Learn how to talk about bad experiences in English. This lesson is perfect for non-native speakers who want to enhance their conversational skills and express dissatisfaction like a native.
Whether it’s a bad meal, a disappointing event, or a worn-out gadget, you’ll learn simple English expressions to express your feelings clearly and effectively.
Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry. englishclass101
List of natural expressions
How to Talk About Bad Experiences
Harry
So, what is today’s advanced English lesson about? We’re focusing on idioms for criticising or talking about bad experiences.
These idioms are quite advanced, and we’ll go through them together. I have ten idioms to share, and I’ll give their meanings and examples. This should help you better understand how to use them in your English conversations.
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leaves a bad taste in my mouth
Meaning: something makes you feel uncomfortable or unhappy after experiencing it
Examples:
The way he lied during our discussion left a bad taste in my mouth.
Hiring expensive painters who left my house in a mess really left a bad taste in my mouth.
Seeing my coworker get the credit for my work left a bad taste in my mouth.
nothing to write home about
Meaning: something is mediocre or not very good
Examples:
The movie recommended to me last week was really disappointing and nothing to write home about.
The new café in town was nothing to write home about; I doubt I’ll go back.
isn’t up to scratch
Meaning: something is not good enough or doesn’t meet the expected standards
Examples:
When I reviewed a student’s draft thesis for their final exams, it wasn’t up to scratch.
It isn’t up to scratch; it lacks references, conclusions, and sufficient research. You’ll need to improve it.
The paint job on the kitchen walls isn’t up to scratch; there are streaks everywhere that need fixing.
How to Talk About Bad Experiences
not my cup of tea
Meaning: something is not to your liking or preference
Examples:
Horror movies are not my cup of tea; I prefer something less scary.
I’ve tried getting into sci-fi books, but they’re just not my cup of tea.
Lying down on the beach with 2,000 other people is not my cup of tea.
has seen better days
Meaning: something is old, worn out, or not as good as it used to be
Examples:
My old car has seen better days; it’s starting to break down more often.
Your mobile phone has seen better days; the screen is cracked and the edges are chipped.
Your mobile has seen better days; you should check out some of the good deals on new ones.
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past its sell-by date
Meaning: something is old and no longer in its best condition or no longer relevant
Examples:
This laptop is past its sell-by date, so it’s time for an upgrade.
I think this bike is past its sell-by date; I need to trade it in for a new one.
on its last legs
Meaning: something is very worn out and close to breaking or failing
Examples:
During our trip, the air conditioner in our hotel room was on its last legs, making it uncomfortably hot and difficult to sleep.
Our TV is clearly on its last legs compared to the neighbours’ massive screens; the colour is unclear.
Your TV is on its last legs; it’s time to upgrade before you miss another match.
a let-down
Meaning: something is disappointing because it did not meet expectations
Examples:
That holiday was a complete let-down, nothing went as planned and it rained the whole time.
The new coffee shop was a complete let-down; their espresso was weak and the service was slow.
How to Talk About Bad Experiences
not going to set the world on fire
Meaning: something is not very exciting or impressive; it’s average or unremarkable
Examples:
The meal at that hyped restaurant wasn’t bad, but it’s not going to set the world on fire.
That team isn’t going to set the world on fire; we’d be lucky to avoid relegation.
The pace he’s going at isn’t going to set the world on fire; he’s really taking his time.
like watching paint dry
Meaning: something is extremely boring or uninteresting
Examples:
Watching that game of chess was like watching paint dry. There was no action, and nothing happened for hours.
The recent TV programme on philosophy felt like watching paint dry, utterly dull and unengaging.
So, these are the idioms on how to talk about bad experiences in English. Let me give them to you one more time:
- leaves a bad taste in my mouth
- nothing to write home about
- isn’t up to scratch
- not my cup of tea
- has seen better days
- past its sell-by date
- on its last legs
- a let-down
- not going to set the world on fire
- like watching paint dry
Try them out and practice them. If you need any further help, feel free to come back to me.
I really appreciate it when you watch and listen. If you have any ideas, send them to me at www.englishlessonviaskype.com. I’ll join you again for the next lesson. This is Harry saying goodbye.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 485
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
English Collocations with Time
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
