Favourite English Idioms

[limon]

"Spitting image" is a cool one, because from what I've heard, it's actually a phonetic perversion of the original saying, "spit and image". "Spit" in this case being the very DNA of a person. It's a cool one because that sort of gradual shift in the way the phrase is spoken makes it really hard to translate as an idiom.

I'd always heard this was a derivation from "spirit and image", since the phrase predates knowledge of things like DNA. But either way it works wonderfully.

[Adobo]

"Been there, done that."

You say this when the topic of discussion already happened to you.

Pass the salt.

It's from one of the novel that I've read and since I read it, it somehow resides in my head. It means "get over it or forget about it and move on".

[SpiralArchitect]

'Close but no cigar' (for when someone is wrong) and 'Give that man a cigar' (for when they're right) are two of mine.

From when carnival games had cigars as small prizes.

Every time I see these, I wonder what their origins are but keep on forgetting to google them. I always it had something to do with Cuba or something (Cuban cigars or something), the actual origin is even more surprising. Cigars as prizes at carnivals? Think of the children!! 

[justusforus]

I think one of my absolute favorites is "changing horses mid stream" which commonly refers to changing a plan or strategy once it is launched.  Enjoying horseback riding and once being sort of stranded with another rider we crossed a stread that was much deeper than anticipated.  It is such a vivid memory being sort of in the middle of a joint decision, it was tough to figure out to go back or proceed.

[Pink Glitter]

One of may favorite idioms is " Monkey See, Monkey Do "

This means to doing something for no other reason than having seen someone else do that same thing first. The traditionally apply's to bad behavior.

[writeletters]

I love "changing the goalposts during the game". For me it has a lot of meaning. It's speaks to me of discipline and perseverance. It's like it's telling you to stick it through and not keep dilly-dallying, not bounce back and forth like a ping pong ball. :wacky:

[Dame6089]

My favorite would be "double edged sword". The whole idea of a sword that could hurt other people as well as yourself clearly paints the picture of what this idiom means.

[FatesWing]

I have a few favorites. They would be:

I have a lot on my mind.

Out of sight, out of mind.

I changed my mind.

ps: The mind is a terrible thing to waste...

[Banister]

My favorite idioms are

Actions speak louder than words. I love this idiom mostly because I tend to see many people who boast to have done things which are actually not visible. I as well love the idiom to add fuel to the fire. The idiom warns people who try to use some evil approaches in order to solve problems.

[terryse]

Three idiomatic expressions stand out in my memory. Here goes,

"Strike while the iron is hot"  - Take advantage of a suitable opportunity

"A tall order"  - An order or request difficult to carry out

"Thanks one's lucky stars" - Be grateful

[Banister]

Three idiomatic expressions stand out in my memory. Here goes,

"Strike while the iron is hot"  - Take advantage of a suitable opportunity

It seems we are swimming on the same boat here. I have loved and used this idiom for nearly all of my life. The idiom is quite encouraging and I always make sure whenever I hear of this idiom I Get into business trying to track offers to take advantage of.