The Junior Woodchucks' Guidebook to English Idioms and Phrases 2021
Distinguished alumni have compiled an updated treasure trove of English idioms and phrases in this guidebook. Explore the rich tapestry of expressions that make the English language so vibrant and dynamic. Enhance your language skills and delve into the nuances of common idiomatic expressions with this comprehensive resource.
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THE JUNIOR WOODCHUCKS GUIDEBOOK TO ENGLISH IDIOMS AND PHRASES 2021
THE JUNIOR WOODCHUCKS GUIDEBOOK TO ENGLISH IDIOMS AND PHRASES 2021 This treasure trove of English idioms and phrases was compiled by distinguished alumni of Kiiminki Senior High School, who turned into budding linguists and chose their favourite idioms and other stuff they deemed worth learning by everybody. This guidebook contains 1064 entries in all and is a glimpse into young minds in the early 2020s. Enjoy! The Junior Woodchucks Guidebook to English Idioms and Phrases 2021 was produced by Maxx Per l , MA
THE CONTRIBUTING LINGUISTS: Ekdahl Leevi, Haho Alvar, Halonen Helj , Hentil Hanna, Hansen-Haug Rosa, Hietala Nina, Holappa Aleksi, Hu Robert, Iisakka Aaro, Illikainen Paulus, Jokela Eetu, Juntunen Laure, Jurvakainen Anni, Ker nen Amanda, Kettunen Karoliina, Kivist Veikka, Kolu Teemu, Koskinen Eetu, Kujala Mirka, Kukko Eetu, Kumpum ki Artturi, Kuru Niko, Lassila Vivica, Lehto Alina, Leskel Elina, Lopakka Altti, Luhtaanm ki Matleena, L ms Tuomas, Manninen Linnea, Moilanen Emilia, Mustonen Nikolas, Mutanen Anttoni, Myllyaho Minttu, M kel Katriina, Nevala Samuel, Nurkkala Josefiina, Nyman Jerry, Ojanaho Peppi, Poukkula Ellen, Pulkkinen Viljo, Rintala Veera, Salmela Petrus, Siekkinen Hugo, Sillanp Rebekka, Tolvanen Niko, Tonteri Viivi, Tuovila Janina, Untola Saga, Vannas Victoria, Vilppola Veera, V is nen Joona, V nttil Josefiina, V n nen Jenna, V r niemi Jami
fill someone's shoes to take someone's place "It won't be an easy task for you to fill her shoes. She has worked here for 20 years." to be on the same page to have the same kind of idea about things, to understand each other "I feel like we're on the same page about our relationship." not rocket science not that complicated "Literally anyone could do it, it's not rocket science."
wouldn't be caught dead someone is very unlikely to be in a certain situation; to dislike doing something "I can't stand dishonesty. I wouldn't be caught dead cheating in an exam." keep it down to be quiet "Could you keep it down please? This is a library, not a youth club." cut corners to do something badly to make savings "The government really shouldn't cut corners when it comes to education."
out of the question not an option, not worth considering "It is out of the question to even think about us moving abroad!" stand one's ground to hold on to one's position "You have to learn to stand your ground! Your opinions matter as well." not lose sleep over not worry about "I'm sure you didn't offend him. It's not worth losing sleep over."
go places to achieve a lot "My friend is so good at math. She is definitely going places." lose one's head to panic "Don't lose your head, we still have until tomorrow to finish this project." the apple of someone's eye a very dear person to someone "The youngest child is always the apple of their mother's eye."
in the nick of time at the last moment, just before something can't be done anymore "You really arrived in the nick of time, just before the doors were closed." out of the blue unexpectedly "Completely out of the blue, the boss started shouting at his employees." hands down without a doubt "She is hands down the best singer in the world."
give someone the cold shoulder to ignore someone "When I tried to say hello, they just gave me the cold shoulder." go all out to save no efforts "I'm going to go all out in this competition." point the finger to accuse "My coworker pointed the finger at me even though I wasn't even there when it happened!"
get up on the wrong side of the bed to feel irritable for no particular reason "I tried to help him but he just yelled at me. He probably got up on the wrong side of the bed today." for a split second for a very brief moment "For a split second I thought you were going to leave me behind." Better late than never Someone arrives late, but it is better to arrive late than not to arrive at all Oh, there he comes, better late than never
Break a leg It is used as wishing good luck to someone Are you having an exam today, break a leg with it? Call it a day It means you have a pause with something If you are overwhelmed with your tasks, you should call it a day Get out of hand It means something gets out of control This is now getting out of our hands!
Get back to the drawing board It means you start over with something If you fail, you should just get back to the drawing board Hit the sack Go sleeping You seem to be tired, hit the sack already No pain no gain If you don t work hard you won t succeed Things might get hard, but no pain no gain
Pull yourself together It means you need to calm down Don't hit back, pull yourself together To get bent out of shape It means you get upset about something After break up you might get bent out of shape Under the weather It means someone is sick Many people are under the weather because of corona
Wrap your head around something To understand something Sometimes I can t wrap my head around my life A perfect storm The worst possible situation This seems to be a perfect storm Add insult to injury To make things worse than they already are Yelling back just adds insult to injury
Barking up the wrong tree Blame someone who isn t quilt Now you are just barking up the wrong tree Bite off more than you can chew Take too big goal to reach You bite off more than you can chew this time By the skin of your teeth Something happens just barely Cars didn t touch by the skin of your teeth
Comparing apples to oranges Comparing things that cannot be compared You can t compare your mom and dad, it s like comparing apples to oranges. Get a taste of your own medicine Someone gets back something they have given to others Now it is time to taste your own medicine. Give someone the cold shoulder Ignoring someone You should just give the cold shoulder to people like that.
On thin ice There are big risks We are on a block of thin ice right now. When pigs fly something that will not ever happen "I'll do that when pigs fly." When life gives you lemons something along the lines of getting the best out of a situation "Well... when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"
Old school Old fashioned in ideas or in an approach that is unbecoming of current trends (or in short: traditionalists) "My father's really old school, so wear something formal when you come to our place." Fair and square According to established or known rules "Don't even try to accuse us! We won that fair and square." Wild goose chase Spending energy and resources on something that doesn't exist "You got us all here on nothing else but a wild goose chase!"
All roads lead to Rome All routes are connected to the center "Take whichever route you want, it doesn't matter as all roads lead to Rome." Prone to A tendency to do something or make something happen "You see we humans aren't perfect. We're prone to mistakes." Over and out When someone has finished talking. Usually used in movies. (Not to be confused with radio chatter as the idiom contradicts itself. Over means awaiting a reply and out means ending the conversation.) "Roger wilco, over and out" (Affirmative will comply)
High roller A wealthy person that can spend a lot of money without giving it a second thought "Hey hey there's the high-roller!" Fancy-pants Superior or high class in a pretentious kind of way "Yep, guess it's just down to you and fancy pants. I wouldn't worry about him, he looked all hat and no cattle if you ask me." Fit as a fiddle Something or someone that's in good shape and health "Howdy partner! Might I say you're looking fit as a fiddle."
The whole picture The overall presentation of what's happening around someone or something "He's real friendly, don't get me wrong. You just get the sense that that ain't the whole picture. Just a feeling though." Outplaying Faring much better than the opposing side "Baby, getting outplayed and getting cheated ain't the same thing." Cry in the rain Doing something useless that will not help the situation in any way. "Tommy can cry in the rain for all I care."
Ease off the gas To reduce pressure and or intensity "Baby, ease off the gas. The Chip belongs in the hands of someone who can use it. As in me, not you." Angle A way to approach problems "Angle? I'm head-on, baby, flat-out, all stops pulled, full steam ahead. Side bets are for losers. I'm playing to win." Fink An unpleasant person such as a snitch or a man without honor "Maybe you fellas kill people without looking them in the face, but I ain't a fink, dig?"
Twisted up Get tangled into something you had no reason to be in originally Sorry, you got twisted up in this scene. Run of bad luck When things have been not fruitful to someone for a period of time, but very much filled with misfortune From where you're kneeling it must seem like an 18-carat run of bad luck. Rig To set up equipment for the purposes of altering the outcome into a preferrable one "Truth is, the game was rigged from the start."
Miss the boat It is too late "We waited you but you missed the boat already." So far so good It has been done well so far "I am happy with the work you have done. So far so good." Speak of the devil The person who was the subject of the conversation arrives on "Look there! Speak of the devil!"
Your guess is as good as mine I have no idea "What are we going to do? Your guess is as good as mine" Under the weather someone is sick "I do not feel well. I think I am under the weather." The best of both worlds The best possible, ideal, situation "This really is the best of both worlds."
The perfect storm The worst possible situation "I see the perfect storm coming" Actions speak louder than words Believe what people do instead what they say "Show it if you really mean it. Actions speak louder than words." Break the ice Make people feel more comfortable usually at the beginning of new conversation for example. "It is awkward here. Someone needs to break the ice as soon as possible."
Comparing apples to oranges Comparing two things that can not be compared "I do not like that she is comparing apples to oranges right now." Do not cry over split milk You should not complain or worry about something that can npt be fixed. "Live your best life and still someone is going to hate you. Don t cry over split milk." Get a taste of your own medicine Get treated the way you have been treating others. Usually negatively used idiom. "Finally she get a taste of her own medicine!"
Give someone the cold shoulder Ignore someone "I think I have nothing good to say so I am giving him the cold shoulder." Good things come to those who wait Be patient "Don t rush. Good things come to those who wait." Let the cat out of the bag Give away a secret "I am not sure if I should let the cat out of the bag."
You cant judge a book by its cover Some person or thing may look bad outside but it is good inside. "You should give him a chance. You can t judge a book by its cover." A storm in a teacup Big fuss about a small problem "Please don t make this a storm in a teacup." We see eye to eye We agree "There are two possible chances in this situation. Luckily we see eye to eye."
Time is money Save time and work efficiently "I don t have much time and I have to go soon. Time is money. Let sleeping dogs lie Stop discussing an issue "I can t do this fight anymore! Let sleeping dogs lie!" you can t teach an old dog new tricks you cannot make others change their habits I thought you finally learned to use a computer. I didn't, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
all bark no bite hostile, but doesn't do anything physically He threathened to hit me. Don't worry he is all bark no bite. dog eat dog ruthless competetive environment it's a dog-eat-dog industry raining cats and dogs extreme raining you want to go to the store with me? No it's raining cats and dogs!
set off start a journey I would like to set off for Rome tomorrow. When in Rome Acting like everyone else to blend in to the culture. I would never wear this kind of clothing. When in Rome. There's no place like home to say that home is the best place I like it here but there is no place like home.
come over to go to someone else's house could you come over on sunday A piece of cake easy mission did you pass the test? yes it was a piece of cake sell like hot cakes to be a marketing success these shoes are selling like hot cakes
free spirit a person living life in his own way have you seen your brother recently? no he is a free spirit. ride high when someone is very successful I passed the test, why wouldn't I be riding high. lighten up take it easy everything is going to be alright
cloud nine very happy she has been on cloud nine since she got in to the university catnap short sleep during the day I will take a catnap during lunch cat got your tongue to have nothing to say answer me or cat got your tongue
sticky fingers taking objekts that don't belong to you my vase went missing so someone must have sticky fingers spend a fortune to spend a lot of money dont spend a fortune on the gifts money doesn't grow on trees to have to work to earn money you have to teach your kids that money doesn't grow on trees
at a discount at a lower price that usual I wont be buing any clothes unless it at a discount To pull yourself together To calm down "You're too hysterical, pull yourself together!" Once in a blue moon Something that's happening very rarely "She doesn't seem to care about me, she calls me once in a blue moon"
To spill the tea To share gossip "What happened at the party? Spill the tea!" Piece of cake Something that's very easy to do "I can do that for you, it's a piece of cake" Cut corners Doing things cheaper or easier to save money or effort "Your belongings might have a lesser lifespan if you cut corners on them"
Light at the end of the tunnel Seeing improvement in a bad situation that's lasted for a long time "I had been struggling with money for months, but after getting a job I finally started seeing light at the end of the tunnel" Swallowing your pride Doing something that hurts your self- respect "He had to swallow his pride and ask if he could move back to his parents" Stab someone in the back To betray someone "He stabbed me in the back to get ahead on his career"
(My) cup of tea Something you like or have interest in Teaching isn't really my cup of tea" Take it easy To relax "After finishing my work, I will be taking it easy for a few hours" Get out of hand Something gets out of control "I think bullying in schools is getting out of hand"
To keep your chin up Remaining positive or hopeful in a tough situation "I know you're struggling a lot, but keep your chin up!" Out of the blue Without warning "My mom called me out of the blue" The last straw A difficulty at the top of a series of difficulties, that causes one to lose her patience "My bike getting stolen was the last straw!"
Being all ears Someone has your full attention "Tell me about your day, I'm all ears" Down to earth someone who is humble, friendly or modest "He is so down-to-earth that everyone must like him" So far so good Everything is going well so far "How's your project progressing?" - "So far so good"
For the time being At the present moment "I will be living with my friends for the time being" To see red To be very angry "My mom saw red when my brother broke our window" Blood is thicker than water Family members have stronger obligations to one another than to someone outside the family "My friends have plans for the weekend, but I will be helping my brother with his homework. Blood is thicker than water, after all"
Piece of cake easy thing to do "Yesterday's test was a piece of cake to me." End up result in something "I have no clue how I ended up in this situation." Get out of hand something gets out of control "School is stressing me out so badly that I feel like everything is getting out of hand."
A hard nut to crack difficult thing to do "Getting over a divorse is really a hard nut to crack." Call of duty an obligation, thing that must be done "His call of duties made him to leave me." Old school trends that are old fashioned compared to today's trends "Do you adore old school clothes?"
Right away immediately happening "She'd tell me she'll take out the trash right away even though in reality she knew she wouldn't do it." For a while a short period of time "I've been feeling low for a while now." Buy the farm to die "Our dog had been sick for a long time and a week ago it bought the farm."
Get to know gather more information "I'm afraid that people wont like me when they get to know me." Chill pill something that has a relaxing outcome "Oh god you're so annoying, take a chill pill!" Take for granted underestimate the value of something or someone "You should never take anyone for granted, be grateful."
Up to no good have an evil plan "I got a feeling he's up to no good when we went swimming yesterday." Sense of humour ability to enjoy funniness "I know a good sense of humour attracts him." Go with the flow do what most of the people do "I know you're stressed but it's a known fact that everything goes well if you just go with the flow."
Over and over again again and again "I explained it to her over and over again but she still don't get it." look forward to wait something with excitement "Everyone is looking forward to summer." I could eat a horse extremely hungry "At the end of the day I felt like I could have eaten a horse."
