In today’s English Idioms for Newcomers, let’s take a look at this expression: “cutting corners”. What does “cutting corners” mean? “Cutting corners” means: Doing something poorly in order to save time or money Examples: It is not a good idea to cut corners when making products that other people will use. His boss reminded him that cutting corners when completing this …
Hit the nail on the head
In today’s English Idioms for Newcomers, let’s take a look at this expression: “hit the nail on the head.” What does “hit the nail on the head” mean? “Hit the nail on the head” means: Do or say something exactly right Examples: I think Maria hit the nail on the head with her comment about the impact of vacation on workers’ …
Sit on the fence
In today’s English Idioms for Newcomers, let’s take a look at this expression: “sit on the fence.” What does “sit on the fence” mean? “Sit on the fence” means: To avoid making a choice or decision between two or more possibilities Not to take sides in a dispute Examples: You can’t sit on the fence any longer—you need to choose whether you are staying in Nova Scotia …
Hang in there
In today’s English Idioms for Newcomers, let’s take a look at this expression: “hang in there.” What does “hang in there” mean? “Hang in there” means: Don’t give up Examples: Hang in there! Even though you did not succeed at this job interview, I am confident you will find the right job if you keep applying. Before you go, check …
Beat around the bush
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers,” let’s take a look at this expression: “Beat around the bush.” What does “Beat around the bush” mean? “Beat around the bush” means: To avoid the point To talk about unimportant things because you want to avoid talking about what is really important Examples: Why are you beating around the bush instead of telling me what …
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
May 21st is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development! Cultural diversity refers to the different birthplaces, ethnicities, languages, values, beliefs, and world views particular groups of people identify with. We can deepen our understanding of cultural diversity and its value in our lives by simply having a dialogue with those who are different from us. It all …
Take it with a pinch of salt
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “Take it with a pinch of salt.” What does “Take it with a pinch of salt” mean? “Take it with a pinch of salt” means: Do not take it too seriously. Examples: Martha often exaggerates the achievements she’s had in her painting career, so I take everything she …
A blessing in disguise
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “A blessing in disguise.” What does “A blessing in disguise” mean? “A blessing in disguise” means: An event that seems wrong at first but results in something good happening later. Examples: She was upset when her boyfriend left her, but it was a blessing in disguise because she …
Bring to light
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers”, let’s take a look at this expression: “Bring to light”. What does “bring to light” mean? “Bring to light” means: Reveal or disclose something previously hidden or secret Reveal something, often something inappropriate or illegal To cause something to be known Synonyms: Reveal, expose, disclose. Example: The facts that were uncovered in the investigation …
Welcome Spring!
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” – Anne Bradstreet In 2022, the March equinox happens on Sunday, March 20, at 11:33 A.M. EDT. In Canada, this date marks the first day of spring! The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”. On the March equinox, day and night are approximately the …