Although I have spent the last few months almost entirely indoors (much like most of you reading this) I have noticed a change in the weather over the last few weeks here in Barcelona, Spain.
It is absolutely gorgeous! Blue skies from dawn until dusk and without the thousands of cars polluting the air, it's crystal clear. There is a light breeze most days which cools everyone down during the midday heat as they sit on their balconies. Perfect!
This amazing weather got me thinking about some very common idioms in English. There are so many idioms which use weather vocabulary but often describe something other than the climate. This means they can be tricky to understand in conversations, so let me share a few of them with you. Hopefully next time you hear these, you'll know what they mean!
As right as rain
What? Is it raining? Why is the rain right? Actually when an English speaker says this idiom you can be sure that they are not thinking about the rain at all! We use 'as right as rain' to say that we are fine and healthy. You might use this idiom if somebody asks you how you are, you could respond:
I was feeling a little sick yesterday but now I'm as right as rain.
Be snowed under
We've all had those days at home or at work when you just have so much to do that you don't know how you will be able to do it all! Since setting up this online teaching business I've been so busy and I have felt like that most days! To describe these situations you could use this idiom, for example:
I'm sorry that I can't meet you today, I'm snowed under at work but I will be finished by tomorrow so let's meet then.
Be a breeze
You might be thinking that a breeze is a light wind and you would be right, however not in this case.
Some of you very lucky people might be able to pass exams easily or have no problems in job interviews or find difficult situations easy to overcome. When something is very easy to do, we can say that it is 'a breeze'. You can use this idiom similarly to 'piece of cake'. Let's take a look at an example:
How was your driving test, did you pass? / Yes, I passed with no minors, it was a breeze!
The calm before the storm
It's often said that there is a moment of stillness and peace before a big storm hits and creates chaos. We could also apply this idea to our own lives. Imagine you are having a cup of coffee, relaxing in the garden for a few minutes before your three teenage sons get home from school. That moment of tranquillity is the calm before the storm!
I'm sure that my brothers and I were more like a hurricane when we arrived home each day, sorry Mum!
Every cloud has a silver lining
Unfortunately, most people will have to go through some very difficult periods in their lives at some point. In fact, sadly, many people are having a terrible time right now. But if you happen to find something positive, big or small, in the middle of a bad situation, you can say that 'every cloud has a silver lining'.
'I lost my job yesterday but at least now I have time to look for a job that I will actually enjoy, I suppose every cloud has a silver lining.'
I hope that these idioms related to the weather were helpful for you!
Next week, I will be posting a series of video lessons on my Facebook page along with daily English tips and advice, please give it a 'like' so that you don't miss anything!
See you on Tuesday!
Take care
Mitch
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