BOX SET: English vocabulary mega-class! 😍 Learn 7 English idioms in 15 minutes!

TL;DR

Learn English idioms through animal-related expressions.

Transcript

Welcome to The English We Speak with me, Rob, but no Feifei! Where is she? Oh, sorry I'm late. Where have you been? Well, I was on the way to the studio and I bumped into Richard and you know Richard, he started rabbiting on. Richard's got a rabbit? No, no! I mean he wouldn't stop talking. To 'rabbit on' describes someone talking continuously so th... Read More

Key Insights

• The idiom 'rabbit on' describes someone who talks continuously, causing others to lose interest. It's unrelated to actual rabbits.
• 'Cool cat' is used to describe someone who is exceptionally fashionable, trendy, and often relaxed, originating from the jazz scene.
• 'Pet hate' or 'pet peeve' refers to something personally annoying, not necessarily a major concern for everyone.
• 'As sick as a parrot' is a phrase used to express great disappointment, unrelated to actual parrots.
• 'Bitten by the bug' means becoming very interested and excited about something, not literally bitten by insects.
• 'Bug someone' is an informal way to say that something or someone is irritating or annoying.
• 'A dog's dinner' describes a complete mess, not an actual meal for a dog.
• The series 'The English We Speak' from BBC Learning English provides practical examples of idioms in real-life contexts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does 'rabbit on' mean in English?

The idiom 'rabbit on' refers to someone who talks continuously, often leading others to lose interest in what they are saying. It is not related to actual rabbits but rather describes a situation where someone speaks excessively and becomes boring.

Q: How is the term 'cool cat' used in English?

The term 'cool cat' is used to describe someone who is exceptionally fashionable, trendy, and relaxed. It is often associated with the jazz scene and conveys a sense of style and charm. It's a compliment for someone who appears effortlessly stylish and laid-back.

Q: What is a 'pet hate' or 'pet peeve'?

A 'pet hate' or 'pet peeve' refers to something that personally annoys or irritates someone. It is not a major concern for everyone but rather a specific irritation unique to an individual. The term 'pet' indicates that it is a personal dislike, while 'hate' or 'peeve' signifies the annoyance.

Q: What does 'as sick as a parrot' mean?

The phrase 'as sick as a parrot' is used to express great disappointment. It has nothing to do with actual parrots or sickness but is a colloquial way to convey how let down or disheartened someone feels about a particular situation, such as losing a game or missing an opportunity.

Q: What does 'bitten by the bug' signify?

To be 'bitten by the bug' means to become very interested and excited about doing something, often as a newfound hobby or passion. It is not related to actual insect bites but metaphorically describes the eagerness and enthusiasm one feels when they discover a new interest.

Q: How is 'bug someone' used in conversation?

The expression 'bug someone' is an informal way to say that something or someone is irritating or annoying. It can refer to minor annoyances caused by people or situations. Despite its informal tone, it is commonly used in everyday conversation to express mild frustration.

Q: What does 'a dog's dinner' mean?

The phrase 'a dog's dinner' describes a complete mess or something that is very untidy. It does not refer to an actual meal for a dog but rather uses the imagery of a disorganized and chaotic situation, similar to how a dog's meal might be scattered and messy.

Q: What resources does the series 'The English We Speak' offer?

The series 'The English We Speak' from BBC Learning English offers explanations of idioms with examples, along with additional resources like transcripts, quizzes, and vocabulary activities available on their website. It is designed to help learners improve their English vocabulary and speaking skills through engaging content.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• This compilation from BBC Learning English explores seven English idioms related to animals, providing definitions and examples for each. The idioms include 'rabbit on,' 'cool cat,' 'pet hate,' 'as sick as a parrot,' 'bitten by the bug,' 'bug someone,' and 'a dog's dinner.'

• Each idiom is explained in detail with real-life examples to aid understanding and usage. The series aims to improve English vocabulary and speaking skills through engaging and relatable content.

• Listeners can access additional resources such as transcripts, quizzes, and activities on the BBC Learning English website, making it a comprehensive tool for learning English idioms.