Stonks

July 24, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases, Words

I’m usually a very productive person, but I do take time to relax.  And for me, watching YouTube gaming channels helps me to relax.  It is also where I am introduced to a lot of new language.  One word I have heard a lot lately is stonks.  For example, apqLIVE used it in his video … Read More

When It Rains, It Pours

July 22, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

My job can be pretty busy sometimes.  Even when there is some free time, supervisors like to schedule meetings.  But there are also times when things get really busy.  A supervisor will have a meeting with us and assign some work.  Then, another supervisor will ask us to help with something else.  We also might … Read More

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

July 20, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases, Proverbs

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch is an English proverb about expectations.  The phrase warns us against counting on something to happen.  We shouldn’t take things for granted (expecting a certain result).  The proverb is an allusion to a chicken farmer who expects all his eggs to hatch and become chickens.  With natural incubation, … Read More

Turn a Blind Eye

July 20, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

I recently watched a video where the presenter was complaining about idioms.  He seemed to be distraught at the fact that idioms exist.  If you have seen my other posts here, you probably know I have the opposite opinion.  I think they are very interesting and learning about them can show us a bit about … Read More

Caught Red-Handed

July 18, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

At this time of year, it is important to wear suntan lotion.  Today, I went for a long walk.  I was smart and I put suntan lotion on my arms, legs, and neck.  However, I forgot to put lotion on my hands.  Now, my hands are red. My story doesn’t have anything to do with … Read More

Just Like Riding a Bike

July 18, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

Yesterday I went cycling for the first time since my leg was injured about 2.5 months ago.  It was nice to get back in the saddle (bicycle seat). I felt strange sitting on my bicycle.  My injured leg felt like it was too short when I started.  After about 10 minutes it was fine.  Also, … Read More

Close But No Cigar

July 16, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

A lot of people are surprised to learn that I am a smoker.  Even though I only have a few cigarettes per day, I am a smoker.  I only smoke after work and it helps me to fall asleep. The phrase ‘close but no cigar’ means that you almost accomplished something but fell just short.  … Read More

The Dog Days of Summer

July 16, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

It is really hot these days.  In Korean, there are names for the hottest days of the year.  Today is Chobok, the first of the hottest days.  The other days are Jungbok (July 27th) and Malbok (August 16th).  The ending phoneme, bok, comes from a Chinese character that looks like a dog lying on its … Read More

Let Your Hair Down

July 13, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

I am on vacation this week or at least I booked this week off work.  Unfortunately, I still had to go to work most of Monday and a little bit on Tuesday.  There were time sensitive tasks to do.  Now, for the rest of the week, I am looking forward to letting my hair down … Read More

Apple of My Eye

July 12, 2021By Tim SchilstraPhrases

The phrase ‘apple of my eye’ refers to someone or something that is extremely special or important to someone.  It is more often used to talk about a loved one rather than an object.  This phrase is not commonly spoken, but most English speakers will know it. Example:  My sweetheart.  You are the apple of … Read More