#238 English Idioms for the New Year - part2

Transcript:

Every January is the same. Everyone wants to improve their lifestyle.

So, let’s continue learning some new year expressions in English.

Let's start!

#1 Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

People often use this phrase to express that every day is an opportunity to start over and make the most of life. It encourages people to make the most of each day and appreciate the present moment.

Examples:

"Don’t look back; look forward! Today is the first day of the rest of your life. "

"Regardless of what happened yesterday, you can always start anew today. Remember, Today is the first day of the rest of your life!"

#2 To give it my best shot.

Giving your best means doing the best you can in a given situation. It implies that you will try your best and strive your best to achieve success.

Examples:

"I’ll give my best shot to get through this job interview and show them why I'm the perfect candidate."

"Next month, I will run my first marathon and give my best shot."

#3 To tighten [one’s] belt.

To forget previous debts or mistakes and be given a new chance to succeed.

Examples:

"You must tighten your belt this month if you want to stay on budget."

"I’m trying to save money, so I will have to tighten my belt and cut back on unnecessary spending."

#4 to bury the hatchet.

To bury the hatchet means to forgive and forget past differences, usually between two people, and end a disagreement.

Examples:

"After weeks of disagreement, the team decided to bury the hatchet and work together as one."

"After months of arguing, we finally decided to bury the hatchet and make amends."

#5 To shake things up a bit.

It means to do something different or unexpected to change the situation. It can be used when you want to try something new or exciting or to make a change.

Examples:

"We've been using the same methods for years; it’s time to shake things up a bit and try something new."

"Let's shake things up a bit and take a different approach to this project."

#6 To mend your ways.

We use this expression to encourage people to change their behavior or habits to become better. It is a way of prompting someone to take responsibility for their actions and strive to make positive changes in their life.

Examples:

"If you want to turn your life around, you must mend your ways."

"You must take steps to mend your ways if you want to improve."

#7 To go cold turkey.

To go cold turkey is to abruptly stop an addictive behavior or substance, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

Examples:

"After years of smoking, Tom decided to go cold turkey and quit entirely."

"The best way to give up sugar is to go cold turkey and cut it out of your diet completely."

 

Get the transcript of this episode at: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast