Six More Illustrated Idioms

I've just found a wonderful site with illustrated idioms. Here are a few to share with you:

1) Keep your fingers crossed

An old superstition says that if you cross your fingers, it will bring good luck. So, you cross your fingers when you wish something to happen.

"Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best."

"Good luck on your test tomorrow. We'll be crossing our fingers for you!"





2) Great minds think alike

It means that great people think about things in similar ways.

It is fun to say "Great minds think alike" because you are making a connection with the other person by saying that the two of you, in thinking the same thing at the same time, both have great minds.

"This summer I've decided to take scuba diving lessons."

"Really? Me too. I have already paid for the course."

"Great minds think alike."




3) Everything but the kitchen sink

This means that you included almost everything you could think to include.

"Wow, your suitcase is huge. What do you have in there? Everything but the kitchen sink?" "Every time we go camping my wife packs everything but the kitchen sink."

"My dad's new luxury car is great. It has everything but the kitchen sink."





4) Rock the boat

People in a group as well as on a small boat need to work together. If one person moves suddenly, the boat could rock dangerously. If you rock the boat, you cause trouble for other people.

"We have to work together on this project. I don't want anyone rocking the boat."

"Everyone wants to go except for you. Why do you have to rock the boat?"

"I hate to rock the boat, but I do think we need to rewrite this report."

5) Out of the blue

When something happens out of the blue, it happens so suddenly and unexpected that you're not prepared. It is as if suddenly it started raining on a shinny day.

"Why did she do that?"

"I have no idea. It was completely out of the blue."

"Did you know they would move you to a different project?"

"Not at all. It was completely out of the blue."

6. Burning the candle at both ends:

You burn the candle at both ends when you work long hours without having a rest. It's not healthy, of course. Your energy burns down and you grow more and more tired.

A: Let's go to a party tonight.

B: I'm afraid I can't. I'm exhausted. I've been burning the candle at both ends all week.