What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
If you're not a big fan of something, you can say "it's not my cup of tea." If someone "spills the tea," then it means someone has disclosed sensitive information or is simply gossiping.
"Give me some sugar" is a cute way to ask for a kiss.
Sources: (Yardbarker) (English Club)
You have probably been told to take something "with a grain/pinch of salt." This means to be skeptical about something, as the claim can be somewhat exaggerated or only partially true. It's about looking for nuances and not interpreting it as the absolute truth.
Going/being "nuts" is popularly used to describe someone 'crazy.' And while not technically a nut, "peanuts" can be used to make reference to a small amount of money.
If something "cuts the mustard," then it meets expectations and requirements.
Who hasn't been on a "wild goose chase," right? We mean hopelessly spending time pursuing something unattainable.
"You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" is a popular saying. Indeed, you're more likely to get the result you want by being nice than the opposite.
"There are plenty more fish in the sea," many of us have heard following a breakup. And if your ex contacts you, you can tell him/her that you have "bigger fish to fry" (something more important to do).
Are you and your best friend like "two peas in a pod"? It means you're very much alike.
"You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs." Yes, sometimes collateral damage is unavoidable when trying to achieve a goal.
You've probably heard the words of advice "don’t put all your eggs in one basket." As in not to concentrate all your efforts and invest in or rely on just one thing. Even if your financial advisor "eggs you on" (urges you to do it).
"Comparing apples to oranges" is a reference to obvious differences.
Like bread is used as a reference for money, so is dough. So if you're "rolling in the dough," it means you have a lot of money!
If someone is willing to bet "dollars to donuts," it means they are so sure about something that they would even bet something valuable against something cheap, knowing they would always win.
We're all a bit "chicken" from time to time (scared). There is also an expression that refers to planning and not relying on something before it happens (e.g. overestimating profits). It's "don't count your chickens before they hatch."
It's an achievable goal to be "cool as a cucumber." This means you are calm and relaxed.
Strong people (both physically and emotionally) may be called a "tough cookie." If someone is clever, then they may be called a "smart cookie." What you don't want to do is "toss your cookies" (i.e. vomit).
The "cherry on top" is a reference to the detail that would make an already good situation, or thing, perfect.
The expression "spill the beans" is used when someone reveals confidential information (aka tells a secret), or reveals the truth. And if someone says you're "full of beans," it means you have a lively energy. If something "doesn’t amount to a hill of beans," it means it's insignificant.
The expression "bread and butter" can be used to make reference to the basics (e.g. the bread and butter of a report, without going into details) and/or main source of income (the bread and butter of a gym are people who want to get fit).
When a task is easy, we say it's a "piece of cake." Or when something "sells like hot cakes," we know it's a success. But there is also another expression that remind us that we can't have it all. It's "you can't have your cake and eat it, too."
The "breadwinner" is the person who "brings home the bacon." We mean the one "putting the bread on the table." There are just so many associations between bread and money...
You've probably hear about something being "as American as apple pie," in reference to something being quintessentially American. The expression "one bad apple can spoil the bunch" might also be familiar. It's usually applied when the behavior of a group member affects the entire group and potentially its reputation.
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is also an apple-related phrase used to make reference to how similar a child's character or qualities are from his/her parents. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is a 19th-century saying that, despite not having scientific grounds, is still used to this day.
Why do we work? To "bring home the bacon," right? This popular phrase is all about earning an income and supporting the household.
Nothing beats the classic "say cheese" before snapping a picture. If you're called a "big cheese," then you're considered an important person... even if you like "cheesy" rom-coms ("cheesy" meaning cheap or embarrassingly funny/silly).
You may call a dishonest person who's often troubled a "bad egg." You may have to "walk on eggshells" around this person, too (be very cautious about your words and actions).
If others have a hard time trying to figure you out, they might call you "a tough nut to crack." The same expression applies to difficult and challenging situations and when referring to a strong opponent. "In a nutshell," (in short) these are the most popular sayings and idioms.
There's no need to "cry over spilled milk," or get upset about something bad that already has happened and cannot be fixed.
Buns in particular have a few popular sayings associated with them. One is having a "bun in the oven," meaning being pregnant. And another one is to "freeze one's buns off," a reference to being cold.
There are many common phrases used in the English language that make reference to food. In fact, some words have a number of food-related expressions associated with them. "Money," for example, can be replaced with the words "dough," "bread," "bacon," and even "peanuts" (the latter when making reference to a small amount). But there are more—a lot more!
Click through the following gallery and discover some fascinating food idioms and sayings.
Food for thought: popular food idioms and sayings
These popular expressions make reference to food
LIFESTYLE English language
There are many common phrases used in the English language that make reference to food. In fact, some words have a number of food-related expressions associated with them. "Money," for example, can be replaced with the words "dough," "bread," "bacon," and even "peanuts" (the latter when making reference to a small amount). But there are more—a lot more!
Click through the following gallery and discover some fascinating food idioms and sayings.