We provide you with expressions and idioms you should often hear in normal conversations, followed by some common phrases. Read them and we hope you will learn Something.
EXPRESSIONS / IDIOMS
- A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Something that appears bad at first but ends up with good results.
Eg: I was very sad when leaving Abidjan for Yamoussoukro. But now my business is flourishing and I enjoy living here.
- ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
What you do is more important than what you say; someone’s words may not be trustworthy but his/her actions show his/her sincerity.
Eg : Samuel: My brother keeps saying he is going to teach me how to ride a bike, but he never does.
John: Next time you should tell him that actions speak louder than words.
- ADD INSULT TO INJURY
To make a bad situation worse.
Eg: The defender got red after causing the penalty. And to add insult to injury the goalkeeper was also sent off for protesting against the referee’s decision.
COMMON PHRASES
1. Abbreviated visit
Abbreviate= to make briefer, to shorten the duration of.
Eg: She arrived in Lome for an abbreviated visit to her grandmother on Christmas Eve.
2. Abiding romance
Something abiding sticks around, lasting a long time. Abiding is usually used with feelings and memories. A romance that continues for a very long time without changing or wavering.
Eg: That couple is living an abiding romance since they know each other from high school.
3. Accusing glance
Take a brief look at someone or something to blame. Take a hurried look at something or someone thinking that they have done something bad.
Synonym: Accusing look
Eg: My mother has thrown an accusing glance at me when I was bouncing the ball in the living room in front of visitors.
