It’s winter and things are a bit chilly out – it’s cold! As we have seen in previous posts, English idioms make the English language go round, so here you will find six more common and useful idioms used in English, which are related to the cold!
1. Put something on ice
We use this phrase to refer to something we will do at another time. For example, when discussing a difficult topic.
Example: “You know what, let’s put this on ice for tonight and talk about it tomorrow.”
2. Not a snowball’s chance in hell
This is one of my favourite phrases! We use it when we are telling someone there is no chance of something happening at all (like a snowball surviving in hell because hell is hot).
Example: “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell you’re going to the party looking like that! You’re only 16 years old!!”
3. Break the ice
This is a phrase that is very common. If you have an English lesson for the first time, you might hear the teacher say, “Let’s do an ‘ice-breaker’ task”. This means they will do an activity which has everyone talking to each other so they are not nervous anymore.
Example: “Right everyone, let’s start with an ice-breaker. Let’s go around and get to know each other a little more.”
4. Leave someone out in the cold
This phrase is used when referring to keeping someone out of a conversation or decision.
Example: “You can’t just leave me out in the cold like that! I deserve to know the truth.”
5. Walking on thin ice
This is another favourite of mine that I use often, especially with my siblings! If you say this to someone, it is because you are very upset and if the person continues to upset you, you will get very angry.
Example: “You are on very thin ice, Dean! If I were you, I would leave me alone.”
6. Tip of the iceberg
a. This refers to a small part of something (such as a problem) which can be seen or which is known, however, there is a lot more to the issue than we know about.
Example: “I know the news report covering the scandal sounds awful already, but I think this is only the tip of the iceberg and there will be more still to come.”
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning some new phrases! I challenge you to find some more and if you think you’d like to learn more with one of our fantastic and dedicated tutors, then get in touch!
Until next time!
Cassandra B.