Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #112226: Idioms: the human body!

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Idioms: the human body! - English lesson

In lessons test and test we have seen that idioms are quite different in each language and culture.

Most of the time, they use many references to animals,whichever they are.

They also contain many references to body parts.

I) Let's admit as a fact that one of the most important parts of our bodies is our "head", as a whole, and our brains in particular.

It is certain that there are in English, a large number of idioms mentioning people's heads.

It's most of the time difficult, if not impossible, to know what's happening in people's heads!

Here are the few expressions I chose. (they may not be the most common ones ! ) .

A head scratcher

= a difficult puzzle

A banana head

= a stupid man

To have rocks in your head

= to be very stupid

To be head over heels in love

= To be madly in love!

To toss heads or tails

= to toss a coin

To have eyes behind your head

II) Let's now be interested in what the people we speak to perceive (or think they perceive! ) about us. Let's consider our interactions with other people and what they think about those reactions.

Our faces, complexions and expressions are judged and interpreted by the people we meet.

Your face
	To pull a long face = to sulk or look very sad.

	To have egg on your face = to be ashamed, embarrassed

	To put a brave face = to pretend you're OK!
Your brains
	Beat out your brains

	= Rack your brains

	To pick someone's brains; = to ask questions, or for help,
Your tongue
	To be tongue-tied = unable to speak

	To speak tongue in cheek = to joke

	To bite your tongue = to keep silent

III) I'll finish with the expressions mentioning the face and more particularly our eyes.

I'll keep other important body parts and organs for another lesson!

To have a black eye

The apple of your eyes

= the most precious thing

To have a bird's-eye view

A bull's eye

= (the center of the target )

I can't believe my eyes

An eye-opener

= a revelation

Already a lot of idioms to remember! Let's hope they'll have struck you and that you won't mix them up too much.

Good luck for the test !

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1. Oh dear, you’ve fought again! Let’s put some ice on that of yours…

2. Her attitude when I needed her help was a real … I’ve realised I couldn’t trust her!

3. After that party where Sally met Paul, she was with him… That was obvious!

4. Come on Lucy, and be positive. The dentist isn’t going to hurt you and you need that visit.

5. When confronted to her assailant, she was petrified and … She was given a glass of water and a little rest.

6. Oh Mom! That’s the present I have always wanted… Really,. It’s so kind of you…

7. In Chicago, on the observation deck of the Sears(the Willis Tower), you have a stunning of the city! Awesome!

8. Obviously, Maggie has not forgotten what you did to her. She really all along our visit.

9. You’d better and stay silent, or you might regret what you’re going to say…

10. Come on… in his head? How could he act so stupidly?

= I can't find the right word! Hold your tongue!= Do not speak!

End of the free exercise to learn English: Idioms: the human body!
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