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- The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Also: the cupboards are bare, e.g. "I wish I had something to offer you to eat, but we haven't done our grocery shopping this week, and I'm afraid the cupboards are bare" (freedictionary). Living from hand to mouth, struggling to make ends meet or to keep the wolf from the door.
Oct 7, 2019 · Is there any idiom or expression in the English language that describes a situation in which the budget goes tight(er) and one becomes poor? In my mother tongue, they say "X happened and their brea...
- A Woman Holds the Knife at the Sharp End. There is a saying that derives from the Sotho diaspora of South Africa’s 11 official languages, “Mosadi o tshwara thipa ka bogaleng”, which loosely translates to “a woman holds the knife at the sharp end”.
- There Is No Beauty But the Beauty of Action. A simple yet powerful Moroccan proverb that reads, “there is no beauty but the beauty of action” is one we're sure will resonate with Global Citizens everywhere.
- A Tree Is Bent While It Is Still Wet. From the Southern Bantu language isiZulu comes a saying “Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” which translates to “a tree is bent while it is still wet”.
- A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Similar to the Moroccan proverb above, this proverb that is largely used by Cameroonians and Ugandans seeks to tell the listener that they should stop talking about what they want to do and actually do it.
Oct 24, 2024 · What it means today: When people say “Money is the root of all evil” today, they usually mean that money is the main cause of bad behaviour or corruption. The phrase is often used to suggest that money can cause people to do bad things. The full original phrase: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.”.
- Rugile
- Cat Got Your Tongue. Meaning: Said to someone who remains silent when they are expected to speak. Origin: There are two stories on how this saying came into being.
- The Walls Have Ears. Meaning: Be careful what you say as people may be eavesdropping. Origin: The face Louvre Palace in France was believed to have a network of listening tubes so that it would be possible to hear everything that was said in different rooms.
- Bury The Hatchet. Meaning: End a quarrel or conflict and become friendly. Origin: During negotiations between Puritans and Native Americans men would bury all of their weapons, making them inaccessible.
- Cold Feet. Meaning: Loss of nerve or confidence. Origin: This idiom originates from a military term, warriors who had frozen feet were not able to rush into battle.
- Overview
- “Turn a blind eye”
- “Feeling under the weather”
- “Beat around the bush”
- “Read the riot act”
- “Spill the beans”
- “The proof is in the pudding”
- “I’ve got it in the bag”
An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population. It is typically figurative and usually is not understandable based solely on the words within the phrase. A prior understanding of its usage is usually necessary. Idioms are crucial to the progression of language. They function in a manner that, in many cases, literal meanings cannot. We ...
Meaning: To refuse to acknowledge a known truth
Example: I’ll turn a blind eye once, but next time you’ll be in trouble.
Meaning: To feel ill
Example: My son was sick yesterday, and now I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Meaning: To circle the point; to avoid the point
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened.
Meaning: To reprimand someone for behaving badly, with the intention of improving that person’s behavior
Example: Taylor was being too loud in class, so I read her the riot act.
Meaning: To leak a secret
Example: Stop being so coy. Just spill the beans!
Meaning: Depending on who you ask, you’ll actually find an array of definitions for this odd idiom. Here are some of the most commonly used definitions:
1. There is evidence to back up a previously made claim, specifically evidence intrinsic to the object in question. (Example: Of course this project will be successful, the proof is in the pudding.)
2. The process of achieving something isn’t important as long as the end product is good. (Example: I may have had to walk 1,000 miles to find this treasure, but the proof is in the pudding.)
3. The success of something can only be measured by putting it to its intended use. (Example: You’ll have to try it out before you buy it, since the proof is in the pudding.)
Meaning: Secured success
Example: I’m not even worried about the interview. I’ve got it in the bag.
Here’s a selection of the most inspirational quotes from global leaders stepping up to take action in support of the End Extreme Poverty Now — Our Future Can't Wait campaign.
Sep 2, 2024 · Regardless of age, almost everyone uses these short phrases, often without realizing it. Perhaps our list of 50 English idioms will help you spice up your conversations.
