Here you will learn unusual English expressions using body parts.
Many English idioms use parts of the body like head over heels and head in the clouds. These idioms are quite well known, and I’m not going to look at those.
I’m going to look at something that might be a little different.
Podcast episode 266
Table of Contents
Harry
unusual English expressions using body parts
Hi there, this is Harry and welcome back to my English learning podcast Speak Better English. Here I try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language so that you can communicate with people in a better way. Whether in informal conversations or indeed business English discussions.
Here we take a look at everything from phrasal verbs to grammar expressions and even pronunciation.
In this particular podcast episode, we are going to look at parts of the body. So let’s look at some unusual English expressions using body parts.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
head for heights
Meaning: you can stand on a very high building or mountain and look down without any fear
We can also use this idiom in the negative.
He doesn’t have a head for heights. Meaning he can’t stand on anything high
Example:
I certainly don’t have a head for heights. I was at the top of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and when I was outside looking down into a very very big drop, I got a little bit of a panic attack.
People who have a head for heights take on very interesting jobs like climbing lampposts or cleaning windows.
a glass jaw
Meaning:(used in boxing) someone who can’t take a punch in the chin, a fighter who isn’t going to last very long
Examples:
Nobody would classify him as a glass jaw.
The newspapers said he had a glass jaw because he got knocked out in the first round.
unusual English expressions using body parts
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to get off on the wrong foot
Meaning: something didn’t go so well from the very beginning
Examples:
I got off on the wrong foot in a relationship with my wife. I invited her to a movie that she didn’t like.
Unfortunately, Sarah’s job interview got off on the wrong foot – she got the company name wrong and mixed it up with their major competitor.
to elbow your way
Meaning: to move your way forward in the queue or battle your way through the crowd
Examples:
They had to elbow their way through a crowd of protestors to get to the city centre.
She elbowed her way to the front of the queue.
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unusual English expressions using body parts
to put your toe in the water
Meaning: to test something before you make a decision
Example:
They put their toe in the water before spending too much money on a new product design.
to be knee-deep in something
Meaning: to have a lot of problems or difficulties
Examples:
I’ve got problems with the bank, I’ve got my tax returns to do all, I’m knee-deep in paperwork, give me a rest for a week, and I’ll contact you next week.
I’m knee-deep in work, I have to call off the bowling tonight. Let’s catch up next week.
to (not) have the stomach for something
Meaning: you’re not really willing to put up a struggle, you’re not willing to fight, to give up
Examples:
The opposition candidate was doing so much better than him, so he decided to retire and not stand for the election this time. He didn’t have a stomach for that fight.
The manager accused them of not having the stomach for a fight when they lost very easily.
to have no backbone
Meaning: to not be able to stand up for yourself, to give in too easily
Example:
The team was accused of having no backbone, they collapsed very easily and lost an important game.
unusual English expressions using body parts
So here are my unusual expressions using body parts. Let me repeat those one more time:
- to have a head for heights (or not have a head for heights)
- a glass jaw
- to get off on the wrong foot
- to elbow your way in
- to put your toe in the water
- to be knee-deep in something (usually problems)
- to (not) have a stomach for something
- to have no backbone
So hopefully you could have enjoyed that. As always, if you want to contact me, you can do so at www.englishlessonviaskype.com.
Always happy to hear from you, always willing to take on board your comments. Thanks for listening.
More information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
English phrases to avoid answering a question
13 English idioms related to relaxation and rest
Don’t forget to check out intermediate and advanced English learning lessons at Learning English with the BBC.
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