Are you ever confused when speaking to someone from the United States? Do certain phrases they use make no sense at all? You’re not alone! Many foreigners find American English confusing because of its unique idioms and expressions.
From “raining cats and dogs” to “biting off more than you can chew,” here are 15 American phrases that often confuse non-native speakers. Understanding these sayings will help clear up any confusion while speaking with native English speakers from the U.S.
“Break a Leg”
This phrase is used to wish someone the best of luck and success, although its exact origins are unknown. It is thought to have derived from Vaudeville theater, where performers would wish each other well before taking the stage by saying, “break a leg.” Despite its ominous-sounding name, it’s actually meant to convey encouragement and optimism.
“Bite off More Than You Can Chew”
The phrase “Bite off more than you can chew” is a warning not to take on too much. It means that a person has taken on an undertaking or responsibility that is too difficult to handle. This phrase is often used when someone attempts something larger than they can or when they have overestimated their abilities in a given situation. In other words, it’s best to take things one step at a time to make the task easier and more manageable.
“Keep Your Eyes Peeled”
It means to be alert or watchful and is usually used to tell someone to be prepared for something or to look out for something. This phrase can confuse foreigners, suggesting having one’s eyes peeled open to keep an eye out for anything. However, it implies that one should remain alert and attentive to spot anything interesting.
“Raining Cats and Dogs”
The phrase “raining cats and dogs” is an idiom that originated in the United Kingdom, though it has since spread to other parts of the world. In literal terms, it means that it is raining very heavily. The phrase refers to a thunderstorm with heavy rain and strong winds, creating the impression of cats and dogs falling from the sky. This phrase is often used to describe a stormy day or bad weather in general. It can also be used humorously to indicate something unexpected or chaotic happening.
“Easy Peasy”
The phrase “easy peasy” is an American English expression used to describe something that is incredibly easy. This phrase has become a part of the language largely due to its use in popular culture, such as movies and television shows. The phrase is believed to have originated from a British dishwashing liquid commercial in the 1970s.
“Hit the Nail on the Head”
This is an American phrase used to mean that someone has come to the correct answer or made a good guess. It comes from the literal action of using a hammer and nail, where hitting directly in the center gives you accuracy and precision. This phrase can be used in many situations, from solving math problems to making wise decisions. So if someone nails it, they have truly hit the nail on the head!
“Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”
It is a popular American idiom that means to leave something alone if it is better off undisturbed. The phrase originated in the 1600s and has been used ever since, with its meaning remaining the same all these years. It is often used as a cautionary warning to not meddle with things that are best left alone, as you may end up stirring up trouble or creating more problems than necessary.
“Take It With a Grain of Salt”
The phrase “take it with a grain of salt” is often said in the United States to express caution when considering what someone has said. It means that you should not take something too seriously or take it as absolute truth. This phrase is derived from an old practice of adding a small pinch of salt to food to make it more palatable. It serves as a reminder not to believe everything that someone tells you without further research or consideration.
“Piece of Cake”
The phrase “piece of cake” is a commonly used American phrase that generally means something is easy to do. It has become popular due to its use in movies, books, and everyday conversations. This expression dates back to the early twentieth century and is often used as an encouraging remark when one has easily completed a task or challenge. Foreigners may be confused by this phrase because it does not literally refer to an actual piece of cake!
“Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk”
It is an American proverb that means there is no use in worrying over something that has already happened and can’t be changed. It encourages people not to dwell on mistakes or misfortunes but to move forward instead and focus on what can still be done. This phrase is particularly confusing for foreigners as its literal meaning does not make much sense when taken out of its cultural context.
“An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away”
This popular proverb in American culture encourages people to eat more healthy foods, such as apples, as it is believed that doing so can help prevent common illnesses. The phrase is intended to remind people that eating fruits and vegetables can benefit their health and help them avoid visiting the doctor due to sickness.
“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”
This phrase reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, and what may look one way on the outside may actually be something completely different on the inside. We should not judge someone or something based solely on their appearance or initial impression. Instead, we should take the time to learn more about them before making any assumptions.
“The Early Bird Gets the Worm”
This phrase encourages people to wake up early, as it suggests that those who do so will be rewarded for their effort. It implies that waking up early can lead to success, as the first bird to arrive at the scene has the best chance of getting the most desirable food. The phrase is also used figuratively to refer to anyone in any situation who takes action before others, thus gaining an advantage over them.
“A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned”
This proverb encourages people to be mindful of their spending habits and save money whenever possible. This phrase is an excellent reminder to save money rather than splurge on unnecessary purchases to create a secure financial foundation for yourself. After all, a penny saved now is worth much more in the long run!
“Spill the Beans”
In American English, this phrase means to divulge a secret or reveal previously unknown information. It is an idiom that originated in Ancient Greece and refers to the practice of voting by dropping beans into a jar. The person who had the most beans would be declared the winner, and if one tried to peek at how many were in each jar, they would “spill the beans” and reveal the secret.
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