Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “English as a Second Language”
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Fly off the Handle. What does “fly off the handle” mean? To lose control of one’s emotions all of a sudden To lose one’s temper and become extremely angry How to use it? Note that “fly off the handle” is a very informal phrase. Use “fly off …
In the first article of our new series “English Learning Tips for Newcomers“. English learners tend to overuse plural forms on uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns are nouns that cannot be counted, e.g. water, weather, air, etc. Most uncountable nouns are liquid, abstract concept, mass nouns, states of being, or feelings. Here are 10 uncountable nouns which English learners tend to …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Cool as A Cucumber. What does “cool as a cucumber” mean? Very calm, collected or unemotional when faced with something surprising Composed or self-possessed in times of stress The origin of “cool as a cucumber”: The inside of cucumbers remains cooler than the air even in extremely …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: In the Thick of… What does “in the thick of…” mean? In the most intense part of … In the most active part of … When deeply involved in … How to use it? Add a particular activity or situation after “of”. Simply add “it” after “of”. …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression Sweep (something) under the Rug. What does it mean to “sweep something under the rug”? To hide or ignore something embarrassing, unpleasant, illegal, damaging or wrong. What’s the origin of “sweeping something under the rug”? The origin is quite self-explanatory. You sweep dust under the rug, so …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression Cream of the Crop. What does “cream of the crop” mean? the best of a group of similar things or people. highest value or quality of a person or object. What’s the origin of “cream of the crop”? The noun cream has been used to mean “the …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Jump the Gun. What does “jump the gun” mean? To decide on something too early or too soon To start something before proper preparations are made To act with haste or prematurely What’s the origin of “jump the gun”? Originally, “jump the gun” is used in sports …
CELPIP tests is one of the language proficiency requirements accepted for citizenship applications. To contact CELPIP, visit their official website: https://www.celpip.ca/ . CELPIP has recently published some service availability updates on their social media account: *Information in this post is taken from CELPIP’s Facebook post on April 27, 2021.
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Make the Cut. What does “make the cut” mean? Originally, “make the cut” is when a player in a tournamentor match reaches or exceeds a certain score, thus avoiding elimination from the game. A player who’s made the cut is allowed to continue playing in the game. …
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Red Herring. What does “red herring” mean? Herring (pronounced as “hair” + “-ing”) is a type of fish. Dried smoked herring is turned dark red and brown by the smoke. “Red herring” is something that distracts attention from a relevant matter or the real issue. How to …
