One day, a teacher was attempting to teach the names of animals to a class of 5-year-olds. She held up a picture of a deer, and asked one boy, "Billy, what is this animal?". Little Billy looked at the picture with a disheartened look on his face andresponded, "I'm sorry Mrs. Smith, I don't know.". The teacher was not one to give up easily, so she then asked Billy, "Well, Billy, what does your Mommy call your Daddy?" Little Billy's face suddenly brightened up, but then a confused look came over his face, as he asked, "Mrs. Smith, is that really a pig?"!
20130506
Jokes to Increase Your Vocabulary
A Good Teacher
Jokes to Increase Your Vocabulary
A Good Teacher
One day, a teacher was attempting to teach the names of animals to a class of 5-year-olds. She held up a picture of a deer, and asked one boy, "Billy, what is this animal?". Little Billy looked at the picture with a disheartened look on his face andresponded, "I'm sorry Mrs. Smith, I don't know.". The teacher was not one to give up easily, so she then asked Billy, "Well, Billy, what does your Mommy call your Daddy?" Little Billy's face suddenly brightened up, but then a confused look came over his face, as he asked, "Mrs. Smith, is that really a pig?"!
25 Common English Idioms for Students of English
Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!
English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!
English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!
25 Common English Idioms for Students of English
Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!
English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!
English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!
English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.
English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.
English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.
English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.
English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.
English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!
English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.
English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.
English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.
English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.
English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?
English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.
English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.
English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.
English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!
English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.
English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand
English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.
English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!
English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.
English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.
English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.
English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.
English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!
20130505
Proverbs
Man cannot live by bread alone.
No sólo de pan vive el hombre.
Many hands make light work.
El trabajo compartido es más llevadero.
Mischief comes by the pound and goes away by the ounce.
El mal entra a brazadas y sale a pulgaradas. . Los trabajos vienen al trote y se van al paso.
Misfortunes always come in threes.
No hay dos sin tres.
Money goes where money is.
El dinero llama (al) dinero. . La plata llama la plata.
More than enough is too much.
En el término medio está la virtud.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
La necesidad hace maestros. . No hay mejor maestra que necesidad.
Never give advice unasked.
Consejo no pedido, consejo mal oído.
Never say die.
Persevera y triunfarás.
Never too late to do well.
Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena.
Nothing goes on for ever.
No hay mal (ni bien) que cien años dure / dure cien años, (ni cristiano / cuerpo / enfermo que lo aguante / resista).
Sometimes the remedy is worse than the disease.
El remedio puede ser peor que la enfermedad.
Proverbs
Man cannot live by bread alone.
No sólo de pan vive el hombre.
Many hands make light work.
El trabajo compartido es más llevadero.
Mischief comes by the pound and goes away by the ounce.
El mal entra a brazadas y sale a pulgaradas. . Los trabajos vienen al trote y se van al paso.
Misfortunes always come in threes.
No hay dos sin tres.
Money goes where money is.
El dinero llama (al) dinero. . La plata llama la plata.
More than enough is too much.
En el término medio está la virtud.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
La necesidad hace maestros. . No hay mejor maestra que necesidad.
Never give advice unasked.
Consejo no pedido, consejo mal oído.
Never say die.
Persevera y triunfarás.
Never too late to do well.
Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena.
Nothing goes on for ever.
No hay mal (ni bien) que cien años dure / dure cien años, (ni cristiano / cuerpo / enfermo que lo aguante / resista).
Sometimes the remedy is worse than the disease.
El remedio puede ser peor que la enfermedad.
Cauliflower cheese
As simple as it is delicious – a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into large florets
- 40g/1½oz butter
- 40g/1½oz plain flour
- 400ml/14fl oz milk
- 1 tsp English mustard
- 100g/3½oz mature cheddar cheese, grated
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preparation method
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and place in a large saucepan of salted water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the cauliflower is almost tender, but still fairly firm. Tip into a colander and leave to drain.
- To make the sauce, melt the butter in a medium, heavy-based pan and stir in the flour. Cook over a gentle heat for one minute. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the milk, a little at a time, stirring well between each addition. Return the pan to a medium heat and bring the mixture to the boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for two minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Stir in the mustard and two thirds of the cheese and set aside. Arrange the cauliflower in and ovenproof baking dish. Carefully pour over the sauce, ensuring the cauliflower is completely covered. Scatter over the remaining cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden-brown and bubbling.
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