IDIOM for the Day.

 IDIOM for the Day.

23 April 2024

1. ZERO IN ON

Meaning: If you 'zero in on' something, you focus your attention on it.

Example: 

1. We don't have a lot of time to discuss the issue, so we'll have 'to zero in on'.

2. I think you should 'zero in on' chapter 2 because it is the most relevant for your situation.

3. When we 'zero in on' increasing number of hours worked, the productivity starts to decline. 

4. We are going to 'zero in on voter registration rather than advertising at this point.

5. We zeroed in on improving our response rates to customer complaints in order to provide response within 24 hours. 

24 April 2024

2. Beat about the bush  or

 Beat around the bush

= If you beat about the bush/beat around the bush, you don't say something directly.

Example: 

* Stop 'beating about the bush'. Just tell me what's happened.

* Why are you 'beating about the bush' with your excuses  for missing the class?

Origin:

This idiom has an interesting origin. In the medieval times, hunters would hire men to beat the area around bushes with stick. The purpose of this was to flush out birds or small animals like rabbits that were taking cover underneath the bushes. Instead of catching them directly, these hunters would focus on the peripheral tasks first - literally beating the bushes - before catching the birds or animals. 

The idiom evolved from this literal meaning to its current figurative sense, which refers to avoiding coming to the point.

25 April 2024

3. ROCK THE BOAT

(= If you 'rock your boat', you do something that will upset people by changing a situation that they don't want changed)

* The new teachers were told not to 'rock the boat'  by saying anything that could  make the students question the school rules. 

* When Sheila started working at the hospital, she 'rocked the boat' by questioning the ways things were done.  

* Don't 'rock the boat' until the negotiations are finished.

26  April 2024

4. UP FOR GRABS

[= If something is 'up for the grabs', it's available for anyone who wants to try to get it] 

Example

* The job position was still 'up for grabs'.

*  In their latest competition, there are some great prizes 'up for grabs'. 

* The antique collection was put on auction and is 'up for grabs'

* If you lie low, the opportunity might be 'up for grabs' for someone else.

Origin

The idiom originated in the early 20th century from American English slang. It describes the idea of seizing opportunities or winning something. 

Possibly related to the idea of someone throwing a lot of banknotes into the air, and other people reaching up to grab them.  

27 April 2024

5. NERVES OF STEEL

[ = If you have 'nerves of steel', you are very brave and not many things make you scared or nervous]

* You'd need 'nerves of steel' to make a parachute jump.

* Behind her gracious manner lies 'nerves of steel'. 

* The goalkeeper displayed 'nerves of steel' during the penalty shootout, saving three consecutive shots.

Origin

The origin of this expression can be traced back to ancient times when warriors were expected to display bravery and courage in battle. 

The idea behind "nerves of steel" likely comes from the fact that steel is known for its strength and durability. 

28 April 2024

6. CHANGE YOUR TUNE

[ = If you change your tune, you change your opinion about something or your attitude towards someone]

Example

* The speaker wasn't polite to journalists at first, but he 'changed his tune' when he realised they had a lot of influence.

* He was against the idea of investing initially, but he soon 'changed his tune' when he realised how much money he could make.

Origin

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to 17th century, when musician would change the tune of a song by adjusting its pitch, tempo or melody. By doing so, they could create a different mood or atmosphere.

Over the time, this musical concept evolved into a metaphorical expression. 

01 May 2024

COVER YOUR TRACKS

[ = If you 'cover your tracks' you make sure, no one can find evidence of what you have done]

Example

* He's a smart guy and he knew how to 'cover his tracks' so that police couldn't connect him to the crime. 

* After stealing millions of dollars from the company accounts, he 'covered his tracks' by destroying the computer files.

Origin

The word "track" was first used in the late 15th century to describe footprints or marks left by a moving object. The figurative expression "cover the tracks can be traced back the 1870. During this period, most roadways were still dirt and crime was evolving. The lawbreakers needed to hide their movements to avoid detection by the authorities. 

04 May 2024

AN EVEN BREAK

[ = If you get an 'even break', you get fair opportunity to succeed or to achieve your goals]

Example

* All what Dr Saranya needs is an 'even break' and she could be one of the toppers in OET 

* He says he has never had an 'even break' in life and that's why he never achieved much.

* He says all he needs is an 'even break' and he could be a success.

Origin

The idiom 'an even break' has an interesting origin and it is attributed to WC Fields' catchphrase, "Never give a sucker 'an even break' ".

Today, it denotes a fair chance or opportunity

06 May 2025

A ONE-TRACK MIND

[If someone has 'a one-track mind', they spend most of their time thinking about one subject. ]

Example

* She had a 'one-track mind' since she started the training for the Test. All she thinks about now is IELTS.

Origin

T,he idiom "a one-track mind" likely originated from the concept of rail tracks. When a train follows a single track, it can only move in one direction - forward or backward. 

 

16 May 2024

CALL IT A DAY

[If you "call it a day", you stop doing something that's usually related to work]

Example:

* We decided to "call it a day" because it was getting late. 

* I'm not done yet; I can't "call it a day". I need to work a couple more hours".

Origin

The idiom "call it a day" originated from the earlier expression, call it half a day".  This phrase was first recorded in J.C. Neal's 1838 book "Charcoal Sketches", where he wrote, "I've a great mind to knock off and "call it half a day". Originally it referred to employees who left work before the end of the workday. 

Over the time,  it evolved into its current form, signifying the act of stopping or discontinuing an activity because you feel you've done enough for the day.

18 May 2024