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century when merchants would sell pigs in bags. Sometimes, dishonest merchants would replace the pig with a cat, hoping the buyer would not notice until it was too late.
- “Piece of cake”
This phrase means something is very easy. It is believed to have originated in the 1870s when cakes were given as prizes for winning a race or competition.
- “Raining cats and dogs”
This phrase means it is raining very heavily. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century when people believed that cats and dogs were swept up in the rain.
- “The ball is in your court”
This phrase means it is your turn to take action or make a decision. It is believed to have originated in tennis, where the player who receives the ball has the opportunity to make the next move.
- “When pigs fly”
This phrase means something is impossible. It is believed to have originated in the 1600s when pigs were not able to fly, and people would say “I’ll do that when pigs fly” to indicate it would never happen.
- “You can’t judge a book by its cover”
This phrase means that you should not make assumptions about something or someone based on appearance alone. It is believed to have originated in the early 1900s when books were often sold with plain covers that did not reflect their content.
In conclusion, learning common English phrases can be very helpful in understanding the language and communicating effectively. These ten phrases are just a small sample of the many common phrases that you will encounter in English. By studying and practicing these phrases, you will be well on your way to mastering the English language.
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