English Idioms: Meanings and Examples
Common English Idioms and Phrases
A
- At a loose end: With nothing particular to do.
- At point-blank range: With the gun held very close to the person who is shot (a bocajarro).
- Be at the end of your tether: To feel very upset because you are no longer able to deal with a difficult situation (no poder más).
- Be tickled pink: Amused and pleased (estar encantado).
- A blessing in disguise: Something which appears bad at first but then turns out well.
- A blackout: A short period when the electricity supply to a
Intrigue and Arms Dealing in Barcelona: 1917-1919
Intrigue and Arms Dealing in Barcelona: 1917-1919
The story unfolds in Barcelona between 1917 and 1919. It begins when a wealthy Dutch businessman visits Catalonia to hunt with the Catalan aristocracy. Cortabanyes, a local businessman, persuades the millionaire to invest in an arms factory, promising substantial profits. The Dutchman agrees, and with partners Savolta, Claudedeu, and Parells, the company commences production. The Dutchman subsequently departs, leaving Savolta and Cortabanyes in control,
Travel, Movies, and Personal Stories: A Compilation
My Last Trip to Mojacar
If you are a person who likes being surrounded by nature in the mountains or if you enjoy swimming in the sea, here it is. Don’t waste your time and pay attention! Have you ever been to Mojacar? It’s located in the province of Almeria, exactly eastward, a twenty-minute drive from Almería city. Prices depend on both the quality and the location of the hotels. Hotels usually show their prices on their websites, so have a look at which one suits you. If you had the opportunity
Read MoreRinconete and Cortadillo: Life in Seville’s Underworld
Main Characters
Pedro del Rincon (Rinconete)
A young boy, aged between fourteen and fifteen. He is dressed in a cap, green canvas pants, and well-worn sandals. He also carries a half sword and a deck of cards. He is very clever at playing cards and scamming people with tips for living well. He teaches Cortado to play. Born in a village called Fuenfrida, he was banished from his homeland and decided to fend for himself. Throughout history, he attempts to find a good job but eventually joins the thieves’
Read MoreMirall Trencat: A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Family Secrets
Chapter I: Teresa’s Decision
Chapter I discusses Teresa’s visit to Notary Riera’s office. The notary dislikes reminiscing. The purpose of Teresa’s visit was her refusal to sell the property to Quim, Valldaura’s best friend. Ultimately, the property was sold.
Chapter II: Teresa and the Notary
Throughout Chapter II, the narrative describes the setting, time, and nature. It primarily focuses on the feelings that the notary harbors towards Teresa.
Chapter III: Professor Rodés and a Portrait
Chapter III
Read MoreMastering English Tenses: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Grammar
Present Tenses
- Present Simple → Habits / Routines (Always, usually)
He / She / It → plays, eats…
He / She / It → Doesn’t play, eat…
( ? ) He / She / It → Does she / he / it play, eat…?
- Present Continuous → Now, at the moment
( + )( – )
He / She / It → is + -ing
He / She / It → isn’t + -ing
You / We / They → are + -ing
(?)
He / She / It → Is she / he / it + -ing ?
You / We / They → Are you / we / they + -ing ?
- Present Perfect Simple → Recent action (finished)
(+)(-)
He / She