idioms
‘Idioms with nationalities and countries’
Here is a list of idioms using the names of countries, with meanings and examples + a TEST
đTo go Dutch â to split the bill in a restaurant between everyone who ate together.
âSally said she wouldnât let a man pay for her meal on a first date. She prefers to go Dutch.â
đDutch courage â drinking a little alcohol to give you courage (bravery/confidence) before you have to do something.
âI think Iâll have a glass of whiskey for Dutch courage before I ask that girl if she wants to dance with me.â
đItâs all Greek to me â this phrase is used when donât understand or have no knowledge on a topic.
âI tried to watch a TV show about physics last night, but I gave up. It was all Greek to me.â
đChinese whispers â This expression originally comes from a childrenâs game. It is often used as a metaphor for mistakes and inaccurate information which comes from rumours or gossip.
âAll this talk about the President resigning is just Chinese whispers. Thereâs no truth to this rumour at all,â
đPardon my French â This expression is used to apologise usually before, or after, we say something rude or impolite: a swear word.
âIf youâll pardon my French, I think heâs a *&^%!!â
đA Mexican Standoff âThis is expression is used when two groups can not agree on what to do next. Often used to describe a situation in business where there is gridlock.
âThere seems to be a Mexican standoff in the talks as neither the buyer or seller can agree on a price.â
đA Young Turk â used to describe a young rebel who is part of a group/organization and canât be controlled.
‘I was a bit of a young Turk in the past, but Iâve calmed down a lot nowadays.â
*****
Now complete these sentences using the correct idioms:
There’s a ____ in my office who won’t listen to anyone.
Chinese whispers
young Turk
Mexican standoff
Can you understand these instructions because i can’t? ____ .
Let us go Dutch
It is all Greek to me
Pardon my French
I’m not going to listen to these ___ until I read about it in the newspaper.
Dutch courage
go Dutch
Chinese whispers
No progress has been made in the takeover meeting as the two sides can’t agree. It seems there’s a ____.
young turk
Mexican standoff
Chinese whispers