IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS ABOUT COMMUNICATION

What are idioms? Definition An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom's individual elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, a hidden meaning.

Definition of Idiom An idiom is an expression that takes on a figurative meaning when certain words are combined, which is different from the literal definition of the individual words. For example, let's say I said: 'Don't worry, driving out to your house is a piece of cake.' We would understand that the expression 'piece of cake' means that it's easy. Normally, we obviously wouldn't associate the word 'cake' when it is on its own as anything other than dessert. But in this context, it's a well-known idiom.

Once in a blue moon Meaning: Very rarely Example: Even though I can go to the office every day, I actually only go once in a blue moon.

Time flies Definition: Time seems to pass very quickly Example: People say time flies when you're having fun.

Around the clock Definition: For 24 hours, without stopping Example: I feel like I’ve been working around the clock lately!

To beat the clock Meaning: Finish something before time is up, before a deadline Example: Although he’s often late in the mornings, he somehow always manages to beat the clock and finishes his tasks before anyone el

That ship has sailed Meaning: The opportunity is lost, we've missed a shot Example: –Do we still want to send them the proposal? –No, that ship has sailed. They opted for a different vendor.

To kill time Definition: To do something that keeps you busy while you are waiting for something else to happen. Example: I don’t really have time to get work down between meetings, so I just kill time on Twitter.

Hot Off The Press Meaning: when we receive information or news that is very recent we refer to it as breaking news or hot off the press. Example: Did you hear about the company? It is going into liquidation, it’s literally hot of the press. My friend in the newspaper rang me.

Drop Someone A Line Meaning: when we want someone to contact us or stay in touch we ask them or suggest that they drop us a line Example: John’s friend called him to see if he wanted to go to the big game at the weekend. John was busy and had no time to go to the match. So his friend told him: ‘Why not drop me a line when you are free and we can meet up.’

Come Out Of Your Shell Meaning: to be less shy and more communicative Example: After a few days in the camp, Michael came out of his shell and began to play with the other boys.

on the same page If you are on the same page with someone, the two of you are in agreement about something. “Teams play well when their star players are on the same page with their coaches.” “Parents must be on the same page when it comes to disciplining their children.”

In Black And White Meaning: when something is very clear and easy to understand Example: The letter from my bank manager was very clear. I had no money, it was there in black and white.

In The Loop Meaning: to keep someone informed or up to date Example: My manager did not want to go to the meeting but told me to keep him informed, so I kept him in the loop with what happened.

Keep Me Posted Meaning: to keep someone updated on events Example: My Mother rang to ask me when the baby was due. I told her it was likely to be a few more weeks but promised to keep her posted if anything changed.

Let The Cat Out Of The Bag Meaning: to tell someone a secret or to disclose some information that perhaps you should not have Example: My brother told me by text that he was coming home for Christmas to surprise my parents. I let the cat out of the bag when I showed the text to my mother.

Spill The Beans Meaning: to finally tell someone what happened Example: The school windows were broken at the weekend. I saw what happened when I was out walking. I finally spilt the beans and told the School Director when he accused me of doing it.

To Touch Base Meaning: to get in contact with someone Example: Why don’t we touch base next week to pick a time to get together?

Give Someone The Low-Down On Something Or Someone Meaning: We usually use this idiom or expression when we want to get all the facts and information about something or someone. Example: Michael called his friend in the News Company and asked if he could meet him for dinner. He wanted to get the low-down on the new Mayor.

Heard From The Grapevine Not all our information comes from reliable sources or not all of it comes from TV news or newspapers. A lot of information comes from one person talking to another and so on. This gossiping can be very reliable and refer to it as hearing it through the grapevine. Through an unofficial information network. Example: David called his boss and wanted to know if it was true that the company was moving to another city. Someone heard it on the grapevine and we want to know if it is true. I heard through the grapevine that my favorite band were about to release a new album.

Spread Like Wildfire Meaning: when people gossip usually the information, fact or fiction, goes from one person to another very quickly. Example: David’s boss told him it was not true and that someone must have misunderstood something. He asked David to stop the rumour as these things can spread like wildfire.

I hope you enjoy these English idioms relating to communication. Remember, English is about communication, so keep practicing to improve your speaking skills.

to butter someone up If you butter someone up, you flatter that person (usually because you want something from that person). “My years in sales taught me it’s better to butter people up before asking for something.” “Are you just trying to butter me up, or do you really think it looks like I’ve lost weight?”

to keep/stay in touch If you keep in touch with someone, you maintain contact with that person. “Do you keep in touch with many of your friends from high school?” “I use LinkedIn to keep in touch with old coworkers and other professional contacts.”