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When you are learning a foreign language, one of the hardest things to grasp is how and when to use colloquial idioms (口语习语) and expressions. Often used in both spoken and written language, these idioms are very important. Using one of these phrases correctly when speaking or writing to an English speaker is very impressive. Here are some wonderful British idioms. Use them wisely!
1. When pigs fly!
This expression is one of my favorites and I use it all the time. It is used primarily when speaking, meaning that something is extremely unlikely or impossible. For example, “I will forgive him when pigs fly!” “When do you think you will get a gym membership, Louise?” “When pigs fly!”
2. A penny for your thoughts?
This question is used in a situation where someone appears thoughtful or is very quiet seeming lost in thought. But remember that you don’t actually have to pay them a penny if they do tell you what is going on! For example, “You’ve been a bit quiet this evening, Pete. A penny for your thoughts?”
3. It’s the bee’s knees.
This expression means that something is of excellence or of very high quality. For example, “Try this chocolate. It’s the bee’s knees.”
4. To feel a bit under the weather.
I use this expression in many different situations but most use it to refer to feeling ill, or unwell. You would not use this phrase if you were feeling extremely unwell. It is only for those times when you are feeling a little ill, or suffering from something slightly like a cold or a cough. However, this can also be used to talk about feeling emotionally low
21. What would you say if you think something will never happen?
A. When pigs fly! B. It’s the bee’s knees.
C. A penny for your thoughts? D. To feel a bit under the weather.
22. What does “A penny for your thoughts?” mean?
A. Can I help you? B. Do you need money?
C. How are you feeling? D. What are you thinking about?
23. What is the author most likely to continue to write at the end of the last paragraph?
A. A study. B. An example.
C. Another idiom. D. The meaning of the idiom.
