In this blog series, we’re breaking down common English expressions that are used in everyday conversation, so you’ll be able to expand your language skills and have fun with new English phrases. This week, we’re keeping to the theme of emotions.
1. to go bananas (verb phrase): to rave or cheer wildly; to become extremely crazy, angry or excited
Ex. Judy thought Melanie had gone bananas after she spent $500 on shoes.
2. on cloud nine (noun phrase): a state of perfect happiness or euphoria
Ex. John was on cloud nine when he received the news of his impending promotion.
3. down in the dumps (adjective phrase): in a gloomy or depressed mood
Ex. Natalie’s been down in the dumps ever since she lost the final tennis match.
4. happy camper (noun phrase): used to describe a comfortable, contented person
Ex. Kate’s calm personality is what makes her a happy camper—even when life gets hard, she remains content with her blessings.
5. head over heels in love (adjective phrase): hopelessly in love
Ex. Despite only having met her that morning, David was head over heels in love for the new girl in school.
6. chip on one’s shoulder (verb phrase): the act of holding a grudge
Ex. Jack had a chip on his shoulder after suffering a humiliating defeat to Josh in his election campaign for town mayor.
7. fish out of water (noun phrase): feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings
Ex. The nervous exchange student from Tanzania felt like a fish out of water in the fast-paced environment of New York City.
8. swallow one’s pride (verb phrase): to humble oneself, accepting something embarrassing or admitting one’s wrong
Ex. When Valerie failed her exam, she had to swallow her pride to ask for extra credit from the professor.
9. to get/have butterflies in one’s stomach (noun phrase): to feel very nervous
Ex. Whenever Tim has to speak in public, he gets butterflies in his stomach.
10. no hard feelings (noun phrase): feeling no resentment or bitterness about something
Ex. Ann harbored no hard feelings toward Jim after he apologized for his wrongdoing.
Try using these idioms the next time you practice your English skills. You’ll find yourself using them more naturally in conversation in no time!
