Popular English Idioms
Listening | English and Chinese scripts are provided below and you can understand the content easier. https://www.youtube.com/@UpgradeEnglish
Once in a blue moon – Not very often
After taking the advice from my family doctor, I eat junk food once in a blue moon because it contains high level of fats and sugar.
在聽了家庭醫生的建議後,我很少吃垃圾食品,因為它含有大量的脂肪和糖。
Rain cats and dogs – Rain heavily
The typhoon caused severe flooding. It has been raining cats and dogs since early this week.
颱風造成嚴重水災,從本週初以來,就一直下著傾盆大雨。
An elephant in the room – A major problem that people avoid talking
Maintaining a good team spirit ongoingly was the big elephant in the room. As a result, the sales team could not meet the yearly target.
持續保持良好的團隊精神是最大的問題,惟團隊一直沒有討論及正視,結果,銷售團隊無法完成年度目標。
Kill two birds with one stone – Complete two tasks in a single action
When visiting nursing home, I not only bring the joy to the elderly but also learn their wisdom during chatting to them. I can kill two birds with one stone.
探訪老人院時,我不僅帶給老人歡樂,而且在與他們的聊天中學習他們的智慧,我可以一舉兩得。
The apple of my eye – Someone you love and cherish
My daughter is the apple of my eye. If the whole world throws rocks at her, I’ll always stand at her side and support her unconditionally.
我的女兒是我的掌上明珠,如果全世界都向她丟石頭,我會永遠站在她這邊及,無條件地支持她。
Walk on eggshells – Be careful and not to upset someone
My boss is usually very bad-tempered in the morning. If his sub-ordinates report project progress to him early morning, they have to walk on eggshells around him.
於早上,我的老闆通常脾氣很壞,如果他的下屬一早就向他報告專案進展,他們就必須講話謹慎,避免讓他生氣。
It’s not rocket science – Easy to learn and understand
Editing video is not rocket science. You can learn the skill and tips via YouTube conveniently.
編輯影片並不複雜,您可以透過YouTube方便地學習技巧和貼士。
Miss the boat – Lose the chance because it’s too slow to act
Due to the heavy workload, I could not spare the time to apply for the marathon during the registration period. I’ve missed the boat!
由於工作量大,我未能於報名期間抽出時間去報名馬拉松,我錯過了機會!
I could eat a horse – I’m so hungry
I attended the exhibition the whole day and answered many questions from the customers. I’m exhausted now and could eat a horse.
我參加了一整天的展覽會,回答了許多客戶的問題,我現在已經筋疲力盡了及非常肚餓。
Jump on the bandwagon – Follow the action of many people who are currently doing
The increasing popularity of learning fencing has attracted many youngsters to jump on the bandwagon.
學習劍擊日益受歡迎,吸引了許多年輕人加入其中。
Let the cat out of the bag – Make the secret known carelessly
I disclosed the name of my new employer to my teammate who is also my bestie. However, she has let the cat out of the bag.
我向我的組員(也是我的最好朋友)透露了我的新僱主名稱,然而,她已經洩漏了秘密。
Give someone the cold shoulder – Do not give attention to someone intentionally
David cannot meet the deadline of submitting the monthly report. The head of the department gives him the cold shoulder.
大衛無法在限期前提交月度報告,部門領導對他冷淡了。
The devil is in the details – Please do not ignore every single details
Before signing up the contract, you should spend extra time in reviewing the terms and conditions. Please be reminded that the devil is in the details.
在簽訂合約之前,您應該花額外的時間查看條款和條件前,請記住魔鬼在於細節。
Get bent out of shape – Very angry and upset
Susan’s new car was badly crushed in the accident and could not be repaired. She got bent out of shape.
蘇珊的新車在事故中嚴重受損及無法修復,她非常憤怒。
Put all your eggs in one basket – It implies too risky by doing this
We should diversify our investments to minimize the significant loss from one single product. Please do not put all your eggs in one basket.
我們應該分散投資,以盡量減少單一產品的重大損失,請不要把所有的雞蛋放在同一個籃子裡。
Save money for a rainy day – Save money now and prepare for the unexpected events
We should save money for a rainy day. Having at least 6 months of emergency fund is necessary to cover basic living cost.
我們應該未雨綢繆,需要有至少6個月的緊急資金來支付基本生活費用。
Hit the jackpot – Have a great success
John conducted research on emerging diseases three years ago. Finally, he had a new finding and hit the jackpot.
約翰三年前對新出現的疾病進行了研究,最後,他有了新發現及取得了巨大的成功。
Chase rainbows – Try to achieve a goal that is unlikely to happen
Susan plans to triple the sales within six months in a challenging economic climate. I think she’s chasing rainbows.
蘇珊計劃在充滿挑戰的經濟環境下在六個月內將銷售額增加兩倍。我認為她實在是不切實際。