Five common sayings with surprising origins
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To do with (something/ someone)
To knock (something/ someone) over
To pin (someone/ something) down
A betting tip
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What does ‘spill the beans’ mean, and what is the origin of this idiom?
2. What does ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’ mean, and what is the origin of this idiom?
3. What does ‘to turn a blind eye’ mean, and what is the origin of this idiom?
4. What does ‘to steal someone’s thunder’ mean, and what is the origin of this idiom?
5. What does ‘to be under the weather’ mean, and what is the origin of this idiom?
6. When was the last time you had some information that you were not supposed to reveal to anyone? Did you spill the beans?
7. When was the last time you heard some interesting news about a friend or family member? Did you hear it straight from the horse’s mouth?
8. If you saw a colleague stealing at work, would you turn a blind eye to it?
9. What was your last big achievement? Did somebody steal your thunder?
10. When was the last time you were feeling under the weather?
11. Should you go into work even if you are feeling under the weather?
12. Is it ever ok for parents to turn a blind eye to the bad behaviour of their children?
13. Can you be trusted not to spill the beans?
14. Should the police turn a blind eye to certain crimes?
15. Which idioms from your native language would you like to teach me?