Idioms in British and American English

What is the main focus of the lesson introduced by Lucy?

• The history of the English language

• Common phrases used in British English

• 20 idioms with different versions in British and American English

• Differences in grammar between British and American English

In British English, what does 'to throw a spanner in the works' mean?

• To create a new plan

• To fix a problem

• To complete a task

• To disrupt a plan

What is the American equivalent of the British idiom 'to blow your own trumpet'?

• To play your own tune

• To sing your own song

• To toot your own horn

• To ring your own bell

What does the idiom 'touch wood' signify in British English?

• To make a promise

• To confirm a fact

• To express doubt

• To ensure good luck

In American English, what does 'to beat a dead horse' mean?

• To start a new project

• To win a competition

• To celebrate a victory

• To continue a futile effort

What is the British equivalent of the American idiom 'skeletons in the closet'?

• Ghosts in the attic

• Monsters under the bed

• Secrets in the basement

• Skeletons in the cupboard

What does 'a storm in a teacup' mean in British English?

• A calm situation

• A minor issue exaggerated

• A brewing conflict

• A major disaster

In American English, what does 'a drop in the bucket' refer to?

• A large quantity

• A significant amount

• A small, insignificant amount

• A full container

What does the idiom 'to call a spade a spade' mean in British English?

• To exaggerate

• To speak honestly

• To hide facts

• To avoid the truth

In British English, what does 'to queue up' mean?

• To start a race

• To wait in line

• To begin a task

• To form a circle