Idioms and Proverbs
If you say, “The cat's out of the bag” instead of “The secret is given away,” you're using an
idiom. The meaning of an idiom is different from the actual meaning of the words used. “An
apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a proverb. Proverbs are old but familiar sayings that
usually give advice. Both idioms and proverbs are part of our daily speech. Many are very old
and have interesting histories. See how many of these sayings you know.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
This proverb comes from the ancient Romans, who believed the apple had magical powers to
cure illness. In fact, apples are filled with vitamin C, protein, pectin, natural sugars, copper,
and iron. They do promote health.
To “climb on the bandwagon.”
Long ago, bands on the platforms of traveling wagons played music to announce a parade or
political speech. To show their support, people would often jump onto the platform and join
the band. Today, this idiom usually refers to someone who hopes to benefit from supporting
another person's idea.
“Saved by the bell.”
In 17th-century England, a guard at Windsor Castle was accused of falling asleep at his post.
He claimed he was wrongly accused and could prove it; he had heard the church bell chime 13
times at midnight. Townspeople supported his claim and he was not executed. Today we think
of the bell that ends a round in boxing, often saving the boxer from injury, or the bell at the
end of a class period, saving you from more work. Regardless, this idiom means rescue from a
situation at the last possible moment.
“Bury the hatchet.”
Native Americans used to bury weapons to show that fighting had ended and enemies were
now at peace. Today, the idiom means to make up with a friend after an argument or fight.
To “have a chip on one's shoulder.”
In nineteenth-century America, a boy who thought he was pretty tough would put a wood chip
on his shoulder and dare anyone to knock it off. Today the idiom refers to anyone who is
“touchy” or takes offense easily.
Bakers once gave an extra roll for every dozen sold, so a baker's dozen is 13.
“A close shave.”

Blood bath'
This common expression is used to discuss any large scale destruction of people or animals. It
is especially used in situations of war.
Example: "The defense of Stalingrad cost a huge amount in human life. It was one of the
worst blood baths of World War II."
'Blood brothers'
Can refer to the actual birth brother, but is also an expression to indicate two friends who are
extremely close. In myth and legend, close friends often swear an oath of ‘blood brotherhood’.
Example: "Ever since Tom and Rufus went hunting together, they’ve done everything as a
team. They’re like blood brothers!"
RED
In Western culture, the color RED often symbolizes PASSION, HEAT, FIRE,
ENERGY,EXCITEMENT
1- Red (adj)
left-wing in politics: communist. During the RED Scare in the 1950's mane promient
Americans were accused of communist activities
2-Red alert
Emergency status: often used in the military, such as on a ship when about to engage in
battle."We are now at red alert. All hands to battle stations," the captain announced over the
ship's intercom
3-Red-blooded(adj)
In great physical health and strong emotional health: vigorous: high-spirited
A: Do you find Christine attrative?
B:Of course I do, as would any red-blooded man
4-Red- eye(n)
A flight that arrives early in the morning,
Hank caught the red-eye back to the Pittsburgh so he could get to work on time
5-Red flag(n)
A signal of warning or danger (usually figurative; there may be no actual flag) .
When James Bond saw the same woman following him again , a red-flag went out for him

when the team player carrying the ball tries to run around the offensive end. In everyday
English, it refers to any attempt to evade a barrier.
Example: "The reporters asked the Senator tons of questions about his private life, but he did
an end run around them and just talked about the tax cut."
'End up'
To result in or lead to something. Usually refers to the final condition of something. It may
refer to what will happen if a certain action continues.
'Fed up'
Have you ever been so tired of something that you wish it would just stop or go away? That is
when you can use the idiom ‘fed up’. For example, if you see the same TV commercial every
morning, you might say, "I’m fed up with that McDonald’s commercial. It’s on TV all the time!"
Usually, ‘fed up’ is used with the preposition ‘with’, as in the last example. But you can also
use it on its own: "I’ve had enough of Roger’s bad behavior. I’m completely fed up!"
'Fender-bender'
A ‘fender-bender’ is a minor accident. They can often happen during ‘bumper-to-bumper’
traffic. The ‘fender’ refers to the part of the car’s body that covers the tire. In a ‘fender-
bender’ there is some damage to a car, but not enough to make it impossible to drive.
Example: "I had a fender bender on the Central Highway, but I was able to keep driving to the
repair shop."
'Filthy rich'
"Filth" means dirt, so it may be surprising to hear about someone who is "filthy rich".
However, this idiom simply means that someone is extremely wealthy. Perhaps the idiom
comes from the idea that to display too much wealth is sometimes inappropriate. You may
also hear the less common phrase "filthy lucre", or "dirty money".
Example: "Dr. Carlton is so filthy rich that he has three yachts and two summer houses."
'Flunk'
To flunk (rhymes with 'sunk') is a common expression meaning that one has failed a course or
a year in school and must repeat it before moving on. Usually students 'flunk' a course when
they receive a grade of 'F' in the American grading system. The system usually works on a
scale of A, B, C, D and F, with A being the highest score. If a student receives a 'D' they pass,

If you haven't heard about any problems, that means things are usually going OK.
Example: "George must be having fun on his trip to Russia. I haven't heard anything and no
news is good news."
'Spill the beans'
To give away a secret or information, sometimes by mistake.
Example: "We were planning a surprise party for our teacher, but Lisa spilt the beans." We
also say "She let the cat out of the bag."
'Watch your language' (Watch your mouth)
This is a phrase often used by teachers or parents. It usually refers to profanity or language
that is offensive. If a student uses a swear word in the classroom a teacher might scold him or
her: "Watch your language in this classroom! The next time I hear something out of you,
you’ll have detention."
Once bitten twice shy - If a person has been tricked once he will more be careful and alert
the next time.