English in the Community: Spring is Coming!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Spring is Coming!

Here is a picture of snowdrops. These flowers are usually the first ones we can see at the end of winter. When you see them, you know spring is coming soon.

Outreach Idioms

MAKE TIME (FOR SOMETHING) = CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE TO FIT IN A NEW THING Mahmoud thought he was too busy to join a chess club, but his wife told him he should make time for it. Now he's happy he did.
IN THE DOLDRUMS = WITHOUT ENERGY; IN AN UNPRODUCTIVE PERIOD OF TIME Many people feel they're in the doldrums during the winter months between Christmas holidays and spring sunshine.
MAKE A RESOLUTION = PROMISE YOURSELF TO DO SOMETHING The swimming pool is always full in January because people make resolutions to get more exercise. In February, it's less busy!
CHEER UP = BECOME HAPPIER, OR MAKE SOMEONE HAPPIER She loves to see her grandchildren because they always cheer her up.
GET COLD FEET = CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT A PLAN After she promised to get married, she got cold feet and broke off her engagement.
SAVE SOMETHING FOR A RAINY DAY = SAVE SOMETHING UNTIL YOU REALLY NEED IT. "Will you be okay financially if you lose your job?" "Not great, but I've saved some money for a rainy day."
MAKE A FRESH START = START FROM THE BEGINNING When you move to a new city, everything is new and you can make a fresh start.
DROP IN = VISIT WITHOUT A PLAN OR INVITATION Over the summer holidays, many people will drop in to visit their friends.
GIVE IT A SHOT = TRY SOMETHING Don’t be shy about trying something new. Give it a shot!
CHECK (SOMETHING) OUT = LOOK AT SOMETHING; FIND OUT ABOUT SOMETHING "The Information Night looks pretty interesting. We should check it out."
SIGN UP = REGISTER; PUT YOUR NAME ON A LIST New students can sign up for Outreach community classes on April 11th and 12th.
GET IN TOUCH = CONTACT SOMEONE You can get in touch with Outreach staff by phone or e-mail.