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.
Love is in the air and hearts abound. On February 14, many Americans will celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to love and friendship. People can share their feelings of appreciation for one another in a variety of ways. Chocolates, roses, small gifts, and heartfelt messages are given and shared on this day. So share some love, kindness…and chocolate with the world.
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 love or friendship.
To hit it off — To immediately have a connection with someone
“The two college roommates hit it off immediately and became fast friends.”
To take someone’s breath away — To inspire the feeling of awe in someone
“Marine’s newborn baby took her breath away every time she looked at him.”
Be head over heels — To love someone very much in a romantic way
“Adelina is head over heels for her new boyfriend.”
Tie the knot — To get married
“Gabriel is hoping to tie the knot soon with his long-time girlfriend.”
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 Masters Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
