 Photo by Bich Tran: https://www.pexels.com/photo/motivational-quote-760709/ The New Year is often a time for fresh starts, big plans, and hopeful promises. In English, there are many expressions and idioms that describe this New Year energy, and when that drive starts to fade, there are phrases to describe that reality, too. Let’s explore some common ones, starting with positive expressions and moving toward phrases to describe when motivation fades.
A. Positive Expressions for Fresh Starts 1. Turn over a new leaf Meaning: To make a fresh start and change your behavior for the better. Tone: Positive, reflective, hopeful Common use: Habits, lifestyle changes, personal growth Example:
2. Start with a clean slate Meaning: To begin again without past mistakes or problems affecting you. Tone: Neutral to positive, often practical Common use: Work, relationships, goals Example:
3. Set your sights on (something) Meaning: To decide to achieve a specific goal. Tone: Motivational and focused Common use: Ambitions, career goals, long-term plans Example:
4. Make a fresh start Meaning: To begin again in a new or better way. Tone: Warm and optimistic Common use: Life changes, routines, mindset Example:
B. When Resolutions Don’t Go as Planned Of course, motivation doesn’t always last. English has plenty of expressions for that too. 5. Fall off the horse Meaning: To fail or stop doing something after trying, especially a good habit. Tone: Understanding, forgiving Important note: Often used with advice to try again. Example:
6. Break a promise Meaning: To fail to do what you said you would do. Tone: Neutral to negative Common use: Commitments, resolutions, trust Example:
7. Go back to old habits Meaning: To return to behaviors you were trying to change. Tone: Slightly negative but very natural Common use: Lifestyle habits, routines Example:
8. Lose steam Meaning: To lose energy, interest, or motivation. Tone: Casual, conversational Common use: Projects, goals, resolutions Example:
C. Encouraging Expressions for Trying Again Even when resolutions fail, English has kind, motivating expressions to keep going. 9. Get back on track Meaning: To return to your plan or goal after a setback. Tone: Supportive and practical Example:
10. Better late than never Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all. Tone: Encouraging, forgiving Example:
Whether you turn over a new leaf, fall off the horse, or get back on track, these English expressions help you talk naturally about goals, and the very human process of trying to reach them. After all, New Year’s resolutions aren’t just about perfect success. They’re about intention, effort, and learning from setbacks. What have you set your sights on for 2026?
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Have you ever noticed how often food shows up in English expressions, even when they’re not really about food? From milk to cucumbers, apples to beans, these idioms make everyday speech more colorful and fun. Let’s go through some common food-related idioms, with examples to help you understand how they’re used in real life.
15. To cry over spilled milk Meaning: To be upset about something you can’t change. Example: Yes, we lost the game, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. So, as you can see, many of these food-related idioms aren’t really about food at all—they’re often about everyday situations, feelings, and actions. Have a listen for them when watching movies or your favorite English TV shows, and better yet, try slipping one of them into your conversations.
2. At your wits’ end Meaning: Extremely worried, confused, or frustrated about what to do next
3. Between a rock and a hard place Meaning: Forced to choose between two equally unpleasant options
7. Go through hell and high water Meaning: To face many difficulties or challenges
8. In deep water Meaning: In serious trouble or facing a difficult situation
9. An uphill battle Meaning: A very difficult task that requires a lot of effort to succeed
10. Trial by fire Meaning: A difficult experience that tests someone’s courage, skill or ability
11. Cross that bridge when you come to it Meaning: To deal with a problem only when it happens
12. Put through the wringer Meaning: To go through a very tough or exhausting experience. A wringer is an old piece of equipment used in old-fashioned washing machines. It had two rollers that you turned by hand to squeeze out water from wet clothes. Imagine being put through the wringer in the same way the rollers squeezed wet laundry.
Idioms like these are fixed expressions, which means the words usually don’t change. To use them naturally and accurately, it’s best to read and hear them in context many times—and then try using them yourself in speaking or writing. The more you practice with them, the more accurate your usage will be.
 Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-touching-her-face-4049735/ A big presentation, a job interview, or a major life event--these are common situations that cause us to feel nervous or anxious. There are various expressions in English to describe this state of mind, each used in certain contexts. Let's explore some common phrases that people use to express nervousness.
1. To be a nervous wreck - This idiom means to be extremely anxious or worried, often to the point of being visibly upset or unable to function normally.
2. To have butterflies in one's stomach - This phrase describes the fluttery feeling in the stomach that often accompanies nervousness or anxiety.
3. To be on edge - Being on edge means feeling tense, anxious, or irritable, often because someone is anticipating that something bad may happen.
4. To have or get (the) jitters - Having the jitters or getting the jitters refers to feeling nervous, often in a way that makes one feel physically shaky.
5. To be a bundle of nerves/to suffer from nerves - These two expressions describe being very nervous, usually in a way that makes someone feel tense and restless. Take note that the word 'nerves' in this context refers to worry or anxiety.
6. To lose one's nerve - If someone loses their nerve, they panic and become too afraid to do something that they were about to do. 'Nerve' in this expression would mean courage or confidence = to lose one's courage.
7. To sweat bullets - This idiom means to be extremely nervous or anxious, often causing physical symptoms like sweating, especially having large beads of sweat on your face and skin.
8. To have one’s heart in one’s mouth - This phrase describes the sensation of extreme nervousness or fear, where it feels like your heart is pounding in your throat.
9. To be a 'Nervous Nellie' - A Nervous Nellie is someone who is excessively worried or anxious about things, often more than is necessary.
10. To get cold feet - This expression is used when someone feels nervous and frightened, often just before doing something that he or she had planned to do. It is similar to the previous expression "to lose one's nerve."
How about the opposite? Of course a discussion about nervousness wouldn't be complete without phrases to talk about the opposite which is staying calm and collected. Here are some expressions for that: 1. To calm or steady one's nerves - This means to make someone feel calmer or less nervous.
2. To keep or hold one's nerve/s - This phrase describes remaining calm and composed in a difficult situation.
3. To get ahold of oneself - This expression emphasizes getting control of ones' emotions after a big shock or after being upset.
Whether you are a nervous wreck or just have a few butterflies in your stomach, it would be to your advantage to try to calm down and get ahold of your emotions. Try out these phrases when describing the intensity and nature of your anxiety to others. Practicing these expressions will express your emotions more vividly and surely goes beyond just saying "I'm nervous." 
Because we all get sick or suffer from some sort of emotional or physical adversity no matter our status in life, talking about hope and recovery is something we frequently do. There will also be lots of moments when we need to comfort friends and loved ones who are experiencing some setbacks. Here’s a look at some common idioms around the topic of hope, being positive or about things getting better. Because we all get sick or suffer from some sort of emotional or physical adversity no matter our status in life, talking about hope and recovery is something we frequently do. There will also be lots of moments when we need to comfort friends and loved ones who are experiencing some setbacks. Here’s a look at some common idioms around the topic of hope, being positive or about things getting better.
1. Things are looking up When someone says "things are looking up," they mean that the situation is improving. This idiom is often used after a period of difficulty, suggesting that better times are on the horizon. Example: "After a tough year, things are finally looking up for the company." 2. To have come a long way If you say that someone has come a long way, it means that they have made a lot of progress compared to when they first started. It could also mean that they have become really successful. Example: "From her beginnings just selling cookies to neighbors from her small kitchen, to now operating five bakeries in different cities, she has indeed come a long way." 3. To be back on one's feet A person who gets back on their feet becomes healthy again after an illness or injury, especially if they are able to walk again or just physically able to move around. This expression can also be used to talk about recoveries in general, such as that of the economy or an industry. Example: "Grandma can't wait to get back on her feet and tending to her vegetable garden after a bout with pneumonia." 4. To turn the corner "To turn the corner" means to pass a critical point in a process and begin to improve. It suggests that the worst is over and things will get better. Example: "After the surgery, she’s finally turning the corner and starting to feel better." 5. To be on the mend This idiom is more often used when talking about health but it can be applied to any situation that is improving after a setback. It implies a gradual process of recovery. Example: "He’s been on the mend since the accident and hopes to be back at work soon." 6. To get one's groove back This means to start to be happy, confident, or moving forward again after a difficult period. Example: "I am slowly getting my groove back and starting again after having to close my business last year." 7. To look on the bright side Encouraging someone to "look on the bright side" means advising them to focus on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negatives. Example: "I know the vacation was canceled, but look on the bright side: we can save money for a bigger trip next year." 8. To see the light at the end of the tunnel This idiom suggests that a difficult or unpleasant situation is nearing an end, and that some improvement is expected to happen soon. It's like seeing a distant light after being in a dark tunnel, providing hope that the hard times will soon be over. Example: "After months of recovery and therapy, she finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel." 9. "Hang in there" To "hang in there" means to remain persistent despite difficult circumstances. This expression is said by itself as a form of encouragement to tell someone not to give up. Example: "The first few weeks on the job will be challenging but hang in there, keep learning how things are done, and you'll soon get more confident." 10. On the up and up When something is "on the up and up," it means it is steadily improving or becoming more successful. It’s often used in the context of business or personal progress. Example: "Tourism is on the up and up, helping local restaurants and hotels to recover from the pandemic." 11. A silver lining A "silver lining" refers to a positive aspect of a bad situation. This idiom encourages people to find something good even when experiencing something difficult. Example: "Losing the job was hard, but the silver lining is that he now has time to pursue his passion." These idioms can add color to our language and also serve as reminders to stay hopeful and positive. Whether we’re facing personal challenges or professional setbacks, these expressions help us voice out the belief that better days are ahead. When you find yourself or someone else in need of a little optimism, try out these idioms and share some positivity.  When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is." Money is a central aspect of daily life, and naturally, there are as many idioms around it as there are sayings and jokes, although it's hard to tell if Oscar Wilde was joking or being wry (humorously sarcastic) when he said the words above. Anyhow, money idioms provide colorful and vivid ways to talk about financial situations, spending habits, and economic principles.
Here’s a look at some common idioms related to money along with examples: 1. To break the bank Meaning: To spend more money than one can afford. Example: We can go out for dinner, but let's not go anywhere that will break the bank. 2. To burn a hole in your pocket Meaning: When someone is very eager to spend money. Example: That bonus is burning a hole in his pocket; he’s already planning to buy a new car. 3. A cash cow Meaning: A business or product that generates a steady, reliable stream of income. Example: The new smartphone model has become the company’s cash cow. 4. To pay through the nose Meaning: To pay a lot of money for something. Example: They paid through the nose for their new apartment in the city center. 5. Old money Meaning: People whose families have been rich for a long time; people who have inherited wealth Example: She married into an old-money family that has owned farms and factories for over a century. 6. To pay top dollar Meaning: To pay a lot of money, especially the highest possible price, for something Example: In a recession, it gets harder to find customers who are willing to pay top dollar for this kind of personalized product. 7. To foot the bill Meaning: To pay for something, usually something expensive. Example: He generously offered to foot the bill for the entire dinner. 8. (To build) a nest egg Meaning: Savings that are set aside for future use, especially for retirement. Example: She’s been building up a nest egg for years so she can afford to take a break and think about what's next in her career. 9. To throw money down the drain Meaning: To waste money or spend it carelessly Example: Buying expensive clothes that you never wear is throwing money down the drain. 10. To throw money around Meaning: To spend money, especially in an obvious and careless way, on things that are not necessary Example: Companies can no longer throw money around and spend lavishly on high-profile gatherings just for publicity. 11. To throw money at something Meaning: To try to solve a problem by spending a lot of money on it but without really doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it Example: Because this problem is caused by many flaws in the system, we can't expect to solve it just by throwing money at it. 12. To cost an arm and a leg Meaning: To be very expensive. Example: Their much publicized wedding ceremony cost an arm and a leg. 13. To bring home the bacon Meaning: To earn money to support a family; to achieve success Examples: Being the only athlete from his country to compete in this sport, he felt so much pressure to bring home the bacon. Both parents need to work hard to bring home the bacon in today's economy. 14. To go Dutch Meaning: To go somewhere as a group but with each person paying for his or her own meal, ticket, etc. Example: People resisted the idea of going to the sushi restaurant until I suggested that we just go Dutch, after which mostly everyone agreed. 15. To have deep pockets Meaning: To have a lot of money or to be really wealthy Example: I heard they travel abroad as much as five to six times a year. They must have deep pockets. 16. To make ends meet Meaning: To have just enough money to pay for the things that you need. Example: We struggled to make ends meet when we lived in the city center and had to pay expensive rent. Try to make your own sentences using these idioms but remember that idioms are fixed expressions so we cannot usually alter them in terms of word order or with synonyms. It's worth noting as well, that idioms are used sparingly--you're not expected to use an idiom in every sentence because that would really make you sound strange. To sum up, using these expressions can not only enhance your fluency but will also boost your comprehension of the language, making your communication more engaging. Idioms are already a confusing part for any language learner. Adding to this confusion are idioms that sound very much alike such as, "to run circles around someone" and "to run around in circles." They might sound similar at first, but they hold distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. In this article, we'll untangle these idioms and provide examples to illustrate their differences. 1. "To run circles around someone" When someone is said to "run circles around someone," it means that they show a remarkable level of skill, competence, or ability in comparison to another person. This idiom underscores the superiority or dominance of one individual over another in a specific skill or activity. It is often used to highlight the vast difference in capability between the two parties. Examples:
2. "To run around in circles" Conversely, "to run around in circles" describes a situation where people or activities appear to be busy but lack purpose, direction, or progress. It conveys a sense of aimlessness, confusion, or inefficiency. When individuals or groups are said to be running around in circles, they may be doing or talking about the same thing without achieving meaningful results. Examples:
  In summary, even though both idioms use the word “circles,” they actually mean totally different things and are used in different situations.
"To run circles around someone" is used when someone is way more capable or talented than another person. "To run around in circles" describes when you’re super busy but not making any real progress. It implies disorganization or aimlessness. When you hear these idioms again, you'll be able to run circles around any possible confusion regarding their meanings! |
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