To carry a torch for someone

27th July 2012

A man carrying the Olympic torch outside the BBC's offices in White City, London. Photo by BBC Learning English Today's Phrase If you carry a torch for someone, it means you are in love with them. For example: John has carried a torch for Jane for years but she doesn't seem to notice. 'George is such a nice guy, isn't he? You carry a torch for him, don't you? o! "ell yes actually# is it ob$ious?' Don't confuse it with To carry the can means to ta e the !lame for something. For example: %he boss is so la&y but 'hen there's a mista(e ) al'ays ha$e to carry the can for him. Interesting fact "he Olympic torch relay passed through White City, which was the site of the very first London Olympics held in #$%&. "he stadium was demolished in #$&' and BBC offices were !uilt in its place. A pla(ue on the wall mar s the place where the stadium's finishing line was.

Under starter's orders

27th July 2012

A man preparing to ta e part in a running race. Photo by istoc( Today's Phrase If you are under starter's orders it means you are waiting for a signal to start a race. For example: %he athletes ha$e been 'aiting for this moment for years. %hey*re under starter*s orders. +nd they*re off! )t 'as only a second or t'o but the runners seemed to be under starter*s orders for hours before the ,istol 'as fired.

Don't confuse it with Under arms means supplied with weapons and prepared to start fighting For example: %he rebels 'ere under arms and an attac( 'as -ust a matter of time. Interesting fact )%* nations will !e ta ing part in the London )%#) Olympics with a!out #%,'%% athletes participating in the competition. "here will !e +%) events in ), different sports. "his is the third time London has hosted the games. "he first time was #$%& and the second in #$*&.

Like a duck to water

30th July 2012

-e .hiwen wins gold for China in the London )%#) *%%m swimming event. "he #,/year/old also !ro e the world record. Photo. /a$id Gray. Today's Phrase If you ta e to something li e a duc to water, it means that you discover when you start doing a new activity for the first time, you are very good at it. For example: 0e too( to golf li(e a duc( to 'ater. 0e'd ne$er ,layed before but hit a hole in one! 1ate ne$er seemed li(e the mothering ty,e but 'hen her daughter 'as born she too( to it li(e a duc( to 'ater. 2he 'as a real natural! Don't confuse it with A sitting duck. If someone is a sitting duc , it means they are an easy target. For example: %he soldiers 'ere left e3,osed on the hill. %hey really 'ere sitting duc(s for the enemy. Interesting fact China's -e .hiwen stormed to gold and set a new world record in the women's *%%m medley with a time of * minutes )&.*+ seconds at the A(uatics Centre. "he #,/year/old too a second off Australian defending champion .tephanie 0ice's record set at Bei1ing )%%&.

Splash out
31st July 2012

China's Cao -uan and 2hang -an(uan win gold in the men's synchronised #%m platform diving final in the London )%#) A(uatic Centre. Photo. %im "iborne. Today's Phrase If you splash out, it means that you spend a lot of money on something that you don't necessarily need. For example: ) 'as feeling do'n, so ) s,lashed out on a ne' com,uter and then felt great. %he sho,s 'ere full of ,eo,le s,lashing out after ,ay day. ) fancy sushi. Let's s,lash out and go to that ne' restaurant do'n the road. )t's e3,ensi$e but the food loo(s delicious. Don't confuse it with If someone makes a splash it means they suddenly !ecome very successful or famous. For example: Bradley "iggins made a s,lash by 'inning the %our de 4rance. 'ee( later he started the 5lym,ic 5,ening Ceremony. Interesting fact When Cao -uan and 2hang -an(uan won gold in the diving final, they dashed the hopes of British competitors "om 3aley and 4ete Waterfield. "he local pair had led the competition in the first three rounds !ut suffered as a result of a poor fourth dive. obody had heard of him and a

it out
1st !u"ust 2012

.outh 5orea's 5im 6a 7a plays a shot during the women's dou!le !adminton match during the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo. +de( Berry. Today's Phrase If you hit out at someone or something, you ma e a ver!al attac on them. For example: %he 6P hit out at the -ournalists 'ho criticised the go$ernment's ,olicy. 6y friend hit out at e$eryone 'hen she disco$ered she 'asn't in$ited to the ,arty. %he singer used her 'ebsite to hit out at fans 'ho had lea(ed her album early. Don't confuse it with If you hit back at someone, you retaliate. For example: %he ,resident hit bac( at the o,,osition's criticism of the budget by announcing that 78,888 ne' -obs 'ould be created. Interesting fact "he Badminton World 9ederation has dis(ualified eight female Olympic dou!les players for not using their :!est efforts to win the match.: "he players appeared to try to lose the game in order to get an easier draw in the ne;t round. "he longest rally in the match !etween China and .outh 5orea lasted four shots.

#ide it out
2nd !u"ust 2012

Bradley Wiggins of 8reat Britain wins gold in the <en's Individual "ime "rial in the 0oad Cycling on day ' of London )%#). Photo. Pascal Le 2egretain. Today's Phrase "o ride something out means to get through something that is difficult or unpleasant. For example: ) lost my -ob and can't s,end a lot of money at the moment 9 )'ll -ust ha$e to ride it out until ) get a ne' one. Jonathan had ne$er run a marathon before 9 he 'as tired e$en before the half'ay mar(, but he managed to ride it out and finish the race. ) can't belie$e the ,rime minister rode out that scandal and is still in office! Don't confuse it with If you ride a wave, you 1oin in with popular activities or share common opinions. For example: %he British ,ublic is really riding the 'a$e of cycling after Bradley "iggins' success. Interesting fact Bradley Wiggins won a gold medal in the <en's Individual "ime "rial, giving him more Olympic medals than any other British competitor. It too the cyclist '% minutes and +$ seconds to complete the ** m course. 6is victory comes 1ust si; days after he !ecame the first British cyclist to win the "our 3e 9rance.

To ha$e your eye on the %all

3rd !u"ust 2012

Wang 6ao of China watches the !all during the ta!le tennis men=s gold medal singles match against 2hang >i e. Photo. 2aeed 1han. Today's Phrase If you ha$e your eye on the ball, you are very focused and alert. For example: )'$e got my dri$ing test this afternoon. ) really need to (ee, my eye on the ball if )'m going to ,ass. )'m going on safari today. )f ) (ee, my eye on the ball, ) might be luc(y and see a lion! 1ee, your eye on the ball 'ith this ,ro-ect : 'e need to ma(e sure 'e deli$er it on time! Don't confuse it with If you drop the ball, you ma e a mista e or let something go wrong. For example: ) really dro,,ed the ball in that inter$ie' : there's no chance )'ll get the -ob. Interesting fact It was an all/China final in the London )%#) men's singles ta!le tennis. Wang 6ao too on 2hang >i e in this third consecutive Olympics final, !ut was outclassed !y 2hang's super! form and was !eaten */#. China has always dominated this popular glo!al game, in which the !all can !e hit over #&% times per minute.

! %olt from the %lue

&th !u"ust 2012

?sain Bolt ta es 1ust $.,+ seconds to win a gold medal in the London )%#) men's #%%m final. Photo. +le3 Li$esey. Today's Phrase If something is a bolt from the blue , it is a complete and sudden surprise / li e a !olt of lightning against a !lue s y. For example: %he ,rime minister's resignation 'as a bolt from the blue. )t 'as a real bolt from the blue 'hen ) bum,ed into my first e$er boyfriend in the su,ermar(et. %he announcement about redundancies 'as a bolt from the blue for the 'or(ers in the office. Don't confuse it with -ou can also use the phrase out of the blue to mean something which comes as a surprise. For example: 0is marriage ,ro,osal came out of the blue 9 but she said yes! Interesting fact "he London )%#) men's #%%m final was a stunning race. .even out of the eight finalists finished in under ten seconds, ma ing it the fastest #%%m final in history. ?sain Bolt won gold in $.,+ seconds / the second fastest time in history. 6e also holds the world record for the fastest ever #%%m, which he ran in a time of $.'& seconds in Berlin in )%%$.

To sail throu"h somethin"

7th !u"ust 2012

@u Li1ia crosses the finish line to win gold in the women's Laser 0adial class at the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo. Pascal Lauener. Today's Phrase If you sail through something, you get through it very (uic ly and with ease. For example: 6y sister sailed through her e3ams and is loo(ing for'ard to starting uni$ersity. /on't 'orry about your -ob inter$ie', you'll sail through it. "e sailed through the traffic and arri$ed at the hotel ahead of schedule. Don't confuse it with If someone is sailing close to the wind, they are doing something dangerous or something that is only 1ust legal or accepta!le. For example: ) thin( that -ournalist sailed close to the 'ind 'ith the comments she made about the Interesting fact Chinese sailor @u Li1ia raced against three others in the medal race of the women's Laser 0adial. .he finished first, improving on her !ronAe medal from Bei1ing in )%%&. "he Laser 0adial is sailed !y a single person and has a shorter mast and reduced sail area, allowing light sailors to manoeuvre the vessel in heavy winds. 02.

'all at the first hurdle

(th !u"ust 2012

China's Liu @iang falls after crashing into the first hurdle during the men's ##%m hurdles in London )%#). Photo. Lucy icholson. Today's Phrase If you fall at the first hurdle, you ma e a mista e at a very early stage, or fail to do something. For example: %he football team fell at the first hurdle 'hen they 'ere (noc(ed out of the tournament in the o,ening game. 6y ,lan to tra$el the 'orld fell at the first hurdle 'hen ) realised )'d lost my ,ass,ort before ) e$en left the country. 0is efforts to sa$e money fell at the first hurdle 'hen the 'ashing machine bro(e do'n and he had to buy a ne' one. Don't confuse it with If you fall or bend over backwards, you do everything in your power to please someone. For example: ) fell o$er bac('ards to ma(e a nice meal for my mother9in9la'. ) al'ays bend o$er bac('ards to ma(e sure my 'or( is accurate. Interesting fact Chinese hurdler Liu @iang's Olympic dreams were shattered for a second time when the athlete unfortunately crashed at the first !arrier in the ##%m hurdles heats in London. "he former world/record holder also had a hard time at the Bei1ing Olympics in )%%&, when he managed 1ust a few strides of the race !efore having to stop with an in1ury. @iang won gold in Athens )%%*.

)ni"ht in shinin" armour

*th !u"ust 2012

British cyclist .ir Chris 6oy cele!rates winning a gold medal in the London )%#) trac cycling men's sprint event. Photo. 2ergey Ponomare$ Today's Phrase A (night in shining armour is traditionally a man who gives help to a woman in distress. 7owadays it is also used to descri!e anyone who carries out a ind act to help someone in a difficult situation. For example: /a$id came to hel, me 'hen my car bro(e do'n 9 he's my (night in shining armour. %han( you for bringing me that coffee 9 you're my (night in shining armour! ) -ust cannot get this com,uter to 'or(. ) need a (night in shining armour to come and fi3 it for me. Don't confuse it with "he word knight refers to a soldier on horse!ac who wears metal armour. It has the same pronunciation as the word night, which means the opposite of day. For example: /uring the dead of night, a (night rode into the castle to rescue the ,rincess. Interesting fact .ir Chris 6oy !ecame the most successful British Olympian of all time this wee , after winning gold in the 5eirin trac cycling event. 6e has gained si; Olympic gold medals over his career and was nighted in )%%$ for services to sport.

#ecord+%reakin"
10th !u"ust 2012

>amaica's ?sain Bolt, -ohan Bla e and Warren Weir cele!rate winning gold, silver and !ronAe in the men's )%%m final. Photo. 5li$ier 6orin. Today's Phrase If something is record9brea(ing, it surpasses any previously set records. For example: You 'ill ha$e to run $ery fast to achie$e a record9brea(ing time in the marathon. )'m ,leased to say that the charity fundraiser has raised a record9brea(ing total of se$en million ,ounds! %he most an athlete could e$er 'ish for is to go do'n in history by achie$ing a record9 brea(ing result. Don't confuse it with If something is off the record, it is intended to !e confidential and not made pu!lic. For example: 5ff the record, ) ,ersonally thin( that the boss made a bad decision. Interesting fact 3ay thirteen of the London )%#) 8ames was a record/!rea ing day. >amaican sprinter ?sain Bolt won gold in the men's )%%m, ma ing him the first athlete to win gold in the #%%m and )%%m in two consecutive Olympic 8ames. 5enyan middle distance runner 3avid 0udisha also won gold in the &%%m, and managed to !rea the world record in a time of #B*%.$#.

,ut with a %an"

13th !u"ust 2012

9irewor s over the Olympic stadium at the London )%#) closing ceremony. Photo. 6i(e 0e'itt. Today's Phrase "o go out 'ith a bang means something comes to an end successfully or impressively. For example: %he festi$al 'ent out 'ith a bang 'hen the 'orld9famous roc( band came on to ,lay. John got a (arao(e machine for his lea$ing ,arty to ensure that he 'ent out 'ith a bang! %he fire'or(s at the closing ceremony ensured that the London ;87; 5lym,ic Games 'ent out 'ith a bang.

Don't confuse it with If you bang something out, you do something very (uic ly and in a rushed manner. For example: ) had to bang out my last assignment o$ernight as )'d com,letely forgotten about it.

Interesting fact "he London )%#) Olympic 8ames went out with a !ang with a spectacular closing ceremony, featuring iconic British pop groups, supermodels and the winning athletes. 3uring the ceremony, the flame at the Olympic stadium was e;tinguished and the Olympic flag was officially handed over to 0io de >aneiro, which will host the games in )%#,.

To "o down like a lead %alloon

1-th !u"ust 2012

An Afghan man carries colourful !alloons to welcome the country's athletes !ac from the London )%#) Olympic 8ames. Photo. 6assoud 0ossaini Today's Phrase If something you say or do goes do'n li(e a lead balloon, it is disli ed or !adly received. For example: /a$id's -o(e 'as in $ery ,oor taste. )t 'ent do'n li(e a lead balloon! %he ne's of Jenny's engagement 'ent do'n li(e a lead balloon 'hen she told the girls : they cannot stand her boyfriend! %he -ob cuts 'ill go do'n li(e a lead balloon 'hen the 'or(ers are told about them. Don't confuse it with "he slang term to swing the lead means to pretend to !e ill so you don't have to wor . For example: )'m sic( of ha$ing to do the 'or( for my colleague : he's al'ays s'inging the lead! Interesting fact "he common ru!!er !alloon was invented !y <ichael 9araday in #&)*. 9araday made his !alloons !y cutting around two sheets of ru!!er and pressing the edges together. "hey were originally used in e;periments with hydrogen, !ut soon !ecame popular with the general pu!lic when they were sold at circuses and par s in America.

ands+on
1.th !u"ust 2012

A !a!y touches the face of ?. president Barac O!ama during a campaign visit to the Iowa .tate 9air. Photo. Carolyn 1aster Today's Phrase If someone is hands9on it means they are closely and actively involved in the organisation and carrying out of a tas . An activity can also !e descri!ed as hands9on if there is practical participation. For example: 5ur sho, manager is really hands9on. 2he gets in$ol$ed 'ith e$erything from ser$ing customers to stoc(ing shel$es. 5n our training course, you'll get hands9on e3,erience of using gra,hic design ,ac(ages. ) ho,e that the ne' headmaster 'ill be more hands9on in the school and get in$ol$ed in teaching the children. Don't confuse it with If you shout "hands off" to someone, it means you don't want them to touch something. For example: 0ey! 0ands off my ne' m,< ,layer : you'll brea( it! Interesting fact ?. 4resident Barac O!ama visited the Iowa .tate 9air this wee and delighted some visitors !y !uying them a !ottle of !eer. "he president !ought ten !eer to ens and proceeded to hand them out to the crowd as part of his election campaign tour. "he ne;t ?. presidential election will ta e place on ,th 7ovem!er )%#).

!s "ood as "old
1&th !u"ust 2012

A post !o; in Isleworth, London, which was painted gold to cele!rate <o 9arah's Olympic gold medals. Photo. 5li 2carff Today's Phrase If someone is as good as gold, they are very well !ehaved. "his phrase is most often used when descri!ing children's !ehaviour. For example: You'll ha$e to be as good as gold during the 'edding : don't go running off in the church! /addy bought me a ne' toy for being as good as gold today. ) 'as so 'orried that 2arah's little girl 'as going to be scared of the animals at the &oo, but she 'as as good as gold. Don't confuse it with If someone has a heart of gold, they are very ind and helpful. For example: 6y uncle =onnie does a lot of $olunteer 'or( in the local community : he really does ha$e a heart of gold. Interesting fact 4ost !o;es around the ?5 have !een painted gold in the home towns of every gold medal/ winning athlete from "eam 8B. "his is the first time that post !o;es have changed colour since #&C*, when the iconic red colour was chosen. It too ten years to paint all of the ?5's post !o;es, which were originally green to !lend in with the landscape.

/akin" the "rade

17th !u"ust 2012

.tudents at Clifton College in Bristol cele!rating their A/level results. Today's Phrase If someone or something Dma es the gradeE, they achieve the e;pected result. "hey succeed. It is often used in the negative when things are not good enough. For example: %he mar(ing of e3ams has been tougher this year and many students -ust didn't ma(e the grade. %his 'or( is a'ful. )t sim,ly doesn't ma(e the grade. ) ha$e e$ery confidence in you and e3,ect you to ma(e the grade. Don't confuse it with If you grade someone down on something, you give someone a low score on their performance, perhaps for a particular error. For example: )*m afraid ) had to grade you do'n on your essay for ,oor s,elling. Interesting fact "here has !een a fall in the proportion of A/levels awarded an A or AF grade for the first time in over two decades. "his summer's results show ),.,G of A/level entries achieved the top two grades / down from )CG last year. A!out ++',%%% students in Hngland, Wales and 7orthern Ireland have !een receiving their results / with many finding out whether they have made the grade for university.

0acked like sardines

21st !u"ust 2012

Iisitors are pac ed li e sardines in a pool at a tourist resort in .ichuan province, China. Photo. =euters. Today's Phrase We use the e;pression 'pac ed li e sardines' to descri!e people in a very crowded space. For example: ) hate getting the train in the morning. "e're all ,ac(ed li(e sardines and it's al'ays hot and smelly. 0enry didn't stay at the ,arty for $ery long : he said there 'ere so many ,eo,le they 'ere ,ac(ed li(e sardines. %he fans 'ere ,ac(ed li(e sardines at the music festi$al. Don't confuse it with Another e;pression you can use to descri!e a place that=s very full of people or things is choc !a!"loc #B For example: )'m afraid )'m going to be late as )'m stuc( in traffic. %he streets are choc(9a9bloc( 'ith cars today. %he bar 'as so choc(9a9bloc( 'ith ,eo,le that ) couldn't mo$e! Interesting fact "here is evidence that Hgyptians practised swimming as early as )'%% BCH. In 8reece and 0ome swimming was an important part of martial arts training. It was only in the #$th century that swimming !ecame a very popular sport and in #&$, it was included in the Olympic 8ames.

)eep an ear to the "round

22nd !u"ust 2012

A <uslim !oy is seen during the prayer session to cele!rate Hid al/9itr in 4anama City. Photo. =euters>Carlos Jasso Today's Phrase "o eep an ear to the ground means to listen or watch out for new information or trends. For example: /a$id had his ear to the ground 'hen it came to ne's about the latest and best technology to buy. )f 2usan had (e,t her ear to the ground, she 'ouldn*t ha$e missed the o,,ortunity for a ,romotion /on*t 'orry, )'ll (ee, my ear to the ground and let you (no' 'hat's ha,,ening as soon as ,ossible. Don't confuse it with "o ha$e a word in someone%s ear# / this means to tal advice or a warning. For example: /id you hear 'hat 2te$e -ust said to 6andy? )*d better ha$e a 'ord in his ear about it later on. Interesting fact 3uring 0amadan, <uslims around the world conduct a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. Hid al/9itr is a three/day cele!ration to mar the end of 0amadan and is one of the two most important Islamic cele!rations J the other follows the 6a11 pilgrimage to <ecca. 3uring Hid al/ 9itr, people wear their finest clothes and decorate homes with lights and ornaments. 8ifts are also offered to children, as charity and generosity form a significant part of the festivities. privately with someone to give

Tom1 2ick and

23rd !u"ust 2012

arry

4rince 6arry smiles during a visit to Bacon's College in London. 0ecently, the British 0oyal 9amily said nude photographs of 4rince 6arry cavorting with friends on holiday in Las Iegas were genuine. Photo. +4P>Chris Jac(son Today's Phrase D"om, 3ic and 6arryE is a phrase used to descri!e everyone, or people in general. For example: E$ery %om, /ic( and 0arry has a mobile ,hone these days. +ny %om, /ic( or 0arry can tie their shoelaces 9 it's not difficult. )t 'as so cro'ded at the ,arty 9 'hy did they in$ite e$ery %om, /ic( and 0arry? Don't confuse it with & cle$er dic #, which is the name given to someone who tries too hard to show people how clever they are and appear self/satisfied. For example: 0e's al'ays tal(ing loudly in lots of different languages 9 he's such a cle$er dic(. Interesting fact Although the phrase D"om, 3ic and 6arryE means people in general, the picture a!ove is, of course, not any "om, 3ic or 6arry !ut 4rince 6arry whose official title is 606 4rince 6enry of Wales. 6e is third in line to the British throne Kafter his father 4rince Charles and older !rother William, the 3u e of Cam!ridgeL. A ?... we!site recently caused a stir !y pu!lishing na ed photos of 4rince 6arry partying in a private Las Iegas hotel room. "he 4rince is a Captain in "he Blues and 0oyals, a cavalry regiment of the British Army Air Corps.

! ray of sunshine 2-th !u"ust 2012

In !right sunshine, a model wal s along the 'world's longest catwal ' at 3arling 6ar!our in .ydney, Australia. Photo. =euters>/aniel 6uno& Today's Phrase A ray of sunshine is used when something or someone offers hope in a difficult situation. For example: +fter failing both my e3ams, going to see my mum has ,ro$ided a ray of sunshine. )t's been a really terrible fe' days, but he's been li(e a ray of sunshine to me. %he ne' client ,ro$ided a ray of sunshine for 2te$e's business on 6onday. Don't confuse it with "he phrase under the sun#, which means anything or anywhere that e;ists on Harth. For example: 6atthe' seems to ha$e an o,inion on e$erything under the sun. You can find almost e$erything under the sun in that sho,. Interesting fact "he e;istence of nearly all life on Harth is than s to the rays of light emitted !y the sun. "he sun's rays, in moderation, are !eneficial to the human !ody, which produces vitamin 3. A lac of sunlight, however, can sometimes lead to a condition nown as seasonal affective disorder K.A3L, a mood illness which can lead to depression.

The life and soul of the party

2(th !u"ust 2012

Performers dance in the streets of London at the Notting Hill Carnival. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images
Today's Phrase We say someone is Dthe life and soul of the partyE if they are socia!le and at the centre of activity during a social occasion. For example: Johnny 'as tal(ing to e$eryone and telling funny -o(es. 0e 'as the life and soul of the ,arty. ) lo$e going out 'ith George because he's al'ays the life and soul of the ,arty. + night out 'ith him is ne$er boring! Chloe is e3tremely sociable and chatty. 2he 'as the life and soul of the ,arty last night. Don't confuse it with "he phrase heart and soul# means putting a lot of energy and enthusiasm into something. For example: 2o,hia 'as an e3tremely dedicated em,loyee and ,ut her heart and soul into this ,ro-ect. ) really ,ut my heart and soul into this ,ainting, so ) ho,e you li(e it. Interesting fact "he 7otting 6ill Carnival is Hurope's !iggest street festival and ta es place every summer. "he streets of West London come alive with parades of colourful costumes and thousands of spectators. "he Cari!!ean/inspired carnival started in #$,* and is now in its *&th year.

/akin" wa$es
2*th !u"ust 2012

C> 6o!good in action at the Billa!ong 4ro "ahiti surfing competition in "ahiti. Photo. +P Today's Phrase If someone or something Ema es wavesE it means they ma e an impression or cause trou!le. For example: %he footballer is ma(ing 'a$es. ) thin( a lot of ,eo,le are shoc(ed by his comments. %his ne's story is really ma(ing 'a$es this 'ee(. E$eryone is tal(ing about it. )n the conference, he tal(ed about the gadgets that made 'a$es last year. Don't confuse it with If you wa$e good"ye to something# , you accept you will lose something you value, or not o!tain something you want. For example: )'m al'ays late for 'or( at the moment. ) thin( ) can 'a$e goodbye to a ,ay rise this year! )f you 'ant to get to, grades, you can 'a$e goodbye to your social life 9 you'll ha$e to study e$ery night. Interesting fact Harly surfing !oards were made out of solid wood and were e;tremely difficult to steer. In the #$+%s American surfer "om Bla e made a lighter, hollow !oard and added a fin under the tail, which meant that surfers could control the !oard !etter. .ince then, new materials li e fi!reglass have !een used to gradually ma e !oards lighter and more manoeuvra!le.

3n the air
30th !u"ust 2012

Artists perform with um!rellas during the Opening Ceremony of the London )%#) 4aralympics. Photo. Getty>/an 1it'ood Today's Phrase When something is in the air, it means something e;citing or significant is ta ing place or a!out to happen. For example: 2,ring is in the air 9 it's a time for change! %here's definitely something in the air 9 t'o of my friends ha$e announced they are getting married. %here 'as a feeling in the air that the athlete 'ould 'in gold. Don't confuse it with & breath of fresh air means a different approach or a welcome change to something. For example: +nna has lots of 'onderful ideas and moti$ation 9 she's a breath of fresh air. %he ne' coat of ,aint in the lounge has gi$en the room a breath of fresh air. Interesting fact "he first 4aralympic 8ames too place following World War II in #$*&, when a sporting event for in1ured soldiers was organised at .to e <andeville hospital in Buc inghamshire, ?5. 9our years later, the '.to e <andeville 8ames' / as it was then called / was repeated at the same site with #+% competitors, including veterans from the 7etherlands. "he first official 4aralympic 8ames too place in #$,% alongside the summer Olympics in 0ome, with *%% athletes from )+ different countries.

4i$e somethin" the thum%s up

31st !u"ust 2012

.ini 2eng of China passes her coach on her way to a gold medal in the pursuit cycling event during the London )%#) 4aralympic 8ames. Photo. Bryn Lennon>Getty Today's Phrase "o give something the thum!s up means to approve of it or show you support it. For example: /aisy's ca(e 'as delicious : )'d definitely gi$e it the thumbs u,. "ait until ) gi$e the thumbs u, before you send that email to head office. %he boss -ust ga$e me the thumbs u, to ta(e three days off ne3t 'ee(. Don't confuse it with "o thum" through something# means to casually loo through a !oo or magaAine. For example: ) 'as in a rush so ) only got to thumb through your no$el on the train. +t the hairdresser's salon, 0elen en-oyed thumbing through their selection of maga&ines. Interesting fact "he gesture of thum!s up is often !elieved to originate in ancient 0ome following gladiatorial com!at when the fate of a defeated warrior was decided !y spectators watching the event. "hey would gesture either with thum!s downturned / to mimic the sta!!ing motion of a dagger / to indicate the warrior !e e;ecuted, or if the warrior had fought well, an upturned thum! / or thum!s up / would signify the warrior could !e spared.

3n the lon" run

3rd Septem%er 2012

BraAil=s Alan Oliveira is congratulated !y .outh Africa=s Oscar 4istorius after winning the <en=s )%%m "** classification at the 4aralympics. Photo. Eddie 1eogh>=euters Today's Phrase In the long run means DeventuallyE or after a long period of time. For example: )*m not s,ending any money at all at the moment. Life is ,retty boring but, in the long run, it*ll be 'orth it. )*ll be able to afford my dream holiday. )*$e -ust ?uit smo(ing and ) feel terrible, but )*m sure, in the long run, )*ll be much healthier Jane hates studying but ) (ee, telling her, in the long run, the effort 'ill lead to a much better -ob. Don't confuse it with If you are on the run# it means that you are avoiding !eing caught, especially !y the police. For example: +fter robbing the ban(, the gang 'ere on the run for a 'ee( before the ,olice arrested them. Police ha$e issued a 'arning to a$oid a dangerous criminal 'ho*s been on the run since esca,ing from a high9security ,rison. Interesting fact "he .outh African runner Oscar 4istorius has apologised for the timing of his comments following his loss in the 4aralympic "** )%%m final. 6e criticised the International 4aralympic Committee, saying BraAilian gold medallist Alan Oliveira's artificial legs were too long.

4i$e someone a hand

-th Septem%er 2012

-aseen 4ereA 8omeA guides Arian IAnaga of Cu!a around the trac in the men's )%%m, "## race. Photo. 6ichael 2teele>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase "o give someone a hand means to give someone assistance or help. For example: )*m really finding my home'or( difficult. Can you gi$e me a hand? Loo( at all the 'ashing u,! ) really need someone to gi$e me a hand! Louise is so (ind : she's al'ays ready to gi$e you a hand 'ith anything. Don't confuse it with "o go hand in hand# means two things are connected to or associated with each other. For example: 6aths and science go hand in hand : they're related sub-ects. "hen 'atching a film, the images and sound go hand in hand. Interesting fact In the 4aralympics, !lind and partially sighted runners can compete with a guide. ?sually tethered to the athlete !y a rope, the guide tal s throughout the race, e;plaining to the athlete where they are on the trac , flagging up !ends and ma ing a call on whether or not the athlete should accelerate, hold the pace or rela;. "he golden rule of guide running is not to cross the line !efore the athlete, a crime punisha!le !y dis(ualification.

,$er and a%o$e

.th Septem%er 2012

BronAe medallist Lu asA <amcAarA competes in the men's high 1ump 9*) classification. Photo. 6att /unham >+P Today's Phrase "he phrase Dover and a!oveE means 'in addition to something' or 'more than something'. For example: %he ?uality of the food 'as o$er and abo$e 'hat ) e3,ected from that restaurant. %he ,rofit 'e made last year 'as o$er and abo$e 'hat 'e antici,ated. "e're going to need @ litres of 'ater o$er and abo$e the amount 'e already ha$e. Don't confuse it with When someone is o$er the moon#, they are e;tremely happy. For example: %he athlete 'as o$er the moon 'hen he 'on his second gold medal. 6y boyfriend ,ro,osed to me last night 9 )'m o$er the moon! Interesting fact Iliesa 3elana of 9i1i claimed gold in the <en's 6igh >ump 9*), while 8irisha 6osanagara 7agara1egowda gave India its first medal at the 4aralympic 8ames after winning a silver medal. Lu asA <amcAarA of 4oland, in the photo a!ove, settled for !ronAe.

Swimmin"ly
&th Septem%er 2012

8reat Britain's Oliver 6ynd races to victory in the <en's )%%m individual medley. Photo. Lynne Cameron>P+ Today's Phrase When things go DswimminglyE, they go well and smoothly. For example: ) organised a dinner ,arty and it all 'ent s'immingly. %he guests en-oyed themsel$es and chatted until the early hours of the morning. %hings are going s'immingly this yearA 'e'$e made a significant ,rofit and em,loyed t'o more ,eo,le. %oday isn't e3actly going s'immingly. ) arri$ed at 'or( late and no' ) can't find my mobile ,hone! Don't confuse it with We use the phrase swimming in# when there is a lot of something. For example: %he ca(e 'as s'imming in custard 9 it 'as delicious! +lan is s'imming in money and yet he ne$er buys anyone a drin(. Interesting fact Oliver 6ynd set a new Huropean record to ta e gold in the .<& )%%m individual medley, !y completing the race in ) minutes )*.,+ seconds. "he #C/year/old had already won a silver and a !ronAe in the )%#) 4aralympics 8ames. 6ynd's !rother, .am, was also competing in the race and came fourth.

! tower of stren"th
7th Septem%er 2012

Australian 4aralympic athlete 0ussell .hort stands silhouetted against the sun during the men's shot put final at the Olympic .tadium. Photo. =euters>2tefan "ermuth Today's Phrase If someone is Da tower of strengthE they are someone who can !e depended on to provide support and comfort in times of trou!le. -ou can also say 'a pillar of strength'. For example: +fter losing my -ob, 2tefan 'as a to'er of strength and encouraged me to start loo(ing for ne' em,loyment. Jane 'as a real to'er of strength for the family follo'ing their de$astating ne's. /a$id is al'ays a to'er of strength 'hen things turn horrible at 'or(. Don't confuse it with "o !e in an i$ory tower# means to !e distant from reality and sometimes superior or arrogant. For example: 5ur local ,olitician seems to li$e in an i$ory to'er : he doesn't (no' 'hat it's really li(e to li$e in this area. )f you didn't s,end so much time in your i$ory to'er, you'd (no' 'hat ,eo,le really thin(. Interesting fact Built ad1acent to the Olympic .tadium is the Arcelor<ittal Or!it, a ##'m sculpture and o!servation tower. Created specifically for the London )%#) Olympics, it is Britain's largest piece of pu!lic art. It was designed !y Anish 5apoor and Cecil Balmond and part/funded !y the steel magnate, La shmi <ittal. 5apoor was inspired to design a tower that had a spiral, coiling form and was influenced !y the painting, '"he "ower of Ba!el' !y the 9lemish artist 4ieter Bruegel the Hlder.

5nd of an era
10th Septem%er 2012

"he sun sets over the Olympic par for the final time during London )%#). Photo. /an 1it'ood>Getty )mages Today's Phrase When a period of time, which is mar ed !y a significant event, comes to an end, we say it is the end of an era. For example: "e're going to be lea$ing uni$ersity ne3t 'ee( : it 'ill be the end of an era. %he defending cham,ion lost her title in the marathon, mar(ing the end of an era for her athletics success. 6ost ,eo,le choose to do'nload music no'adays. )t's the end of an era for C/s. Don't confuse it with We also tal a!out the dawn of a new era, when descri!ing something new, which is different to what came !efore it For example: "e're getting a ne' manager ne3t 'ee( and )'$e heard she 'ants to change e$erything : it's going to be the da'n of a ne' era in our office! ) finally decided to lea$e home and get a flat on my o'n : it's the da'n of a ne' era for me! Interesting fact "he 4aralympic 8ames closed in a spectacular ceremony in the Olympic stadium, mar ing the end of an era for London )%#). "he 8ames have !een widely cited as the most successful in history, with many world records !ro en throughout the fortnight. .e! Coe, chairman of the London Olympic and 4aralympic 8ames, said last nightB :We will never thin of disa!ility in the same way.:

/ay the %est man win6

11th Septem%er 2012

Andy <urray isses the trophy after winning the ?. Open. Photo. Elsa>Getty )mages Today's Phrase "he phrase :6ay the best man 'in: is used !efore a competition to say that you hope the most deserving person wins. For example: 6y best friend and ) are both going for the same -ob inter$ie'. +ll ) can say is, B6ay the best man 'inB. )'$e got tic(ets for the "imbledon final! ) don*t ha$e a fa$ourite ,layer, so may the best man 'in. You'$e both 'or(ed $ery hard for this race, so ) (no' you'll do your best. 6ay the best man 'in! Don't confuse it with If you are onto a winner with something, it means that something is li ely to succeed. "his phrase is often used when selling things. For example: ) thin( )'m onto a 'inner 'ith these ne' cu,ca(es : )'$e sold 788 this morning alone! "e'll be onto a 'inner if 'e can set u, our ice9cream business before the end of the summer. Interesting fact "ennis star Andy <urray ended Britain's C,/year wait for a 8rand .lam singles champion, after !eating rival 7ova 31o ovic in the ?. Open final. <urray, who also won gold in the tennis at the Olympics, said he was :a little !it shoc ed, very relieved and very emotional: when he realised he had won the high/profile competition.

To rattle someone's ca"e

12th Septem%er 2012

A tiger stares through its cage on the roof of a five/storey apartment in 4athum "hani province, near Bang o . Photo. 2u(ree 2u(,lang>=euters Today's Phrase If you rattle someone's cage, you do something to ma e them angry, often on purpose. For example: ) 'ouldn't a,,roach John at the moment, someone's really rattled his cage this morning and he's in a horrible mood. "hy are you so cross? "ho's rattled your cage today? 6y girlfriend deliberately hid my car (eys so that ) 'ouldn't go out 'ith my friends : it's really rattled my cage! Don't confuse it with If someone feels caged in, they feel confined to a small space. For example: %his flat is far too small, ) feel really caged in. ) don't li(e tra$elling on the tube during rush hour : you feel so caged in. Interesting fact "hai police found si; tigers in three cages on the rooftop of an apartment !loc near Bang o , this wee . "iger traffic ing is a pro!lem in "hailand, where the animals are illegally sold for their s in, fangs and organs, which are used in medicines. "he animals are now !eing loo ed after !y a government wildlife facility.

Up for "ra%s
13th Septem%er 2012

A herring gull pluc s a puffin from the ground. Photo. +manda 0ayes>B"P+>P+ "ire Today's Phrase If something is Dup for gra!sE, it is availa!le. For example: )s this last biscuit u, for grabs? )'m star$ing. %here are some great ,ri&es u, for grabs in tonight's ,ub ?ui&. %here are three scholarshi,s u, for grabs. )'m definitely going to a,,ly. Don't confuse it with "he e;pression up for gra"s# is always plural, even when we're tal ing a!out a single thing. For example: )ncorrect. %here is still one ,ri&e u, for grab. Correct. %here is still one ,ri&e u, for grabs.

Interesting fact "he photo a!ove won the 'animal !ehaviour' category in the )%#) British Wildlife 4hotography competition. Amanda 6ayes too this picture in 7orthum!erland, in north east Hngland. "he photographer spent a wee trying to photograph gulls stealing the sand eels from puffins. Luc ily for the puffin, it managed to free itself from the gull's grasp.

To steal someone's thunder

1-th Septem%er 2012

A thunder!olt lights up the s y a!ove the city of <unich, 8ermany. Photo. Peter 1neffel>+4P>=euters Today's Phrase If you Dsteal someone=s thunderE, you ta e the attention away from them, usually to your own advantage. For example: 2am stole my thunder 'hen he said he'd done all the 'or(. )t's not true : ) did most of it! Please don't steal my thunder by announcing your engagement tonight. ) 'ant to tell e$eryone that )'m ,regnant. ) 'as telling a -o(e and he -ust interru,ted me to tell a different one. 0e al'ays steals my thunder. Don't confuse it with 3o you now the difference !etween the words thunder# and lightning# in HnglishM Lightning is a flash of very !right light in the s y caused !y electricity, whereas the loud noise that you hear afterwards is called thunder. For example: ) en-oyed the storm last night and managed to ta(e ,hotos of the lightning. 6y dog hid under the table because he's scared of thunder. Interesting fact "he spar of lightning can reach over five miles in length and can raise the temperature of the air !y '%,%%% degrees 9ahrenheit. Lightning doesn't only occur in thunderstorms, !ut also in forest fires, volcanic eruptions and even snowstorms. One of the most dangerous places to stand during a thunderstorm is under a tree, and tal ing on the phone isn't a good idea eitherN

! taste of your own medicine

17th Septem%er 2012

A man administers a special medicine J a small, live fish J to a woman with asthma in 6ydera!ad, India. Photo. 6ahesh 1umar +>+P Today's Phrase "he phrase Da taste of your own medicineE means someone should have the same unpleasant e;perience that they themselves have given to someone, to show them how !ad it is. For example: o' you see ho' it feels to ha$e someone call you names! You are getting a taste of your o'n medicine! 0e got a taste of his o'n medicine 'hen she decided to turn u, late. Don't confuse it with 3on't confuse with the phrase laughter is the "est medicine# which means it is good for your health to laugh sometimes. Interesting fact Hach year, appro;imately C%,%%% people with asthma and other !reathing difficulties attend a meeting in the southern Indian city of 6ydera!ad. "hey each swallow a small live fish, which is !elieved to help cure !reathing pro!lems.

4et into the swin" of thin"s

1(th Septem%er 2012

A young girl swings on a rope attached to a palm tree on Bonegi !each, 6oniara, in the .oloman Islands. Photo. /aniel 6uno&>=euters Today's Phrase "he phrase to get into the swing of things means you 1oin in, get involved or ma e progress with something. For example: "e're here to en-oy the music : 'hy don't you rela3 and get into the s'ing of things? Jane started her ne' -ob on 6onday and ?uic(ly got into the s'ing of things. +fter returning from his holiday, John couldn't get into the s'ing of things bac( at 'or(. Don't confuse it with "he phrase ta e a swing at someone# means to attempt to punch them. 9or e;ampleB /uring the Christmas ,arty Bob tried to (iss Barbara, so /a$e too( a s'ing at him. Interesting fact 6onaria is the capital of the island of 8uadalcanal, the largest isle of the .oloman Islands in the .outh 4acific Ocean. 4apuan/spea ing settlers are !elieved to have inha!ited these islands as long as +%,%%% years ago. "he islands are part of the Commonwealth of 7ations and this wee the 3u e and 3uchess of Cam!ridge paid a visit as part of Oueen HliAa!eth II's 3iamond >u!ilee.

air+raisin"
1*th Septem%er 2012

<odels chat !ac stage at the 9ashion 9ringe show of London 9ashion Wee for .pringP.ummer )%#+. Photo. 2tuart "ilson>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If something is Dhair/raisingE it is very frightening or causes nervous e;citement. For example: 2ome of the roads 'e dro$e along in Peru 'ere $ery dangerous : it 'as a hair9raising e3,erience! /a$e lo$ed to tal( about his hair9raising encounters as a 'ar re,orter. 2arah had a hair9raising brush 'ith death the second time she 'ent ,arachuting. Don't confuse it with "he phrase to let your hair down# means to rela;, en1oy yourself and not worry a!out what anyone else thin s. 9or e;ampleB )t 'as 4riday night. +fter a busy 'ee( it 'as time for Jane and her friends to let their hair do'n. Interesting fact London 9ashion Wee ta es place every .eptem!er and is one of Hurope's !iggest fashion events, alongside the 4aris and <ilan shows. In )%#), there were ,) catwal shows, showcasing #%% fashion designers over a five day period. "he ?5 fashion industry supports around &%%,%%% 1o!s and is the largest employer of all the creative industries.

! window of opportunity
20th Septem%er 2012

A Buddhist mon carries his ro!e as another loo s out of the window of their monastery in -angon, Burma. Photo. /amir 2agol->=euters Today's Phrase "he phrase Da window of opportunityE descri!es a short period of time in which an opportunity e;ists for you to do something. For example: )'$e got a 'indo' of o,,ortunity to tal( to my boss about a ,ay rise tomorro'. 6eet me in rece,tion : there might be a 'indo' of o,,ortunity for me to let you into the concert! 2ometimes a ,roblem can actually be a 'indo' of o,,ortunity. Don't confuse it with "he phrase out the window# means something has gone or has !een wasted. 9or e;ampleB 6y com,uter crashed yesterday, so any chance of finishing my 'or( is out the 'indo'. Interesting fact A D9rench windowE is actually a type of door, !ut one which has many small panes of glass so that it can let light through. As well as 9rance, they are very common in Italy.

7urst someone's %u%%le

22nd Septem%er 2012

Bu!!le artist <elody -ang loo s through a large !u!!le she created on a ta!le during a demonstration in Iancouver, British Colum!ia. Photo. +ndy Clar(>=euters Today's Phrase "he phrase Dto !urst someone's !u!!leE means to destroy their fantasy or illusion of something. For example: ) had a great idea for a ne' 'ebsite, until George burst my bubble and told me someone had already got there first. )'m sorry to burst your bubble, but the ,arty has been cancelled. ) hate to burst your bubble, but you 'on't be getting a ,ay rise this year. Don't confuse it with When something "u""les up# it means it rises or appears suddenly. 9or e;ampleB +nger and unrest ha$e been bubbling u, across ,arts of the city today. Interesting fact <elody -ang is the daughter of 9an -ang, the founder of Canadian theatre group, D"he 8aAillion Bu!!le .howE. As a family, they have !ro en numerous world records for their !u!!le displays, most recently for encapsulating #&# people in a '% metre long soap !u!!le. 9an advises that to ma e good !u!!les, you need to mi; dishwasher li(uid, !a ing soda and glycerine with clear water.

8ou can lead a horse to water999

2-th Septem%er 2012

.usan 8ell e;ercises her horse in Loch Lomand, .cotland. .he regularly lets her horse swim to the mainland from the island she lives on. Photo. Jeff J 6itchell>Getty Today's Phrase D-ou can lead a horse to water !ut you can=t ma e him drin E is a prover! which means that you can give someone an opportunity !ut not force them to ta e it. For example: ) ga$e him the email address of the ,erson in charge of recruitment but he still didn*t contact him about the -ob. You can lead a horse to 'ater but you can*t ma(e him drin(. "e arranged e$erything for 1ate. 'e ,aid for the train tic(et, ordered a ta3i from the station and e$en made a hotel boo(ing but she still didn*t turn u, to the 'edding. You (no' 'hat they say. you can lead a horse to 'ater but you can*t ma(e him drin(. Don't confuse it with 'orseplay# is rough or !oisterous play. 9or e;ampleB 6y ne,he's are al'ays fighting and getting u, to all (inds of horse,lay. Interesting fact .cotland has almost &%% offshore islands which are divided into four main groupsB .hetland, Or ney and the Inner and Outer 6e!rides. Almost #%% of the islands have people living on them. "he largest island is Lewis and 6arris, which is over )%%% s(uare ilometres.

an"in" around
2.th Septem%er 2012

A truc hangs from the Chavantes !ridge near 9artuna, BraAil. Photo. 0elio )numaru>+P Today's Phrase If you are Dhanging aroundE, you are waiting, not doing anything particularly productive. For example: ) li(e going sho,,ing 'ith my friends but 'e s,end most of the day -ust hanging around in the mall. ) don't thin( he really lo$es me. )'m getting sic( of hanging around 'aiting for him to call. %here is nothing for teenagers to do round here. %hey -ust s,end their e$enings hanging around street corners. Don't confuse it with 'anging up on someone# is the action of putting the phone down suddenly when someone is tal ing to you. )f you don't sto, shouting at me, )'m hanging u, right no'! Interesting fact Ale;ander 8raham Bell, who was !orn in .cotland in #&*C, is credited with inventing the telephone. In #&C, he was awarded the first ?. patent for his new invention. Bell was a British citiAen for most of his early life. 6e applied for American citiAenship after #&CC, gained it in #&&), and referred to himself as an American citiAen from that point on.

a$e your hands full

2&th Septem%er 2012

A waitress carries glasses of !eer at the O to!erfest in <unich, southern 8ermany. Photo. 4ran( Leonhardt>Getty)mages Today's Phrase If you Dhave your hands fullE, you are e;tremely !usy. For example: 0e can't hel, today because he has his hands full. 0e has to go sho,,ing, ,ic( his children u, from school and then coo( dinner. )'$e really got my hands full today. ) ha$en't e$en had a chance to ma(e a cu, of tea yet. Can ) call you later because )'$e got my hands full right no'? )'$e got so much to do. Don't confuse it with -ou can say someone is a handful# if they are difficult to deal with. 6y niece is a lo$ely child but she's a real handful. 2he made such a mess in my house yesterday. Christo,her is such a handful 'hen he's been drin(ing. +fter a fe' beers he starts hugging e$eryone 9 e$en strangers! Interesting fact "he O to!erfest is a #,/day festival that ta es place every year in 8ermany and ends on the first .unday in Octo!er. <ore than , million people attend the festival each year / and the total !eer consumption e;ceeds ,',%%% hectolitres K#,*+%,%%% gallonsL.

'all %ack on
27th Septem%er 2012

.outh 5orean soldiers of the special warfare command give a demonstration on the eve of the Armed 9orces 3ay anniversary in 8yeryong. Photo. Lee Jae9"on>=euters Today's Phrase When you fall !ac on something it means you depend on it when other things have failed. For example: 2te$e 'as finding it difficult to ma(e the re,ayments and had no sa$ings to fall bac( on. =ebecca (ne' that securing a mortgage 'ould be a ,roblem, but she al'ays had her ,arents to fall bac( on. )f ) can't get a -ob straight a'ay, )'$e al'ays got my e3,erience as a teacher to fall bac( on.

Don't confuse it with To fall out with someone means to argue or disagree a!out something. /a$e fell out 'ith Bob o$er his bro(en C/ ,layer.

Interesting fact <any nations hold an annual cele!ration of their Armed 9orces. .outh 5orea's commemoration falls on Octo!er #st, the date in #$'% when armed forces !ro e through the line of latitude nown as the '+&th parallel' during the 5orean war.

Shoo+in
2(th Septem%er 2012

Chen <ingAhi, a shoe designer, lies inside his handmade #.$ metre long shoe at his family store in Wenling, China. Photo. Carlos Barria>=euters Today's Phrase When something is Da shoo/inE it means it is certain to win or succeed. 7oteB the pronunciation is the same, !ut the spelling different to a 'shoe', which is worn on the feet. For example: =achel thought she'd be a shoo9in for a ,romotion 'ithin the com,any. +fter such a successful role, the actor 'as a shoo9in for an a'ard nomination. 0e's a shoo9in to 'in the ne3t election. 0e'll 'in easily.

Don't confuse it with To "e in someone else's shoes means to e;perience something from another's point of view. )f you 'ere in her shoes, you 'ouldn't ha$e gambled that money a'ay.

Interesting fact It is !elieved the term Da shoo/inE is derived from horse racing when, during a corrupt or Dfi;edE race, a slower horse would !e encouraged to finish ahead of the others.

:er$es of steel
1st ,cto%er 2012

<artin 5aymer ma es the match/winning putt for "eam Hurope in the )%#) 0yder Cup in Illinois. Photo. Brendan 2mialo's(i>Getty Today's Phrase If someone has ner$es of steel, it means that they are !rave, especially when under e;treme pressure. For example: You need ner$es of steel to be a bomb dis,osal e3,ert. %here's a man on a tightro,e 'al(ing bet'een those t'o s(yscra,ers! 0e must ha$e ner$es of steel! ) 'ill need to ha$e ner$es of steel to ,ass my dri$ing test today : )'$e only had three lessons. Don't confuse it with If someone gets on your ner$es, they annoy you. ) really ho,e /arren doesn't come to the Christmas ,arty : he really gets on my ner$es. Let's go to a different cafe today 9 this one is full of children in the school holidays, and they really get on my ner$es!

Interesting fact "he 0yder Cup is a golf competition !etween teams from Hurope and the ?nited .tates of America, and ta es place every two years. "he )%#) competition finished in dramatic style, when Hurope, who were losing, made a record come!ac against the ?nited .tates to win the competition !y #*Q points to #+Q.

To teach an old do" new tricks

2nd ,cto%er 2012

A dog wipes out during the .urf City .urf 3og contest in 6untington Beach. Photo. Lucy icholson>=euters

Today's Phrase "he idiom :you can't teach an old dog ne' tric(s : means that it is difficult to get someone to change their ha!its, especially if they have !een doing something for a long time. For example: ) bought my mother a smart,hone, but she ,refers her other one, 'hich is o$er ten years old! 5h 'ell, you can't teach an old dog ne' tric(s. 6y friend (ee,s telling me that ) should sto, smo(ing, but there's no chance : you can't teach an old dog ne' tric(s! E$eryone (ee,s telling me that ) am too stressed and should 'or( less, but ) ha$e al'ays been the same. You can't teach an old dog ne' tric(s! Don't confuse it with If something has gone to the dogs, its (uality has deteriorated. Let's a$oid that bar, it's really gone to the dogs since the management changed. +ll of the sho,s in the to'n are boarded u,. )t's really gone to the dogs.

Interesting fact "he .urf City .urf 3og competition is held annually on 6untingdon Beach, California, and attracts many pet owners, who are een to show off their talented canines. "his year's competition included a World 0ecord attempt to get twenty dogs to ride the same wave for at least five seconds. ?nfortunately, the dogs were unsuccessful.

To %u%%le o$er
3rd ,cto%er 2012

? rainian children in 5iev ta e part in a world record attempt for the most people in a !u!!le. Photo. Gleb Garanich>=euters.

Today's Phrase If someone is bubbling o$er, it means that they are overflowing with emotion. "his is usually used to descri!e positive emotions, such as happiness, pride or e;citement. For example: Lesley's son has -ust graduated and she's bubbling o$er 'ith ,ride. +nnabel 'as so ha,,y 'hen she o,ened her Christmas ,resents 9 she 'as bubbling o$er! )'m so e3cited about our holiday 9 )'m bubbling o$er at the moment. Don't confuse it with If you burst someone's bubble, you destroy their fantasy or illusion of something. )'m sorry to burst your bubble, but there 'on't be any staff bonuses this year. Interesting fact .oap !u!!le artists give entertaining performances, creating all sorts of interesting shapes and formations with their !u!!les. "hese often include creating a !u!!le around people. "he World 0ecord for the most people inside a soap !u!!le was set in Canada in #$$*, with #&# people inside a */metre/high !u!!le.

!ll that "litters is not "old

-th ,cto%er 2012

A model wears a gold outfit !y British designer .arah Burton during 4aris fashion wee . Photo. Gon&alo 4uentes>=euters

Today's Phrase "he phrase Call that glitters is not goldD is used to descri!e something which may not !e as impressive or valua!le as it initially appeared, or is too good to !e true. For example: +ndrea's been sho'ing off her designer nec(lace all day, but don't be im,ressed 9 it's a fa(e! +ll that glitters is not gold! 6y ne' boyfriend said he o'ned the restaurant, but then ) found out he 'as only a 'aiter. ) should ha$e (no'n. +ll that glitters is not gold. %he door9to9door salesman offered me a really good deal to fi3 my roof, but all that glitters is not gold. it 'as bro(en again 'ithin a 'ee(.

Don't confuse it with If someone is worth their weight in gold, they are e;tremely ind and helpful. "endy 'ould do anything to hel, her neighbours 9 she's really 'orth her 'eight in gold.

Interesting fact Bee eeping inspired the collection !y fashion designer .arah Burton at 4aris fashion wee . <odels wore headgear shaped li e !ee eeper hats, with a honeycom! design in yellow, !rown and caramel colours. Burton's most famous fashion design was the lace wedding dress, worn !y the 3uchess of Cam!ridge.

To see red
.th ,cto%er 2012

4eople visit a red, echo/free cham!er in Ialetta. Photo. /arrin Eammit>=euters Today's Phrase If you see red, you !ecome very angry a!out something. For example: %he teacher 'ill see red 'hen he finds out you ha$en't done your home'or( again! 0e'll gi$e you detention. 6y mum sa' red 'hen ) came in late for dinner. ) sa' red and shouted 'hen the boss com,lained about my 'or( for the third time today. Don't confuse it with If you lose your temper easily, you can say you fly off the handle. "hen 2imon told me he 'as going out for the third night in a ro', ) really fle' off the handle and shouted at him. Interesting fact "he colour red is associated with many different emotions, including anger and danger, pro!a!ly !ecause it is the colour of !lood. <any road signs use the colour red to warn motorists of haAards. 0ed also has strong lin s to love and passion, and, in many cultures, sym!oliAes happiness and cele!ration.

3nside out
(th ,cto%er 2012

A plastinated goat. Photo. 6iro 1u&mano$ic>=euters Today's Phrase If something is inside out, it literally means that it is reversed, with its inner parts on the outside. -ou can also (no' something inside out, which means you now it very well. For example: )f you'd li(e a tour of Paris, ) can ta(e you. ) (no' the city inside out. Gary (no's the history of 6anchester Fnited inside out. ) feel ,re,ared for my 4rench e3am. )'$e been re$ising all night and ) (no' the $ocabulary inside out.

Don't confuse it with If something is turned upside down, it means that it !ecomes disorganised and chaotic, or thrown into confusion. 1aty's 'orld 'as turned u,side do'n 'hen her boyfriend left her, she didn't (no' 'hat to do.

Interesting fact 4lastination is a techni(ue used to preserve !odies after death. It was developed !y 8unther von 6agens in #$CC, and replaces water and fat in the !ody with plastics. A recent e;hi!ition called :Animals Inside Out: includes a shar , !ear and octopus, as well as the goat pictured a!ove, and allows visitors to see and touch the insides of the animals.

i$e of acti$ity
*th ,cto%er 2012

A !lue/coloured honeycom! from a !eehive in 0i!eauville, 9rance. Photo. Gincent 1essler>=euters Today's Phrase If a place is descri!ed as a hi$e of acti$ity, it is very !usy. For example: La Bou?ueria mar(et is a hi$e of acti$ity on a 2aturday morning, 'ith $endors selling all sorts of food and drin(. "elcome to the de,artment! )t's a real hi$e of acti$ity, but don't 'orry, you'll soon get the hang of it. London 'as a hi$e of acti$ity o$er the summer, 'ith lots of tourists and s,ectators 'ho came to see the 5lym,ic games. Don't confuse it with If a place is full of people, it can also !e descri!ed as buzzing. %he nightclub 'as ,ac(ed 'ith ,eo,le last nightA it 'as really bu&&ing. Interesting fact Bee eepers in northern 9rance were surprised to find their !ees producing honey in unnatural shades of red, green and !right !lue. An investigation revealed that the !ees had !een visiting a local factory which processes waste products from <R<sS multi/coloured chocolate sweets.

3n someone's "ood %ooks

10th ,cto%er 2012

A woman sorts !oo s at a !oo fair in 9ran furt, 8ermany. Photo. =al,h 5rlo's(i>=euters Today's Phrase If you are in someone's good boo(s, they are pleased with you. For example: )'m in my mother's good boo(s, as ) too( her out for a sur,rise dinner last night. +nna really gets on my ner$es 9 she's al'ays trying to get into the boss's good boo(s. 6y brother is not in my good boo(s today 9 he bro(e my m,< ,layer! Don't confuse it with If someone is descri!ed as an open book, it is very easy to feeling. now what they are thin ing or

Lucy is a real o,en boo(A there's ne$er any doubt as to 'hat her o,inions are. Interesting fact "he 9ran furt Boo 9air is the !iggest !oo fair in the world, with over C,%%% e;hi!itors and +,%%% different events. Boo fairs cele!rate literature, past and present, and also encourage innovation in reading, such as the development of digital platforms li e e/readers.

To wear different hats

11th ,cto%er 2012

4eople wear hats in the colours of the flag of "aiwan during the country's 7ational 3ay cele!rations. Photo. Pichi Chuang>=euters Today's Phrase If you 'ear different hats, it means you have several different 1o!s or roles. For example: B+lice is ,resenting the ne's at the 'ee(end.B B=eally? ) thought she only 'or(ed behind the scenes?B B2he ,resents e$ery 'ee(end 9 she 'ears many different hats.B )'m not going to 'or( : )'m 'earing a different hat today. )'m going to be $olunteering at my local youth club. 6y brother 'ears many different hats. he 'or(s as a s'imming teacher during the day, at night he 'or(s in our local ,ub, and at the 'ee(end he hel,s out at a ro'ing club. Don't confuse it with If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately, on the slightest signal. Johnny /e,, is gorgeous. )'d marry him at the dro, of a hat! Interesting fact "his year mar s the #%# st anniversary of the founding of the 0epu!lic of China, which was cele!rated in "aiwan this wee during the island's 7ational 3ay. 3ancers wearing ela!orate costumes performed in front of the 4residential Office in "aipei, and mem!ers of the military guard marched as part of the cele!rations.

To turn o$er a new leaf

12th ,cto%er 2012

A meer at plays amongst the fallen leaves at Blair 3rummond .afari 4ar near .tirling, .cotland. Photo. +ndre' 6illigan>P+

Today's Phrase If you turn o$er a ne' leaf, you ma e a new start or change your !ehaviour. For example: )'m turning o$er a ne' leaf after Christmas : )'m going to sto, smo(ing. 6att used to get in trouble 'ith the ,olice regularly, but he's turned o$er a ne' leaf no'. You're al'ays eating unhealthy snac(s. "hy don't you turn o$er a ne' leaf and buy some fruit instead? Don't confuse it with If you take a leaf out of someone else's book , you do as they would do, or copy their !ehaviour. 2to, misbeha$ing! %a(e a leaf out of your sister's boo( and sit ?uietly.

Interesting fact <eer ats are socia!le animals, which often live in large family groups. "hey are famous for standing on their rear legs and acting as a loo out for predators. .ometimes, even the noise from a passing aeroplane is enough to scare meer ats and send them diving for cover.

,n top of the world

1.th ,cto%er 2012

3aredevil 9eli; Baumgartner 1umps out of a capsule on the edge of space. Photo. Jay emeth>+4P Today's Phrase If you are on top of the world, you are e;tremely happy a!out something. For example: 6y boyfriend ,ro,osed to me last night : )'m on to, of the 'orld! +ngela 'as on to, of the 'orld 'hen her boss ga$e her a ,romotion. )f my football team 'ins tonight, )'ll be on to, of the 'orld : it's going to be such a tough match.

Don't confuse it with If something is descri!ed as out of this world, it is e;traordinary or e;tremely good. You should try my mum's a,,le ,ie : the taste is out of this 'orld!

Interesting fact Austrian 9eli; Baumgartner has !ecome the first s ydiver to go faster than the speed of sound. "he daredevil 1umped out of a !alloon )* miles a!ove 7ew <e;ico, also !rea ing the record for the highest ever freefall. It too him under ten minutes to descend to earth, and he said that the e;perience made him feel very hum!le.

! %i" head
1&th ,cto%er 2012

A man carries polystyrene heads to form part of a platform !eing !uilt for the 3urga 4u1a festival in India. Photo. Jayanta /ey>=euters Today's Phrase In Hnglish, a D!ig headE is someone who thin s that they are very clever and successful, and !oasts a!out their achievements. For example: igel has boasted about his ne' -ob all night : he's such a big head! ) don't 'ant to (no' about your ,erfect e3am results. /on*t be such a big head. =uth's ne' boyfriend is lo$ely : the last one 'as a real big head and al'ays sho'ing off. Don't confuse it with If you ha$e a "ig mouth, you tal too much, often a!out things which should !e ept secret. /on't say anything to Catherine about the -ob cuts : she's such a big mouth, she'll tell e$eryone in the office. Interesting fact 3urga 4u1a is the annual 6indu festival in .outh Asia, in which thousands of people pay homage to the 6indu goddess, 3urga. It is widely cele!rated in many Indian states with a five/ day annual holiday. 9estival traditions include displaying idols of 3urga, created out of different materials.

The lion's share

17th ,cto%er 2012

A white lion cu! plays at a Aoo in Leon, <e;ico. Photo. 6ario +rmas>=euters. Today's Phrase If you have the lion's share of something, you have the largest part of it. For example: )'m ha$ing a clear9out and ha$e decided to gi$e the lion's share of my clothes to charity. 6y colleague is $ery la&y, 'hilst ) al'ays do the lion's share of all of the 'or(. ) get ,aid tomorro', but the lion's share of my 'ages goes on ,aying bills!

Don't confuse it with If you are told to do your share, you should do what is e;pected of you to help in a situation. Edmund's done his share of the cleaning, so you should do your share, too.

Interesting fact "his white lion cu! was !orn in Leon, in the <e;ican state of 8uana1uato. White lions are incredi!ly rare, with around +%% left in the world. "heir colour is caused !y a recessive gene, and their coats can range from !londe to pure white.

To %rin" the house down

1(th ,cto%er 2012

4eople watch an installation of an upside/down house in Lille. Photo. Philli,e 0uguen>+4P Today's Phrase If some!ody brings the house do'n, they get overwhelming applause or approval from an audience. For example: ) 'ent to see Lady Gaga in concert last night 9 she really brought the house do'n. %he magician really brought the house do'n 'hen he sa'ed his assistant in half! /a$id brought the house do'n at the ,arty by telling some really funny -o(es.

Don't confuse it with If something is given to you on the house, it is free. You're one of our best customers 9 ha$e this coffee on the house!

Interesting fact "he 9antastic 9estival in Lille lasts from Octo!er to >anuary, and gives visitors a taste of the supernatural. 4eople visiting the city can encounter a flying saucer, !ones from a mythical animal and a house that appears to have fallen out of the s y.

To %ite off more than you can chew

1*th ,cto%er 2012

A crocodile eats meat in a pond in .an <anuel. Photo. 5rlando 2ierra>+4P Today's Phrase If you bite off more than you can che', you try to do more than you are a!le to do. For example: ) ha$e bitten off more than ) can che' by ta(ing on this e3tra 'or( : ) don't thin( )'ll get it finished on time. /a$id and 2arah ,lanned to com,letely reno$ate their house by themsel$es. )n the end, they bit off more than they could che' and had to ,ay builders to finish it. %han(s for offering to babysit and coo( dinner for us, but don't bite off more than you can che'. Don't confuse it with If you cry crocodile tears, you show fa e sadness. Louise is crying in the corner because she says the boss u,set her : don't ,ay any attention to her, though : they're -ust crocodile tears. Interesting fact Hach crocodile has )* teeth in its powerful 1aws, which are constantly replaced throughout its life. 6owever, these teeth are designed to gra! and crush prey, rather than chew it. "he reptiles swallow stones, which grind up food in their stomachs.

0oles apart
22nd ,cto%er 2012

Indian army soldiers perform '<al ham!', a form of traditional Indian gymnastics, during a two/day army e;hi!ition in Allaha!ad. Photo. Jitendra Pra(esh>=euters Today's Phrase If two things are poles apart, they are very different from each other. For example: E$en though 2arah and 1ate are identical t'ins, their ,ersonalities are ,oles a,art. 5ur ne' manager is ,oles a,art from the old one : she has com,letely different ideas. "e 'ould li(e to offer you the -ob! Your inter$ie' 'as e3cellent and you 'ere ,oles a,art from the other candidates.

Don't confuse it with If you are in pole position, you are in the !est position to win a competition. +ngelina Jolie's last film 'as such a success : ) thin( she'll be in ,ole ,osition to 'in an 5scar.

Interesting fact <al ham! is a traditional Indian sport, whose origin dates !ac to the twelfth century. Competitors 1ump onto a vertical, wooden pole and perform different gymnastic moves for around $% seconds. 4erforming well involves incredi!le strength and stamina.

4reen with en$y

23rd ,cto%er 2012

9ans of the science/fiction series .tar "re attend a convention in London. Photo. 5li 2carff>Getty. Today's Phrase If someone is green with envy, they are 1ealous a!out something. For example: 6y sister has -ust bought a brand ne' car : )'m green 'ith en$y. 2o,hie 'as green 'ith en$y 'hen she heard that +lice had 'on the lottery. %a(e a loo( at my engagement ring, it's beautiful : ) bet you'll be green 'ith en$y! Don't confuse it with If you loo green around the gills, you loo unwell.

) thin( 'e should ta(e +le3ander to the doctor : he's loo(ing a bit green around the gills. ) can't tra$el by boat, it ma(es me feel really green around the gills. Interesting fact "he .tar "re convention, held in London last wee , !ro e the World 0ecord for the largest gathering of fans dressed as characters from the series, including alien characters. "he event also featured the ?5's first 5lingon wedding, when a .wedish couple, dressed as 5lingons, e;changed vows and swore to :unite against all their opponents:. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////. ()T*: pale around the gills and blue around the gills; green around the gills Fig. looking sick. (The around can be replaced with about.) John is looking a little pale around the gills. What's wrong? Oh, I feel a little green about the gills. See also: around, gill, pale
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of !erican "dio!s and #hrasal $er%s. & '((' %y The McGraw-Hill )o!panies, "nc.

To "i$e someone a lift

2-th ,cto%er 2012

A camel is placed on a vehicle at a mar et near 0iyadh. Photo. 4ahad 2hadeed>=euters Today's Phrase One meaning of the phrase Dto give someone a liftE is to !oost their spirits. For example: 6y colleagues came to see me 'hen ) 'as in hos,ital 9 it really ga$e me a lift. Let's ta(e some flo'ers 'hen 'e go to $isit Grandma, to gi$e her a lift. ) thin( /ad needs to be cheered u,. Perha,s going out for lunch 'ill gi$e him a lift? Don't confuse it with -ou can also use the phrase Dto lift someone's spiritsE. Going out to the concert really hel,ed to lift my s,irits. Interesting fact <uslims around the world are preparing to cele!rate Hid al/Adha, or the feast of sacrifice. "he feast mar s the end of 6a11, one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, and animals such as sheep, goats and camels are sacrificed as part of the cele!rations.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. give someone a lift

1. and give someone a ride Fig. to pro*ide transportation for so!eone. I've got to get into town. an !ou give "e a lift? 2. Fig. to raise someone's spirits+ to !ake a person feel %etter. It was a good conversation, and her kind words reall! gave "e a lift. See also: gi*e, lift
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of !erican "dio!s and #hrasal $er%s. & '((' %y The McGraw-Hill )o!panies, "nc.

To sit on the fence

2.th ,cto%er 2012

A horse named .ilver Birch 1umps a fence on a race course. Photo. +ndre' Parsons> P+ "ire Today's Phrase If some!ody sits on the fence they don't ta e sides in an argument. For example: )'m sitting on the fence. ) don't (no' 'ho is right or 'rong. ) ,refer to sit on the fence. ) hate ta(ing sides in any argument. 0e's so indecisi$e. 0e al'ays ,refers to sit on the fence.

Don't confuse it with If you sit tight, it means you wait patiently !efore ma ing a decision. You're best to sit tight. )t's too ris(y to change -obs no'.

Interesting fact 9ran el, a priAe/winning race horse who was retired in )%#), ran #%% metres in '.) seconds. "hat compares to runner ?sain Bolt, who ran #%%m in $.,+ seconds, and cyclist >ason 5enny, who has raced the same distance in *.&, seconds.

To fall on your sword

2&th ,cto%er 2012

5nights in armour fight each other on horse!ac . Photo. BBC Today's Phrase If you fall on your s'ord you ta e the !lame for a group action that might not have !een your individual responsi!ility. For example: 0e doesn't thin( he's to blame : but he's falling on his s'ord any'ay. 2he's going to resign 9 she's falling on her s'ord e$en though it's not her fault. 0e is the boss : it's only right he's falling on his s'ord this time. Don't confuse it with Another phrase which means to ta e the !lame for something is to take the flack. 2he's al'ays ta(ing the flac( for things. E$en 'hen it's not her fault. Interesting fact "he honour of a 5nighthood in the ?nited 5ingdom comes from the days of <edieval chivalry. "he 5ing or Oueen touches the person who is going to !e nighted on their shoulders with a sword. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////.
to fall on ones sword #.$ %sed other than as an idio"& 'o co""it suicide b! allowing one(s bod! to drop onto the point of one(s sword. '.- (idio"atic+ b! e)tension, To resign fro! a -o% or other position of responsi%ility, especially when pressured to do so. ..- (idio"atic, To *oluntarily take the %la!e for a situation

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////. get / take (the) flak (infor"al, to recei*e strong criticis! (often / fro" , hannel * took the flak fro" angr! viewers protesting about the show.(often / for, +he got a lot of flak for deserting her children.

3n the eye of the storm

2*th ,cto%er 2012

6urricane .andy, du!!ed :9ran enstorm:, is e;pected to !ring a :life/threatening: surge flood to the mid/Atlantic coast, including Long Island .ound and 7ew -or 6ar!our. Photo. asa>Getty )mages Today's Phrase If someone is Din the eye of the stormE it means that they are in the centre of a disagreement. For example: Greece is in the eye of the storm 'hich has gathered o$er the 'orld economy and is threatening to tear the euro&one a,art. 5ur teacher is ma(ing us sit our e3ams again. Johnny 'as caught in the eye of the storm after he boasted about cheating.

Don't confuse it with Another phrase !ased on meteorology is D lull "efore the stormE. "hat means a (uiet time !efore one of intense activity. %he sho, assistants too( ad$antage of the lull before the storm and tidied u, the hat dis,lay. %hey (ne' the moment the doors o,ened they 'ould be flooded 'ith bargain9hunters.

Interesting fact Although this phrase is used to descri!e !eing at the centre of a pro!lem or dispute, the real 'eye' of a storm is very calm. "he eye / a circular area in the middle of a hurricane, which can !e up to ,' m in diameter / is characteriAed !y light winds and clear s ies, which last for a short period !efore the strong winds, rain and thunder return.

,ne sandwich short of a picnic

30th ,cto%er 2012

A group of youngsters, dressed up as a sandwich, in a fancy dress march during a 6alloween event in 5awasa i, near "o yo. Photo. )tsuo )nouye Today's Phrase "he e;pression Done sandwich short of a picnicE can !e used in a humorous way to refer to someone who is craAy or stupid. For example: John is one sand'ich short of a ,icnic. 0e ga$e u, a -ob in a big ban( to li$e in a cara$an. "hen 'e arri$ed at our hotel by the beach in 6iami, all 6ary had in her suitcase 'as her fur coat. 2he is one sand'ich short of a ,icnic.

Don't confuse it with "he e;pression Dto "e the meat in the sandwichE means to !e in a difficult position, as the person !etween two others that are arguing. 6y brother and my sister are fighting o$er 'ho gets our late mother's cat. )'m the meat in the sand'ich, as usual, stuc( in the middle.

Interesting fact 6alloween mar s the end of the Celtic year and was !elieved to !e the day when the spirits of those who died in the previous year would come !ac and possess a !ody of the living to allow them passage into the afterlife. "o frighten them and avoid !ecoming possessed, the living would dress up in scary costumes.

To keep your eyes peeled

31st ,cto%er 2012

A pump in made into a lantern for 6alloween, often called a '1ac /o'/lantern'. Photo. BBC Today's Phrase D"o eep your eyes peeledE means to stay alert and loo out for something or someone. For example: John told me he'd meet us in the mall. Just (ee, your eyes ,eeled. "e need to follo' signs for the motor'ay, so (ee, your eyes ,eeled. 6um 'ill be home any minute. 1ee, your eyes ,eeled 'hilst ) tidy u,!

Don't confuse it with DTo eep your nose outE means to mind your own !usiness.

%his has got nothing to do 'ith you. 1ee, your nose out!

Interesting fact A modern 1ac /o'/lantern is typically a carved pump in. It is associated chiefly with 6alloween. "he top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out. An image, usually a monstrous face, is carved out, and the lid replaced. "he name is associated with Irish fol lore a!out D.tingy >ac E who played tric s on the 3evil.

;hate$er floats your %oat

1st :o$em%er 2012

"he ferry 7apoleon Bonaparte !ro e its moorings due to gusts of wind !lowing across the .outh of 9rance. It ran aground against a doc , causing a !reach in the hull and flooding the ship. "his caused it to list. Photo. +P>Claude Paris Today's Phrase "he e;pression Dwhatever floats your !oatE means do what !rings you 1oy. For example: )t's your birthday. "e can go to the theatre or ha$e a meal in a ,osh restaurant. "hate$er floats your boat. Peter is a ladies' man but if you still 'ant to go out 'ith him, fine, 'hate$er floats your boat!

Don't confuse it with "he e;pression Dto push the "oat out E means to spend more money than someone is used to, especially when cele!rating something. "e really ,ushed the boat out and held 6ary's fare'ell ,arty in one of the most e3,ensi$e restaurants in to'n.

Interesting fact It too less than three hours for the "itanic to sin after it hit an ice!erg in #$#). <ore than #,'%% people died in the accident. 9or many, this event mar s the passing of the Hdwardian era of opulence Kthe first decade of the )%th centuryL.

To "i$e a le" up
2nd :o$em%er 2012

Cheerleaders perform !efore the 79L foot!all game !etween the .t Louis 0ams and the 7ew Hngland 4atriots at Wem!ley .tadium in London. Photo. =euters>/arren 2ta,les Today's Phrase "he e;pression Dto give someone a leg upE means to help someone improve their situation. For example: ) ha$e a great -ob in a ,osh restaurant. 6y mother ga$e me a leg u, 'hen she taught me to coo( 4rench dishes. 6ary had an uncle 'ell connected to the business 'orld. )t ga$e her a leg u,.

Don't confuse it with "he e;pression Dto pull someone's legE means to play a tric something that isn't true. on someone or tell them

"hat?! You*$e 'on a million dollars in the lottery? You are ,ulling my leg.

Interesting fact According to some authors, cheerleading started around #&CC in the ?nited .tates, when 4rinceton ?niversity students yelled chants from the stands at games. 7owadays most cheerleaders are women.

Step out of line

.th :o$em%er 2012

An officer shouts orders as mem!ers of the #st Battalion and 7o. C Company the Coldstream 8uards line up for inspection !y Oueen HliAa!eth II. Photo by +ndre' "inning. Today's Phrase If some!ody Dsteps out of lineE it means they don't follow the rules or what is e;pected of themS !ehave out of step with his peers. It's also used figuratively to refer to someone !ehaving !adly. For example: %eachers in my school are $ery (een on disci,line. %hey se$erely ,unish anyone 'ho ste,s out of line. 2ome tribal societies are $ery conser$ati$e. +nyone ste,,ing out of line could be cut off from the rest of the grou,. Don't confuse it with D"o step out of lineE is not to !e confused with D to "e next in lineE for KsomethingL. If someone is 'ne;t in line' for KsomethingL it means he or she is li ely to get something, li e a promotion at wor or an award. 6y boss has been ,raising my leadershi, s(ills. ) thin( ) might be ne3t in line for a managerial ,ost.

To %e up a"ainst it
&th :o$em%er 2012

"raders at a .toc H;change in BraAil. Photo. )nacio %e3eira > +P Today's Phrase If you're up against it, you're e;tremely !usy with a tight deadline to meet. For example: )'m sorry )'ll call you later. )'m really u, against it today. 0e's got lots to do today. 0e's really u, against it. ) 'as u, against it last 'ee(. 2orry ) didn't ha$e time to see you. Don't confuse it with Another similar phrase is to race against the cloc . "hat means trying to achieve or finish a tas in a set amount of time. )t's a race against the cloc(. ) don't thin( )'m going to ha$e this ,resentation done in time. Interesting fact According to figures issued !y the Organisation for Hconomic Co/operation and 3evelopment in )%## people in 8reece, 6ungary and 4oland wor ed the most hours per wee in Hurope.

Second wind
(th :o$em%er 2012

"housands of pieces of confetti float in the wind around ?. 4resident Barac O!ama. Photo. Je'el 2amad > +4P > Getty )mages Today's Phrase When you say someone has got Da second windE it means they have a new vigour or determination to do something some time after starting it. For example: ) usually feel a bit tired after lunch but get a second 'ind around H,m. 5bser$ers said Barac( 5bama 'as -udged to ha$e lost the first ,residential debate 'ith =e,ublican challenger 6itt =omney, but got a second 'ind in the second and third debates. Don't confuse it with "o Dthrow caution to the windE means to a!andon a careful and cautious approach and do something in a much !raver way despite the ris s. 2ometimes you ha$e to thro' caution to the 'ind and go 'ith your heart. /o 'hat you belie$e in. You (no' 'hat? )*m going to thro' caution to the 'ind and bet all my money on that racehorse. ) thin( it*s going to 'in. Interesting fact <any long/distance runners e;perience a phenomenon also nown as the Tsecond wind=. A runner may !e completely e;hausted and una!le to continue when they suddenly feel a new surge of energy that allows them to finish the race.

;alk tall
13th :o$em%er 2012

"he Colom!ian city of Cartagena cele!rates its independence with a parade and !eauty pageants. Photo. Joa?uin 2armiento > =euters Today's Phrase "he phrase Dwal tallE means to !e !rave and confident in your a!ilities. For example: ) can 'al( tall because ) really am ,roud of my -ob as a nurse. ) belie$e ) can ma(e a difference. 6a(ing ,resentations can be scary. +fter ) did them a cou,le of times my confidence really im,ro$ed. o' ) -ust go out and 'al( tall and en-oy them! Don't confuse it with A Dtall storyE is one which is unli ely to !e true as it is full of overly interesting or e;citing details. 6y mate said he 'ent to China and met Jet Li and they learned (ung fu together and e$en shot a mo$ie. But ) don*t belie$e him. 0e*s full of tall tales. Interesting fact "oday, wal ing on stilts, or stilt/wal ing, tends to !e for entertainment for children. But in the past stilts were often used for crossing rivers and marshes.

Up to your neck
1.th :o$em%er 2012

9looding in Ienice gives this man the chance for a swim in .t <ar 's .(uare. Photo. Luigi Costantini > +P Today's Phrase If you are Dup to your nec E in something it means you are really !usy with it or involved in it. For example: )'m really u, to my nec( in 'or(. )t's the end of the financial year and ) ha$e so many accounts to finish. %ony o'es the ban( a lot of money. 0e's u, to his nec( in debt. )'d lo$e to -oin you this 'ee(end but ) really can't. )'m u, to my nec( in re$ision for my final e3ams.

Don't confuse it with A pain in the nec . If someone or something is Da pain in the nec E, it is very annoying. Your sister is a real ,ain in the nec(. 2he's been ,laying that =ihanna song all afternoon.

Interesting fact "he lagoon city of Ienice is famous for its canals, !ut it is also regularly swamped !y floods and high tides. "he highest level of flooding in recent history was in #$,, when waters rose !y #.&m.

2own the pan

20th :o$em%er 2012

A second/hand toilet seller ta es a !rea in the 4hilippines. Photo. =omeo =anoco > =euters Today's Phrase If something goes Ddown the panE or Ddown the toiletE it means it is wasted or ruined. For example: 6i(e had great dreams of becoming a roc( guitarist, but they 'ent do'n the ,an 'hen he in-ured his hand. )'m afraid all that careful ,re,aration 'e did for 6eer(a's sur,rise birthday ,arty 'ent do'n the ,an 'hen her sister told her about it. 0e in$ested all his life's sa$ings in a beautiful, anti?ue car but e$erything 'ent do'n the ,an 'hen he crashed it the ne3t day. Don't confuse it with If something goes Dout of the frying pan+ into the fire E, it means it goes from a !ad situation into an even worse one. 2tudying for my 6+ 'as really difficult and stressful, but then ) really 'ent out of the frying ,an into the fire 'hen ) graduated and realised there 'ere no good -obs a$ailable. Interesting fact In British Hnglish, the word DtoiletE can refer to the fi;ture itself or the room where it is installed, for which you will also hear the more collo(uial words DlooE, DlavE or D1ohnE. "he slang word DdunnyE is popular in Australia while Americans tend to prefer the more polite terms D!athroomE or DrestroomE. In the 4hilippines, the term of choice is the pleasant/ sounding Dcomfort roomE, or DC0E for short.

7i" mouth
22nd :o$em%er 2012

A man opens a camel's mouth wide at a camel fair in 4ush ar in India. Photo. =oberto 2chmidt > +4P Today's Phrase If you Dare a !ig mouthE or Dhave a !ig mouthE it means you tal things which should !e ept secret or avoided. For example: 4ran's got such a big mouth. 2he's been telling e$eryone that )'m engaged. ) 'anted to tell them myself. 5h no, me and my big mouth! ) made +le3 feel u,set 'hen ) mentioned his dead cat. /on't be such a big mouth. You should learn to (ee, other ,eo,le's ,roblems to yourself. Don't confuse it with "o !ad/mouth. If you D"ad!mouthE someone it means you say negative things a!out them !ehind their !ac . 2he's al'ays bad9mouthing her friends. ) really don't li(e it. Interesting fact "housands of camels are traded each 7ovem!er at the 4ush ar Camel 9air in 0a1asthan in India. Buyers always chec a camel's teeth, as good teeth are a sign of good health. too much, especially a!out

2ri$e someone up the wall

2&th :o$em%er 2012

A car stuc on the !order fence !etween the ?. and <e;ico. Photo. +4P > F2 Customs and Border Protection Today's Phrase If something Ddrives you up the wallE, it ma es you very irritated and angry. For example: %his com,uter is really dri$ing me u, the 'allA it (ee,s crashing! 2ho,,ing for -eans dri$es her u, the 'all. 2he can ne$er find a ,air that fit her. You are dri$ing me u, the 'all! "ill you sto, singing that a'ful song no'? Don't confuse it with Another phrase is Dclim"ing the wallsE. If you are Dclim!ing the wallsE it means you are e;tremely nervous, worried or !ored. )'$e been sitting at home 'aiting for the ,hone to ring all day 9 )'m climbing the 'alls. Interesting fact "he ?./<e;ico !order is the most fre(uently crossed !order in the world and is almost ),%%% miles long.

3'll eat my hat

27th :o$em%er 2012

A cric et fan wears a hat made from a watermelon during day two of the second test. Photo. 6ome de 1ler(>Getty Today's Phrase DI'll eat my hatE is an e;pression people use when they thin happen. For example: )f +rsenal 'in the Cham,ions League, )'ll eat my hat! ) don't thin( )'ll ma(e it ,ast the inter$ie' stage for this -ob. )f ) do, )'ll eat my hat! )f the go$ernment sur$i$es this latest scandal, )'ll eat my hat! something is very unli ely to

Don't confuse it with If you are forced to Deat your wordsE, you admit that you are wrong a!out something you have said. ) ad$ised 2u&anne against setting u, her o'n business, because ) didn't thin( it 'ould be successful. "ell, )'$e had to eat my 'ords : she's no' a multi9millionaire!

Interesting fact Watermelons are thought to have originated in southern Africa, where they can !e found growing wild. Cric et fans wore hats carved out of watermelons during the second "est match !etween .outh Africa and Australia this wee .

Lickin" your lips

2(th :o$em%er 2012

A mon ey lic s a !loc of ice with !ananas encased in it during the <on ey Buffet 9estival. Photo. Chai'at 2ub,rasom> =euters Today's Phrase We say people are Dlic ing their lipsE when they are a!out to eat something tasty. "he phrase can also !e used to descri!e a person's eagerness a!out an event in the future. For example: 6y children 'ere lic(ing their li,s 'hen they entered the s'eet sho,. You'll be lic(ing your li,s 'hen you see the roast dinner )'$e made! /a$e 'as lic(ing his li,s ahead of the crucial football game.

Don't confuse it with If you Dlic your woundsE, you recover from a defeat. "his phrase comes from animals, who often lic their wounds after fighting. %hat 'as an incredible cric(et match! %he 'inning team is celebrating on the ,itch, 'hilst the losers ha$e gone to lic( their 'ounds in the clubhouse.

Interesting fact "he <on ey Buffet 9estival is an annual event held in Lop!uri, "hailand to promote tourism. "he festival provides food and drin for the mon eys, as a way of than ing them for drawing visitors to the town.

,$er the moon

-th 2ecem%er 2012

.t >ames' 4alace has announced that the 3u e and 3uchess of Cam!ridge, 4rince William and Catherine, are e;pecting their first !a!y. Photo. /anny La'son>Getty Today's Phrase If you are Dover the moonE, you are e;tremely happy a!out something. For example: 6y husband and ) are e3,ecting our first baby ne3t summer : 'e're absolutely o$er the moon! 2arah 'as o$er the moon 'hen she found out she'd got the -ob. )f England 'in the "orld Cu,, )'ll be o$er the moon!

Don't confuse it with If you descri!e someone as D o$er the hillE, it means you thin something. they are old and una!le to do

6um's bought Granddad a smart,hone for Christmas. %o be honest, ) thin( he's a bit o$er the hill for ne' technology li(e that.

Interesting fact "he 3u e and 3uchess of Cam!ridge have announced that they are e;pecting their first !a!y. "he royal !a!y will !e third in line to the throne after 4rince Charles and 4rince William.

Snowed under
&th 2ecem%er 2012

4eople wal amongst trees covered in snow in 6o arangen, .toc holm. Photo. Jonathan ac(strand>Getty Today's Phrase If you are Dsnowed underE, you have too much to do and not enough time to do it. For example: )'m sorry, ) can't 'rite that re,ort for you right no' : )'m sno'ed under 'ith 'or( today. 6um didn't ha$e time to ba(e a ca(eA she 'as sno'ed under 'ith coo(ing the dinner. )'m going to treat myself to a s,a 'ee(end. )'$e been so sno'ed under this 'ee(A ) need some time to rela3.

Don't confuse it with When the snow falls so heavily that you can't leave the house, we say that you are D snowed inE. "endy rang to say that she can't come for dinner tonight : she's sno'ed in! Interesting fact A huge storm !rought large amounts of snow to the .toc holm area of .weden this wee . Around +%cm of snow fell in one night, causing widespread transport disruption. A further )%cm of snow is predicted to fall in the coming days.

! little %ird told me

11th 2ecem%er 2012

A wa;wing sits on the !ranch of a rowan tree in London. Photo. /an 1it'ood>Getty Today's Phrase If you have information, !ut you do not want to reveal who told you it, you can say Da little !ird told meE. For example: + little bird told me that it's your birthday today! "e're loo(ing for someone to ta(e on this ne' ,ro-ect, and a little bird told me that you might be interested in the -ob? + little bird told me that you'$e got a crush on someone in our class#

Don't confuse it with If you are a person who li es to get up early in the morning, you may !e called D an early "irdE. Gi$e me a call in the morning. it doesn't matter 'hat time, )'m such an early bird, )'ll definitely be a'a(e.

Interesting fact "housands of wa;wings have descended on 8reat Britain after the failure of the !irds' food sources in their native .candinavian !reeding grounds. "he !irds are thought to !e the sign of a harsh winter to come.

! whole new %all "ame

13th 2ecem%er 2012

Chinese farmer Liu Oiyuan loo s out from his 'survival pod'. Photo. Ed Jones>+4P>Getty Today's Phrase DA whole new !all gameE is a situation which is different from anything that has happened !efore. For example: ) thought ) 'as good at s,ea(ing English in terms of day9to9day con$ersation. But 'or(ing as a ,rofessional translator is a 'hole ne' ball gameA ) ha$e to be much more accurate. %om says 'or(ing as a manager for the first time is a 'hole ne' ball game. ) used to go -ogging e$ery 'ee(end, but running marathons is a 'hole ne' ball game.

Don't confuse it with Another phrase is to Dget the "all rollingE, which means to get something started. +fter a long time ,lanning the ,ro-ect, it feels great to finally get the ball rolling. ) really don't e3ercise enough and 'ant to get fit. )f ) go to the gym once a 'ee(, that should get the ball rolling.

Interesting fact According to one interpretation of the ancient <ayan calendar, the world is going to end on )# 3ecem!er )%#). In case it does, Chinese farmer <r Liu claims to have the solutionB his Dsurvival podsE, which can withstand #,%%%/metre/high waves and carry #* people at a time. "hey are also e(uipped with o;ygen tan s and food and water supplies.

0umped up
1(th 2ecem%er 2012

Indian wor ers chec water pumps on the !an s of the 0iver 8anges ahead of the 5um!h <ela. Photo. =a-esh 1umar 2ingh>+P

Today's Phrase If you are Dpumped upE, you are e;cited and full of confidence. For example: %he atmos,here 'hen you 'al( into the 5lym,ic 2tadium, it's li(e drin(ing 78 cu,s of coffee, it ,um,s you u, so much. England 'ere so ,um,ed u, before the game they destroyed the o,,osition before the 'histle 'as e$en blo'n. )'m feeling ,um,ed u, before this inter$ie'. ) -ust (no' )'m going to get the -ob.

Don't confuse it with Another phrase is Dto pump ironE, which means to lift heavy weights, usually at a gym, in order to increase muscle. +fter a stressful day at the office, half an hour of ,um,ing iron at the gym really rela3es me. ) 'ant to get fit but the idea of ,um,ing iron in a room full of s'eaty men is really una,,ealing.

Interesting fact <illions are e;pected to ta e a ritualistic !ath in the confluence of the rivers 8anges and -amuna during the month/long 5um!h <ela festival in India. It !egins in >anuary )%#+.

8ou scratch my %ack

20th 2ecem%er 2012

8rooming plays an important part of social relationships among >apanese maca(ue mon eys. Photo. 1a&uhiro ogi > +4P

Today's Phrase "he phrase Dyou scratch my !ac and I'll scratch yoursE means Dif you do something for me, I'll do something for youES especially if it is something you would not have !een a!le to do for yourself. For example: You (no', ) thin( 'e can hel, each other out here. )'ll lend you my car on 4riday if you let me borro' your camera for the 'edding. You scratch my bac( and )'ll scratch yours. )f you could come and fi3 my radiators that 'ould be really hel,ful. )'ll do that translation e3ercise for you if you li(e. You scratch my bac( and )'ll scratch yours.

Don't confuse it with If you do or start something Dfrom scratchE it means you do it from the !eginning. ) 'as 'riting my essay and forgot to sa$e it. Guess 'hat ha,,ened? Yes, the com,uter crashed and ) had to start from scratch. "hy does that al'ays ha,,en?!

Interesting fact >apanese maca(ues, or Dsnow mon eysE, are highly social animals, with a comple; set of relationships !etween each other. Hntrance to the thermal hot springs, which can reach over *% degrees centigrade, depends upon the social position of the mon ey. Only the highest/ ran ing females and their infants are allowed in.

! le" up
<2.th 2ecem%er 2012=

Cheerleaders perform !efore the 79L foot!all game !etween the .t Louis 0ams and the 7ew Hngland 4atriots at Wem!ley .tadium in London. Photo. =euters>/arren 2ta,les Today's Phrase "he e;pression Da leg upE on someone means to have an advantage over someone. For example: 6y grandmother attended a catering course in 4rance last year. coo(ing, she definitely has a leg u, on the family. o', 'hen it comes to

)f you study hard, you*ll ha$e a leg u, on the com,etition 'hen it comes to finding a good -ob.

Don't confuse it with "he e;pression Dto pull someone's legE means to play a tric something that isn't true. on someone or tell them

"hat?! You'$e 'on a million dollars in the lottery? You are ,ulling my leg!

Interesting fact According to some authors, cheerleading started around #&CC in the ?nited .tates, when 4rinceton ?niversity students yelled chants from the stands at games. 7owadays most cheerleaders are women.

To %e on ice
<27th 2ecem%er 2012=

As temperatures plummet in "o yo, icicles hang from the wings of a froAen crane sculpture on a fountain. Photo. %suno Yoshi(a&u>+4P>Getty Today's Phrase D"o !e on iceE is an e;pression used to tal dealt with for the moment. For example: %he 6iddle East ,eace ,rocess may be on ice but it's still a ,riority for many "estern leaders. )'$e had to ,ut my tri, to the Caribbean on ice as ) need the money to get my car re,aired. Don't confuse it with Another phrase is Dto "e on thin iceE, which means to !e in a difficult situation. John o,ened a lu3ury goods sho, in ;88I. 0e 'as on thin ice 'hen the recession started. Interesting fact According to the 8uinness Boo of 0ecords the lowest temperature recorded in a place where there is a permanent population is /,&UC. "he temperature was recorded in 0ussia in the .i!erian village of Oymya on in #$$+. It's the coldest ever recorded outside Antarctica. a!out decisions or plans that are not going to !e

:ew 8ear's resolution

2nd January 2013

A security guard stands !ehind a 7ew -ear sign in Burma. Photo. 2oe Eeya %un>=euters Today's Phrase A 7ew -ear's resolution is a goal made on #st >anuary, which a person aims to complete within that year. *xamples 0a$e you made any 6y mum's e' Year's resolutions? ) 'ant to lose 'eight and get fit.

e' Year's resolution is to sto, smo(ing. e' Year's resolution to run a marathon in ;87<!

Let's ma(e it our Ta e note If you "rea

your resolution, you are unsuccessful at completing it. e' Year's resolutions, as ) al'ays brea( them.

) don't bother ma(ing Interesting fact

<any people use the 7ew -ear as an opportunity to ma e resolutions to change their life. 4opular resolutions include eating healthily and getting fit, although around ,%G of gym mem!erships ta en out in >anuary are said to go unused.

,n the nose
3rd January 2013

A mahout mounts his elephant during the three/day elephant race at Chitwan 7ational 4ar in 7epal. Picture. a$esh Chitra(ar > =euters

Today's Phrase If something is Don the noseE, it is e;actly right. "he phrase is often used when tal ing a!out num!ers or money, as shown in the e;amples. *xamples +. 0o' much do thin( my ne' %G cost? B. J<88? +. Yes, on the nose! )t cost J<88. +. Your mother must be about K8 years old? B. You got it on the nose. 2he's K8. But ) don't thin( she loo(s that old. Ta e note ,et up someone's nose. If someone or something gets up your nose, it annoys you. 6ary is al'ays tal(ing about her 'onderful ,ri&e9'inning dog. %o be honest it gets u, my nose. )t gets u, my nose 'hen ,eo,le ,lay their music loudly on ,ublic trans,ort. Interesting fact A 'mahout' is someone who eeps and drives elephants for a living. "raditionally, mahouts are paired with elephants when !oth are at a young age and they grow up together, in many cases forming a lifelong !ond.

Sky+hi"h
(th January 2013

Anders >aco!sen of 7orway ta es part in the . i >umping World Cup, Inns!ruc , Austria. Picture. Lars Baron > Getty Today's Phrase If something is Ds y/highE, it has reached a very great or high level. *xamples %rain fares ha$e gone s(y9high. ) s,end half my ,ay -ust getting to 'or(! %he ,rime minister's ,o,ularity 'as s(y9high after he cut ta3es for e$erybody. )'d li(e to buy a house in the city but ,rices are s(y9high. Ta e note If you say that Dthe s y is the limitE, it means that anything is possi!le. )f you ha$e talent and 'or( hard, the s(y is the limit. Interesting fact . i 1umping originated in 7orway in #&%$. "he first s i 1umper, Olaf 0ye, travelled $.' metres !efore landing. . i 1umping has !een part of the Olympic Winter 8ames since the first 8ames in #$)*.

! lon" shot
10th January 2013

9lorian <ayer misses a shot against Australia's Bernard "omic during the .ydney International tennis tournament. Photo. /aniel 6uno&>=euters Today's Phrase If something is a long shot, it is very unli ely to happen. *xamples )'m loo(ing for a first edition of +lice in "onderland for my mother's birthday. ) (no' it's a long shot, but do you ha$e one in stoc(? 6y fa$ourite football team is in the cu, final at the 'ee(end. ) thin( 'e could 'in, but it's a long shot. "e could as( the com,any to re,lace your bro(en smart,hone for free. )t's a long shot, but it's 'orth trying.

Ta e note If you ta e a shot in the dar , you guess at something. +. 0o' old do you thin( ) am? B. )'ll ta(e a shot in the dar( and say H8. Interesting fact "here are seven different types of shot in the game of tennisB the serve, forehand, !ac hand, volley, slice, smash and lo!. "hey are named after the manner in which they are struc or the point in the game at which they are struc .

To add fuel to the fire

1.th January 2013

<en carry a !urning !arrel on top of a pole pac ed with tar/soa ed stic s for the annual !urning of the Clavie in .cotland. Photo. Jeff J 6itchell>Getty Today's Phrase If you Eadd fuel to the fireD, you do something to ma e a pro!lem or an argument worse. *xamples )sabel 'as u,set about her ne' haircut. ) said it made her loo( li(e her mum, but that -ust added fuel to the fire and she cried e$en more. /on't shout at children if they're crying, it -ust adds fuel to the fire. /a$id has had a 'ritten 'arning from his boss about his beha$iour at 'or(, so he's going to com,lain to 0=. ) thin( that's a bad idea 9 it 'ill -ust add fuel to the fire. Ta e note If you are Dfired upD a!out something, you are really enthusiastic a!out it. )'m really fired u, about the big game tonight! Interesting fact "he 'Burning of the Clavie' is a fire festival which ta es place in Burghead, .cotland, to cele!rate the 7ew -ear. A 'clavie' is half of a !arrel, which has !een filled with tar and wood.

2ressed like a do"'s dinner

17th January 2013

3ogs dressed in clothing loo on during a purification ceremony in "o yo. Photo. Yoshi(a&u %suno>+4P>GE%%Y Today's Phrase If someone is descri!ed as !eing Ddressed li e a dog's dinnerE, it means they are wearing clothes which are inappropriate for the occasion or too formal. "his is (uite a negative way to descri!e someoneN *xamples %he dress code 'as smart>casual, but Linda came 'earing a full9length ball go'n! 2he 'as dressed li(e a dog's dinner! 6y mum really embarrasses me, she al'ays dresses li(e a dog's dinner, e$en 'hen 'e're -ust going to the sho,s! Loo( at that guy o$er there! 0e's 'earing a tu3edo in this old ,ub. 0e's dressed li(e a dog's dinner! Ta e note A more polite way to descri!e someone who is Ddressed li e a dog's dinnerE is to say that they are Do$erdressedE. %hat crystal9encrusted dress is $ery beautiful, but ) thin( you may be a little o$erdressed for an afternoon at the football. Interesting fact 9ive hundred pets and their owners visited the Ichigaya 5amegao a/6achiman shrine in "o yo to cele!rate new year and to pray for the animals' health and happiness. "he pets received a special !lessing during a purification ceremony.

'ull steam ahead

22nd January 2013

A steam train arrives at <oorgate underground station in London to cele!rate the #'%th anniversary of the networ . Photo. John 2till'ell>P+ "ire. Today's Phrase If you go full steam ahead, you do something with enthusiasm, energy and determination. *xamples "e must get this ,ro-ect finished before the ,resentation tomorro'. Come on, full steam ahead, team! atalie 'ent full steam ahead 'ith the ,lans for her 'edding. John, 2arah and 6ichael 'ent full steam ahead in their attem,t to climb 6ount 1iliman-aro. Ta e note If you let off steam, you release your anger or frustration, often !y shouting. )'m sorry ) shouted at you earlier, ) 'as -ust letting off some steam. Interesting fact "he London ?nderground networ , often referred to as the "u!e, cele!rated its #'%th anniversary recently. .pecial events were held across the networ , with some luc y passengers !eing allowed to travel on this steam train, which was !uilt in #&$&.

Like watchin" paint dry

2-th January 2013

8raffiti artist Hduardo 5o!ra puts the finishing touches on an art tri!ute to architect Oscar 7iemeyer in .Vo 4aolo. Photo. acho /oce> =euters

Today's Phrase If you watch something that is very long and !oring, you can say it is li e watching paint dry. *xamples 6y girlfriend lo$ed the Les 6iserables mo$ie, but ) hated it. 4or me, it 'as li(e 'atching ,aint dry. %he chancellor's budget s,eech is on %G later. )t'll be li(e 'atching ,aint dry! ) hate it 'hen football is on the tele$ision, it's li(e 'atching ,aint dry. Ta e note If you paint the town red, you go and cele!rate without control. )t's my ;7st birthday on 2aturday and )'m going to ,aint the to'n red. Interesting fact BraAilian graffiti artist Hduardo 5o!ra created a ',m tall artwor , pictured a!ove, in the financial district of .Vo 4aulo. "he artwor is a tri!ute to BraAilian architect Oscar 7iemeyer, who died in 3ecem!er )%#).

>heckmate
2*th January 2013

6eavily tattooed American <att 8one poses at the opening of a five/day tattoo e;hi!ition in IeneAuela. Photo. Juan Barreto > +4P > Getty )mages Today's Phrase DChec mateE is what you say in chess when you attac the opponent=s ing in such a way that no escape is possi!le, meaning you win the game. It is now used in other conte;ts to mean Dcomplete victoryE. *xamples %he rebels surrounded the ,resident's ,alace. 0e had no o,tion but to agree to their demands. it 'as chec(mate. Fnless 'e ma(e some serious changes around this business our com,etition 'ill catch u, and it 'ill be chec(mate. It can also !e used as a ver!B Garry 1as,aro$ chec(mated the chess com,uter after a fine series of mo$es. Ta e note D-talemateE descri!es the opposite situation to Dchec mateE. Also coming from chess, a stalemate is when no further action is possi!le. ) could only afford J7@8,888 for the house but the seller 'ould go no lo'er than J7@@,888. "e reached a stalemate and called the deal off. Interesting fact "he pattern of !lac and white s(uares on a chess!oard is descri!ed as !eing Dche(ueredE in British Hnglish and Dchec eredE in American Hnglish. "he s(uares themselves are nown as Dche(uesE or Dchec sE respectively. But the ver! Dto chec E is spelled the same in !oth places.

,ld head on youn" shoulders

31st January 2013

Indian children dress li e <ahatma 8andhi to mar the anniversary of his death in #$*&. Photo. +run 2an(ar 1 > +P Today's Phrase DAn old head on young shouldersE, or Da wise head on young shouldersE is a young person who !ehaves li e an older person with more e;perience. -ou can say someone Dhas an old head on young shouldersE or D is an old head on young shouldersE. *xamples: Bra&ilian footballer Pele, at 7L, 'as the youngest ,layer at the 7M@I "orld Cu,. But he ,ro$ed he 'as an old head on young shoulders by hel,ing his team 'in the tournament, scoring si3 goals in the ,rocess. 6artha started her first business selling birthday cards at 7K. 2he 'as a 'ise head on young shoulders and by ;7 'as running a large ,ublishing com,any, dealing 'ith big clients. Ta e note If something is Dhead and shoulders a"o$e the rest E, it is su!stantially !etter than the others. 6artin's idea for a documentary film really 'as head and shoulders abo$e the others. %hat's 'hy they decided to commission him. Interesting fact On >anuary +%, #$*&, India's D9ather of the 7ationE, <ahatma 8andhi, was assassinated. "he name DmahatmaE means Dgreat soulE, and his philosophy of peaceful resistance is widely credited with having forced the peaceful end of British rule of India in #$*C, the year !efore his death.

,dd man out

.th 'e%ruary 2013

Which swimmer is the odd one outM Photo. Peter 6acdiarmid>Getty )mages Today's Phrase If someone or something is an Dodd man outE or an Dodd one outE, it is unli e the others in a group. *xamples: "hen ) got to the ,arty e$eryone 'as 'earing beautifully tailored suits and ) 'as in ri,,ed -eans and a smelly t9shirt. 4elt li(e a bit of an odd man out. 6artha 'as al'ays the odd one out. 2he ne$er -oined in 'hen the other (ids ,layed. Ta e note An Dodd!.o" manE is a man paid to do many different inds of 1o!s, often around the home. ) got Billy the odd9-ob man to fi3 my shel$es and cut the grass in my garden. 0e did a great -ob so ) recommended him to my neighbour. Interesting fact "his year's ?5 Cold Water .wimming Championships saw ,%% swimmers !rave the near/ freeAing waters at a lido in .outh London. "here are a num!er of DlidosE, or outdoor swimming pools, in London and around the ?5. "he word comes from an Italian word meaning D!eachE.

2ead as a dodo
<7th 'e%ruary 2013=

3odos !ecame e;tinct in the #,%%s. Photo. Peter 6acdiarmid> Getty )mages Today's Phrase If something is Das dead as a dodoE, it is no longer important or popular. "his phrase is often used to tal a!out ideas or trends. *xamples )n the ,ast ,eo,le used to 'atch and record $ideos on G02, but no' that format is as dead as a dodo. %he idea that smo(ing is good for your health is no' as dead as a dodo. Ta e note A Ddead duc E is something that is not successful. 4ran('s coffee sho, business 'as a dead duc( sadly. 0is coffee 'as -ust a'ful, and the sho, 'as in a bad location. Interesting fact "he flightless dodo was first discovered on the Indian Ocean island of <auritius in the late #,th Century. Within a few decades they were e;tinct. Before the arrival of man, the dodo is thought to have evolved to such a large siAe !ecause it had no natural predators and plentiful food.

!s flat as a pancake
12th 'e%ruary 2013

"rainee choristers from .alis!ury Cathedral Choir toss panca es. Photo. 6att Cardy> Getty )mages. Today's Phrase When something is descri!ed as !eing as flat as a ,anca(e, it means it is very flat. *xamples: )t's a ,erfect day for sailing because the sea is as flat as a ,anca(e. Cycling around here is easy, the countryside is as flat as a ,anca(e. Ta e note If you fall flat on your face it means you have failed at doing something, or em!arrassed yourself !y ma ing a mista e. *xamples: )f 'e don't get any funding, this building ,ro-ect 'ill fall flat on its face. ) fell flat on my face at my ,erformance. "hen ) started to sing ) forgot the 'ords. )t 'as so embarrassing! Interesting fact A panca e is a thin, flat, round ca e prepared from a !atter and coo ed on a hot griddle or frying pan. "raditionally they are tossed, or flipped over, in the frying pan so that !oth sides are coo ed. In Britain, they are associated with .hrove "uesday, commonly nown as 4anca e 3ay, when perisha!le ingredients had to !e used up !efore the fasting period of Lent !egan.

! heart of "old
1-th 'e%ruary 2013

3oes this Alas an sea otter have a heart of goldM Photo. )tsuo )nouye> +P Today's Phrase .omeone with a heart of gold is a genuinely for you. *xamples: 6y 6um has a heart of gold. 2he al'ays thin(s of others before herself. John offered to do all the decorating this 'ee(endA he's got a heart of gold. Ta e note If someone has a heart of stone they are the opposite of someone with a heart of goldS they are un ind and cruel. *xample: You'll get no sym,athy from the boss. 0e has a heart of stone. Interesting fact "he sea otter is a marine mammal that lives on the coasts of the northern and eastern 7orth 4acific Ocean Kalthough the one in this photo is in a Aoo in "o yoL. It dives to the sea floor to loo for food. It eats mostly shellfish and some inds of fish. ind and caring person. "hey would do anything

7lue in the face

1*th 'e%ruary 2013

.outhern cassowaries mainly feed on fruit, !ut also eat fungi, insects, frogs, sna es and fish. Photo. Christian Eiegler>=euters Today's Phrase If you do something Duntil you are !lue in the faceE, it means you wor very hard on it or do it for a long time, !ut in the end waste your efforts !ecause you are not successful. *xamples: 6artin argued 'ith his mother until he 'as blue in the face, but she still made him 'ash the dishes. You can 'al( u, and do'n the high street until you are blue in the face, but you 'on't find a sho, selling leather shoes as cool or as chea, as these! Ta e note If something happens Donce in a "lue moonE it happens very rarely. *xample: ) only eat red meat once in a blue moon these days. You ne$er (no' 'hat's in your burgers, es,ecially after the horsemeat scandal. Interesting fact "his photo of a .outhern cassowary won the first priAe in the 7ature .ingle category at this year's World 4ress 4hoto Contest. "he colourful !irds, which are closely related to ostriches, can live for over ,% years and stand a!out )m tall.

To set the wheels in motion

21st 'e%ruary 2013

Britain's cycling team pursuit s(uad at the ?CI "rac Cycling World Championship. Photo. P+> %im )reland Today's Phrase If you set the 'heels in motion, you do something which will cause a series of actions to start. *xamples: Gictoria dreamed of becoming an 5lym,ic cycling cham,ion. 2he set the 'heels in motion by buying a racing bi(e. eil decided to mo$e to the country. 0e set the 'heels in motion by calling an estate agent. Ta e note If you oil the wheels you do something that will ma e it easier for something else to happen. *xample: John offered his e3,ertise, 'hich hel,ed oil the 'heels on the big building ,ro-ect. Interesting fact At the ?CI "rac Cycling World Championships, competitors ta e part in all the various disciplines of trac cycling. "hey are regulated !y the ?nion Cycliste Internationale. "he event is currently ta ing place in <ins in Belarus.

>rowd pleaser
2&th 'e%ruary 2013

Crowds gather in .t. 4eter=s .(uare to hear 4ope Benedict @II. Photo. Getty )mages Today's Phrase & crowd pleaser is someone or something that is always popular with large num!ers of people. *xamples: %hat (iss bet'een Prince "illiam and Princess Catherine 'as a real cro'd ,leaser. %he a,,earance of 6adonna at the music festi$al 'as a cro'd ,leaser. Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as !eing part of the in!crowd, they !elong to a fashiona!le, popular or privileged group of people. *xample: Jane 'as (een to be ,art of the in9cro'd so she bought the latest designer clothes. Interesting fact On 9e!ruary ##, )%#+, 4ope Benedict @II announced his resignation. "he &'/year/old Benedict is the first pope to resign in ,%% years. 6e says he no longer has the mental or physical strength to lead the world's #.) !illion Catholics.

! fish out of water

2(th 'e%ruary 2013

"he annual Caracol festival in <a ati in the 4hilippines is held as a tri!ute to <other 7ature. Photo. =omeo =anoco>=euters Today's Phrase When someone is descri!ed as 'a fish out of water' it means they are not comforta!le in a particular situation. *xamples: +fter 'or(ing in a small com,any most of my life, ) 'as a fish out of 'ater in a big cor,oration. 6ary used to ,lay the guitar to entertain the neighbours but she 'as a fish out of 'ater in a ,rofessional band. Ta e note If you Dfish for compliments#, you try to ma e someone praise you, often !y criticising yourself. *xample: 6ary : )'m such a bad coo(! Joan : o, don*t be silly. You coo(ed a lo$ely dinner for us last night.

Jac( : /on't ,ay any attention to her, Joan, she is -ust fishing for com,liments. Interesting fact 'Caracol' means snail in .panish. "he city of <a ati in the 4hilippines views the snail's shell as a sym!ol of protection from the harshness of life and has adapted the idea for its annual Caracol festival, which was added to the 3epartment of "ourism's calendar in #$&$. 6undreds of students and residents dressed in colourful, nature/inspired costumes dance in the street to cele!rate nature and to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.

,n a slippery slope
.th /arch 2013

"ina Weirather from Liechtenstein on her way to winning an alpine s iing event, the Women's World Cup super/8, in 8ermany. NPhoto. +P> Pier 6arco %accaO

Today's Phrase If someone or something is on a slippery slope, it's in a situation which is getting worse and will continue to get much worse. .ometimes we say it's 'going downhill'. *xamples: %he country's economy 'as on a sli,,ery slo,e follo'ing the closure of its biggest industry. "ith his big drin(ing ,roblem he 'as on a sli,,ery slo,e to bad health. Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as !eing as slippery as an eel , it means they are not honest and you can't trust them. It is difficult to catch them !ehaving in this way. *xample: ) 'ouldn't recommend doing business 'ith BobA he's as sli,,ery as an eel. Interesting fact "his photo shows s ier "ina Weirather of Liechtenstein. .he has won her first World Cup victory after descending down a steep and fast course to win a super/8 Ka super giant slalomL race in 8armisch/4arten irchen in 8ermany.

0ut on a %ra$e face

7th /arch 2013

7ature/inspired costumes are always popular with children in a parade for the Caracol festival in <a ati city in the 4hilippines. Photo. =omeo =anoco>=euters

Today's Phrase If you Dput on a "ra$e faceE it means you are trying to ma e people thin that you are happy when in fact you are not. *xamples: 6ary didn't get the ,romotion she 'as e3,ecting. But she ,ut on a bra$e face and 'ent to the office ,arty. %he athletes ,ut on a bra$e face 'hen they left the stadium, 'here the team had suffered its 'orst defeat in ten years. Ta e note "he e;pression Dtwo!facedE is used to descri!e people who say pleasant things a!out someone when hePshe is around / and !ad things a!out the person when they are not there. *xample: 4rederic( is t'o9faced. 0e (ee,s telling me he lo$es my 'or(, 'hile he says to my colleagues that he thin(s ) should be sac(ed. Interesting fact "he 4hilippines / a .panish colony for more than three centuries and named after a #,th Century .panish ing / was ta en over !y the ?. in the early )%th Century. .panish and American influences remain strong, especially in terms of language, religion and government.

! flash of inspiration
12th /arch 2013

A flash of lighting is seen in 4iraeus, near Athens during a rainstorm. Photo. Elina Liberta> +P Today's Phrase If you have a flash of inspiration it means that you get a sudden idea that helps you create or achieve what you were hoping to do. *xamples: John's ne' tra$el boo( 'as a huge success after the flash of ins,iration he got 'hile sitting on the bus. %he idea for my song came to me in a flash of ins,iration! Ta e note "he e;pression a flash in the pan refers to someone or something that is popular or gets noticed, !ut only for a short period of time. *xample: 2usan had a number one hit 'ith her song, but after that 'e ne$er heard from her again. Peo,le said she 'as -ust a flash in the ,an. Interesting fact Lightning is a !right flash of electricity produced !y a thunderstorm. Lightning ills and in1ures !etween C' and #%% people every year / more than hurricanes or tornadoes. "he highest death toll from a lightning stri e was in #$C# when a passenger airline flying over the AmaAon rainforest was hit !y lightning, causing it to crash, illing $# people on !oard.

>rowd pleaser
1-th /arch 2013

Worshippers hold the front page of a magaAine showing a photograph of the new pope, 9rancis I, during the cele!rations in Buenos Aires. Photo. )$an 4ernande&

Today's Phrase & crowd pleaser is someone or something that is always popular with large num!ers of people. *xamples: %hat (iss bet'een Prince "illiam and Princess Catherine 'as a real cro'd ,leaser. %he a,,earance of 6adonna at the music festi$al 'as a cro'd ,leaser. Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as !eing part of the in!crowd, they !elong to a fashiona!le, popular or privileged group of people. *xample: Jane 'as (een to be ,art of the in9cro'd so she bought the latest designer clothes. Interesting fact Born in Argentina, 4ope 9rancis is the first Latin American to lead the 0oman Catholic Church, as well as the first >esuit. "he election of >orge <ario Bergolgio too many !y surprise in his home city, Buenos Aires, where many had thought his age, C,, ruled him out. Bergoglio is 1ust two years younger than his predecessor Benedict @II at the time of his election in )%%'.

To pop your head out

1*th /arch 2013

Crocus flowers pop their heads out through a layer of fresh snow. Photo. +P> 6atthias 0ie(el

Today's Phrase If someone says they are going to pop their head out, they mean they are going to ta e a !rief loo outside. *xamples: )'m -ust going to ,o, my head out and chec( the 'eather to see if ) need to ta(e an umbrella 'ith me today. Could you -ust ,o, your head out of the 'indo', ,lease, and see 'hat's caused the traffic to sto,? Ta e note If your eyes pop out of your head , it descri!es the loo of complete surprise on your face when you see someone or something that is very unusual or surprising. *xample: "hen John as(ed Jane to marry him and ga$e her a diamond ring, her eyes ,o,,ed out of her head. it 'as com,letely une3,ected. Interesting fact "he British Autumn crocus flower was once used as a her!al treatment for inflammation. "his is !ecause it contains a chemical KcolchicineL, which is nown to have medicinal properties, including anti/cancer effects. .cientists are now trying to use the chemical to treat tumours.

>hasin" rain%ows
21st /arch 2013

BraAilian 9ormula # driver 9elipe <assa in action in .pain. Photo. 6ar( %hom,son> Getty )mages Today's Phrase If you are chasing rain"ows, you are trying to do or achieve something that is not really possi!le or realistic. *xamples: ) (no' you 'ant to become an actor but ) thin( you should sto, chasing rainbo's and get an office -ob. Becoming a successful actor is really hard! Bob had hundreds of ,lans and 'ild ideas about ho' he could become rich, but none of them e$er succeeded. 0e 'as al'ays chasing rainbo's. Ta e note A wild goose chase is a phrase used to descri!e a situation when you spend a lot of time loo ing for something !ut never find it !ecause you were given the wrong information. *xample: "e 'ere told there 'as an e3cellent 1orean restaurant in to'n and s,ent t'o hours loo(ing for it, but 'e couldn't find it. "e later found out it has closed do'n. "hat a 'ild goose chase! Interesting fact Hvery second counts in 9ormula # racing and one of the most important things that decides which driver wins a race is pit stop timesB the time it ta es to change tyres and carry out repairs on a car during a race. "he world's fastest 9ormula # pit stop was recorded during the 8erman 8rand 4ri; in >uly )%#), when it too the <cLaren team ).+# seconds to change driver >enson Button's tyres.

7reak the ice

2&th /arch 2013

A swimmer !raves the ice in Bei1ing's 6ouhai La e. Photo. Jason Lee> =euters Today's Phrase To "rea the ice means to get people who have not met !efore to feel rela;ed and to start tal ing to each other. *xamples: 2he said, B0ere's a game that's guaranteed to brea( the ice at ,artiesB. %he room 'as silent, so he told a -o(e to brea( the ice. 2ometimes it's $ery difficult to brea( the ice 'ith our ne' students because they are so shy. Ta e note To put something on ice. If you put something on ice you delay it. *xample: "e decided to ,ut the ,ro-ect on ice for a 'hile and concentrate on doing other things. Interesting fact 6ot water freeAes faster than cold water. Ice can appear in nature as snowfla es, icicles, hail, frost, glaciers, pac ice, ice spi es and candles and polar ice caps.

The tail end

2(th /arch 2013

Animal rescuers failed to save a whale stranded on an island in the 7etherlands. Photo. 2al(o de "olf> +4P

Today's Phrase The tail end means the very end, or final part of something. *xamples: %he tail end of the storm caused the most damage. 2he didn't than( her colleagues until the tail end of her long lea$ing s,eech. "e didn't find out the name of the (iller until the tail end of the story. Ta e note If you leave somewhere with your tail "etween your legs, you leave feeling ashamed and em!arrassed !ecause you have failed or !ecause you have made a mista e. *xample: %om left the meeting 'ith his tail bet'een his legs after failing to im,ress the staff 'ith his ,lans for the future. Interesting fact Whale tails have a distinct pattern on their underside, much li e our fingerprints.

4o it alone
2nd !pril 2013

>apanese video and performance artist <ari o <ori displays her wor "om 7a 6/iu at the 0oyal Academy of Arts in London. Photo. 2tefan "ermouth> =euters

Today's Phrase "o go it alone means to do something !y yourself, without help from other people. *xamples: o' that ) ha$e enough e3,erience, )'$e decided to go it alone and start my o'n business. )'m not ready to go it alone yet. ) need another fe' years 'or(ing in this com,any. "e don't need your hel, 'ith the ,ro-ect. "e'll go it alone and see 'hat ha,,ens. Ta e note To feel alone. If you feel alone, you feel lonely, with no friends and no!ody to tal as for help. *xample: +fter she left me, ) felt com,letely alone. Interesting fact A popular saying in !usiness circles is that you will never !ecome rich !y wor ing for someone else. to or to

3t's ?ust not cricket

-th !pril 2013

A cric et !all hits the stumps, noc ing off the !ails. Today's Phrase "he phrase :it's .ust not cric et: is used in Hnglish to say that something is unfair or dishonest. *xamples: ) can't belie$e you got a tic(et for the ,arty and ) didn't. )t's -ust not cric(et. You can't co,y your essay from the internet! )t's -ust not cric(et. /iana admitted that she cheated in her + Le$el e3ams to get a ,lace in a to, uni$ersity. )t's -ust not cric(et. Ta e note Another way of saying that something is unfair or unaccepta!le is :it's .ust not on.: *xample: Peter calls in sic( e$ery 6onday : it's -ust not on. Interesting fact "he Indian 4remier League is a professional league for "wenty)% cric et, a shorter form of the game which consists of only )% overs. 7ine teams ta e part in the league, with players from all over the world.

8ou're toast
<*th !pril 2013=

A representation of Hdvard <unch's famous painting "he .cream, made using food arranged on a piece of toast. Photo. )da 4ros(

Today's Phrase If someone says "you're toast" it means you are, or will soon !e, in a lot of trou!le. It is often used as a warning. A physical o!1ect can also !e DtoastE, which means it has !een destroyed. *xamples: )f you ma(e a mista(e in your monthly re,ort again, you're toast! You really ha$e to be more careful. 0e crashed his car last 'ee( and com,letely destroyed it. )t 'as toast. Ta e note "o toast# someone is to raise your glass and say a few words wishing them good luc showing them respect, and then to ta e a drin together. *xample: Let's toast our 'onderful assistant, Phil. 0e's 'or(ed really hard this year and his sense of humour has (e,t e$eryone going through a difficult time. %o Phil! Interesting fact 7orwegian food artist Ida 9ros Kwww.idafros .comL ma es edi!le recreations of famous paintings. .he says she ma es them :!ecause it's fun and I li e to inspire othersN It has !ecome a creative outlet for me to play with healthy ingredients and my favourite meal, !rea fast.: After ma ing and photographing her !eautiful !rea fasts, she eats them. or

Spice up
11th !pril 2013

4apri as !eing air/dried in after harvest !y a plantation in Ica in 4eru. Photo by =EF%E=2>Enri?ue Castro96endi$il Today's Phrase "o Dspice something up# literally means to ma e food or drin spicier. -ou can also 'spice up' things li e speeches, performances and eventsB !y adding parts which ma e them more interesting and e;citing. *xamples: %his salad 'as a bit boring so ) s,iced it u, 'ith some chilli sauce. 6artin's s,eech 'as really dull. 0e should ha$e s,iced it u, 'ith some -o(es! Ta e note If you descri!e someone as D salt and pepper#, it means they have dar hair that is !ecoming grey. *xample: 6ar( used to ha$e lo$ely blac( hair but no' he's salt and ,e,,er. But you (no' 'hat, ) li(e it! Interesting fact 4apri a is a spice made out of dried and ground chilli peppers. It is popular in the cuisines of 6ungary, .pain and <e;ico, and is higher in vitamin C than some citrus fruits.

;orth its wei"ht in "old

1&th !pril 2013

3atta 4huge's shirt contains more than + g of gold. Photo. BBC. Today's Phrase If something is worth its weight in gold it is very valua!le or useful. *xamples: 6ar('s tra$el ad$ice about $isiting Genice really 'as 'orth its 'eight in gold. 0e recommended some fabulous restaurants and a brilliant chea, hotel. Jill, you're a star. %han(s for all your hel,. You're 'orth your 'eight in gold! Ta e note &ll that glitters is not gold . "his prover! is used to descri!e things that are attractive on the surface !ut not as wonderful in reality. *xample: Listen, 4ran(ie. +ll that glitters is not gold. ) (no' you thin( a -ob in fashion 'ill be glamorous and fun, full of e3citing ,arties and ,hoto shootsA but there 'ill also be a lot of com,etition and you 'ill ha$e to 'or( really hard to succeed. Interesting fact Indians are the world's largest consumers of gold, where it is often seen as an investment. 7ic named :the gold man:, 3atta 4huge spent W)'%,%%% on a shirt made of the precious metal. 6e saidB :4eople have different aspirations. .ome elite people want to own an Audi or <ercedes, and have !ig cars. I chose gold.:

Set ton"ues wa""in"

1(th !pril 2013

3o you want to set tongues waggingM "ry going to wor loo ing li e these men. Photo. Julien Behal> P+ "ire Today's Phrase If someone's !ehaviour sets tongues wagging, it ma es people gossip a!out them. *xamples: 6r 0ellman 'ore the same t9shirt to 'or( e$ery day for a 'ee(. )t really set tongues 'agging. some thought he -ust didn't 'ash it, others thought it 'as because he hadn't been home all 'ee(. 6atilda and 6ichelle set tongues 'agging 'hen they left the office early yesterday. (ne' 'hat they 'ere doing. Ta e note If you gi$e someone a tongue!lashing it means you spea have done something wrong. *xample: Bill got a tongue9lashing from his 'ife after he ruined her dress in the 'ashing machine. Interesting fact 4eople threw multi/coloured powder over each other at "he <inistry of .illy Ideas D0ain!ow 3iscoE at a street performance festival in the Irish capital of 3u!lin. "he event !rings street performers to the city to compete for the title of Dworld championE. to them angrily !ecause they obody

7ear with me
23rd !pril 2013

A volunteer dressed in a polar !ear costume ta es part in a demonstration in 4aris which calls on political leaders to protect the Arctic. Photo. Pierre +ndrieu>+4P>Getty )mages

Today's Phrase -ou can say D"ear with meE if you want someone to !e patient and wait while you do something else. *xamples: Bear 'ith me. )'m on the ,hone right no' and ) 'ill be 'ith you shortly. )f you could -ust bear 'ith me for a moment ) 'ill find the address of my dentist to gi$e you. ) am sure ) 'rote it some'here in my diary. Ta e note "he e;pression Dto "ear in mind something# means 'to ta e something into consideration'. *xample: Before s,lashing cash on a ne' dress for the 2ummer, bear in mind that you'$e got a tem,orary -ob. Be careful 'ith your money. Interesting fact ?sing their incredi!le sense of smell to trac their prey, adult polar !ears spend most of their lives alone, wandering over miles of froAen ice loo ing for !lu!!er/rich prey such as seals, walruses and even whales. "hey are also remar a!ly good swimmers.

3t's in her "enes

2.th !pril 2013

37A Kdeo;yri!onucleic acidL carries the material that ma es up genes. 8enes pass characteristics from parent to child. Photo. 2cience Photo Library N2PLO

Today's Phrase -ou say 'it's in someone's genes' when that person has the same personality traits as their parents, or does a similar 1o!. *xamples: ) lo$e motor racing. %he lo$e of s,eed is in my genes. 6y father 'as an ambulance dri$er. +nn is $ery ambitious. 2he can't hel, it, it's in her genes. 0er ,arents arri$ed in this country ,enniless and no' are big industrialists. Ta e note "he word Tgenealogy= means the study of the history of the mem!ers of a family. *xample: ) became interested in genealogy after my mother told me that her grandfather 'as a ,irate. Interesting fact Cam!ridge ?niversity scientists >ames Watson and 9rancis Cric pu!lished an article descri!ing the dou!le heli; structure of 37A in #$'+. "he discovery opened up some powerful and controversial technologies availa!le today, including genetic engineering, stem cell research and 37A fingerprinting.

To ha$e a %ee in your %onnet

30th !pril 2013

4eople dressed as !ees protest in London against the use of pesticides. Photo. /an 1it'ood> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If you have Da "ee in your "onnet# a!out something, you are o!sessed with it and can't stop thin ing a!out it. "his phrase is often used when you are worried or angry a!out something. "he word D!onnetE refers to a ind of hat. *xamples: %he council 'ants to close do'n our local library. )'$e got a bee in my bonnet about it! 6um's got such a bee in her bonnet about the 'edding. ) (ee, telling her that it 'ill be fine, but she's $ery 'orried. Ta e note If something or someone is the "ee's *xample: /arren bought me a ne' car for my birthday 9 he's the bee's (nees. Interesting fact "here are over ,%,%%% !ees in the average !ee colony. A honey !ee can fly up to & m per hour, !eating its wings appro;imately )%% times per second. nees, they are very good.

Like a ton of %ricks

<2nd /ay 2013=

A woman carries !ric s on her head at a factory near Chennai, India. Photo. Babu> =euters. Today's Phrase If something is li e a ton of "ric s, it is very heavy. "his e;pression can !e used literally Kto descri!e a heavy weightL, or idiomatically Kto descri!e a great shoc or surpriseL. *xamples: ) can't carry that bag all the 'ay home 9 it's li(e a ton of bric(s! %he ne's about her grandfather's illness hit 2u&anne li(e a ton of bric(s. Ta e note If something weighs a ton, it is very heavy. *xample: Can you hel, me to mo$e this armchair? )t 'eighs a ton! Interesting fact Bric s are one of the oldest !uilding materials in the world. "he first !ric s discovered date !ac to C,%%% BC and were made from sun/dried mud.

! splash of colour
<7th /ay 2013=

<en covered in pin powder during the festival of Lath mar 6oli in 7orthern India. Photo. =euters>Gi$e( Pra(ash.

Today's Phrase If someone adds Da splash of colour#, they add some colour to !righten up something that is dull or une;citing, such as clothes. *xamples: Jane's red nec(lace 'as a s,lash of colour against her dull 'or( suit. 5ur ne' green rug should add a s,lash of colour to our bedroom. Ta e note "he e;pression with flying colours is used when someone achieves something with great success. *xample: 2imon ,assed his e3ams 'ith flying colours. Interesting fact "he photo shows men in the 7orthern Indian village of Barsana cele!rating the 6indu festival of Lath mar 6oli. "he tradition involves men singing provocative songs to gain the attention of women, who then !eat them with !am!oo stic s called :lathis:. 6oli, also nown as the 9estival of Colours, mar s the !eginning of spring and is cele!rated all over India.

The hairdryer treatment

<*th /ay 2013=

.ir Ale; 9erguson had something to say to player Wayne 0ooney at an Hnglish 4remier League foot!all match against Aston Iilla. Photo. +P Photo>Jon 2u,er

Today's Phrase When .ir Ale; 9erguson was angry with his players, he shouted at them with such force, it was li e having a hairdryer switched on in their faces. It !ecame nown as the hairdryer treatment. *xamples: B%he fear of getting the hairdryer 'as the reason 'hy 'e all ,layed so 'ell. 0e 'as a manager you 'anted to do 'ell for.B N/a$id Bec(hamO Players tal( of the moment a s'itch is flic(ed in 4ergie's head, he ,resses his face close to the you and gi$es you the hairdryer treatment. Ta e note If you say someone does not ha$e a hair out of place, it means their appearance is very tidy or is perfect. *xample: John did not ha$e a hair out of ,lace for his im,ortant graduation ceremony. Interesting fact '9ergie time' is the popular !elief !y supporters of other teams that if <anchester ?td are losing after $% minutes, the referee will e;tend in1ury time long enough for them to score and win. '9ergie time' is C$ seconds / games went on C$ seconds longer when <anchester ?nited were losing than winning.

7rin" someone %ack down to earth

1-th /ay 2013

"he 0ussian .oyuA space capsule lands in 5aAa hstan . Photo +P>2ergei =eme&o$

Today's Phrase If something "rings you "ac down to earth, it ma es you face reality again after a pleasant e;perience, a hopeful dream or an unrealistic plan. *xamples: ) 'as dreaming of a safari holiday in %an&ania to see the ele,hants, the cheetahs, the hi,,os# then ) loo(ed at my ban( balance and it brought me bac( do'n to earth ,retty ?uic(ly! Phil had a great time o$er the 'ee(end. +ll the emails 'aiting for him in the office on 6onday morning brought him bac( do'n to earth. Ta e note To "ring the house down. "his phrase is used when a performer in a play or show ma es people laugh or clap loudly and enthusiasticallyB they !ring the house down. *xample: %he comedian brought the house do'n 'hen he told the -o(e about the t'o frogs. Interesting fact Canadian astronaut Chris 6adfield, whose space capsule is pictured a!ove returning to Harth, spent five months wor ing in the International .pace .tation. 3uring his time in space he ept hundreds of thousands of "witter followers informed and entertained with pictures, and even made a music video of a 3avid Bowie song.

The spittin" ima"e

1&th /ay 2013

0o' to describe t'o ,eo,le 'ho loo( the same.

6ow lifeli e are these dolls of the British prime minister and 4rince 6arryM Photo. Getty )mages>Bruce +dams

Today's Phrase If you are descri!ed as the spitting image of someone, it means you loo same as that person. *xamples: John is the s,itting image of his brother. ) thin( they could be t'ins. 2he 'as the s,itting image of her mother and sometimes ,eo,le 'ere confused about 'ho 'as 'ho. Ta e note When someone as s you to spit it out, they want you to hurry up and say something you are too nervous or em!arrassed to tal a!out. *xample: Come on Jane, s,it it out. %ell us 'hat you thin( of our ne' ,lans. Interesting fact "here are many types of puppets, such as finger puppets, glove puppets and shadow puppets. 4ro!a!ly the most comple; type is a marionette puppet, which is controlled !y strings to move the head, arms and legs. "he puppeteer, who operates it, needs great s ill. similar to or the

/oney doesn't "row on trees

21st /ay 2013

Buddhists attach "hai !aht !an notes on an artificial tree with golden leaves during a ceremony in Bang o . Photo. =euters>/amir 2agol-. Today's Phrase "he phrase money doesn't grow on trees means you must not spend too much money, as there is only a limited amount of it. *xamples: 6y daughter Claire 'ants a car for her 7Lth birthday, but ) can't afford it. 6oney doesn't gro' on trees! B6um, can you gi$e me some more ,oc(et money?B B o ) can't : money doesn't gro' on trees, you (no'.B Ta e note "he phrase money is no o".ect means that you have a lot of money availa!le to spend. *xample: 0e li$es in a mansion, has three s,orts cars and goes on holiday e$ery month. 6oney is no ob-ect for him. Interesting fact -ou can often see Buddhist 'money trees' in "hailand. "he tree shown a!ove was part of a ceremony to mar Iesa 3ay, the annual cele!ration of Buddah's !irth, enlightenment and death.

3n the palm of my hand

23rd /ay 2013

.tunt e;pert Leigh/Anne IiAer sits on a '5ing 5ong' hand a!ove the Australian city of <el!ourne. Photo. Getty )mages> 2cott Barbour

Today's Phrase If you say you have someone in the palm of your hand, it means you have total control over that person. *xamples: El$is Presley 'as a great ,erformerA he had the audience in the ,alm of his hand. Joan (ne' all her neighbours' shameful secrets. 2he felt they 'ere in the ,alm of her hand. Ta e note If you gi$e someone a hand, it means you are helping that person. *xample: ) (no' ho' to o,erate this machine. Let me gi$e you a hand. Interesting fact 5ing 5ong has appeared in movies since #$++. "he story of a giant gorilla on a lost island that falls in love with a !londe actress and later goes craAy in 7ew -or was remade in #$C, and )%%'.

The %i" cheese

2(th /ay 2013

A man cele!rates winning the first race of the annual cheese/rolling competition in 8loucestershire, Hngland . Photo. 6att Cardy> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase The "ig cheese is the most important or powerful person in a group or organisation. *xamples: %he big cheese is coming to $isit our office today 9 she's the o'ner of the 'hole com,any! ) don't 'ant to 'or( as a secretary all my life. 5ne day, )'m going to be the big cheese! Ta e note If two people are li e chal *xample: 2arah and +lice are identical t'ins, but they are li(e chal( and cheese. 2arah is $ery shy and ?uiet and +lice is $ery loud and outgoing. Interesting fact "he Cooper's 6ill cheese/rolling event ta es place every year in 8loucestershire. Competitors chase a large 3ou!le 8loucester cheese down a hill, and the first person to pass the finish line wins the cheese. and cheese, they are very different to each other.

2ri$e someone round the %end

30th /ay 2013

.toc cars racing. Photo. Jamie 2?uire> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If something Ddri$es you round the "end#, it ma es you really !ored or angry. *xamples: Jane's brother ,ractises guitar e$ery night for hours. 0e dri$es her round the bend. ) 'aited for ;@ minutes before my bus came this morning. Public trans,ort dri$es me round the bend! Ta e note If you are Din the dri$ing seatE, it means you are in control of a situation. *xample: +fter 6anchester Fnited scored their third goal they 'ere in the dri$ing seat in the match. )n our 'eb design com,any, young ,eo,le are in the dri$ing seat. Interesting fact 7A.CA0 stands for the 7ational Association of .toc Car Auto 0acing. A stoc car is a normal car which has !een made faster and stronger so it can compete in races.

To make a come%ack
-th June 2013

>ose <ourinho won the 4remier League with Chelsea in )%%' and )%%,. Photo. 2haun Botterill> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase To ma e a come"ac *xamples: Jose 6ourinho 'as a successful manager at Chelsea before, so many fans are e3cited he is ma(ing a comebac(. British ,o, grou, %a(e %hat made a comebac( in ;88K 'ith the album Beautiful "orld, 77 years after their ,re$ious album. Ta e note To come "ac from the dead. "his phrase is used to descri!e someone who !ecomes successful or popular again after a period of !eing unsuccessful or unpopular. *xample: %hat actor made terrible mo$ies for ten years. But he came bac( from the dead 'hen he acted in a sensiti$e romantic drama last year. Interesting fact When <ourinho arrived at Chelsea for the first time in )%%* he told the mediaB :4lease don't call me arrogant, !ut I'm Huropean champion and I thin I'm a special one.: .ince then, he has had the nic name Dthe special oneE. is to return to a career or 1o! you were previously successful in.

To "et a handle on somethin"

&th June 2013

Anti(ue wal ing stic s are displayed at the Olympia H;hi!ition Centre in London. Photo. /an 1it'ood> Getty )mages.

Today's Phrase If you get a handle on something, you !egin to understand it. *xamples: ) used to be terrible at maths but after lots of hard 'or(, ) thin( )'$e got a handle on it no'. )f ) could -ust get a handle on this ne' ,ro-ect at 'or(, )'m sure the boss 'ould gi$e me a ,ay rise. Ta e note If something or someone is too hot to handle, it is too dangerous or difficult to deal with. *xample: %he ,resenter found it $ery difficult to inter$ie' the film star. 0e 'as too hot to handle, and didn't 'ant to ans'er any ?uestions. Interesting fact "hese ornate wal ing stic s are on display as part of an e;hi!ition of anti(ues. A person who collects wal ing stic s is nown as a ra!ologist.

2uck6
11th June 2013

"housands of plastic duc s float down the 0iver "hames in the 8reat British 3uc 0ace. Photo. +nthony /e$lin> P+ "ire

Today's Phrase If you tell someone to duc a!out to hit them. *xamples: +s ) 'al(ed in the door someone shouted B/uc(!B But it 'as too late and ) hit my head. %he batsman shouted B/uc(!B as he hit the ball right at 'here the s,ectators 'ere standing. Ta e note To duc out means to try and escape or get out of doing something. it means that they should lower their head !ecause something is

*xample: 2orry, )'$e got to duc( out of this meeting, )'$e got too many other things to do. Interesting fact "he yellow duc in the photograph was among around )'%,%%% other !lue plastic duc s floating along a one ilometre stretch of the 0iver "hames near 6ampton Court 4alace in London. "his 8reat British 3uc 0ace raises money for charity.

! yellow streak
13th June 2013

A dancer has his !ody painted to loo li e a yellow tiger as part of an awareness campaign in 5ol ata, India. Photo. +P> Bi(as /as

Today's Phrase If someone has a yellow strea , they are often scared or not very !rave. *xamples: "e 'ent roc( climbing at the 'ee(end. ) lo$ed it, but my friend refused to try it. 0e's got a real yello' strea(. %he ,ublic accused the go$ernment minister of ha$ing a yello' strea( after he refused to ans'er some difficult ?uestions. Ta e note If someone has a mean strea , it means they often do things that are un ind. *xample: 6y boss 'on't gi$e me a ,ay rise 9 he's got a real mean strea(. Interesting fact "igers are the largest species of cat in the world. Although there were around #%%,%%% tigers in the wild at the !eginning of the )%th century, there are now only around +,%%% to *,%%%. 3estruction of their ha!itats and poaching are !lamed for their falling num!ers.

! %i" fish in a small pond

1(th June 2013

A whale shar / the world's largest fish. Photo. =euters> /a$id Loh

Today's Phrase If someone is descri!ed as a "ig fish in a small pond, they are very important or have a lot of influence !ut only in a small area or group. *xamples: Paul is a manager of a small com,anyA he li(es to be a big fish in a small ,ond. Jane might thin( she has ,o'er but she's -ust a big fish in a small ,ond. Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as a cold fish, it means that are unfriendly and don't show their emotions. *xample: Julie's a cold fishA she ne$er s,ea(s to anyone in the office. Interesting fact Whale shar s are the world's largest fishS the longest ever recorded was over #+ metres. "hey are harmless filter feeders that suc in plan ton and small fish. "hese distinctively yellow/ spotted shar s are found throughout the world's oceans, preferring the warm and tropical waters around the e(uator.

! %i" deal
20th June 2013

A dealer shuffles a dec of cards during the World .eries of po er in Las Iegas. Photo. +P> Julie Jacobson

Today's Phrase "he phrase a "ig deal is often used to descri!e a situation of great importance. *xamples: )t's ob$iously a big deal to her to get a ,romotion first because she can mo$e u, in the com,any faster than anybody else in the team. ) -ust couldn't understand 'hy they ?uarrelled so much o$er the colour of a ,icture frame 9 it's not a big deal! Ta e note A "ig no!no descri!es something that should never !e done or should never have !een done. *xamples: "earing -eans is a big no9no in a ,osh restaurant. +rri$ing late and lea$ing early is a big no9no at our 'or(,lace. Interesting fact "he earliest nown playing cards are from $th Century China. "he widely/used 9rench design of today has ') cards and four 'suits'B clu!s, diamonds, hearts and spades.

To ha$e a %i" mouth

2.th June 2013

A man is covered in coloured corn flour powder at the 6oli One festival in Cape "own. Photo. 6ar( "essels>=euters

Today's Phrase If you ha$e a "ig mouth it means that you are loud, li e to gossip and can't eep secrets. *xamples: Jimmy has a big mouth. Yesterday ) told him that ) am lea$ing the com,any and today e$erybody (no's about it. ) could ne$er be a s,y. ) ha$e a big mouth! Ta e note "he e;pression D"e all mouth#, often found as D"e all mouth and no trousersE, is used to descri!e someone who tal s a lot a!out doing something !ut never actually does it. *xamples: ) bet you ha$en't as(ed your boss about that ,ay rise you tal( so much aboutA you are all mouth and no trousers! Interesting fact Inspired !y the original 6oli 9estival in India, 6oli One 9estivals have travelled around the world to .outh Africa, 8ermany, the ?. and .ingapore. "housands of people, dressed in white, come together to share in music, dance and cele!rate a new season.

! %alancin" act
27th June 2013

A five/metre/high sculpture !y 9rench artist 9a!ien <erelle displayed in 6ong 5ong. "he elephant is modelled on one at the .ingapore 2oo and the man is modelled on the artist himself. Photo. 1in Cheung > +P

Today's Phrase & "alancing act is a situation in which someone has to give attention to two different things at the same time Kit has its origins in circus actsL. *xamples: %he life of a modern ,arent is a balancing act of going out to 'or( and raising children at home. 6y sisters are al'ays fighting bet'een themsel$es. 1ee,ing the ,eace at home is a balancing act. Ta e note To "alance something against something else means to compare the value of something in relation to something else. *xamples: /uring a recession a go$ernment has to balance the needs of the ,oorest against the 'ishes of the richest. Interesting fact Hlephants are very intelligent, socia!le animals. "hey live in groups led !y the oldest female, or matriarch. An elephant=s s in is so sensitive it can feel a fly landing.

To fly the nest

2nd July 2013

An osprey in her nest. Photo. Jeff J 6itchell> Getty )mages Today's Phrase To fly the nest means to leave your parents' home for the first time to go and live somewhere else. *xamples: "hen /a$id started uni$ersity he had to fly the nest and li$e alone. +ll the children ha$e flo'n the nest so 6um no' has a lot of s,are time. Ta e note & nest egg is an amount of money you have saved to use in the future. *xamples: Jane is going to use her nest egg to buy a big house by the sea. Interesting fact "he osprey in the photograph flew from West Africa to .cotland to !reed. "he egg in the nest is thought to have !een her '%th egg to have hatched.

0layin" with fire

-th July 2013

An artist plays with fire at the International 9ire 9estival in 5iev. Photo. +4P> 2ergei 2u,ins(y Today's Phrase If you are playing with fire you are doing something which could !e dangerous. *xamples: Climbing that mountain in this bad 'eather is ,laying 'ith fire. 0e 'as ,laying 'ith fire 'hen he s'am across that ri$er at night! Ta e note If you add fuel to the fire it means you ma e a !ad situation even worse. *xamples: John's ,oor e3cuse for being late -ust added fuel to the fire. Jane 'as furious. Interesting fact "he ver! Dto fireE can also mean to shoot. In military !attles, soldiers were commanded to :9ireN: when they had to start shooting at the enemy. DHnemy fireE is what they got in return.

! sharp ton"ue
*th July 2013

OuchN 3on't try this at home. Photo. +4P> 2am Pantha(ysam Today's Phrase If someone is descri!ed as having a sharp tongue it means they say things that are critical and harsh. *xamples: /on't 'orry about 'hat the boss says, he has a shar, tongue. 2te,hen's shar, tongue meant that nobody 'ould as( him for ad$ice. Ta e note If someone tells you to hold your tongue it means stop tal ing, particularly !ecause they don't li e what you are saying. *xample: )'m al'ays u,setting ,eo,le at the meeting so ne3t time )'m going to hold my tongue. Interesting fact "he photo shows an Indian man pushing a sword across his tongue in a ritual for Oudri 0afai >unoon Ali .ai, a local .ufi saint who died in #$C#.

!ll the colours of the rain%ow

11th July 2013

A Buddhist hangs colourful lanterns in preparation for the !irthday of Buddha. Photo by Getty )mages>Chung 2ung9Jun.

Today's Phrase If someone descri!es something as !eing all the colours of the rain"ow , it means it is very colourful. *xamples: Jane had some incredible clothes in her 'ardrobeA they 'ere all the colours of the rainbo'. "e sa' so many ama&ing birds in the -ungleA they 'ere all the colours of the rainbo'. Ta e note "he phrase chasing rain"ows refers to someone who is always loo ing for something more e;citing and rewarding !ut is unli ely to find it. *xample: John, -ust en-oy 'hat you'$e got and sto, chasing rainbo's! Interesting fact "he colours of a rain!ow seen !y a human eye are red, orange, yellow, green, !lue, indigo and violet.

To make a %eeline for

1&th July 2013

A !ee collects nectar from a sunflower on a field in .witAerland. Photo. =euters> +rnd "iegmann

Today's Phrase If you ma e a "eeline for someone or something it means you go straight to them. *xamples: +s soon as the concert is o$er, 'e should ma(e a beeline for the car, because ) don't 'ant to get stuc( in traffic. %he tired and thirsty tra$ellers made a beeline for the bar. Ta e note If you ha$e a "ee in your "onnet it doesn't literally mean that you have a !ee in your hat. It means that you are o!sessed !y a thought or something that you want to do. -ou can't get it out of your mind. *xample: John really has a bee in his bonnet about the en$ironment. 0e's al'ays tal(ing about it. Interesting fact Bees perform an essential role !y moving pollen and nectar from one flower to another. "hey pollinate the flowers and trees, which means fruits and vegeta!les can !e created and can grow.

To look someone in the eye

An elderly Indian farmer loo s directly at the camera. Photo. +P> +ltaf Padri

Today's Phrase If you loo someone in the eye, you loo at them directly to try to convince them that you are telling the truth, even though you may !e lying. *xamples: John loo(ed me in the eye and told me that he lo$ed me. ) loo(ed at my boss in the eye and told him e3actly 'hat ) thought. Ta e note If there is more to something than meets the eye , then there may !e a hidden meaning or (uality to it. *xample: ) don't li(e Jane's ne' husband. 0e seems (ind and gentle but ) thin( there's more to him than meets the eye. Interesting fact "he cornea is the transparent front part of the eye. Corneas can !e transplanted !y an operation where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with one from someone who has 1ust died. "he first corneal transplant was in #$%' !y Hduard 2irm. It was one of the first successful transplant operations.

>ulture $ulture
23rd July 2013

A 5ing Iulture. Photo. +4P > =odrigo +rangua

Today's Phrase If you love things li e art, music and theatre, people could call you a culture $ulture. *xamples: "illiam's going to see three e3hibitions and a Beetho$en sym,hony on 2aturday. %hat guy's such a culture $ulture. 5h, gi$e me the +rts section of that maga&ine. )'m a culture $ultureA ) need to (no' 'hat's on at the moment. Ta e note A person who ma es money or gains something from other people's !ad situation can !e called a $ulture. It's an insult. *xample: Peo,le 'ho lend the ,oor money 'ith high interest rates are $ultures. Interesting fact "here are #, different types of vulture. <any inds have !ald heads, without normal feathers, so they can feed on dead animals without getting dirty.

! load of ru%%ish
2.th July 2013

4eople near a ru!!ish dump in <anila, 4hilippines. Photo. Getty )mages >

oel Celis

Today's Phrase We can call something that is very low (uality or not true a load of ru""ish. *xamples: /id you see that England football match? )t 'as a load of rubbish. %hey 'ill ne$er 'in the "orld Cu,. ) 'as really e3cited about seeing Justin Bieber in concert but he 'as t'o hours late. "hat a load of rubbish! Ta e note /u""ish is a word mainly used in British Hnglish. In 7orth America, people say ' gar"age' or 'trash'. *xamples: 6a(e sure the garbage is out. %he truc( ,ic(s it u, today. %he trash really smells. Can you ta(e it outside? Interesting fact "he capital of the 4hilippines, <anila, has !anned disposa!le plastic shopping !ags !ecause ru!!ish adds to the city's flooding pro!lem.

To fly off the handle

30th July 2013

Is this B<@ rider really flyingM Photo. /a$id =amos Today's Phrase If you fly off the handle it means you lose your temper. *xamples: "hen ) told /ad ) had crashed his car again he fle' off the handle. Jane is trying to get to slee,, so if you 'a(e her u, she 'ill fly off the handle. Ta e note If you get a handle on something, you !egin to understand it. *xamples: ) don't li(e this ne' com,uter 9 ) can't get a handle on the strange (eyboard. Interesting fact B<@ is an a!!reviation for !icycle motocross / the @ is used as a sym!ol for DcrossE. B<@ !i es are especially tough for use on dirt trac s and 1umps.

To "i$e someone some lip

1st !u"ust 2013

A BraAilian foot!all fan wears a mas at the <ineirao .tadium, while watching a 9I9A Confederations Cup semi/final !etween BraAil and ?ruguay. Photo. 6ichael =egan> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase "o gi$e someone some lip means to spea show respect. *xamples: %hat rude young boy ga$e me some li, 'hen ) as(ed him to sto, smo(ing. 2he ga$e her neighbour some li, because she 'as in bad mood. house! Ta e note To pay lip ser$ice 0to something1 means to say you support something without really meaning it. *xamples: %he food industry is only ,aying li, ser$ice to go$ernment cam,aigns to ma(e ,eo,le eat a healthy diet. %heir ,roducts are $ery high in salt and sugar. Interesting fact Women from the .uri tri!e in Hthiopia use clay lip plates. 9rom an early age, they pierce and stretch their lips to accommodate the plates. "he siAe of a woman's plate determines the num!er of cows her family will receive when she marries. o' he 'ants to mo$e to someone in a way which is rude and doesn't

3n the pink
&th !u"ust 2013

4in is the colour for these foot!all fans at a 9rench cup final match. Photo. 6ichael 2teele> Getty )mages.

Today's Phrase If someone is in the pin , they are in good health. *xamples: =ob has reco$ered from his cold and is in the ,in( again. =uth loo(s $ery 'ell, she's certainly in the ,in(. Ta e note If you are tic led pin , you are very happy or e;cited a!out something. *xamples: Pi,,a 'as tic(led ,in( 'hen she got a ne' car for her birthday ,resent. Interesting fact "he photo shows supporters of Hvian "honon 8aillard during this year's 9rench Cup 9inal match !etween Hvian "honon 8aillard and 9C 8irondins de Bordeau; at the .tade de 9rance. Bordeau; won +/).

To keep your head a%o$e water

(th !u"ust 2013

9rench synchronised swimmers at the World .wimming Championships. Photo. 6ichael /alder> =euters

Today's Phrase If you say you're trying to eep your head a"o$e water , you mean you are 1ust managing to survive despite not having much money. *xamples: 5ur com,any isn't doing $ery 'ell but 'e're -ust about (ee,ing our head abo$e 'ater. )'m struggling to ,ay the billsA ) don't (no' if ) can (ee, my head abo$e 'ater. Ta e note "o !e in deep water means to !e in trou!le or a difficult situation that is hard to deal with. *xamples: "e're going to be in dee, 'ater if someone finds out that 'e bro(e that 'indo'. Interesting fact .ynchronised swimming is a mi; of swimming, dancing and gymnastics. It is an Olympic sport !ut only women are allowed to enter. .wimmers are 1udged on two performances J one technical and one freestyle. 0ussia won the synchronised swimming event in the )%#) Olympics in London.

Two wheels are %etter than four

Cyclists in Budapest lift their !i es in the air during a pro/cycling demonstration. Photo. 4erenc )s&a > +4P> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase When someone says two wheels are "etter than four they mean riding a !i e is !etter than driving a car. *xamples: )f you 'ant to get healthy, get out of your car and onto your bi(eA t'o 'heels are better than four! %he traffic is really bad in the city so t'o 'heels are definitely better than four. Ta e note A two!for!one offer or promotion in a shop means you can !uy two of the same products !ut pay the price of 1ust one. *xample: ) ho,e you li(e eating cabbageA ) got them on a t'o9for9one offer at the su,ermar(et, so 'e'$e got lots to eat. Interesting fact "he world/famous "our de 9rance is a +,*%% m cycling race around 9rance. It is one of the toughest endurance races in professional sport. "his year the #%%th "our de 9rance was won !y British cyclist Chris 9roome, who got to eep the famous yellow 1ersey.

;ith flyin" colours

1.th !u"ust 2013

A plane drops water to put out a huge fire. Photo.

ic( Ft> +P Photo

Today's Phrase If you do something / especially a test or e;am / with flying colours, you do it easily and with great success. *xamples: 2he ,assed her e3ams 'ith flying colours! "ith all that ,ractice, John 'ill ,ass his dri$ing test 'ith flying colours. Ta e note If something gets off to a flying start, it means it starts very well or very successfully. *xample: 5ur tri, got off to a flying start. the roads 'ere em,ty, and 'e got to our destination early. Interesting fact "he origin of the phrase Dwith flying coloursE relates to ships' flags. A long time ago, ships coming into port flew coloured flags, to show people how successful their voyage had !een.

0lenty more fish in the sea

20th !u"ust 2013

WW9 mem!ers and sympathisers protest against overfishing of the Huropean seas in front of the H? Council in Brussels. Photo. Geert Ganden "i-ngaert> +P Photo

Today's Phrase If you say there are plenty more fish in the sea, you mean that there are other choices in a situation. It is often said to comfort someone who has 1ust had a romantic !rea /up. *xamples: 6ary 'as not a good 'ife. /on't cry about her. %here are ,lenty more fish in the sea. 2to, flirting 'ith my boyfriend and find someone else! %here are ,lenty more fish in the sea. Ta e note If you fish for compliments, you try to ma e someone give you praise, often !y criticising yourself. *xample: +nn. )'m not $ery good 'ith children. 2ue. o, don't be silly. You are a great babysitter.

%ony. 2he (no's that. Peo,le in the neighbourhood are al'ays as(ing her to ta(e care of their (ids. 2he is -ust fishing for com,liments. Interesting fact Overfishing is changing the type of fish in the sea, according to scientists at Bangor ?niversity. Because larger fish are !eing caught, they cannot pass on their genes to a new generation. As a result, only smaller fish are surviving.

4et off your hi"h horse

22nd !u"ust 2013

British model and entrepreneur 5atie 4rice is dressed as a pin pony to cele!rate her company's 'th anniversary and launch a range of e(uestrian products. Photo. Joel =yan> )n$ision> +P

Today's Phrase -ou can say get off your high horse or get down off your high horse to someone who is tal ing as if they are !etter than someone else. -ou can also say come off your high horse. *xamples: 2to, criticising e$eryone! You should get do'n off your high horse and admit that you aren't ,erfect either! John used to tell his fello' classmates 'hat a genius he 'as. But after he got a cou,le of bad mar(s, he had to come off his high horse and study as hard as e$eryone else. Ta e note To "ac the wrong horse means to support someone who can't win.

*xample: 5ur boss should ha$e ,romoted me to senior management. Peter doesn't ha$e enough e3,erience to be in that ,osition. %he boss bac(ed the 'rong horse! Interesting fact Archaeologists thin that horses were first tamed and e;ploited !y humans some ,,%%% years ago in west 5aAa hstan.

To s@uirrel somethin" away

27th !u"ust 2013

A red s(uirrel holding a walnut sits in a tree in 9ran furt. Photo. Lisi

iesner> =euters

Today's Phrase To s2uirrel something away means to hide or save something to use it in the future. *xamples: Joan's salary is $ery lo' but a fe' years ago she started to s?uirrel money a'ay. )t too( her a long time, but she finally sa$ed enough for a de,osit for a flat. Just ho' much ,ersonal information are 'ebsites s?uirrelling a'ay about us from our o'n com,uters? Ta e note 3on't confuse with the phrase to weasel out. If you say some!ody weaselled out of something you mean they avoided doing a 1o! or ta ing responsi!ility for something. *xample: 6ary 'anted a ,romotion but didn't 'ant to 'or( hard so she tried to 'easel her 'ay out of the most difficult tas(s in the office. Interesting fact 6ouseholders in Britain whose !ird ta!les are a target for hungry s(uirrels are !eing encouraged to add a !it of spice to the meal. "he ?5's 0oyal .ociety for 4rotection of Birds said chilli powder is a safe and effective way to eep s(uirrels away from nuts and seeds, without harming garden !irds.

Two heads are %etter than one

"helma and Louise, a two/headed "e;as cooter turtle, lives in the .an Antonio 2oo. Photo. 2an +ntonio Eoo> +P

Today's Phrase Two heads are "etter than one means that when two people wor li ely to solve a pro!lem than one person doing it alone. *xamples: ) can hel, you to ha$e this ,resentation ready tomorro' morning. Let's 'or( together. %'o heads are better than one. 6y sister and ) discussed lots of ideas to ma(e mum's ,arty a success. %'o heads are better than one. Ta e note When you say two people or two teams are head!to!head, you mean that they are competing against each other. *xample: 2tudent ro'ers in the north9east of England are ,re,aring to go head9to9head in the annual uni$ersity boat race on the ri$er %yne. Interesting fact "urtles range right across the world's oceans, ma ing them difficult animals to survey, !ut researchers say their num!ers are falling fast. All seven species of sea turtle are now listed as either endangered or critically endangered. together they are more

To take the %ull %y the horns

3rd Septem%er 2013

"erry Hvison of 7ilma competes in the .teer Wrestling during the 7ational 0odeo 9inals on the 8old Coast, Australia. Photo. 6att =oberts> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase To ta e the "ull "y the horns means to deal with a difficult situation in a !rave and firm way. *xamples: /on't suffer in silence 'hile your flatmate ta(es u, all the s,ace. %a(e the bull by the hornsA tell him to mo$e his things out of your 'ay or mo$e out! Bob 'as treated $ery badly by his boss. "hen he left the com,any he decided to ta(e the bull by the horns 9 and sued it for thousands of dollars. Ta e note When you say someone is li e a "ull in a china shop you mean that they are too clumsy to deal with a delicate situation. *xample: ) 'ill be the one to go and as( our neighbour to sto, ,laying his music so loud. You are li(e a bull in a china sho, and are li(ely to start a serious argument 'ith him. Interesting fact At the .an 9ermXn running of the !ulls festival in 4amplona, !ulls are allowed to run wild around the streets sometimes noc ing people out of the way. A similar event is held in towns and villages across .pain, 4ortugal, in some cities in <e;ico, and the south of 9rance.

0ut your feet up

.th Septem%er 2013

Italy's synchronised swimming team perform in the 9I7A World Championships in Barcelona. Photo. Pierre9Phili,,e 6arcou>+4P

Today's Phrase To put your feet up means to rela;, especially !y sitting with your feet supported a!ove the ground. *xamples: ) li(e nothing better than ,utting my feet u, after a hard day at 'or(! You 'or( so hard. Come on, sit here and ,ut your feet u,! Ta e note 3on't confuse with to find your feet, which means to !ecome familiar with a situation or a place. *xample: )'m ne' in to'n. ) need time to find my feet. Interesting fact According to the British .ynchronised .wimming we!site, competitive swimmers must !e e;tremely fit, and completely at home in the water. When tested and compared with other Olympic athletes the results showed that synchronised swimmers ran ed second only to long/ distance runners in aero!ic capacity.

! whale of a time
12th Septem%er 2013

Beluga whales in a >apanese a(uarium have attracted thousands of visitors !y !lowing !u!!le rings. Picture. 1asuhiro ogi>+4P

Today's Phrase To ha$e a whale of a time means to have a lot of fun while doing something. *xamples: ) s,ent the summer holidays in 6e3ico and had a 'hale of a time! 6ary is a real ,arty girl. 2he goes out e$ery night and has a 'hale of a time! Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as !eing the si3e of a whale, it is an impolite way of saying they are very large and overweight. *xample: )f you eat too many ca(es you*ll be the si&e of a 'hale! Interesting fact In )%#) researchers in the ?. discovered a !eluga whale whose vocalisations were remar a!ly close to human speech. While dolphins have !een taught to mimic the pattern and durations of sounds in human speech, no animal has spontaneously tried such mimicry.

!t li%erty
17th Septem%er 2013

%he 2tatue of Liberty in e' Yor( is one of the symbols of the F2 and it ins,ired sou$enirs on sale also in "ashington /C

Today's Phrase "o !e at li"erty to do something means to !e free to do it without any restrictions. *xamples: 2ome com,anies (ee, information about salaries confidential and lo'er ran( managers are not at liberty to discuss them. %his is a free country! )*m at liberty to go 'here$er ) li(e. Ta e note "o ta e li"erties with something or someone means to a!use the right to do something. *xample: /on*t take liberty with me, 6r Jones! ) am a married 'oman and the only man allo'ed to (iss me is my husband. Interesting fact "he .tatue of Li!erty sits on an Island in 7ew -or . It is $+ metres from ground to torch and weighs a!out ))' tons. "here are seven rays on her crown, one for each of the seven continents.

To toy with
1*th Septem%er 2013

+ collection of cloc('or( toys, including a $intage loo(ing Ja,anese robot, a mon(ey 'ith cymbals and a shar(

Today's Phrase To toy with some!ody Kor somethingL means to not ta e them or their feelings seriously. *xamples: Peter has been going out 'ith 6ary for fi$e years and he ne$er tal(s about marriage. 0e is -ust toying 'ith her feelings. ) ha$e been 'or(ing hard to get that ,romotion but it ne$er comes. 6y boss is toying 'ith my e3,ectations. Ta e note A 'toy"oy' is the younger !oyfriend of an older person. *xample: Janet got di$orced after H8 years of marriage and is en-oying her life 'ith a toyboy on her arm. Interesting fact 9actory/made toys, including tin toys and cloc wor toys, went on sale in Britain in the #$th century. Other popular toys were alpha!et !ric s, sailing !oats, 1igsaw puAAles and 7oah's Ar s. In many homes, children were not allowed toys on .undays / e;cept 7oah's Ar , !ecause that was in the !i!le.

3n a nutshell
2&th Septem%er 2013

"alnut seeds are (no'n for being a rich source of nutrients, ,articularly ,roteins and fatty acids

Today's Phrase In a nutshell is an e;pression to use when you want to summarise news or information. *xamples: You ha$en't studied hard enough and did badly in your e3ams. )n a nutshell, you'll ha$e to sit this year's class again ne3t year. 5ur com,any didn't sell much and the economy is doing badly. )n a nutshell, 'e are out of business. Ta e note When you say someone is 'nuts' you mean they are craAy or too daring. *xample: /o you intend to cross the +tlantic 5cean in a (aya(? You are nuts! Interesting fact 0esearchers from 4ennsylvania reported to the American Chemical .ociety that walnuts contain the highest level of antio;idants compared to other nuts, and should !e eaten more as part of a healthy diet. Antio;idants are nown to help protect the !ody against disease.

'ull of hot air

1st ,cto%er 2013

6ot air !alloons float over downtown Walla Walla, Washington, in the annual local festival. Photo. 6atthe' Eimmerman Banderas>+P

Today's Phrase When you say someone is full of hot air you mean they tal a lot !ut are not sincere. *xamples: 6y boss (ee,s ,romising to gi$e me a ,ay rise but the e3tra money ne$er comes. 0e is full of hot air! 2ome ,oliticians are full of hot air. %hey ne$er consider 'hat's best for the nation. %heir main concern is 'hat's best for themsel$es. Ta e note To clear the air means to get rid of tension and hard feelings. *xample: 6ary and John are ha$ing a chat in the (itchen. 0e 'as u,set after 6ary bro(e u, their engagement and she needed to clear the air. Interesting fact According to the 8uinness World 0ecords we!site, the first 4acific crossing !y hot air !alloon was achieved !y 0ichard Branson and 4er Lindstrand in #$$#. "he 'Iirgin Otsu a 4acific 9lyer' flew from the southern tip of >apan to Lac la <atre in Canada. "he 1ourney was completed in *, hours and #' minutes.

4et a load of this6

3rd ,cto%er 2013

+ lorry full of mil( churns, ready for trans,ortation.

Today's Phrase -ou say get a load of this when you want someone to pay attention to something e;citing or interesting. *xamples: 6i(e, get a load of this. our friend 4ran( is being inter$ie'ed on the %G ne's right no'! Get a load of this. )'$e -ust found out that our teacher used to be a ,rofessional footballer! Ta e note "he phrase ta e a load off your feet means to sit down and rela;. *xample: "illiam, you loo( e3hausted. Come and sit here. %a(e a load off your feet. Interesting fact According to the 9ood and Agricultural Organisation of the ?.A, &'G of mil produced for human consumption comes from cows. 6owever, !uffalo, goat, sheep, camel, don ey, horse, reindeer and ya mil is also consumed !y people around the world.

7low your own trumpet

(th ,cto%er 2013

"wo hundred players ta e part in the world's !iggest alpenhorn players' meeting, on the <aennlichen plateau in the .wiss Alps. Photo. +P> Edi Engeler> 1eystone

Today's Phrase If you "low your own trumpet, you are !oasting a!out your achievements and a!ilities. *xamples: 0e's al'ays blo'ing his o'n trum,et 9 it's so boring! "hy can't he be more modest about his abilities? You'$e got to blo' your o'n trum,et a bit more, other'ise you 'on't get a decent -ob! Ta e note "he phrase to "low your own horn can also !e used in a similar way. *xample: Clare finds it hard to blo' her o'n horn because she's $ery shy. Interesting fact An alpenhorn or alphorn is a long wooden horn. It was traditionally used !y shepherds in .witAerland to call the cows from the pastures and into the !arn at mil ing time and to communicate with other people across the Alpine mountain region. It is now played for fun as a musical instrument.

#ide a wa$e
10th ,cto%er 2013

Australian rug!y player >ames 6orwill uses his !ody to surf through the waves in .ydney. =ob Griffith >+P Photo

Today's Phrase If you ride 0on1 a wa$e of something, you !enefit from a period of success andPor popularity. *xamples: %he candidate is riding on a 'a$e of ,o,ularity and is e3,ected to 'in the election. British athletes rode a 'a$e of ,atriotism during the London 5lym,ics, 'inning more medals than the country e$er had before. Ta e note To ta e someone for a ride. If you ta e someone for a ride, you tric or cheat them. *xample: ) trusted Ben, but he too( me for a ride. 0e sold me a tic(et to the 1anye "est sho', but in fact it 'asn't a real tic(et. it 'as -ust a ,hotoco,y. Interesting fact DBodysurfingE is surfing without any ind of surf!oard, using only your !ody as a !oard. .ome !odysurfers wear fins to help them ride waves more (uic ly and safely.

0uttin" out fires

1.th ,cto%er 2013

A firefighter attempts to control a !laAe in 8reeceB /imitri 6essinis >+P Photo

Today's Phrase "he phrase putting out fires means dealing with many small pro!lems, usually at wor . "hough the pro!lems might !e small, they need to !e solved (uic ly !efore they !ecome !igger ones. *xamples: 2orry ) didn't ha$e time to meet you for lunch today. ) 'as busy at 'or( all day ,utting out fires. 2ometimes it feels li(e you get nothing done in the office : you need to s,end the 'hole day ,utting out fires. Ta e note "o get on li e a house on fire . If you say two people get on li e a house on fire, it means they li e each other and find it very easy to !ecome friends J they get on very well together. *xample: Phoebe and +lice get on li(e a house on fire. %hey share e3actly the same sense of humour and are al'ays -o(ing and laughing together. Interesting fact London had no organised fire service until the 8reat 9ire of London in #,,,, which destroyed most of the city. It spread easily !ecause it happened during a long, hot and dry summer, and !ecause most houses were !uilt of wood. After this event the first fire services were set up, and more houses were !uilt of !ric .

>hasin" your tail

1-th ,cto%er 2013

Whales near 9raser Island in Australia. Photo. 2ea'orld +ustralia $ia Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If you are chasing your tail, you are !usy doing a lot of different things !ut not achieving very much. *xamples: )'$e been chasing my tail all day, but ) ha$en't got anything done! "hat a 'aste of a day! 5rganising a meeting for ne3t 'ee( has been im,ossible. )'$e been chasing my tail trying to sort out a date, $enue and agenda... )'ll try again tomorro'! -imilar phrase To run around li e a headless chic en . If you run around li e a headless chic en, you use a lot of energy and effort in an attempt to do many things / !ut without getting any real results. *xample: )'$e been running around li(e a headless chic(en all day trying to get ready for my holiday, but it's already L.<8,m and )'$e still got loads to do! Interesting fact 6ump!ac whales are nown for their acro!atic a!ility to 1ump out of the water, and also for the !eautiful and comple; songs performed !y males.

! pillar of society
22nd ,cto%er 2013

A security guard stands in front of the Ban of >apan head(uarters in "o yo. Photo. %oru 0anai> =euters

Today's Phrase If you are a pillar of society, you are a very important and valued mem!er of society, involved in many pu!lic activities. "he term 'a pillar of...' is also used with other groups of people or organisations. *xamples: Jimmy is a ,illar of society. 0e raised millions of dollars to build a ne' hos,ital in the city. 6artin's a great guy. 0e's the head teacher in our school, runs a local charity, and is (no'n and res,ected by e$eryone in to'n. 0e's a ,illar of the community. 6atilda is a ,illar of the church. she's al'ays organising e$ents and tries hard to ma(e ,eo,le feel 'elcome there. Ta e note From pillar to post. If you move from pillar to post, or are sent from pillar to post, you are forced to move from one place to another, many times. *xample: 6y friend James gre' u, in a family 'hich mo$ed around all the time. %he ,oor (id 'as sent from ,illar to ,ost and ne$er had time to settle in one ,lace! Interesting fact 4illars, posts and columns all support !uildings or !ridges. A pillar is a strong pole that supports part of a !uilding, and is made of stone, wood or concrete. A column is similar, !ut usually has decorative features. A post is a small pillar made of metal or wood.

3t ne$er rains %ut it pours

2-th ,cto%er 2013

4eople under um!rellas outside the Iatican in 0ome. Photo. +4P> Getty> 4ili,,o 6onteforte

Today's Phrase When someone says it ne$er rains "ut it pours , they mean pro!lems don't 1ust happen occasionally / they happen all at the same time. *xamples: "e had nothing to do for 'ee(s, then suddenly 'e ha$e all this 'or( to do. it ne$er rains but it ,ours! ) missed my train this morning, lost my 'allet and s,ilt coffee all o$er myself. )t ne$er rains but it ,ours. Ta e note If you pour cold water on someone's plans or ideas, you are criticising or !eing negative a!out them. *xample: ) 'anted to 'al( u, the mountain but Jane thre' cold 'ater on the idea. 2he insisted on ta(ing the cable car. Interesting fact "he village of 3e!undscha in the 0epu!lic of Cameroon is thought to !e one of the wettest places on earth. Its location at the foot of <ount Cameroon, facing the .outh Atlantic Ocean, gives it a long rainy season and a very wet climate with a!out #%,+%% millimetres of rainfall every year.

The %are %ones

2*th ,cto%er 2013

. eletons at the .culpture 4ar during preparations for the Chelsea 9lower .how in London. Photo. Le'is "hyld > P+ "ire

Today's Phrase The "are "ones of something are the !asics, the essential parts of it. *xamples: %he house 'as stri,,ed to the bare bones after the tornado. +ll you could see 'ere the 'alls and ,arts of the roof. 2o far, you'$e only gi$en me the bare bones of 'hat ha,,ened. ) need more details to fill the re,ort form out ,ro,erly. Ta e note When you say something is close to the "one, it means it is very personal or something that ma es someone feel uncomforta!le !ecause it is the truth. *xample: You shouldn't tal( about marriage 'hen 6ary is around. )t's too close to the bone. 2he has -ust left her husband. Interesting fact "he adult human s eleton is made of )%, !ones. "he thigh!one, called the femur, is the longest, largest and strongest !one in the !ody. .imple !one fractures K!rea sL usually ta e a!out ,/& wee s to heal, although larger or older !ones ta e longer.

>ome out in the wash

31st ,cto%er 2013

An Afghan man washes a horse. Photo. 6ohammad )smail> =euters

Today's Phrase "he first meaning of the phrase is Deverything will !e O5E, when tal ing a!out a pro!lem. *xamples: +. )'m really 'orried about the ,roblem 'ith my neighbour. B. /on't 'orry. )t 'ill all come out in the 'ash. Just rela3. +. )'m so stressed! )'m really 'orried about my e3am... and )'m mo$ing house this 'ee(end! %oo much to do. B. )t's 51, it 'ill all come out in the 'ash. Just focus on one thing at a time. -econd meaning "he phrase it will all come out in the wash can also !e used to mean Dthe truth a!out something will !ecome clear over timeE. *xample: +. o one (no's 'hy 6artin left his -ob so suddenly. "hat ha,,ened? B. ) don't (no' either. But )'m sure it 'ill all come out in the 'ash! Interesting fact 6orses have a long relationship with humans. Around '%,%%% years ago, they were herded for meat, s ins and possi!ly for mil . Hvidence suggests that they were first used for farming and transport a!out ',%%% years ago / more recently than many other farm animals including goats, sheep and cattle.

3n a spin
.th :o$em%er 2013

A polar !ear sha es water out of its fur. Photo. +4P> Getty )mages> Christian =eimann

Today's Phrase If you are in a spin it means you are worried or confused a!out something !ecause lots of things are happening at once / or you have too many choices. *xamples: %he 'hole team 'as in a s,in 'hen their best ,layer got a red card and 'as sent off. 6y head's in a s,in 9 )'$e got so much to do, ) don't (no' 'here to start. Ta e note If you put a spin on something it means you e;aggerate or change what you are saying to put you at an advantage or ma e you loo good. *xample: %he finance minister tried to ,ut a s,in on the story about rising inflation rates by suggesting it 'asn't his fault. Interesting fact 4olar !ear cu!s K!a!iesL are !orn deaf and !lind !eneath the snow !ut they grow into the most powerful of all four/legged animals. Adult polar !ears spend most of their lives alone, wandering over the vast tracts of froAen ice loo ing for seals, walruses and even whales to eat. "hey are also remar a!ly good swimmers and have !een spotted over ,% miles from shore.

Under a cloud
7th :o$em%er 2013

<ammatus clouds move over fields in Iirginia, ?.A. Photo. Peter Cihel(a> +P

Today's Phrase When someone is under a cloud Kof suspicionL, people thin they have done something wrong or have !een involved with something illegal. *xamples: +fter ;8 years at the com,any, 2ean left suddenly under a cloud. 6oney 'as stolen from Jane's des( and no' e$eryone is under a cloud of sus,icion. Ta e note If you are on cloud nine you are very happy and e;cited a!out something that has happened. *xample: %he team 'ere on cloud nine after they 'on the match and the tournament. Interesting fact "he clouds that ma e the a!ove photo so amaAing are called mammatus clouds / a name derived from the Latin word for !reast. "hey hang under the main !ody of other clouds. <ammatus formations can !e seen on any type of cloud !ut loo most dramatic on cumulonim!us thunderclouds.

7lack and white

12th :o$em%er 2013

A woman sits among panda !ear sculptures at a World Wildlife 9und event in 8ermany. Photo. %homas Peter>=euters

Today's Phrase If a situation is "lac and white, it means you have a clear opinion a!out it. -ou can easily see what you thin is right and wrong. *xamples: )'m really sure about some things. ) thin( free education for all is a blac( and 'hite issue. %he ?uestion of nuclear ,o'er isn't blac( and 'hite. 6any ,eo,le belie$e it is the only 'ay to ,roduce a large amount of clean energy : but many others thin( it has considerable dangers. -imilar phrase If something is in "lac *xample: ) couldn't belie$e ) had 'on the lottery, but 'hen ) chec(ed my ban( statement there it 'as in blac( and 'hite. one million dollars! Interesting fact 8iant pandas are famous for their love of !am!oo, and it forms over $%G of the animal's diet. ?nfortunately, !am!oo has very poor nutritional value, meaning pandas have to consume up to )% g each day to survive. and white, it means it is written down.

old your ton"ue

1-th :o$em%er 2013

A chameleon e;tending its tongue to catch a cric et. Photo. "illiam "est> +4P> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If someone tells you to hold your tongue it means they want you to stop tal ing, !ecause they don't li e what you are saying. *xamples: )'m going to ha$e to hold my tongue because ) (ee, saying 'hat ) thin( and ,eo,le get u,set! ) had to tell Jane to hold her tongueA 'hat she 'as saying didn't hel, us mo$e for'ard in our ,lanning meeting. Ta e note If you ma e a slip of the tongue, you pronounce a word incorrectly or you say something you didn't mean to say. *xample: ) meant to tell her she 'as fun not fatA it 'as -ust a sli, of the tongue! Interesting fact Chameleons, li e the one in this photo, are a!le to change colour, though not all species can. In a few types, the colour change is used as camouflage, !ut in most it is a form of communication to attract potential mates or warn off rivals. "hey will revert to a default colour that merges with their ha!itat / green for a 1ungle species, !eige for a desert one.

Top of the heap

1*th :o$em%er 2013

Wedding love padloc s on the LuAh ov !ridge in <oscow. Photo. 5leg 6i(hailo$> BBC =ussian 2er$ice

Today's Phrase If you are at the top of the heap, you are in a higher position than everyone else, usually in terms of wealth, power or a!ility. *xamples: 6inchee is no' the CE5 at an accountancy firm. ) al'ays (ne' she 'ould get to the to, of the hea,. "hen it comes to ,hotogra,hers, Barbara is at the to, of the hea,. 2he's 'on so many a'ards. -imilar phrase If something or someone is on the scrap heap, it means it is no longer wanted or needed. *xample: 6arco 'as the first choice goal(ee,er at his football club for many years. But 'hen he got old, the manager bought a younger ,layer and 6arco ended u, on the scra, hea,. Interesting fact It is a traditional custom for sweethearts and newlyweds in <oscow to attach a padloc to the railings of LuAh ov Bridge and throw away the ey.

To fla" up
21st :o$em%er 2013

Bunting is a common sight at cele!rations in the ?5. Photo. Laurence Coss> BBC

Today's Phrase "o flag something up is to emphasise its importance, or to mention it so that others a!out it. *xamples: +t the meeting 6artin flagged u, the issue of late ,ayments. 0e said that 'e hadn't ,aid our su,,liers for three months. %here are a cou,le of ,oints that )'d li(e to flag u, today. one is the increasing number of customer com,laints and the other is the ,roblem 'ith our com,uter system. Ta e note If you are flagging, it means you are !ecoming wea er and running out of energy. *xample: ) 'or(ed really hard from Lam until lunch, but after lunch ) 'as really flagging! Interesting fact "he colourful triangular flags in the picture are called '!unting', and are often seen at street parties and weddings in the ?5. "he flags have a long history in the ?5, though they have seen a particular return to popularity after the 0oyal Wedding of 4rince William and Catherine <iddleton in )%##. now

To file away
2&th :o$em%er 2013

+re you good at organising your ,a,ers? Today's Phrase To file away is a phrasal ver! which means to store a document in an organised way, often in a file with other similar documents. *xamples: 9 +ll my letters are filed a'ay in a big cabinet in my office. 9 5n 4riday mornings ) ,ay the bills and in$oices from the ,ast 'ee(, then ) file them a'ay. Ta e note One funny slang e;pression is the circular file. When you put something in the circular file, where does it goM In the waste!as etN *xample: +. "hat ha,,ened to those ,rintouts? B. 5h, they 'ent in the circular file, sorry! ) didn't thin( you needed them. Interesting fact "hese days, in Hnglish, you are li ely to see or hear the word 'file' when tal ing a!out computer files. We tal a!out 'filenames'S 'types of file' Kdoc, 1pg, mp+, mp*LS and 'file siAe' in ilo!ytes K5BL, mega!ytes K<BL, giga!ytes K8BL and even tera!ytes K"BL.

3n safe hands
2(th :o$em%er 2013

e'born babies res,ond enthusiastically to soft stro(ing, cuddling and caressing, say e3,erts Today's Phrase When you say someone is in safe hands, you mean they are !eing cared for !y someone who is confident and s illed. *xamples: John is going to be o,erated on by one of the best surgeons in the country. 0e's in safe hands. %he ne' CE5 of the com,any had degrees in engineering and business administration. %he staff (ne' they 'ere in safe hands. Ta e note & safe pair of hands is a similar e;pression. It refers to someone who can !e trusted to do a good 1o!, avoiding mista es. *xample: 6y boss gi$es me all the difficult assignments. 0e (no's ) am a safe ,air of hands. Interesting fact In developed countries, the average !irth weight of a full/term new!orn !a!y is appro;imately +.* g, and is typically in the range of ).C / *., g.

Sunny+side up
3rd 2ecem%er 2013

4ried eggs are an im,ortant ,art of a tasty English brea(fast

Today's Phrase If eggs are coo ed sunny!side up, it means they are fried with the yol s facing up. *xamples: )'m ready for brea(fast. Can ) ha$e my eggs sunny9side u, and a cu, of coffee, ,lease? Eggs can be boiled, ,oached, scrambled or fried sunny9side u,. Ta e note If someone is descri!ed as !eing of a sunny disposition, it means they are always cheerful and rela;ed. *xample: E$erybody lo$es 0arry. 0e has such a sunny dis,osition. Interesting fact Hggs are a good source of protein, iodine and vitamins A, B) and 3. "hey are an important ingredient in many inds of food, including mayonnaise, mousse and ice cream.

!sk for the moon

.th 2ecem%er 2013

+ ,lane ,asses o$er the face of the full moon as it heads for 0eathro' +ir,ort in London

Today's Phrase To as for the moon means to ma e unreasona!le demands for things, or to wish for something impossi!le to achieve or o!tain. *xamples: Bob's 'ife is al'ays as(ing for the moon. 0e 'or(s hard 7; hours a day for ,oor ,ay, but she still e3,ects e3,ensi$e holidays and clothes. /on't as( for the moon, 6r Jones. Be reasonable, ,lease. Ta e note 3on't confuse with to promise the moon 0to someone1 , which means to ma e e;travagant promises to someone which are difficult to deliver. *xample: 6y husband ,romised me the moon 'hen 'e got married. a big mansion, a flashy car and all the diamonds ) could 'ear. But none of it ha,,ened! Interesting fact "he Apollo missions !etween #$,$ and #$C) returned over +&% g of roc s from the moon, which have !een used to help us understand its origins and structure.

To %ranch out
10th 2ecem%er 2013

%he branches of a ye' tree. Photo. BBC Today's Phrase If someone is "ranching out it means they are starting to do something new or differently from the way they usually do. *xamples: Jane has been 'or(ing as a -ournalist since she left uni$ersity but no' she's branching out and 'riting a no$el. %he su,ermar(et has branched out and started selling clothes as 'ell as food. Ta e note If someone holds out an oli$e "ranch , they are trying to end a disagreement in a friendly and peaceful way. *xample: Bob is al'ays the first to hold out an oli$e branch after 'e ha$e an argument. Interesting fact "he yew tree is a medium/siAed evergreen. It usually grows to a!out #% to )% metres. "his one is in the Access .culpture "rail at the -or shire .culpture 4ar , ?5.

To tower o$er
12th 2ecem%er 2013

%he height of the Eiffel %o'er $aries by 7@cm due to changes in tem,erature

Today's Phrase To tower o$er someone or something means to !e much taller than that person or thing. *xamples: Joan to'ers o$er her husband 'hen she 'ears her smart high heel shoes. %he ne' s(yscra,er to'ers o$er the buildings do'nto'n. Ta e note -ou call someone a tower of strength when you mean they are strong and supportive. *xample: "hen my ,arents died my older brother 'as a to'er of strength. Interesting fact "he Hiffel "ower is +)* metres high. It was !uilt in #&&$ and is visited !y seven million people every year. It receives up to +%,%%% visitors a day at the pea of summer.

4et your skates on6

17th 2ecem%er 2013

3utch speed s ater Ireen Wust during a training session. Photo. Jas,er Juinen> Getty )mages

Today's Phrase If you tell someone to get your s ates on it means that you want them to do something (uic ly or to hurry up. *xamples: You'd better get your s(ates on, or 'e are going to miss the bus! Get your s(ates on! "e'$e got a lot of 'or( to do today. Ta e note "he e;pression to s ate o$er something means to avoid an issue. *xample: 5ur manager told us to 'or( longer hours to (ee, the com,any in business, but he s(ated o$er the issue of e3tra ,ayment. Interesting fact . aters in competition can reach speeds of more than ,% miles per hour as they s ate around a trac on !lades #mm thic . In order to achieve this speed they have to lower their head and chest. "his helps them to eep air resistance to a minimum.

,ne in the eye

1*th 2ecem%er 2013

An eye loo s through a hole in an old letter from a sailor who fought in the Battle of "rafalgar. NPhoto. /a$id Ches(in>P+ "ireO

Today's Phrase If you say something is one in the eye for someone, it means that something is a !ig disappointment or a defeat for them / !ut you are pleased a!out their disappointment. *xamples: ) got the -ob! %hat's one in the eye for John : )'$e ne$er li(ed him and ) 'as sure he 'ould get the ,osition. 0a! 5ur 'inning the cham,ionshi, 'as one in the eye for our ri$al team : they are al'ays boasting about their s(ills. Ta e note If you see eye to eye with someone, it means you agree with them. If you don't see eye to eye, you disagree. *xample: ) li(e my ne' boss. 'e see eye to eye on ho' to run the de,artment. Interesting fact "he letter in this photo was written !y a sailor who wor ed on !oard 6.<.. <ars. It was written to his mother eight days after the !attle of "rafalgar, descri!ing his involvement in it. It's !een valued at Y&%%.

Li$e in the present

2-th 2ecem%er 2013

)n many countries, ,eo,le o,en their Christmas ,resents on Christmas E$e but in the F1 it usually ha,,ens on Christmas /ay. Photo. BBC

Today's Phrase Present as a noun has two meanings. & present is a gift. The present is the time we are e;periencing at this very moment. When you tell people to li$e in the present you want them to deal with current events and not !e too concerned a!out the past or planning for the future. *xamples: /on't 'orry if your former boyfriend cheated on you. Li$e in the ,resent and find another ,erson to lo$e! Johnny 'as (een to sa$e money to buy a house. 0is friends told him to li$e in the ,resent and go on a holiday 'ith them. Ta e note "he e;pression there's no time li e the present is used when you want to say that there is no reason to postpone something / that action should !e ta en immediately. *xample: You'$e al'ays 'anted to $isit your cousin in 4rance. %here's no time li(e the ,resent! Go and buy a tic(et no' to fly there tomorro'. Interesting fact <ost families in the ?5 !uy a Christmas tree and send cards to friends. 6owever, these Christmas traditions only date !ac to the #&*%s, and are actually 8erman in origin. "hat's when Oueen Iictoria and 4rince Al!ert popularised a new way of cele!rating the Christian festival. But the Iictorian 0oyal 9amily favoured roast !eef over tur ey for their Christmas meal.

The sands of time

31st 2ecem%er 2013

%he rising sun casts light and shado' on the massi$e sand dunes in the amib9 au(luft ational Par( in amibia. Photo. BBC

Today's Phrase The sands of time is another way of referring to time. It is more poetic and is often used when tal ing a!out how time passes. *xamples: B) am al'ays ready to score the 'inning goal,B said the footballer, dismissing those 'ho said the sands of time are running out on his long career. Plan for your retirement. %he sands of time catch u, 'ith e$eryone. Ta e note To draw a line in the sand means to create an imaginary !oundary or 'line' that cannot !e crossed without causing pro!lems. *xample: 6ary dre' a line in the sand. )f her son didn't do his home'or( on 6onday, he 'ould ha$e to stay at home for a month. Interesting fact <uch of 7ami!ia is covered in desert. "he country also has grasslands and a Central 4lateau which is (uite dry, large areas of which are used for livestoc farming.