Learn Some American Idioms

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth: be appreciative of any gift

e.g. You should be more thankful and less critical of the gifts from your friends; don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Dose of one’s own medicine: being treated the way one treats others

e.g. Now you’re getting a dose of your own medicine—see how you like it!

In nothing flat: in exactly no time at all

e.g. Don’t worry! I’ll get you to the airport in nothing flat.

Leave no stone unturned: try every possible way

e.g. The police will leave no stone unturned to find your stolen car.

Go back on one’s word: break a promise

e.g. Going back on your word does not make you a trustworthy person.

Alive and kicking: living and healthy; okay

e.g. I had been sick for some time, but now I am alive and kicking.”

e.g. “How are you?” “Well, alive and kicking.”

Cold cash: money not credit

e.g. Will you give me a better price if I give you cold cash?

Come again: please repeat

e.g. “I’m not going to help you.” “Come again.”

Needless to say: obviously

e.g. Needless to say, we were pleased with the outcome of the election.

More dead than alive: completely exhausted

e.g. I was more dead than alive after fixing the driveway.

Never say die: never give up

e.g. The outcome might not be optimistic, but never say die.

Stephen Lau

Copyright© by Stephen Lau