The phrase ignorance is bliss means that lacking knowledge can make you happy. Ignorance is ‘ignoring’ or not having knowledge. Bliss is an overwhelming feeling of happiness. The phrase comes from a 1742 Poem by Thomas Gray called Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College. In his poem, Gray is thinking about his younger years, … Read More
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say something, but your brain couldn’t come up with something to say? Maybe the cat had your tongue. This phrase is usually used in question form, as in: “Cat got your tongue?” It is probably a shortened form of “Has the cat gotten your … Read More
A little bird told me you are interested in learning English phrases. We use “a little bird told me…” when we don’t want to reveal who gave us the information. But we use it in an informal (humorous) way. For example: “How did you know where I was hiding?” “A little bird told me.” We … Read More
You’ve probably heard that money can’t buy happiness. This proverb is basically saying the same thing but is less common. Things like family, friends, health, time, love, etc. are all gifts we receive without paying money. Can you think of any more examples of things in life that are free? For more English phrases and … Read More
This proverb means that a person cannot change their characteristics. The idea behind this phrase is that people are born a certain way and don’t change over time. A leopard is born with spots on its body. It cannot change its color, no matter how hard it tries. Some people believe that criminals will always … Read More
“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” – Flora Lewis
It looks like it is going to be a rainy weekend. Just remember that the rains will bring the flowers. For more English phrases and quotes, follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESL-ToyBox-112152010890485
Happy April Fools day. This is one of my favorite quotes because it is so ridiculous. What phrase is he trying to say?
This phrase means that the best listeners are there to listen and not to judge you. The job of a listener is to just listen and let the other person say what they want to say. Because humans are so self-centered, we often want to offer an opinion or relate the story to ourselves, but … Read More
This is a phrase I have taken to heart when it comes to interviews. Everyone has different experiences and viewpoints that you can learn from. I feel like Mr. Nye may have been inspired by Carl Jung’s quote, “Everyone you meet knows something you don’t but need to know. Learn from them.” Whatever the case, … Read More
