Popular Expressions
October is the month to enjoy nature. Here are some expressions that use words from the great outdoors:
to bark up the wrong tree: to waste your time. Dogs look up and bark when they want something that is in a tree. You are barking up the wrong tree if there is nothing there.
birds of a feather: people who are alike in some way. This is part of the saying, “Birds of a feather stick together.” We use this expression when we say that people who are alike want to be with each other; for example, people with families from the same countries often live near each other.
on the rocks: with ice cubes. For example, a Bloody Mary on the rocks is a drink with tomato juice and vodka -- and ice cubes.
a wild goose chase: a useless chase, or hunt, for something. You go on a wild goose chase when you waste a lot of time trying to find something.
take the wind out of someone’s sails: to discourage someone. For example, most people have had this experience: You are excited about a new job; then a friend tells you why the job is not so wonderful after all. Suddenly, you are not so happy anymore.
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You can read more explanations of American terms in Hello! USA, a survival guide on everyday American life. For example, you can read explanations of terms used in banking, shopping, insurance, home rental agreements.
To see the complete Table of Contents and an excerpt, click on the “Books” section on this site; to order, click on the “Order Form” section.
“(Hello! USA) answers every basic thing one must know about how to live, travel, shop, play, and work in the United States.” Mobility Magazine
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Judy Priven is the Founder and President of Hello! America, Inc., which specializes in international relocation publications. Judy is the award-winning author of many books on international relocation and English language skills. For example, Hello! USA explains American life and language to international newcomers. Judy gives seminars on everyday living in the U.S. to international students, corporate employees, and both foreign and returning American diplomats.
© Hello! America, Inc. 2009
Last updated October 9, 2009
