I modi di dire più usati in inglese

 I modi di dire più usati in inglese
Le espressioni idiomatiche sono il vero e proprio fulcro di una
lingua, poiché sono il frutto delle tradizioni e dei costumi di un
popolo, che si sono sviluppate e tramandate nei secoli.
Alcune espressioni sono comuni a più lingue, altre invece sono
tipiche solo di una specifica lingua, ma in entrambi i casi esse
riflettono con immediatezza, vivacità e una buona dose di humour
lo spirito della cultura popolare.
Con questo breve e-book, vogliamo condividere con voi questo
spirito, certi che possa aiutare chi di voi sia alle prime armi con la
lingua inglese e anche chi è in uno stadio avanzato nello studio
della lingua di Shakespeare.
Buona lettura e buon divertimento!
Simone Crivelli
Training Manager
Sara Rinaldi
Director of Studies
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
info@languageandservices.com - www.languageandservices.com
USEFUL PHRASES
SPILL THE BEANS
When you ask someone to spill the beans it means you want them to
tell you secret information.
ex As soon as he was arrested the thief spilled the beans: he told the police
about the other members of his gang.
TO BE FULL OF BEANS
When someone is full of energy
ex Johnny was full of beans when he visited his grandfather. The old man did
everything to please the boy.
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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TWO FACED
If someone is two-faced, it means they say nice things about someone
to their face, but say bad things about them behind their back.
ex I really don't believe what Matilda says; I think she's a two-faced liar.
LOSE FACE
If someone loses face, they lose the respect of others.
ex Phillip lost face when no one came to his birthday party
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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TO BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK
If someone is on the right track it means that he/she is doing or
thinking something in a way which could lead to a good outcome.
ex Our research shows we're on the right track. Our profits are healthy and
our customers are happy.
CRY OVER SPILT MILK
when you complain about a loss from the past
ex. It's better to move on and not to cry over spilt milk LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
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DONKEY WORK
It’s work which is hard, repetitive and boring.
ex. I am tired of doing the donkey work while my workmates get all the fun
and creative tasks.
TURN THE PAGE
To leave a difficult situation behind and move on to a new period in
your life. It's more commonly used in American English.
ex. Joan cried a lot during her divorce. When it was over, she decided to turn
the page and start partying again.
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
info@languageandservices.com - www.languageandservices.com
BRING HOME THE BACON
To support financially your family
ex. More women than ever bring home the bacon today.
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
A way of asking what someone is thinking
ex. "A penny for your thoughts John! What are you thinking of?”
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
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BE DRESSED TO KILL
Being dressed in a very elegant way, also sexy for a woman
ex I saw Susan at the party, she was fantastic, she was dressed to kill
DON'T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET
Do not put all your resources into one possibility
ex. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, try to apply to the two
different jobs!
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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MISS THE BOAT
When someone missed his or her chance
ex. Now I regret that opportunity. I really missed the boat
BE IN THE SAME BOAT
To be in the same situation
ex We are both taking a risk, we are in the same boat!
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
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COST AN ARM AND A LEG
When something is very expensive
ex. I like that jacket but it costs an arm and a leg and I can't afford it!
TO PUT LIPSTICK ON A PIG
You're making cosmetic changes that do not change the true nature of
something
ex "If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig."
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
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SPEAK OF THE DEVIL
When the person you have just been talking about arrives
ex. Well, speak of the devil! Look who has just arrived.
TO KEEP SOMETHING UNDER YOUR HAT
Keep it secret
ex. I'll tell you that the company is about to announce a major
innovation that will cause its stock price to rise—but keep it under
your hat.
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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TO TAKE SOMETHING TO THE BANK
To be absolutely sure of something.
ex. Often: "You can take that to the bank"— you can be absolutely sure
of it. This can be used for either financial or non-financial matters.
TO CUT THE MUSTARD
To make the difference
ex. "We are going to need all the help for this project. Do you think he
will be good for the job? Can he cut the musta
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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A DRAMA QUEEN
A person, often a woman, who tends towards excessive emotional
reactions, who reacts strongly and unreasonably to unimportant
things.
ex. She's a real drama queen, I think she exaggerates!
A PIECE OF CAKE
A job, a task or activity which is very easy to do.
ex. My new summer job is a real piece of cake...I earn a lot of money
and I don't make any effort.
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
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A COUCH POTATO
A person who does not like physical activity and prefers to sit down,
usually to watch television
ex. My husband is a real couch potato, he stays on the sofa all day
LANGUAGE & SERVICES s.r.l.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto 4 - 20013 MAGENTA (MI)
Tel. 02 97220323 - P.I./C.F. 07886620967
info@languageandservices.com - www.languageandservices.com