body part expressions

by | 16 May 2020 | Grammar

Expressions in English are o considered more useful maybe to upper intermediate level students and beyond:

 

 

Feet

 

 

 

to put one’s foot in it

If someone puts there foot in something, they say something that causes an embarrassing problem

At John’s wedding, Steve put his foot in it by mentioning John’s ex-girlfriend in his speech

Uncle Mario is always saying something that put his foot in it!

 

back on your feet

After a problem, when things return to normal, you find yourself back on your feet.

After losing all her money in poor investments, she is now back on her feet and CEO of a very successful company.

When I get back on on my feet, I plan to buy a new car.

 

cold feet

When someone has cold feet, they start to doubt something.

It is common for couples about to marry, to get cold feet

Before signing the contract, Susan started to get cold feet.

 

Ears

 

 

to play something by ear

If you play something by ear, you decide to do something, see what happens so that you could then decide what to do next 

As we are unsure what the response will be, we can go there and play it by ear,

Don’t worry, play it by ear!

 

music to your years

When you hear something that makes you happy or relieved

When I heard that we could go home early, it was music to my ears

That’s is music to my ears! (I am very pleased/relieved to hear that)

 

to fall on deaf ears

If something falls on deaf ears, what is said is ignored

 

I tried to warn everyone about what was going to happen but it fell on deaf ears

I did tell you but it fell on deaf ears! (you did not listen)

 

 

Neck

 

 

To get in the neck

 

If someone gets it in the neck, they get complained at.

 

I hate being late because when I am, I get in the neck

Be careful, otherwise you will get in the neck!

 

Pain in the neck

 

When something is a pain in the neck, it is annoying or boring.

 

Mondays are a pain in the neck

Sorry to be a pain in the neck but could I borrow £50 again.

 

Mouth

 

 

down in the mouth

If someone is down in the mouth, they are sad

 

Why are you so down in the mouth?

Everybody is looking down in the mouth this morning!

 

straight form the horses mouth

if something is straight from the horses mouth, it is the truth (beyond rumour)

 

That is not gossip, I got it straight from the horses mouth.

She is pregnant, i got it straight from the horses mouth

 

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What are you favourites?

do you know any more?

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