Hello, everyone!
We begin this lessons about idiomatic expressions most used by the Americans and Brazilians. In English, we know that idioms are often spoken for by professionals as well. Not considered informal and many feel good and others avoid in certain situations, but you probably will speak at least two or even three of these expressions in this first lesson. Enjoy !
A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
Meaning: Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything. Example: “Dan has asked me to go to a party with him. What if my boyfriend finds out? I don’t know if I should go.” Reply: “Don’t go. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
A Blessing In Disguise
Meaning: Something good that isn’t recognized at first. Example: “I lost my job and was upset at first, but I found a better one and have been much happier since.” Answer: “Losing your job was just a blessing in disguise!”
A Chip On Your Shoulder *
Meaning: Being upset for something that happened in the past. Example: “He lost his game this morning, and now he has a chip on his shoulder.
A Dime A Dozen
Meaning: Anything that is common and easy to get. Very cheap, low priced. Dirt cheap.. Example: “He can remember when eggs were cheap – a dime a dozen”.
A Doubting Thomas
Meaning: A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something. Example: In my eyes, Captain Daniel is a real doubting Thomas, he refused to believe what I said factually.
A Drop in the Bucket *
Meaning: A very small part of something big or whole. A tiny piece, the tip of the iceberg. Example: Well, my knowledge in the field is but a drop in the bucket.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted
Meaning: It’s easy for a foolish person to lose his/her money. Example: “How is it that you left home with 20 dollars, but you come home with nothing? A fool and his money are easily parted!”
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand
Meaning: Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out. Example: ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free(Abraham Lincoln.)
A Leopard Can’t Change His Spots
Meaning: You cannot change who you are. Example: “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?” (Jer 13:23)
A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned*
Meaning: By not spending money, you are saving money (little by little). Example: “I’m going to give you $20 but I want you to put it in the bank; a penny saved is a penny earned!”
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