WINTER PHRASES

1. The tip of the iceberg (верхушка айсберга)

You will typically hear this one in a sentence like: “This is just the tip of the
iceberg”. This means that we are currently only looking at a small part of a much
larger issue and if we try and solve this problem, there will be many more things we
will have to consider.
Example: The bugs we’ve found are just the tip of the iceberg. I’m afraid we’ll
spend a whole day debugging this code.
2. To be snowed under (фигурально: загруженный работой)
This one paints a clear picture of being overwhelmed with tasks as if they’re a pile
of snow. You can also use the phrase “swamped with (work)” with pretty much the
same effect but it won’t have the same “wintery” feel.
Example: Sorry, I can’t help you with the shopping. I’m snowed under with tasks
at work.
3. Snowball (идти по нарастающей, разрастаться)
If you use “snowball” as a verb, it will have the meaning of “grow” but in a much
more intense way. This word is typically used to describe growth that is fast,
significant, and often uncontrolled.
Example: We didn’t deal with all the customer requests on time and the situation
snowballed into a major issue.
4. Freeze (someone) out (“морозить”, вытеснять кого-то из группы
A pretty mean phrase which is used in situations when someone is being ignored or
not allowed to feel like part of the group. It is typically associated with passive-
aggressive behavior.
Example: He had to quit his job because his teammates kept freezing him out.
5. To get cold feet (струсить)
If you ever let your fear stop you from doing something, you can probably say you
got cold feet. If you, however, decide to move on with your plan despite being
scared, you can say that you have decided to “go for it”.
Example: I wanted to ask my boss for a salary raise, but I got cold feet.
6. On thin ice with someone (в натянутых отношениях)
If you say that you’re on thin ice with someone, that means that you’re one step
away from getting in trouble with them
Example: I can’t take another day off. I’m already on thin ice with my manager.
7. Get (someone) a present (купить/подарить кому-то подарок)
The easiest way to say you bought or gave someone a gift. Don’t use the word
“present” because it sounds way too formal.
Example: I got all of my coworkers’ gifts for Christmas.
8. Leftovers (остатки)
Eating Christmas dinner leftovers as your main meal the next day after the holiday
is a well-known tradition. However, “leftovers” can also be used as an adjective, for
example, you may say: “We have some leftover candy” or “Take a can of beer. We
have a few, leftover from the party.”
Example: We made so much food this year, it took us three days to finish the
leftovers.
9. Season’s Greetings! (С праздниками!)
Flowing from the previous phrase, “Season’s Greetings” is an inclusive way to
greet someone with whichever holidays they are celebrating in December without
having to assume their religion, background and so on.
Example: Season’s Greetings! I hope you’re having an awesome time celebrating
with friends and family.