美国俚语 american idioms.docx

A penny for your thoughtsThis phrase is just a way of someone asking you what you are thinking about.A watched pot never boils When you constantly check on something, it seems it just takes longer. Thus, this phrase means to be patient, and keep yourself occupied while you wait for something. Suzie kept checking her emails for her job acceptance, but you know a watched pot never boils. Break a leg If someone tells you to break a leg, they arent wishing injury on you. They are simply wishing you good luck. Break a leg at your job interview today. Bite your tongue This phrase can be used in two different ways. It can mean to stop yourself before you say something you regret. For instance, I wanted to tell my boss she was wrong, but I had to bite my tongue. OR, it can be said to someone that has made a statement that is displeasing. For example, if someone said, I hope the airplane doesnt explode, you may respond, BITE YOUR TONGUE! Chew the fat When you are chatting with someone about nothing in particular, you could say you are chewing the fat. Or, if you plan on visiting a friend, you could say you are going over to chew the fat. To Go Cold Turkey When someone says they are going cold turkey, it means that they are stopping something abruptly. This phrase is often used when a person is trying to quit smoking. Im giving up cigarettes cold turkey. Dont bite the hand that feeds you This phrase means to not take advantage of, or hurt, someone that has helped you. You wouldnt want to steal from your boss, because you would be biting the hand that feeds you. Dont burn your bridges If you burn a bridge, you would be ruining a relationship or opportunity. Thus, if you were quitting a job, you don’t want to insult your boss. S/he may cause problems for you obtaining a future job.Dont count your chickens before they’re hatched This phrase has nothing to do with chickens. It simply means, dont be confident in anything until it happens. You may think you have that job, but dont