You bet!

Native English speakers use different expressions all the time. Today we are offering you a couple of them. 

The first one is "You Bet!" We use this expression to say that we are extremely keen on something or to emphasize something.

Click here and you'll be redirected to a video which provides good examples.

Another expression English speakers often use is "Turn the Page". It gives the meaning of leaving a difficult situation behind. In fact, we also use this expression in our own language. Click here to learn more about this expression.

Functional language

In this post we are not showing you any of the tasks done by our students. We have decided to share with you a picture where you will find lots of useful expressions. Some of them are quite informal, which means it would be better to use them in an oral situation. On the other hand, you will find some phrases used mostly while writing compositions and whenever a formal language is needed. We hope it's useful.

Fine as frog's hair

If something is as fine as frog's hair, it is very delicate and fine. The phrase is facetious as frogs do not possess hair.

Origin

This is an American simile and dates back to the mid 19th century. C. Davis's Diary of 1865 has this entry:

"I have a better flow of spirits this morning, and, in fact, feel as fine as frog's hair, as Potso used to say."

The allusion to the hairs on a frog clearly points us to the 'slender, narrow', meaning of the phrase. Just as clearly, frogs don't have hair, and the ironic reference to it is intended to highlight the effect. This is similar to the British simile 'as rare as rocking-horse shit' that is, nonexistent. The British also have a related vulgarism, which takes the implied smallness a step further - 'as small as the hairs on a gnat's bollock'.

The citation above plays with the meaning of the expression by using 'fine' to mean 'excellent - in high spirits'.

There is a lesser-known variant from the southern states - 'as slippery as frog hair'. This is used to denote money, especially that which is newly acquired; for example, from Time, February 1974:

"Disturbingly, many of the plaque owners were contractors or architects who stood to benefit from making political contributions - frog hair, as such funds are known... because, as old Sooners [Settlers who jumped the gun and arrived too soon to a claim] say, new money feels 'as slippery as frog's hair'."

A stitch in time saves nine. Phrase

This phrase means a timely effort will prevent more work later.

The 'stitch in time' is simply the sewing up of a small hole or tear in a piece of material, so saving the need for more stitching at a later date when the hole has become larger. Clearly, the first users of this expression were referring to saving nine stitches. The Anglo Saxon work ethic is being called on here. Many English proverbs encourage immediate effort as superior to putting things off until later; for example, 'one year's seeds, seven year's weeds', 'procrastination is the thief of time' and 'the early bird catches the worm'.

Phrase of the week

'I'm as cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce'. MCA

Cool as a cuccumber. A person who keeps calm and self-controlled, especially in a difficult situation.

Phrase of the Week

It's back!

To chew the fat - Hablar con un amigo

Definition: To talk for a while with a friend. 

e.g. "We haven't talked for ages, we need to chew the fat!"