While it’s important to study correct grammar and vocabulary when learning a new language, it can also be helpful (and quite funny) to learn common phrases and expressions in that language. The English language has many phrases that sound like they don’t make sense, but have an underlying meaning that can be used in different situations. These are especially useful to know if you’re preparing to study in an English-speaking country. So get comfortable, and get ready for some laughs when reading our list of some English phrases to know when studying abroad!
Planning to take an English Language Proficiency Test, like TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS? Learn the differences between these tests so you can choose the right one for you!
1. Hang Out
We’re going to start with a simple, commonly used English phrase students should know. While “hang out” can literally mean something is hanging downward (like a tree branch hanging out of a window), it can also mean spending time together with someone. “Hanging out” can mean casually spending time with friends, but it can also be a subtle romantic gesture; if someone asks you to “hang out” with only them, it might suggest they find you attractive. An example of how someone might use this phrase in a sentence is:
“We should hang out sometime.”
This way, you’ll know what your friends or classmates mean when they ask you to hang out with them after your class!
Tip: If you don’t want to spend time with someone, you can tell them that you appreciate their gesture but won’t be able to.
2. Cold Turkey
You guessed it—we aren’t actually talking about turkeys! Instead, this phrase describes a method of quitting a habit (often an unhealthy one, like a drug or a bad habit). Rather than gradually decreasing how much you do something, going ‘cold turkey’ means you quit it immediately.
The term comes from the “goosebumps” people sometimes get after quitting (when small bumps form on your skin making your hair stand on edge when you’re cold or nervous), which can feel similar to the skin of a turkey in a cold fridge. Using this phrase in a sentence can sound like:
“I’m having too much coffee! I’m going cold turkey.”
If someone says this, you’ll know they plan to stop drinking coffee immediately.
Want some student health tips? Head on over to our article on how to avoid the “Freshman 15” and make healthy diet and lifestyle changes!
3. The Elephant in the Room
Have you ever had an experience where everyone in a group is aware of something, but won’t say anything about it? Well, the thing no one is talking about is (metaphorically) the elephant in the room. People usually don’t talk about it in a group setting to avoid causing embarrassment or discomfort or ruining a surprise. An example of how someone might use this phrase in a sentence can sound like:
“Martin’s surprise birthday party is the elephant in the room.”
Tip: If you feel that there’s an elephant in the room about a more serious or sensitive issue, sometimes it can be better to approach someone alone rather than bringing it up in a group.
4. Bob’s Your Uncle
This phrase can sound confusing, even to native English speakers! This is a British phrase that’s often heard in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. It translates roughly to “there you have it” when a result is reached. An example of how someone may use this phrase in a sentence can sound like:
“To answer the online questions on the assignment, just tap on the question. Then tap on ‘answer,’ and Bob’s your uncle!”
The UK is a popular choice for studying abroad. Check out our blog for everything you need to know about studying in the UK.
5. It’s All Greek to Me
If you’ve ever missed a few lessons at school and had to complete homework on that topic later, then you know those unfamiliar ideas can seem like a foreign language! This phrase sums up what someone means when they can’t understand what is being written or said. An example of how someone might use this phrase in a sentence can sound like:
“My classmates were talking about a math concept explained in class today, but it’s all Greek to me.”
Tip: If you ever find yourself confused or unable to understand something in your class, remember that you can always get help from a professor, teaching assistant, or classmate.
Congratulations on learning five new English phrases! No doubt, you’re bound to hear these English phrases at one point or another when you’re travelling abroad. There are a lot of other phrases like these, but it’s best to learn them one at a time. When learning a new language, understanding phrases and expressions can be difficult, but if you prepare in advance, you can catch on quickly and join in on the lingo!
