A概念英语--英语俚语.doc

15 Funny English Idioms You May Not KnowAn idiom is an everyday figure of speech or metaphorical expression whose meaning cannot be taken literary. Idioms often go against the logical “rules of language and grammar” despite being commonly used by the languages native speakers. If you look closely at the literal meaning of most idioms, you will realize they are often downright hilarious. Here is a list of some of the funniest English idioms you may not know, most of which are drawn from British English. Learn to speak like a regular Brit, mate!1. Do a Devon LochDevon Loch was a racehorse that collapsed just short of the winning line of the 1956 Grand National race in the UK. If someone does a Devon Loch, they suddenly fail when everybody expects them to succeed or simply crumble at the very last minute when they were almost winning.Example:It was shocking how Manchester United did aDevon Lochin the last minutes of the match against Arsenal.2. Bobs your uncleThis idiom is a catch phrase used when everything is alright and means that something will be done, sorted or successful. Its the British equivalent of “and thats that,” or “there you go!” How it is used is often quite funny.Example:You want to go to the market? Go straight on until you reach the main road, take the first right, and Bobs your uncleyoure there!3. Do a runnerWhen someone does a runner, he leaves a place in a hurry in order to avoid paying for something (like in a restaurant) or flees a difficult situation to escape punishment. Like many British idioms, this particular idiom originates from one of Shakespeares popular plays,Anthony and Cleopatra, a gripping story of romance and tragedy that was first performed in 1606.Example:At this point,the con artist did a runner with all her money.4. Enough to cobble dogs withThisincredulous phrase is used to refer to a surplus of anything. The humor in the image contained in the phrase becomes apparent when you consider that a cobbler repairs shoes. If a cobbler has enough leather to cobble an animal that has four feet, then that cobbler definitely has a surplus.Example:Weve got enough beer in this party to cobble dogs with.5. Fall off the back of a lorryThis is the British humorous way of saying you acquired something that was probably stolen, or you are trying to sell something thats stolen or illegitimate. The American equivalent of the phrase is: “off the back of a truck.”Example:I dont know where you get this stuff. I suspect off the back of a lorry.6. Hairy at the heelThis disparaging phrase was originally used by the British upper-crust to refer to someone who is ill-bred, dangerous or untrustworthy. The image of a hairy heel is indeed striking and funny.Example:I cant say I like Bob. Ive once or twice had a row with him. Hes a bit hairy at the heels.7. Cats arseThe humble cats arseoriginally known as “felinus bottomus” to the ancient Greeksis sometimes used to describe the facial expression adopted by a scorned woman. This rather vulgar phrase is apparently used because the (*) shape created by the womans lips resemble a cats backside.Example:Bob wont come to the pub with ushes afraid his wife will give him the Cats Arse if he does.8. For donkeys yearsThis British expression jokingly alludes to the considerable length of years the animal works with nothing to show for it. If you have done something for donkeys years, then you have done it for an awfully long time without any change or much to show for it.Example:Ive been a plumber for donkeys years. Its time for a change.9. All talk and no trousersSomeone who is all talk and no trouser talks and thumps his chest a lot about doing big, important things, but doesnt actually take any action. The thought of someone running his mouth with no trousers is funny.Example:Be careful. Politicians are known to be all mouth and no trousers.10. If youll pardon my French“Pardon my French,” or “excuse my French” is an informal apology for the use of profane, swear or taboo words. The expression dates back to the 19th century when it was fashionable for Englishmen to use French wordsa foreign language thenin conversation, knowing the listener may not understand.Example:What she needs is a kick in the ass,if youll excuse my French.11. When pigs flyPigs cannot fly. This often sarcastic idiom is commonly used among friends in the US to mean that whatever you are discussing will never happen. A similar saying was first used in Scotland in the late 1500s and a version of which even appeared in Lewis Carrolls 1865 novelAlice in Wonderland.Example:Yea, right! You will get JustinBieberto ask you on a date when pigs fly!12. Cat got your tongueImagine a cat eating or holding your tongue! Would you be able to speak? No, probably not. That is exactly what the phrase means. If a cat got your tongue, you are unable to speak. Your silence is oddly suspicious. Apparently, the phrase stems from the middle ages when witches were greatly feared. It was said that if you saw a witch, her cat would somehow “steal” your tongue so you couldnt report the sighting. Not a nice thought but definitely a reason why you would be speechless.Example: Come on, Bob! Tell us what you think about our little party. Whats the matter? Cat got your tongue?13. Have a one track mind!Most railroads have two or more tracks so trains can go in different directions. However, on a one-track railroad line, train traffic can only move in one direction at a time. If you have a one track mind, your mind is limited to only one line of thought or action. You are always thinking about the same thing.Example:Oh, shut up, Sean!All you think about is foodyouhave a onetrack mind.14. Chew the fatThis idiom means to chat in a friendly and leisurely way or engage in casual gossip sessions. It is said to stem from t