Each month, Let’s Talk will focus on sayings that might sound funny or confusing to a new language learner. So if you have ever thought “What did they mean by that?” or “What are they trying to say?” this column is for you.
As we enter the second month of 2021, there is hope that the challenging times of the pandemic will end because of the successful development of vaccines that protect against COVID-19. Last year was a time of great difficulty for most, but friendships and family relationships helped Mainers get through the difficult times.
Here are four idioms – expressions in which the meanings of the words are not the same as the meaning of the saying – which one might hear used in connection with friendship.
Like two peas in a pod — Very similar
“Bashir and Abshir share so many interests they are like two peas in a pod.”
Strike up a friendship — To become friends
“Safia has an easygoing nature, so she often strikes up friendships with people.”
To see eye-to-eye — To agree with someone
“Seeing eye-to-eye on important matters with your spouse makes for a more harmonious relationship.”
A shoulder to cry on — Someone who listens to your problems
“Claudette has many friends because she always offers them a shoulder to cry on.”
If you have questions about sayings you have heard Americans use that you don’t understand, or if you have questions about American culture, please email your questions to Claudia at [email protected] and “Let’s Talk” will be happy to help.
Claudia Jakubowski has her master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
