English Vocabulary Class

Idioms are expressions that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words. Well, this English vocabulary class is all about idioms that are quite humorous. Ready to smile?

1. The lights are on, but nobody’s home

We use this expression to describe someone not very intelligent. A similar expression is: “The wheel is still spinning, but the hamster is dead”. Both intend to describe someone who is physically active, but not mentally active.

For example:

“This waitress keeps forgetting my food! It’s like the lights are on, but nobody’s home”

2. To have Van Gogh’s ear for music

Van Gogh is a very famous post-impressionist painter. He is also very well-known for cutting off his own ear. They still do not know exactly why it happened.

The expression, therefore, is ironic since someone who has Van Gogh’s ear for music means they have no sense of music at all.

For example:

“I have Van Gogh’s ear for music… I sing so badly and never remember the melody for any songs”

3. To put a sock in it

This idiom means “to be quiet” and we say it to someone who is very loud, noisy or won’t stop talking. Maybe it means we should put a sock in their mouth?

For example:

“Her little brother is always banging on the table and shouting when I am trying to study. I wish he would put a sock in it!”

4. When pigs fly

We use it to express that something will probably never happen. It is also used in disbelief.

For example:

“Josephine told me she will pass all of her exams but she has not studied at all! She’ll pass when pigs fly…”

5. Couch potato

To be a couch potato means to be lazy and spend all day lying on the sofa, watching TV or playing games.  A couch and a sofa are the same thing.

For example:

“My boyfriend is such a couch potato! All he does all day, every day, is watch National Geographic and MTV on the television”

Which idiom did you like most?