Common British Phrases

like a rat up a drainpipe

2007-07-13T11:06:00.000Z

"like a rat up a drainpipe"

definition: very quickly/fast.

example: "I dunno (don't know) whats wrong with Jeff; when I told him that his girlfriend was walking up the street, he took off like a rat up a drainpipe"

all right?

2007-07-02T20:26:00.002Z

"All right?"

definition: This is used a lot around London and the south to mean, "Hello, how are you"? You would say it to a complete stranger or someone you knew. The normal response would be for them to say "All right?" back to you. It is said as a question. Sometimes it might get expanded to "all right mate"?

(jak se mas?)

example: J: "All right? Bill" B:" Not bad mate, you?"

Like a bear with a sore head

2007-07-02T20:26:00.001Z

"Like a bear with a sore head"

definition: if someone's like a bear with a sore head, they complain a lot and are unhappy about something.

example: "John is in a really bad mood today; he is like a bear with a sore head"

drop a clanger

2007-07-02T20:25:00.000Z

"to drop a clanger"

definition: to make an embarrassing mistake

(blbost, faux pas)

example: "When I asked a large lady on the tube if she would like my seat since she was so obviously pregnant, she took the seat then told me she was fat, not pregnant! I really dropped a clanger."

give someone a bell

2007-07-02T20:24:00.002Z

"to give someone a bell"

definition: to call/telephone someone

(telefonovat)

example: "Bye Nick, I'll give you a bell next week"

go cold turkey

2007-07-02T20:24:00.001Z

"to go cold turkey"

definition: to quit something abruptly. (usually some type of drug)

(abst�ák)

example: You will not lose weight until you give up chocolate - I suggest you go cold turkey.

origin: The expression originates from the goose bumps and palor which accompany withdrawal from narcotics or tobacco. One's skin resembles that of a plucked, cold turkey.

barking up the wrong tree

2007-07-02T20:23:00.002Z

"to be barking up the wrong tree"

definition: to be following a dead end path, pursuing an incorrect lead or assumption.

(být vedle, mýlit se, netrefit se, být mimo mísu)

example: "If you think those gloves will convict OJ, you are barking up the wrong tree."

origin: This phrase comes from the USA and originates in the practice of racoon hunting. Raccoons are partly nocturnal animals and are hunted with dogs. The raccoons often take hide in trees. When the dogs see them up a tree they stand at the base and bark - occasionally, in the dark, they get the wrong tree.

over the hill

2007-07-02T20:23:00.001Z

"to be over the hill"

definition: to be past your prime, to be old.

(nebýt už nejmladší)

example: "Every time I see these kids and their baseball caps I can't help but feel over the hill."

origin: A reference to a journey over a hill. Once you reach the top of the hill and begin your journey down, you have past the midpoint and are on the downside or decline (over the hill). With age, once you have past your peak, you are on the downside.

go to the dogs

2007-07-02T20:22:00.002Z

"to go to the dogs"

definition: to go to ruin; to be ruined; to worsen in appearance, character or behaviour

(jít od devíti k peti; být na tom cím dál hùr)

examples: "John has really gone to the dogs since his girlfriend left him"
"This area has really gone to the dogs since the factory closed"

origin: This is an analogy to the scraps of waste food etc that were thrown to dogs from medieval baronial dining tables. They were of no other use. Thus, if someone is said to have 'gone to the dogs', he is also regarded as worthless.

See a man about a dog

2007-07-02T20:22:00.001Z

"See a man about a dog"

definition: if you tell someone you are going to see a man about a dog, it is a way of saying that you do not want to tell them where you are really going.

example: "Steve didn't want Jana to know that he was going to buy drugs so he told her that he was going to see a man about a dog."

origin: The expression comes from the 1866 play 'Flying Scud' by Irish-born playwright Dion Boucicault. One of the characters uses the words as an excuse to get away from a tricky situation. This character says: "Excuse me Mr. Quail, I can't stop; I've got to see a man about a dog".

fly off the handle

2007-07-02T20:21:00.000Z

"to fly off the handle"

definition: to go into a rage; to react in a very angry way to something someone says or does

(ztratit nervy; vyletìt)

example: "John McEnroe would often fly off the handle at the tennis judges for any close decisions."

origin: The origin for this expression comes from U.S. frontier settlers. While repairing something, their axe head would sometimes come loose and fly off the handle. This was not only dangerous, but also held up work for others until it was fixed - much to the annoyance of all.

egg on your face

2007-07-02T20:20:00.002Z

"to have egg on your face"

definition: to be embarrassed.

(vypadat hloupe/jako hlupák; být za vola)

example: "Make sure you have your story straight - go public without the facts and you will have egg on your face."

origin: From the embarrassment suffered if the yellow yoke is on ones lips or beard after eating a soft boiled egg in one of those egg cups, a favorite breakfast of the upper crust. Yellow egg shows up especially well on a beard or mustache.

tie the knot

2007-07-02T20:20:00.001Z

"to tie the knot"

definition: to get married.

(praštit do toho)

example: "I understand you want a baby, but don't you think you should tie the knot first. In fact maybe you should get a girlfriend first."

origin: Some marriage ceremonies actually tie together the wrists of the bride and groom. Webster defines "tie" as "to unite in marriage".

square meal

2007-07-02T20:19:00.002Z

"a square meal"

definition: a nutritious, healthy meal.

(podrádné/vydatné jídlo)

example: "I am really hungry; because I have been camping I haven't had a square meal in weeks"

origin: British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best living conditions. A sailor's breakfast and lunch were just than bread and a drink. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal onboard a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.

bottom of the barrel

2007-07-02T20:19:00.001Z

"to scrape the bottom of the barrel"

definition: to use the very last and worst of your resources, opinions (because there is no choice)

(brát poslední z posledního)

example: "Asking your sister to go to the cinema with you, is really scraping the bottom of the barrel"

origin: This phrase refers to the sediment left by wine in a barrel, and was first used by Cicero to describe the lowest elements of Roman society.

long in the tooth

2007-07-02T20:18:00.000Z

"to be long in the tooth"

definition: to be getting old.

(už ne nejmladší, postarší)

example: "Daddy needs a new Porsche. The old one is getting a bit long in the tooth."

origin: Strange as it may seem this phrase's origin is closely related to the origin of the phrase "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".

The age of a horse can be roughly determined by examining its teeth, since a horse's gums recede as they age. The longer the teeth of a horse appear to be, the older the horse.

This expression comes from veterinary medicine - some animals have teeth that continue to grow much like fingernails. For example rabbits and rats need to gnaw hard objects to wear down their growing teeth.

turn a blind eye

2007-07-02T20:17:00.000Z

"to turn a blind eye"

definition: to knowingly refuse to acknowledge something which you know to be real.

(privrít oci, prehlížet, tolerovat)

example: "The police normally turn a blind eye if you give them some money"

origin: In the naval battle of Copenhagen in 1801 Nelson lead the attack of the British fleet against a joint Danish/Norwegian enemy. The British fleet of the day was commanded by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker. The two men disagreed over tactics and at one point Hyde Parker sent a signal (by the use of flags) for Nelson to disengage. Nelson was convinced he could win if he persisted and that's when he 'turned a blind eye'.

give up the ghost

2007-07-02T20:16:00.000Z

"to give up the ghost"

definition: to die, or in the case of inanimate objects, to stop working.

(prestat se snažit o co; vzdát co)

example: "After 20 years my car finally gave up the ghost"

hit the sack

2007-05-29T06:59:00.002Z

"to hit the sack"

definition: to go to bed

(jít do hajan; na kute (spat))

example: "I am really knackered, I'm going to hit the sack."

origin: Although fallen out of common usage, one definition of a sack is a bed. Early mattresses were often made from a cloth sack stuffed with hay, hair, or some other form of padding.

hit the books

2007-05-29T06:59:00.001Z

"to hit the books"

definition: to study for school assignments; to prepare for classes by reading and doing homework.

( drtit/biflovat (ucit se))

example: "You should really hit the books; your exam is tomorrow!"

origin: This idiom says that when you really study hard, you "hit" the books. Why hit? Hit has many meanings. Among them are to come into contact with something forcefully ("The bomb hit its target") and to achieve something you desire ("He hit upon the right formula").

throw a wobbly

2007-05-29T06:54:00.000Z

"to throw a wobbly"

definition: to become very angry

(rocílit se/ skoro vyletet z kuže)

example: "He threw a wobbly when he found his daughter smoking in her bedroom"

ring a bell

2007-05-24T22:07:00.001Z

"it rings a bell"

definition: to sound familiar; to call something to mind;

(připomínat něco, být nějak povědomé)

example: "I don't remember meeting him, but the name Matt Ford rings a bell."

origin: Bells such as the type used in churches are large and loud. Their sound can be heard from a great distance. Bells sound a single, clear note so their sound is distinctive and not easily confused.

Before electric sirens and amplification systems, bells were a valuable way to alertpeople of important events. Bells were used to signal people of the start of events such as a church service, the start of school, or a celebration. The bells acted as a reminder of the start of the event for people who had no clock or watch. Someone would literally ring a bell as a reminder.

jump on the bandwagon

2007-05-24T22:06:00.000Z

"to jump on the bandwagon"

definition: to become part of the newest activity because many other people are.

(přidat se k úspěšné/vítězné stranì)

example: "Martin doesn't really like that film; he is just jumping on the bandwagon"

origin: Many years ago candidates for political offices in the United States often rode through town in horse-drawn wagons on which a band was playing music to attract a crowd. If the candidate was popular, people would jump up onto his bandwagon to show their support. Today we say that people who are getting involved in any activity that looks like it’s going to succeed are "jumping on the bandwagon."

gift of the gab

2007-05-24T22:04:00.002Z

"to have the gift of the gab"

definition: If you have the gift of the gab you have the ability to talk a lot, and can often persuade other people to do what you want.

(vyřídilka, dobře proříznutá ústa)

example: 'He was born with the gift of the gab., and became very sucessful in advertising'

origin: The primitive Celtic word for mouth was Gab, but the expression is more likely based on the Middle English Gabbe meaning "idle talk". Gab however remains in modern use as the basis of Goblet and the slang Gob for mouth. Gab, for mouth, was known in 1811.

face the music

2007-05-24T22:04:00.001Z

"to face the music"

definition: to accept the unpleasant consequences, especially of your own actions

(postavit se, celit kritice, sníst si)

examples: "It's time to face the music, and accept your chocolate addiction."

"You should tell Nick that you don't want to see him again, and face the music"

origin: Comes from the British military. When someone was court marshaled, there would be a military drum squad playing, hence face the music. The term drummed out of the military came from this practice.

get cracking

2007-05-24T22:03:00.000Z

"Get cracking!"

definition: begin to work; get started

(dát/pustit se do ceho)

example: "We have a lot of work to do today so get cracking!"

gormless

2007-05-24T21:59:00.000Z

"to be gormless"

definition: A gormless person is someone who has absolutely no idea about anything; who is stupid or brainless.

(pitomý, hloupý, praštìný)

example: "That boy in our class is so gormless"

cold shoulder

2007-05-16T17:36:00.000Z

"to give someone the cold shoulder"

definition: to give someone an unfriendly welcome.

example: "I asked my friends to loan me money, but my idea was met with the cold shoulder".

origin: In England, a welcome or important visitor would be served a delicious hot meal. A guest "who had outstayed his welcome, or an ordinary traveller" would get a cold shoulder of mutton.

Alternative: The shoulder of beef is a less desirable cut. Serving a cold piece of beef shoulder to your guests is a message that they are not welcome in your home.

a pot to piss in

2007-05-14T21:22:00.000Z

"to not have a pot to piss in"

definition: to not have money or wealth.

(chudobný)

example: "You want to have children! We can't afford them, we don't have a pot to piss in."

origin: In medieval London, people did not have indoor plumbing. It was common to use a chamber pot as an indoor toilet. The chamber pot could then be dumped out a window into the street gutter below. A person who did not have a "pot to piss in" was poor indeed.

In medieval times the word "piss" was not considered at all vulgar. It was not until Victorian England that words such as piss were deemed vulgar. Even today phrases like "pot to piss in" and "Full of Piss and Vinegar" are somehow considered to be generally acceptable and only moderately crude.

dressed to a tea

2007-05-14T21:18:00.001Z

"to be dressed to a tea"

definition: to be well dressed with attention to detail.

(pěkně oblečený)

example: "Beware of any salesman that is dressed to a tea, smiles too much, and talks fast."

origin: A short way of saying "dressed for a tea" or "dressed to go to a tea". In the Victorian era, high tea was a formal affair. All proper people dressed in appropriate clothes.

out on the tiles

2007-05-10T22:21:00.001Z

"out on the tiles"

definition: out all night having a very enjoyable time (drinking, going to parties, clubs etc)

example: "You look tired this morning, did you have a night on the tilest?"

origin: (19th Century) the night-time adventures/exploits of cats (as in: on the roof-tiles)

neck of the woods

2007-05-09T19:05:00.000Z

"neck of the woods"

definition: when a person talks about their neck of the woods, they mean the area where they live.

(stejných konèin/ze stejného kraje)

example: "John lives in Prague 3, that;s my neck of the woods."

peanuts

2007-05-07T15:55:00.000Z

"I work for peanuts!"

definition: peanuts means something is cheap. Therefore if I work for peanuts or get paid in peanurs I work for vey little money

(pár šupù, málo penìz)]

examples: "When you work in McDonalds you get paid peanuts"

"Petrol is peanuts (or costs peanuts) compared to in the UK".

spend a penny

2007-05-07T15:52:00.000Z

"to spend a penny"

definition: to go to the bathroom/to the toilet.

(jít na toaletu)

origin: It comes from the fact that in ladies loos (toilets) you used to operate the door by inserting an old penny.

example: "I'll be back; I'm just going to spend a penny"

a shufti

2007-05-07T15:44:00.000Z

"to have a shufti"
(pronounced shooftee)

definition: this means to take a look at something, to take a butchers!

(podívat se, mrknout se)

origin: It's an old Arabic word, picked up by British soldiers during World War II, in North Africa.

example: "She'd brought her wedding photos in so I thought I might have a quick shufti"

pukka

2007-05-07T15:42:00.000Z

"It's pukka"

definition: it's super, smashing or great

(to je super)

example: "This food is pukka, mate"

pull the other one

2007-05-07T15:27:00.000Z

"Pull the other one!"

definition: This is an idiom you use to tell someone that you do not believe what they have just said.

(To si vykládej někomu jinému., Nevěš mi bulíky na nos)

examples: Man 1: "Yeah I drank about 20 beers last night and I felt fine."
Man 2: "Pull the other one. I don't think so."

"A truthful politician? Pull the other one!"

rushed off your feet

2007-05-06T18:01:00.001Z

"I am rushed off my feet"

definition: I am very busy, I have to work very hard or very fast

(similar to "nic nestiham")

example: 'I am rushed off my feet: my colleague has been ill all week'.
'We have only had one customer today, we aren't exactly rushed off our feet'

slag off

2007-05-06T18:00:00.001Z

"to slag someone off"

definition: to be nasty about someone, to complain about someone

(navážet se do koho, vozit se po kom)

example: 'Dom doesn't like me; he always slags me off behind my back'

kip

2007-05-06T17:59:00.000Z

"I'm going for a kip"

(dát si dvacet, schrupnout si)

definition of a 'kip' (alternatives: a nap or 40 winks):
a short or brief sleep, usually during the day

(zdřímnutí, schrupnutí, šlofík - obvykle přes den)

example: I've been up all night, I am absolutely knackered (very tired). I am going for a kip

bothered

2007-05-06T17:58:00.002Z

"I can't be bothered with it!"

definition: I don't have the time, or the energy, to do it.

(Je to mi jedno!)

example:
A. "Are you coming to football tonight?"
B. "Nah, I can't be bothered with it. I'll see you in the pub after, though."

take the piss

2007-05-06T17:58:00.001Z

"to take the piss out of someone"

definition: to make fun of someone, to mock

(delat si z nekoho legraci/srandu)

example: A: You look really daft (stupid/silly) in that hat!
B: Stop taking the piss out of me!

doddle/piece of cake

2007-05-06T17:57:00.000Z

"'it's a doddle/ it's a piece of cake/ it's a piece of piss"

definition: it is an easy task

(hracka)

examples: I can jump over that fence, it will be a doddle.
I have been studying really hard; passing my exam will be a piece of cake

skiver

2007-05-06T17:56:00.000Z

'You are such a skiver!'

definition of skiver: a person who avoids work or duty
by staying away or leaving early

(záškolák/ulejvák)

example: My boss is always leaving work early. He is such a skiver
John is always skiving school; he hasn't been there for weeks

feel up to

2007-05-06T17:55:00.002Z

"to feel up to something"

definition: to feel able to do something, to be in the mood to do something
(mit chut neco udelat; citit se dobre; byt ve sve kuzi)

example: I have a bad headache, I don't feel up to going out today.
A: Do you want to play football? B: Nah, I don't feel up to it

fork out

2007-05-06T17:55:00.001Z

"to fork out (some money)"

definition: to pay (especially unwillingly)

vyklopit (penize), vysolit (penize)

example: My computer has broken, so I'll have to fork out for a new one.

move on

2007-05-06T17:54:00.001Z

"to get a move on"

definition: to hurry up, to do something quickly

(pohnout kostrou; neflinkat se; pospisit si)

examples: "I am going to be late for work. I really need to get a move on."

"Jimmy you will be late for school. Get a move on!!!"

bad books

2007-05-06T17:53:00.000Z

"to be in someone's bad (good) books"

definition: to be in disgrace, or out of favour

(mit to u nekoho spatne (dobre); byt u nekoho spatne (dobre))

example: "I came home very late last night, I am definitely in my girlfriend's bad books."

make ends meet

2007-05-06T17:48:00.000Z

"to make ends meet"

definition: if somebody finds it hard to make ends meet, they have problems living on the money they earn.

(vyjít s penězi, vystačit s příjmem)

example: "I can hardly make ends meet on my salary."

make a go of

2007-05-06T17:46:00.001Z

"to make a go of something"

definition: to make a success of something (often relating to business or relationships)

(dovést, přinést něco k úspěchu; rozjet něco)

examples: "My business still isn't successful but I'm trying to make a go of it."

"Let's make a go of it - we have got a chance."

get-up-and-go-person

2007-05-06T17:45:00.000Z

"to be a get-up-and-go-person"

definition: a person with enthusiasm, drive, ambition and initiative.

(činorodý; nadšenec)

example: Our new colleague is a real get-up-and-go-person.
Now, that man has a lot of get-up-and-go!!!

cheap as chips

2007-05-06T17:44:00.000Z

"it's as cheap as chips!"

definition: it is very inexpensive/cheap

(je to velmi levné)

example: I bought a second hand computer from my friend in the pub.
I'm telling you, it was as cheap as chips!

mean business

2007-05-06T17:43:00.002Z

"to mean business"

definition: to be serious about achieving something, even if other people disagree with you

(myslet něco doopravdy, smrtelně vážně)

examples: "After she scored that point, I realised that she meant business."

"We hope that the government means business and will really do something about the lack of affordable housing."

a fine art

2007-05-06T17:43:00.001Z

"to have something down to a fine art"

definition: to be able to do something very well or quickly, often because you have done it so many times

(dostat něco na nejvyšší úroveň, stát se mistrem v určitém oboru)

example: Callum is in the pub everyday. He certainly has drinking down to a fine art

put my finger on it

2007-05-06T17:41:00.002Z

"I can't put my finger on it"

definition: We use this expression to say that we can't explain or fully understand something.

(nemůžu na to kápnout, nemůžu na to přijít)

example:
A: She looks different, doesn't she?
B: Yes, but I can't put my finger on it. Has she changed her hair?

A: Why don't you like Robert?
B: I don't know. I can't put my finger on it. I just feel we can't trust him.

make tracks

2007-05-06T17:41:00.001Z

"to make tracks"

definition: to go or depart in a hurry

(balit se; mit se k odchodu)

examples: "I am really late for the meeting. I'd better make tracks."

"Jeff saw his wife enter the room, so he made tracks."

not half

2007-05-06T17:40:00.000Z

"not half!"

definition: very, definitely, really

(docela ano)

example:
Q Do you like that girl?
A Not half!!!!!!

could do with

2007-05-06T17:37:00.000Z

"could do with"

definition: to make good use of because of need: benefit by.

example: "I am really thirsty; I could do with a nice cuppa (cup of tea)"

out of place

2007-05-06T17:36:00.000Z

"to be out of place"

definition: not in the position or location in which somebody or something should be, inappropriate

(byt nevhodny; nehodit se; byt nemistny)

example: "Wearing jeans to this formal ball is completely out of place!"
"I feel completely out of place at this party"

bear in mind

2007-05-06T17:32:00.001Z

"to bear in mind"

definition: to hold in one's mind; remember

(mít na paměti, nezapomenout na něco)

examples: "I know it's true but bear in mind her last words"

"When you talk to Satya please bear in mind that he is Australian"

the last straw

2007-05-06T17:27:00.000Z

"that's the last straw!"

definition: is the the last of a series of annoyances or disappointments that leads one to a final loss of patience, temper, trust, or hope.

(to je posledni kapka; ted uz toho mam dost)

example: "I am really tired of all your arguments, and what you said was the last straw. I am leaving. Forever.

kick up a fuss

2007-05-06T17:26:00.000Z

"to kick up a fuss"

definition: to complain loudy and/or angrily; to provoke an angry argument, usually complaining about something that someone should have done, but didn't do.

(nadelat povyk)

examples: Our food was cold so my father kicked up a fuss and refused to pay the service charge.

I didn't think that it would be a big problem but he really kicked up a fuss when I told him about the accident.

Two other phrases which are similar: to kick up a row or to kick up a storm.

origin: The origin of the phrase "kick up" literally refers to the kicking of the feet either in excitement or anger.

bite your lip

2007-05-06T17:25:00.001Z

"to bite your lip"

definition: when you want to say something, but you decide that it would be inappropriate or just a bad idea to say it: you have to bite your lip

(opanovat se; zdrzet se; ovladnout se)

example: "I really wanted to tell Dean how silly he looked in that hat, but I bit my lip."

on the ball

2007-05-06T17:24:00.001Z

"to be on the ball"

definition: A football player is said to be on the ball when having control of the ball and looking for a scoring opportunity or someone to pass to.
Therefore on the ball has come to mean alert, efficient etc.

(mít přehled, být na koni)

example: "He really knows what he is talking about; he is definitely on the ball"

on edge

2007-05-06T16:36:00.002Z

"to be/feel on edge"

definition: to be/feel highly tense or nervous; irritable

(byt cely nervozni)

example: "When Russell was waiting for the results of his medical tests, he was feeling really on edge"

manky

2007-05-06T16:36:00.001Z

"that looks/is really manky!"

definition of manky: dirty and very used.

(podřadný)

suggested usage: You might not want to use this word at a job interview but it does allow you to give "dirty" and "used" a rest, down at the pub.

example: "Now, now, don't cry. Use my tissue. I'm afraid it is a bit manky. Sorry."

origin: Old French manc, manque via Scottish. Originally from Latin mancus "maimed." The underlying root is *man-ko- "maimed in the hand." Akin to English "mangle" and Sanskrit manak "little." The root, man- is the same as that in Latin manus "hand," which appears in numerous English borrowings: "manual (by hand)," "manipulate," "manuscript," "manicure," etc.

chuffed

2007-05-06T16:34:00.002Z

"to be chuffed (to bits)"

definition: to be (really) happy, pleased about something.

(š�astný jako blecha)

example: I am chuffed to bits that I passed my exam.

keep your hair on

2007-05-06T16:34:00.001Z

"Keep your hair on!"

definition: keep/stay calm

(zachovat klid; zùstat v klidu)

example: "Dean, I know Arsenal lost today, but can you calm down?
Keep your hair on!"

up to you

2007-05-06T16:33:00.002Z

"it's up to you"

definition: it is your decision/choice

(je to na tobě, záleží to na tobě)

example: a) "Where shall we go tonight darling?"
b) I don't care, it's up to you."

chat up

2007-05-06T16:33:00.001Z

"to chat someone up"

definition: to talk to someone in a way that shows that you are sexually or romantically attracted to them.

(balit koho)

example: "You should stop chatting that girl up Roman; you have a wife and kids at home!"

take the plunge

2007-05-06T16:32:00.001Z

"to take the plunge"

definition: If you take the plunge, you decide to do something or commit yourself even though you know there is an element of risk involved.

(praštit do toho)

example: After losing my job in Birmingham, I decided to take the plunge and move to Canada.

head examined

2007-05-06T16:31:00.002Z

"to need your head examined"

definition: if you need your head examined you have done or are going to do something that is strange, extremely difficult, crazy or out of the ordinary and therefore you should probably have your head examined by a doctor (or psychiatrist)

(nechat se prohlédnout, nechat si vyštrit)

example: Amanda has decided to walk all the way to New York. She needs her head examined!

hang on in there

2007-05-06T16:31:00.001Z

"Hang (on) in there!"

definition: continue to try to do something although it is very difficult

(jen tak dál, nevzdávej to, nenech se odradit)

example: "Brian I know you've lost your wife, your job, your house and your car....but everything will be ok, mate. Hang on in there!"

draw the line

2007-05-06T16:29:00.002Z

"to draw the line at something"

definition: to decide firmly the limit of what one will tolerate or participate in

(nemit s cim co do cineni, spolecneho)

examples: "I like exciting sports, but I draw the line at jumping out of a plane!"

"Marc committed fraud but drew the line at blackmail"

beat around the bush

2007-05-06T16:29:00.001Z

"to beat around the bush"

definition: to not directly address the problem/issue, to speak indirectly or evasively

(chodit kolem neceho jako kocka kolem horke kase; mlatit prazdnou slamu)

example: "I wish Josh would stop beating around the bush and tell Jana what he really thinks."

origin: Hunters used to hire 'beaters' who would beat/hit bushes. This would cause the hunted animal or bird to leave the bush and leave the hunter to 'make his point' (i.e. kill the animal)

a far cry

2007-05-06T16:24:00.002Z

"to be a far cry from something"

definition: to be a long way, distance from something, to be very different from something

(ani zdaleka se nepodobat cemu)

example: The climate in the Czech Republic is a far cry from that of Australia

nothing to write home about

2007-05-06T16:24:00.001Z

"nothing to write home about"

definition: you say this when something is ordinary or unremarkable, not particularly exciting, interesting or attractive

(nic mimorádného; nic extra/ svìtoborného)

example: "The restaurant I went to last night is ok, but it's nothing to write home about"

dead body

2007-05-06T16:23:00.002Z

"Over my dead body!"

definition: you say this expression when you will not allow a person to do something. The literal meaning is that you will stand in the way of that person and only if they kill you and walk over your dead body will they be able to do what they want.

(jen pres mou mrtvolu)

example: "You kids are not going out in the cold without your jackets! Not over my dead body!"

fall to pieces

2007-05-06T16:23:00.001Z

"to fall to pieces/bits"

definition: to be unable to carry on or function normally, especially because of overwhelming grief

(rozpadnout se; na kusy)

example: "Steve fell to pieces when his girlfriend left him"

a blue moon

2007-05-06T16:22:00.000Z

"once in a blue moon"

definition: a very rare event

(jednou za uherský rok, skoro nikdy)

example: "I see Jeff once in a blue moon; he is always working"

origin: A blue moon was originally cited as something impossible and later came to mean unlikely. There are rare examples of the moon actually appearing blue, after volcanic eruptions or unusual weather conditions. Another possible derivation is from The Maine Farmers' Almanac. When there were two full moons in a calendar month the first was printed in red, the second in blue.

to have a bash at sth

2007-05-06T16:21:00.000Z

"to have a bash at something/ to give something a bash"

definition: to attempt something, to try to do something (especially when there isn't much chance of success)

(zkusit co, pustit se do ceho, dát se do ceho)

examples: "I had a bash at making a cake but it looked more like a biscuit when I took it out the oven"

"Billy, I know you haven't played hockey before but give it a bash!"

blast from the past

2007-05-06T16:20:00.001Z

"blast from the past"

definition: something that suddenly and strongly makes you remember a previous time in your life; something or someone that returns after a period of obscurity or absence

(závan minulosti)

examples: "Seeing my old friend from school was a blast from the past"

"Take That has released a new song; that's a blast from the past!!"

gobsmacked

2007-05-06T16:15:00.000Z

"I am absolutely gobsmacked"

definition of gobsmacked: utterly astonished / surprised

(omrácený, vyvedený z míry, šokovaný)

example: "I was completely gobsmacked when Jeff told me he was gay"

eyes peeled

2007-05-06T16:14:00.001Z

"Keep your eyes peeled!"

definition: pay attention; be watchful

(dávat si pozor)

example: "Allin, your job is too keep your eyes peeled for any police while we burgle this house"

mad as a hatter

2007-05-06T16:12:00.000Z

"as mad as a hatter"

definition: completely mad

(šílený)

example: "That man talking to himself over there is as mad as a hatter!"

origin: Mercury used to be used in the making of hats. This was known to have affected the nervous systems of hatters, causing them to tremble and appear insane. The use of mercury compounds in 19th century hat making and the resulting effects are well-established - mercury poisoning is still known today as 'Mad Hatter's disease'.

the wrong end of the stick

2007-05-06T16:11:00.002Z

"to get the wrong end of the stick"

definition: if someone has got the wrong end of the stick, they have misunderstood what someone has said to them.

(naprosto nepochopit, o co jde)

example: "Simon's employer asked him to re-sign his contract (for another year), but he got hold of the wrong end of the stick and thought he had been sacked"

origin: There are two possibliliteis for the origin of this phrase:

1) This phrase refers to a walking stick held upside down, which does not help a walker much. Originating in the 1400s as 'worse end of the staff', this term was changed to the current wording only in the late 1800s.

2) The Romans invented the flush toilet, but not toilet paper; and their lavatories were communal affairs, where one would go and discuss the day's happenings with whoever else was in at the time. Personal cleanliness was addressed with a cloth or a sponge which lived in a bowl of water at one end of the lavatorium, and which was passed from person to person by means of a stick. It is easy to imagine someone deep in conversation not looking when the stick was passed to them, and therefore getting hold of the wrong end of it.

belt up

2007-05-06T16:11:00.001Z

"Belt up!"

definition: be quiet; shut up

(zmlknout, držet hubu, sklapnout)

example: "Matt stop complaining about how much work you have. Belt up!"

to faff

2007-05-06T16:10:00.000Z

"to faff around/about"

definition: to waste time doing nothing; to behave indecisively

(flákat se, dìlat hovno, prdìt na to)

examples: "I didn't do anything on Sunday; I just faffed around the house."
"Stop faffing around, we are late already!"

to bite your head off

2007-05-06T16:09:00.002Z

"to bite someone's head off"

definition: to respond to a comment in an angry or reproachful way

(utrhnout se, vyjet na koho (neoprávnìnì prísnì), (pren) utrhnout komu hlavu)

example:
Jim- "Are you ready to go darling?"

Jane (angrily)- "I always have to wait for you. Just because you have to wait for me once. I'm sick of listening to you! Shut up and leave me alone; I'll be ready soon!"

Jim- "Well, there is no need to bite my head off!!"

a lot of stick

2007-05-06T16:09:00.001Z

"to take/get a lot of stick"

definition: to be criticized or laughed at because of something that you do.

(být hodnì kritizovaný)

example: "I get a lot of stick from people at work over the way I dress"

to get shirty

2007-05-06T16:08:00.001Z

"Don't get shirty with me!"

definition of 'shirty': bad tempered; annoyed

(naštvaný, rozzurený)

example: "That bloke is getting really shirty with me"

stuffed

2007-05-06T16:07:00.001Z

"I am absolutely stuffed!"

definition: When you have had enough to eat it is quite acceptable to tell everyone that you are stuffed. It means you are full.

(Jsem fakt precpaný k prasknutí)

example: "I am completely stuffed I couldn't eat another thing!"

peckish

2007-05-06T16:04:00.001Z

"I am feeling a bit peckish"

definition: If you are a little peckish it means you are a bit hungry and need to nibble at something.

(vyhládlý, hladový)

example:
Jill "Are you hungry?"
John "I couldn't eat a meal, but I am a bit peckish"

end of your tether

2007-05-06T15:59:00.000Z

"I am at the end of my tether"

definition: If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the limit of your patience or endurance or abilities

(být na konci svých sil, nemoci dál, být na pokraji zhroucení)

example: "I have so many things to do, I am really at the end of my tether"

set in your ways

2007-05-06T15:58:00.000Z

"to be set in your ways"

definition: to be unwilling or very reluctant to change; to be inflexible/fixed in your habits

(být zkostnatìlý)

example: "Robert will never go and buy a pet hamster, he is too set in his ways"

swing a cat

2007-05-06T15:56:00.001Z

"There is no room to swing a cat!"

definition: you say this phrase when you are in a awkwardly small, confined space

(Nedá se tam ani hnout.., Není tam k hnutí)

example: "Your bedroom is really small, there is no room to swing a cat in here!!"

origin: The 'cat' referrs to the whip used to punish sailors in the British Navy, called the 'cat o' nine tails'. If a sailor was to be punished with a nine tailed whip in a confined area there would be no room to "swing a cat" and give the punishment.

Note: This is the most common explanation of the origin and is not definite.

a do

2007-05-06T15:55:00.001Z

"You coming to the work do?"

definition of 'a do': a party, an entertainment, a bash

(mejdan)

example: "I am organising a do for Jeff's birthday"

straight face

2007-05-06T15:54:00.000Z

"to keep a straight face"

definition: to not show your feelings, especially to stop from laughing.

(zachovat vážnou/kamennou tvár)

example: "The school orchestra played so many wrong notes that I had trouble keeping a straight face"

knackered

2007-05-06T15:53:00.000Z

"I am completely knackered!"

definition of knackered: tired, exhausted

(utahaný, vyfluslý, znicený, zdemolovaný)

example: "I was studying til 4am last night; I am totally knackered"

a butchers

2007-05-06T14:56:00.000Z

"Take a butchers at that!"

definition: to have a look at something

(podívat se, mrknout se)

example: "Take a butchers at that! That copper's running away from a criminal!"
(copper = policeman)

origin: from Cockney Ryhming Slang 'Butcher's hook' which rhymes with 'look'