Here you will learn 10 English idioms using nationalities. Don’t take these idioms too seriously. Remember, that most of them are historical and have been around for a long time!
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Harry
English idioms using nationalities
Hi there, this is Harry and welcome back to my English lessons. You can listen to my English learning podcast Speak Better English, or you can watch it on my YouTube channel Learn English with Harry. Whichever suits you best.
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So what I’m going to talk to you about today?
Well, what I thought I would talk to you about are nationalities. And in particular, some expressions and English idioms using nationalities. Let me go through them and give you the examples, and hopefully, you’ll understand what they mean and how to use them in English.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
go Dutch
Meaning: to split the bill 50/50; to pay your own bill
Example:
Going Dutch on the first date can help you get to know the person without any strings attached.
it’s all Greek to me
Meaning: you really don’t understand anything about something (usually due to complexity)
Example:
I don’t know about these Ikea instructions…It’s all Greek to me.
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Indian Summer
Meaning: a short period of hot weather at the end of the normal summer
Example:
It’s great to have an Indian summer. The beginning of the summer was so cold.
pardon my French
Meaning: we usually use this expression to apologise for our bad language or swearing (no offence to the French people!)
Example:
Pardon my French, I didn’t really mean to say that, but these are the only words I can use to describe this situation.
We excuse ourselves for language that we use (or about to use) that some people might find offensive.
English idioms using nationalities
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Dutch uncle
Meaning: somebody who gives you very specific, certain, meaningful but very direct advice
Example:
Suddenly he began lecturing me like a Dutch uncle on how to behave in public.
Mexican standoff
Meaning: a confrontation where nobody is willing to make the first move or compromise
Example:
Nobody wanted to make the first move; it was a real Mexican standoff.
English idioms using nationalitites
English idioms using nationalitites
Mexican wave
Meaning: a wave effect made by a crowd watching a sports event (aka a stadium wave)
Example:
The atmosphere was great, fans were making Mexican waves and singing together throughout to encourage the players.
take French leave
Meaning: leave without permission or saying goodbye
Example:
Since leaving the hospital, he took French leave, and nothing has been heard from him since.
English idioms using nationalitites
Spanish practices
Meaning: refer to work practices that benefit the employees more than they benefit the employers
Example:
The company bosses want the workers to work harder and put an end to Spanish practices.
Examples of Spanish practices: regular tea breaks, overtime pay to cover the absence of colleagues, negotiable overtime pay, additional time off in lieu
Russian roulette
Meaning: taking a risk or a chance with something very important when you don’t know what the outcome is going to be
Example:
This is a bit like Russian roulette, I’m not sure if it’s going to work.
English idioms using nationalitites
Here are English idioms using nationalities. Let me give them to you one more time:
- go Dutch
- it’s all Greek to me
- Indian summer
- pardon my French
- Dutch uncle
- Mexican standoff
- Mexican wave
- take French leave
- Spanish practices
- Russian roulette
So you can enjoy those, and if you know anybody who will enjoy this English lesson, please give them my contact details www.englishlessonviaskype.com
I’m always very happy to hear from you. If there’s anything that you want me to include in the future, why don’t you drop me a line and let me know?
As always thanks for listening, and join me again soon.
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More information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
21 English verbs connected to movement
13 Other words to say DIFFICULT
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