Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Idioms & Proverbs

Issue No. 1| Date of publication: October 27th 2021

Idioms & Proverbs Preface

This note provides useful idioms
and proverbs that can help to
ensure smooth delivery of ideas
for various language functions.
This note is produced by Tutorial
3 of Science Foundation
Programme and Tutorial 21 of
Information Technology
Foundation Programme of session
2021/2022
This note is intended primarily to assist readers who appreciate the
indispensability of the English language in the pursuit of knowledge, as well
as mature students and lovers of English, to acquire a comprehensive
knowledge of the language which is acknowledged as a unique vehicle for the
conveyance of all human thought. This note should be proven useful to all
students, especially those who are sitting for Malaysian English University
Test (MUET).
Iziana Hani Ismail, Nur Anneliza Abd Latip, Queencie Dohny
Uswatun Nurrahmah binti Noorhassanah, & Mohd Affaddil Izmi bin Roslan
 Writing Your Response in Task 1
To begin a letter/an email
A whale of time
Meaning: Enjoy yourself very much.
Example: How's it going? I'm having a whale of time
here in [place].
In the pink
Meaning: In extremely good health and spirits
Example: It's great to hear from you! I hope you're in
the pink of health.
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In good physical condition
Example: I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to get
back at you. I am feeling as fit as a fiddle. How about
you?
Under the weather
Meaning: Slightly unwell or in low spirits
Example: Sorry I haven't written for ages, because I
was feeling under the weather for the past few days.
Burning the midnight oil / Pull an all-nighter
Meaning: To work late into the night / To stay up all
night
Example: I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
I've been burning the midnight oil/ pulling an all-
nighter studying for the exam
To describe an event
More fun than a barrel of monkeys
Meaning: Something very amusing or enjoyable
Example: The [event] was more fun than a barrel of
monkeys! It's unfortunate you weren't be able to join
us.
Cut and dried
Meaning: Something which is evident, understandable,
and uncomplicated.
Example: When we arrived at the [place], we didn't
find the situation as cut and dried as we had
expected. It was easier to get where we need to go
since we were provided with map.
Been through the war
Meaning: A place or thing that shows signs of a lot of
use or is significantly damaged.
Example: We went to the St. Paul' Church in Malacca
for the school trip. The ruins of the ancient church
looked as though it had been through war!
Second to none
Meaning: The best; Better than everything else (in a
certain group or category)
Example: It's a shame you couldn't join us for the
school trip. We went to a restaurant owned by a
famous pastry chef, so the desserts there are truly
second to none!
Hive of activity
Meaning: Place where a lot is happening and everyone
is busy doing something.
Example: The whole place was a hive of activity.
Everyone was busy preparing for the competition.
Up to the eyes
Meaning: Extremely busy (with something); deeply or
overly involved (in something)
Example: Everyone is up to the eyes in planning the
school excursion. I really hope you could join us.
 Writing Your Response in Task 1
To describe an experience
Experience is the best teacher
Meaning: Learn more from things that happen to you
in real life
Example: A few years ago, I couldn't even get on the
stage without having panic attacks, but, with practice,
I'm much calmer and can speak publicly with no
problems. Experience is the best teacher after all.
Trip down memory lane
Meaning: When people remember or talk about things
that happened in the past.
Example: We were taking a trip down the memory
lane when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad talked about
his years serving as a Prime Minister.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Meaning: An experience that seems highly unlikely to
happen again.
Example: Going to the Louvre Museum in Paris is
definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So many
works of art to discover in this fabulous museum.
Variety is the spice of life
Meaning: The new and different experiences make life
more interesting and enjoyable.
Example: I've gone to many places around the world
over the past five years and everything was a variety is
the spice of life.
To describe feelings
Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example: She was over the moon when she found out
she emerged as a champion in the Public Speaking
Competition.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy when something wonderful
happens.
Example: She was on cloud nine ever since her
mother agreed to let her join the school trip.
On pins and needles
Meaning: Feeling anxious and nervous
Example: We were on pins and needles waiting to
hear about the results. We practiced day and night
just to win this competition.
Feel blue
Meaning: To feel sad or depressed.
Example: Don't feel blue! There's a reason why your
parents didn't allow you to join the trip. Perhaps you
could join us next time.
Down in the dumps / Down in the mouth
Meaning: Feel depressed or sad about something that
has happened
Example: She's a bit down in the dumps because she
failed one of her exams. She needs to pull an all-
nighter if she wants to improve her grades.
Bent out of shape
Meaning: Feel very annoyed, infuriated or angry.
Example: They got bent out of shape because the
judges were biased. They should've won the
competition!
 Writing Your Response in Task 1
Like a dog with two tails
Meaning: To be very happy and excited
To accept an invitation
Example: She looked like a dog with two tails when
Right up one's alley.
she heard that she won the district singing
Meaning: Ideally suited to one's interest
competition.
Example: I am thrilled to go to the museum with you
this Sunday because it's right up my alley. I always love
In seventh heaven seeing rare and valuable ancient artifacts up close!
Meaning: Bliss, to be so happy it feels like you are in
heaven.
Example: Since he won the competition, he has been
Cup of tea
Meaning: Something you like, something you are good
in seventh heaven because he won the prize worth
at or something you enjoy doing
RM 20 000.
Example: I'd love to join you in the next school trip to
the museum. Seeing paintings, sculptures and
Tickled pink decorative arts from different times is really my cup of
Meaning: Very happy tea.
Example: I was tickled pink when I got my hands on
the VIP pass to see him perform live on stage.
Twist someone's arm
Meaning: To try to force someone to do something
On top of the world
Example: I was not really planning to join the school
Meaning: Extremely happy
camping trip but my parents have been twisting my
Example: Mary and I won the State Debate
arm about joining! This trip will take my time off from
Championship. I was feeling on top of the world.
my studies to catch up with my friends.

Full of the joys of springs

Meaning: Someone who is both happy and full of
Wind down
Meaning: To gradually relax after doing something
energy.
that has made you tired or worried
Example: He was so full of the joys of spring ever since
Example: I'd love to join you. It is a great way to wind
he received the news.
down after weeks of studying for the examination.

To reject an invitation
Hit the books
Meaning: Going to study
Example: I'd love to join you, but I need to hit the
books this weekend. I have to get good grades for the
examination.

A lot on one's plate

Meaning: A lot of work to do
Example: I have a lot on my plate since my
examination is just around the corner, so I have to
decline your invitation. Perhaps you can invite the
others to join you. I'm sure they'll be delighted to join.
 Writing Your Response in Task 1
To be snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with something
Example: I'm sorry that I couldn't make it as I'm
snowed under with homework, especially when the
examination is just around the corner.

(Not) my cup of tea

Meaning: Dislike something
Example: I'm not planning to join any competition
during the Teachers' Day celebration. Singing and
dancing aren't my cup of tea.

Take a rain check

Meaning: Politely refuse an invitation
Example: I'd love to tag along but I need to take a rain
check. I am swarmed with homework this week.

Down for the count

Meaning: Unconscious or in a deep, insensible sleep.
Example: I'm sorry I won't be able to join you. I am so
tired from football practices that I'll be down for the
count as soon as my head hits the pillow.