Teacher Joseph's Podcast

Your Questions about Learning English

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Meaning: an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

“It was a blessing in disguise that the boss got caught in traffic.
It meant we got to be fully prepared for the presentation.”

A STONE’S THROW

Meaning: a short distance

“My new office is just a stone’s throw from my house. It only
takes me 10 minutes to get to work now!”

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Meaning: what someone 'does' is more important than what someone 'says'

“Dmitry, actions speak louder than words. Stop telling me you
will put your plan into action and just do it!”

ADD INSULT TO INJURY

Meaning: to act in a way that makes a bad or displeasing situation worse.

“Anna hadn’t prepared for her presentation at all. The fact
that she rocked up half an hour late added insult to injury.”

ALL EARS

Meaning: to be listening eagerly and attentively.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to listen to your proposal earlier,
Sergei. Now I’m all ears. Fire away!”

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

Meaning:  following the wrong course of action because a persons beliefs or ideas about something are incorrect.

“Susanna seems to think I told her boss she went home early
on Friday. She’s barking up the wrong tree. I think it was Julie.”

BEATING AROUND THE BUSH

Meaning: to discuss a matter without getting to the point.

“Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!”