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 health.
1. bitter pill to swallow (noun phrase): an unpleasant fact one must accept
Ex. Losing the highly competitive presidential election was a bitter pill to swallow for the once-revered candidate.
2. as fit as a fiddle (adjective phrase): to be healthy and physically fit
Ex. Despite being nearly eighty years old, Tom is as fit as a fiddle.
3. back on one’s feet (noun phrase): to regain one’s physical health again
Ex. With the help of antibiotics to treat her flu symptoms, Melanie is back on her feet.
4. bundle of nerves (adjective phrase): used to describe a very nervous or anxious person
Ex. Because she was scared of flying, Denise was a bundle of nerves during the whole plane flight.
5. burn (oneself) out (verb phrase): to become emotionally and physically tired from doing something for a long term
Ex. After working continuous ten hour shifts as a waitress, she was totally burned out.
6. clean bill of health (noun phrase): a statement or assessment that someone is healthy
Ex. My doctor gave me a clean bill of health when I visited him for my annual physical exam.
7. green around the gills (adjective phrase): used to describe someone who looks sick and nauseated
Ex. After a tumultuous rollercoaster ride, Cindy was green around the gills.
8. bun in the oven (noun phrase): used to describe someone who is pregnant
Ex. When Sharon returned from her honeymoon, she had a bun in the oven.
9. break out in a cold sweat (verb phrase): to perspire from nervousness or anxiety
Ex. Dan broke out in a cold sweat upon learning of the surprise pop quiz in math class.
10. breathe one’s last (noun phrase): to die
Ex. Despite fighting a chronic illness for years, the ninety-year-old man breathed his last.
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!
