Children

child’s play

Meaning: an informal expression meaning something that is easy to do

Example: If you practise enough, driving will eventually become child's play. Read on

play cat and mouse

Meaning: to play with or tease someone

Example: The cops do not like playing cat and mouse games with the culprits before catching them. Read on

rake over the coals

Meaning: to give someone a hard time for a mistake they supposedly did

Example: My classmate Lily forgot to do her math homework as she had a function to attend in her family. The teacher raked her over the coals for that. Read on

tick off

Meaning: to make a mark next to items on a list that have been completed

Example: I would like to tick off some more items on my list before going home. Read on

bring up

Meaning: in the literal form, it means to take something to a higher place

Example: Please bring up some more blankets when you come to bed. Read on

pie in the sky

Meaning: used to portray or refer to something that is lovely to consider however is probably not going to happen

Example: Her dream of wanting to move to London to become a famous singer is a pie in the sky if you ask me. Read on

Easter egg

Meaning: a decorated or dyed egg usually given to children at Easter

Example: While scrolling down the menu of Grand Theft Auto V, I happened upon an Easter egg. Read on

zip it

Meaning: to ask someone to shut up

Example: The teacher had asked the class to zip it but today everybody seemed to want to talk a lot. So she punished the entire class. Read on

take turns

Meaning: to alternate doing something

Example: I understand that everybody wants to try driving, but you will have to take turns. Read on

a burnt child dreads the fire

Meaning: everyone avoids repeating a hurting experience again in life

Example: After his first accident, Sam is quite careful in driving now because a burnt child dreads a fire. Read on

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