English idioms: what are they and should they be taught? English-Russian dictionary of idioms, set expressions, etc. Natalya Belinskaya Idioms in English with online translation

How often did you come across expressions in English that simply did not make sense when translated into Russian? For example, when you hear the phrase "horse around", the first thing you think of is a horse. In fact, it was about fooling around.

And there are many such examples. Such expressions are called idioms, and the English use them quite often. By memorizing the most common of them, you can make your speech brighter and livelier.

So, let's look at some of the idioms that are most often found in English speech. Let's break them down by topic.

Weather

"When two English people meet, they first talk about the weather." This saying of Samuel Johnson, expressed several centuries ago, is relevant to this day. It is not surprising that a large part of the idioms is related to the topic of weather.

• rain cats and dogs- pour like a bucket
• face like thunder- darker than clouds
• storm in a teacup- a storm in a teacup, much ado about nothing
• chase rainbows- chase the unattainable
• lightning fast- lightning fast
• have one "s head in the clouds- soar in the clouds
• be snowed under- be overworked
• be under the weather- to be unwell
• twist in the wind- languish
• under a cloud- under suspicion
• as right as rain- All right
• for a rainy day- for a rainy day
• bolt from the blue- like snow on the head
• throw caution to the winds- stop worrying
• weather the storm- survive hard times
• sail close to the wind- walk along the edge of the abyss
• on cloud nine- on the seventh heaven
• shoot the breeze- talk about nonsense
• in a fog- confused
• go down a storm- succeed

Money

An equally popular topic of interest is, of course, money. We offer you to get acquainted with the most common "money" idioms.

• a piece of the pie- share
• grave train- Easy Money
• bring home the bacon- to provide for the family, to succeed
• make ends meet- make ends meet
• hit the jackpot- break the jackpot
• be in the red- to be in debt
• make a bundle- make a lot of money
• bet your bottom dollar- guarantee something
• look like a million dollars- look your best
• cost a pretty penny- cost a lot of money
• go Dutch- pay your share
• nest eggs- stash
• golden handshake- big severance pay
• cheapskate- miser
• be flush with money- bathe in luxury
• at all costs- at any price
• live beyond one's means- living beyond one's means
• break the bank- spend heavily
• cost a fortune- cost a fortune
• on the breadline- below the poverty line

Time

"Time is money". This famous saying can often be heard among the English. It confirms their extremely careful attitude to time. No wonder many idioms are dedicated to him.

• once in a blue moon- very rarely
• behind the times- obsolete
• time flies- time flies
• the big time- big success
• around the clock- around the clock
• dwell on the past- live in the past
• have the time of one's life- have a great time
• crack of dawn- with sunrise
• run out of time- dry up
• in the blink of an eye- in an instant
• like clockwork- without interruption
• for donkey's years- from time immemorial
• pressed for time- be in a hurry
• give someone a hard time- scold
• be ahead of time- get ahead
• to have a whale of a time- have a great time
• go with the times- to keep up with the times
• on the spur of the moment- with a swoop
• broad daylight- in broad daylight
• catch unawares- be taken by surprise

Animals

There is hardly a people more loving pets than the British. Therefore, animals take pride of place not only in the homes of the British, but also in speech.

• monkey business- meaningless work
• smell a rat- smell bad
• top dog- winner
• cash cow- source Money, Milch cow
• eager beaver- hard worker, business sausage
• black sheep- White crow
• elephant in the room- I didn’t notice the elephant, it’s obvious
• when pigs fly- when the cancer hangs down
• like a cat on a hot tin roof- be out of your element
• in the dog house- out of favor
• be as busy as a bee- work like a bee
• let a cat out of the bag- let the cat out of the bag
• horse around- fool around
• as poor as a church mouse- poor as a church mouse, penniless
• lion's share of something- the lion's share
• eat like a horse- have a ravenous appetite
• have a tiger by the tail- defy fate
• hear it straight from the horse's mouth- from the source
• butterflies in the stomach- neither alive nor dead
• like water off a duck's back- like water off a duck's back

Food

Despite the fact that English cuisine does not shine with variety, the number of idioms dedicated to food is considerable. We present you the most common "delicious" idioms.

• egghead- smart ass
• big cheese- influential person
• potato couch- loafer
• tough cookie- hooligan
• top banana- leader
• bad apple- scoundrel
• eat one's words- take back your words
• the apple of one's eye- apple of an eye
• hard nut to crack- hard task, tough nut to crack
• in a nutshell- briefly
• have egg on one's face- look stupid
• as cool as a cucumber- cold-blooded
• be full of beans- be energetic
• as slow as molasses- very slow
• chew the fat- sharpen fringes
• sell like hot cakes- to be a hot cake
• take something with a pinch of salt- do not trust
• bite off more than one can chew- overestimate your abilities
• cry over spilt milk- grieve about the irreparable
• hot potato- actual topic

We hope that these idioms will help you diversify your speech. And the teachers of our school will be happy to sort out with you all the subtleties of their use.

Big and friendly family EnglishDom

They also learned about the peculiarities of their translation from one language to another.

To refresh my memory, let me remind you:

Idiom (idiom) is a figure of speech, which is several inextricably linked words (usually two, three), which have a meaning completely different from the general meaning of these words.

Examples of idioms:

• To face the music(literal translation: facing the music) —
  Take responsibility for your misdeeds, clear up the mess

Completely unexpected value. Music usually evokes positive associations in us. And it's all about the origin of this idiom. Earlier in the British Army courts-martial were accompanied

orchestra play. From here we have: face to face with music - face to face with the judge and answer for what you have done.

• Wear one's heart on one's sleeve (literal translation: wear someone's heart on your sleeve) -
  Show your emotions, don't be able to hide your emotions

Such a strange clue to the idiom, again, lies in history. It is believed that in the distant medieval times, the knights tied a red ribbon on their sleeves, presented earlier by his lady, and thus expressed their feelings to her.

These well-established expressions are a kind of originality of each language. The English language is rich in such expressions. They are used daily and everywhere in the speech of English speakers. Today, the need for their knowledge is no longer in doubt. They make our speech more expressive, natural.

List of the most used idioms

There are thousands of different idiomatic expressions in the English language. However, many of them are used extremely rarely, and some are completely obsolete. I would like to offer you a small list of idioms that you may really need. You can download this list of 75 popular English expressions along with the translation and add freedom to your communication with English speakers

Idiom dictionary is your best assistant

Dictionary of idioms in English I want to recommend you a couple of books that can help you learn these amazing combinations of words and master the art of using them in speech. Why do you need a competent assistant? The fact is that the main difficulty in studying idioms is understanding their meaning. Literal translation you will not achieve an understanding of their meaning, in many cases such a translation is far from their real semantic load. In addition, it is not always clear what connotation, positive or negative, is expressed. As in the case of the expression "facing the music."

1. The Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms is one of the best resources for those who want to learn idiomatic expressions in depth. There are about 7000 English modern idioms in this dictionary. The dictionary helps students to understand the meaning of amazing stable combinations of words, as well as to use them correctly and confidently in speech.
2. Longman Pocket Dictionary (Longman Pocket Idioms Dictionary) - this dictionary contains about 3000 interesting idioms, which are arranged by keywords in alphabetical order, which makes it easier to find the necessary turn of speech. Another of its advantages is a convenient, compact size, such a small dictionary can be taken, for example, on a trip and in your free time from excursions to study, and then use it in communication with native English speakers
3. English-Russian dictionary of idioms, set expressions, Belinskaya N. - its peculiarity is that in it you will find idioms along with a Russian translation and explanation while the two previous books offer interpretations of meanings in English. Suitable for different levels speaking the language

Based on your level of English proficiency, as well as on what results you want to achieve in learning idioms, you can choose and download a book or purchase it in a store. This book will become your assistant in learning bizarre word combinations. If your language level is not high enough, you should choose a dictionary where you can find the desired word combination with a Russian translation or equivalent. Good luck!

How quickly you got to us! Seems like you live far from here?
- Itook a taxi .

Correct combination of words.

- I am so glad to see you! What an unexpected meeting!
- I didn't expect it. Justtook the plane and flew to you.

Wrong combination of words.

Well, we Russians don't say that. Got on a plane, bought a plane ticket, but not took the plane. Of course, we will understand the meaning of the expression, but an unnatural combination will “cut the ear”.

In English, the same principle: some words are combined, others are not.

quick food - fast food

a fast shower

Hence our advice: learn not only individual words, but also popular set expressions in English.

Even when you learn a single word, immediately look for the context in which it can and should be used (you will find it in dictionaries). We will devote to how best to learn new words. And today we are talking about phrases.

List of set expressions in English with translation

Yes, we have prepared a small list of ≈ 140 expressions. The same set phrases are duplicated in our set of words -.

And yes, just in case: set expressions- these are combinations of 2 or more words that are often used together with each other and sound natural to a native speaker. It can be noun + adjective, noun + verb, verb + adverb, etc.

Translation of set expressions from English into Russian

1. Set expressions with the verb to do in English

To do someone a favor (Provide someone a favor)

To do the cooking (Cook)

To do the housework (Do housework)

To do the shopping (Make purchases)

To do the washing up (Wash the dishes)

To do your best (Try)

To do your hair (Comb your hair)

2. Set expressions with the verb to have in English

To have a good time (Have a good time, more often used as a wish)

To have a bath (Take a bath)

To have a drink (Drink)

To have a haircut (Cut your hair)

To have a holiday (Have a vacation / vacation)

To have a problem (Have a problem, face a problem)

To have a relationship / to be in relationship (To be in a relationship)

To have lunch (Dine, have lunch)

To have sympathy (Sympathize)

3. Set expressions with the verb to break

To break the law (Break the law)

Break a leg (Informal: Good luck! No fluff, no feather!)

To break a promise (Break a promise)

To break a record (To break a record)

To break someone's heart (Break someone's heart)

To break the ice (Idiom: break the ice, take the first step, soften the situation, make a start)

To break the news to someone (Tell someone important news)

To break the rules (Break the rules)

4. Set expressions with the verb to take

To take a break (Take a break)

To take a chance (Take a chance, use a chance)

To take a look (Look)

To take a rest (Relax)

To take a seat (Sit down)

To take a taxi (Take a taxi)

To take an exam (Take an exam)

To take notes (Take notes)

To take someone's place (Take someone's place)

5. Set expressions with the verb to make

To make a difference (Make a difference, make a difference, significantly change things)

To make a mess (Make a mess)

To make a mistake (Make a mistake)

To make a noise

To make an effort (Make an effort)

To make money (Earn)

To make progress

To make room (Give room for someone)

To make trouble (Deliver problems)

6. Phrases with the verb to catch

To catch the bus (Catch the bus)

To catch a ball (Catch the ball)

To catch a cold (Catch a cold)

To catch a thief (Catch a thief)

To catch fire (Light up)

To catch sight of (See, notice)

To catch someone's attention (Catch someone's attention)

To catch someone's eye (Get someone's attention)

To catch the flu

7. Set expressions with the verb to pay

To pay respect (Express respect)

To pay a fine (Pay a fine)

To pay attention (Pay attention)

To pay by credit card (Pay by credit card)

To pay cash (Pay cash)

To pay interest

To pay someone a visit (Visit someone)

To pay the bill (Pay the bill)

To pay the price (Pay the price)

8. Stable expression with the verb to keep

To keep the change (Leave the change to yourself as an appeal: change is not necessary)

To keep a promise (Keep a promise)

To keep an appointment (Come to the appointed place)

To keep calm (Keep calm)

To keep in touch (Stay in touch)

To keep quiet

To keep someone's place (Take, hold someone's place)

9. Phrases with the verb to save

Dictionary of set expressions of the English language

Phew, that's quite an impressive list, isn't it? to learn these expressions through interactive training.

But that's not all. Let's move on to the promised dictionaries. Oxford Collocation Dictionary- an amazing dictionary of set expressions in the English language. It works like this: you open the word that you are currently learning and look at lists of words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, collective words, etc.) that match with it.

There is another source where you can find the context of a word - these are English-English online dictionaries: Cambridge Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary, Oxford Learner's Dictionaries. You type a word into the search bar and you will find a bunch of usage examples next to its meaning. It is immediately clear which independent and service parts of speech are used together with it.

1. Learn not only individual words, but also set phrases that native speakers use. Learn and perceive them together as a whole.
2. To search for them, use a special dictionary with stable expressions or look at the context in which the word is used in English-English dictionaries. You need to do this with every new word that you learn!
3. When you read texts / watch movies / listen to songs in English, also write down the combinations of words that you hear there.
4. You can memorize set expressions in English in different ways: by topic (food, time, business, etc.) or by keyword (as in our article). If it is more convenient for your memory to memorize by topic, take our examples and break them into such thematic groups.
5. If you are writing a text or compiling a story in English on a topic, then look for English-language articles on this topic. Look at what expressions are used there (most often, they will be the same). If you find it, feel free to use it: this is exactly what native speakers say about this topic.

: we have a huge amount of authentic materials in English, from where you can pick up set expressions, and then drive them away in training. 🙂

English-Russian dictionary idioms, set expressions, etc. Natalya Belinskaya

2003 - 636s.

Format: doc/zip

The size: 8 00Kb

/ Download file

From the compiler

I think that any person who is faced with the need to master foreign language within the limits slightly exceeding the level of the school "troika", I had to deal with expressions that at first glance represent complete abracadabra, although all the words seem to be known. This apparent discrepancy between the meanings of words and the meaning of the phrase is most likely due to one of two reasons: either there is some grammatical catch in this expression, or it itself should not be perceived literally, but ... But how "a", and you need to figure it out .

Imagine a foreigner who, having a decent stock of Russian words, hears the following phrase: “They paid me, how! From the vest of the sleeve! What is "sleeve" in Russian, a competent foreigner knows. What is a "vest", quickly finds in the dictionary. And here the main torments begin: if a vest is sleeveless outerwear, then what kind of sleeves can it have (because then it is, by definition, not a vest!) And, most importantly, how can theypay off? And what is the famous "Kuzka's mother" worth, which is periodically going to be shown to selected persons for some reason?

We can also get into no less anecdotal situations, trying to literally translate at least such a simple expression as “quite a few». « Quite' means 'quite', 'a few" - "several". How should such an expression be interpreted by a normal, that is, Russian-speaking, person? Of course, as "quite a bit." And what does it really mean? What we thought, only exactly the opposite: “quite a lot; a lot; good half.

It is in order to reduce the number of such misunderstandings to a minimum that this dictionary has been compiled. This included, strictly speaking, not only idioms, that is, expressions that are not at all determined by the meaning of the words included in them, but also set phrases, etc. They are also not redundant!

If under English phrase one more (or several) is given and only then a translation is given, which means that these expressions in English are synonymous, that is, they coincide in meaning. But you can find the second phrase in its "legitimate" place, in accordance with the alphabetical order. Articles and the particle "to" are given only in case of emergency, due, as a rule, to their "non-standard" use or giving the phrase a special meaning.

Learning idioms is useful for everyone, no matter what the level of knowledge of a foreign language. Why and how to do it more efficiently - we will tell in the article. And, of course, we will analyze the idioms themselves in English with translation.

Idioms are such groups of words for which the general meaning does not consist of the meanings of the parts. Therefore, it is quite difficult to guess the meaning of phrases, and you need to memorize them in finished form. Each word alone can only give a hint, but the overall meaning always turns out to be slightly different than the simple sum of the elements.

What is an idiom in English

What are these phrases? In Russian, we rather use the term "phraseological unit", the name "idiom" - idiom has been assigned to English. But the meanings of the terms are identical: this is a chain of words in which each word has its own place, and the meaning of such a chain does not coincide with the meaning of the elements. For example, the idiom to have a frog in your throat does not translate as “to have a frog in your throat”. The meaning is not assigned to individual words, but to the whole phrase as a whole - "wheeze, speak with difficulty, experience a sore throat." That is, an idiom is an independent unit of the dictionary.

There are units of the language that are very similar to idioms, but still differ in some ways. For example, phraseologisms and collocations should not be confused. Collocations are the choice of a word established in the language when using another word. So, in some cases in English the verb to make is used (to do, create), and in others to do (to do, to carry out). We will say to make an effort (make an effort, try), but to do a favor (provide a service). The choice of a word is fixed by the rules of the language, but the meaning is transparent and consists of the meanings of each word separately. This is where collocations differ from idioms.

Collocations include phrasal verbs. In them, prepositions with a verb, rather, only modify the meaning, and for each preposition one can single out eigenvalue. In addition, phrasal verbs have a clear formation scheme: a preposition or adverb is added to the predicate. And idioms in English can take any form.

Phraseological units differ from proverbs. Proverbs are limited in their semantic content: they are designed to reflect folk wisdom, contain advice or warning. Whereas phraseological units can describe any situation. There is also a difference in form: idioms do not necessarily act as a sentence, it can only be part of it. Proverbs are complete sentences.

The form of a phraseological unit can be fixed more or less rigidly. The verb usually changes freely in time. But the choice of the article or its absence can be strictly fixed. For example, in the idiom (a) piece of cake (a trifle, an easy thing), there is no article before the word cake. But in the literal meaning of “a piece of the pie”, the article can appear according to the rules of the English language.

Don "t worry, it" s a piece of cake, there will be no problem! - Don't worry, it's as easy as shelling pears, there won't be any problems!

I got a piece of the cake that you baked - I got a piece of the cake that you baked

Why know idioms in English

What do phraseological units give us? Of course, knowledge of idioms expands vocabulary and makes speech more diverse and lively. Phraseological units are not exclusively book vocabulary, they are actively used in everyday speech and are appropriate in various styles.

Learning idioms is not only useful for expanding vocabulary. They reflect the nature of the language, retain information about the mentality. It is a source of knowledge about culture and traditions, and mastering idioms helps you think like a native speaker.

How to remember phraseological units

Learning idioms in English is difficult precisely because the result of combining words can be non-obvious and unpredictable.

To make the task easier, use special tricks:

1. Use associations. Association building is a memorization technique that can be used in any situation. Phraseologisms themselves suggest its use: combine in images the meaning of the idiom with the literal meaning of words. Then the complexity of idioms turns into an advantage in their study: the unpredictability of the meaning guarantees interesting combinations of images that are easier to remember.
2. Learn the history of the idiom. It will be easier for you to remember the expression if there are additional references for it. In addition, history often helps to understand the meaning of phraseological units. A vivid example is the idiom cross the Rubicon (to cross the Rubicon - to take a decisive, irreparable action, to make an irreversible decision). In history, the Rubicon is the river that Caesar crossed with his army, this act marked the beginning of the war.
3. Learn phraseological units by topic. Do not try to embrace the immensity at once. Break idioms into blocks to structure information. While analyzing English idioms with translation in this article, we will also follow this principle.
4. Look for analogues. Don't just translate the idiom, but look for a phraseological unit that is identical in meaning in Russian. Many idioms in English and Russian have the same source, such as idioms with biblical origins. Comparing phraseological units in two languages, one can see cultural similarities and differences in the perception of situations.

Expression Examples

As we said, idioms are easier to remember if you break them into thematic blocks. The most typical themes of phraseological units are what people encounter daily: weather, animals, body parts, money, colors, home.

Theme: animals

Let's take a look at some English idioms with translation and usage examples related to animals.

• for the birds - no good, something useless and uninteresting (literally: for birds)

  I can tell that his theory is for the birds - I can say that his theory is no good

• a fat cat - a rich and powerful person (literally: a fat cat)

  I hate these fat cats who only care about their yachts - I hate these fat cats who only care about their yachts

• like cat and dog - often argue and swear (literally: like a cat with a dog)

  We fought like cat and dog the whole time we were together, or at least most of the time - We fought like cat and dog, or at least most of the time

• crocodile tears - fake, insincere emotions (literally: crocodile tears)

  They are always ready to shed crocodile tears for the camera - They are always ready to shed crocodile tears for the camera

• a dog "s breakfast - mess, nonsense (literally: dog breakfast)

  The band was a right dog "s breakfast, with no bass player and an over-enthusiastic pianist - The group was a complete mess, without a bassist and with an overly enthusiastic pianist

• donkey work - boring, monotonous work (literally: donkey work)

  Now the PhD students do the donkey work - Now graduate students do routine work

• an elephant in the room - an obvious problem that they are trying to ignore (literally: an elephant in the room)

  It "s an elephant in the room that we need to discuss - This is an obvious problem, and we need to discuss it

• (a) fish out of water - not at ease (literally: fish out of water)

  As a non-golfer, I felt like a fish out of water at the clubhouse - I'm not a golfer and I felt out of place in this club

• hold your horses - slow down, take your time (literally: hold your horses)

  Hold your horses! We need to get the customer's approval first - Take your time, first we need to get the customer's approval

• monkey business - dishonest activity (literally: monkey labor)

  The results announced seem suspicious, I think there "s some monkey business going on - The announced results look suspicious, I think things are dirty here

• smell a rat - to feel that things are not going fair (literally: to smell a rat)

  The profits are abnormally low. I smell a rat - The profit is incredibly small. There's something wrong here

• keep the wolf from the door - have a minimum income (literally: keep the wolf outside the door)

  He got a part-time job just to keep the wolf from the door - He found a part-time job just to make a living.

Theme: colors

Often there are idioms in English and with the use of color.

• be in a black mood - be in a bad mood, be angry, annoyed (literally: be in a black mood)

  Don "t ask silly questions, he" s in a black mood - Don't ask stupid questions, he's out of sorts

• in black and white - confirmation in writing, in black and white (literally: black and white)

  Actually, the reports concerned various research grants won by Professor Smith and though the reason for the grants was there in black and white, it didn't make much sense to me although the basis for these grants was spelled out in black and white, I could not understand anything

• feel blue - feel longing (literally: feel blue)

  I "m going to see my grandmother. She" s feeling a bit blue at the moment - I'm going to visit my grandmother. She's a little sad now

• golden opportunity - a great opportunity that should not be missed (literally: a golden opportunity)

  An internship in that company would be a golden opportunity for you - An internship in this company would be a great opportunity for you

• golden rule - the main rule (literally: the golden rule)

  Claude taught me the golden rule: only 45% of a restaurant's success depends on cuisine. The rest is determined by the atmosphere - Claude taught me the golden rule: only 45% of a restaurant's success depends on the cuisine. The rest is determined by the atmosphere

• green with envy - very jealous (literally: green with envy)

  Dave will be green with envy when he sees your new sports car - Dave will die of envy when he sees your new sports car

• gray area - unclear, intermediate, does not fit into categories or rules (literally: gray area)

  The result of this is a gray area where the two signs are not clearly differentiated - The result of this is a border area where the two signs are not clearly differentiated

• red flag to a bull - an annoying factor, a provocateur of anger (literally: a red flag for a bull)

  Never talk to him like that. You should know it "s like a red flag to a bull - Never talk to him like that. You should know that it's like a red rag for a bull

• white elephant - something useless but expensive (literally: white elephant)

  The project became an expensive white elephant and we had to forget about it - The project turned into an expensive dummy and we were forced to forget about it

• white lie - lie for good (literally: white lie)

  She asked if I liked her new haircut, and of course I told a white lie - She asked if I liked her new haircut, and of course I lied for good.

Theme: weather

There are many jokes and anecdotes about the weather in English, and the terms of natural phenomena are actively used in the formation of phraseological units. Therefore, we will analyze idioms in English with translation and examples from the weather topic.

• (a) cloud on the horizon - a problem expected in the future (literally: a cloud on the horizon)

  The only cloud on the horizon was a boy called Dennis - The only problem on the way was a boy named Dennis

• reach for the moon - be ambitious and try to achieve a difficult goal (literally: to reach the moon)

  My father always wanted me to reach for the moon - My father always wanted me to strive for very ambitious goals

• come rain or shine - regularly, regardless of the circumstances (literally: even in the rain, even in the sun)

  Every morning just before seven, come rain or shine you "ll find him on the way to the gym - Every morning before seven in the morning, even in the rain, even in the snow, he goes to the gym

• chasing rainbows - chasing the impossible (literally: chasing rainbows)

  I certainly couldn't afford to waste all my money chasing rainbows - I definitely couldn't afford to spend all my money chasing the unattainable

• (a) storm in a teacup - turmoil for no reason, much ado about nothing (literally: a storm in a teacup)

  Both are trying to present the disagreement as a storm in a teacup - Both are trying to present the disagreement as a storm in a teacup

• know which way wind blows - know the trends and understand the scenarios in order to be prepared (literally: know which way the wind blows)

  How can you draw a conclusion if you don "t know which way the wind is blowing? - How can you draw a conclusion if you don't know how things are?

In this topic, you can talk not only about phraseological units composed with the mention of natural phenomena, but also remember what idioms the English language uses to describe the weather:

• (the) heavens open - very heavy rain began abruptly (literally: the heavens opened)

  And right at that moment the heavens opened - And it was at that moment that the downpour began

• raining cats and dogs - heavy rain, pouring like a bucket (literally: it's raining from cats and dogs)

  It was raining cats and dogs and the teachers were running in and out helping us get our stuff

Theme: money

It is impossible to get around the idioms in English relating to the material condition.

• born with a silver spoon in one "s mouth - have rich parents (literally: be born with a silver spoon in your mouth)

  The new student was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has had an easy life

• cost an arm and a leg - very expensive, a fortune (literally: cost an arm and a leg)

  The fact is that getting married can cost an arm and a leg, not to mention a cake, bridesmaids and an organist - The fact is that a wedding can cost a fortune, not to mention cake, bridesmaids and an organist

• like a million dollars - very good, excellent (literally: for a million dollars)

  Now we want you, our readers, to feel like a million dollars too - Now we want you, our readers, to feel like one hundred percent too

• lose your shirt - to lose all money and savings, to be left with nothing, often as a result of gambling (literally: to lose your shirt)

  He lost his shirt when the bank went bankrupt - He was left with nothing when the bank went bankrupt

• make ends meet - have very little money (literally: make ends meet)

  How he disciplined himself to make ends meet in that difficult time he explained in his book - How he managed to discipline himself to make ends meet at this difficult time, he told in his book

• money for old rope - easy money, non-dusty work (literally: money for an old rope)

  Getting paid for watering the garden is money for old rope - Getting paid for watering the garden is easy bread

• go from rags to riches - turn from a very poor to a very rich person (literally: come from rags to riches)

  By renovating old houses, he went from rags to riches - Restoring old houses, he made his way from rags to riches

Theme: home

Often there are idioms in the English language on the topic of home and household items.

• armchair traveler - someone who knows a lot about different countries, but have not been anywhere (literally: a traveler in an armchair)

  A surprising number of adventure books are bought by armchair travelers

• roll out the red carpet - give a special welcome to an important guest (literally: spread a red carpet)

  Next Saturday they will roll out the red carpet for the visit of the great poet - Next Saturday they will give a special reception on the occasion of the arrival of the great poet

• darken somebody "s door - to come as an unexpected, unwanted guest (literally: blacken someone's door)

  Just get out of here and never darken my door again! - Get out and don't come back!

• put house in order - deal with your problems before giving advice (literally: put things in order in the house)

  You should put your own house in order instead of telling me how to act - You should deal with your problems instead of teaching me how to act

• have a lot on your plate - be very busy, deal with several problems at the same time (literally: have a lot on your plate)

  I know you "ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. But I" d see her soon, if I were you - I know you have a lot of your problems now. But if I were you, I would see her sooner

• raise the roof - loudly express approval, actively clap and shout (literally: raise the roof)

  The concert was such a success, the audience raised the roof - The concert was a huge success, the audience gave a standing ovation

• go out the window - disappear, missed opportunity (literally: go out the window)

  All hopes of finding a job went out the window - All hopes of finding a job have evaporated

as...as construction

Idioms in English can relate to a variety of topics and look completely different. But there are well-established schemes according to which phraseological units are actively formed, for example - as ... as. This construction is very common and acts as an artistic comparison that has become entrenched in the language.

• as silent as the grave - absolutely quiet, calm (literally: silent as a grave)
• as strong as a bull - physically strong (literally: strong as a bull)
• as quiet as a mouse - very quiet, inconspicuous (literally: quiet as a mouse)
• as regular as clockwork - regularly, on schedule, without failures (literally: regular, like clockwork)
• as right as rain - as expected, correct / in good condition, healthy (literally: correct, like rain)
• as sharp as a needle - smart, quick-witted (literally: sharp as a needle)
• as silly as a goose - very stupid (literally: stupid as a goose)
• as solid as a rock - reliable, indestructible (literally: solid as a rock)