English Idioms Challenge - Week 8 | Miss Ren. 講師コラム

Hey all! This is the eigth weekly English learning challenge. This challenge discusses what idioms are, how they are used, what the meaning of idioms are, and encourages you to use them in your English studies!

Please check out my other columns for the first week, which has an explanation of why I think idioms are important to learn.

Since spring is almost upon us, why don't we talk about a few spring-related idioms!

Let's jump into today's idioms:

spring chicken

meaning: someone who is young or youthful.

usage: usually used to talk about older people, saying they're "no spring chicken"

image: Think about baby chickens, aka chicks! They're cute, little, and usually yellow. But after they grow up, they turn different colors. It's very easy to tell which chickens are babies and which are adults.

Examples:

Look at her! What a spring chicken. She has so much energy to play.
Ah, he's no spring chicken. I can hear him groaning every time he stands up.
Don't sell yourself short! You may be no spring chicken, but you're not in the grave yet.

(to) come out of your shell

meaning: to start being more social or open, to communicate more with others

usage: when someone has started to act more friendly or openly with others

image: spring is usually the time of year when baby birds break out of their shells. Like a baby bird, these people are experiencing more of life & talking to others! Imagine baby birds in a nest, cheeping to their siblings or parents.

Examples:

He's really coming out of his shell. He used to never answer questions in class, but lately he's been raising his hand more often!
Since she's started taking more lessons, she's really come out of her shell. You can tell she's gaining confidence.

(to) turn over a new leaf

meaning: to make a new start on something; to change purposefully, usually for the better.

usage: when you or someone has noticably changed in a better way OR when they're making steps to be better at something

image: in early spring, new buds form on trees, bushes, and flowers. They're usually curled up, and will unfurl as spring goes on. Imagine that fresh new leaf finally budding & stretching out into the warm sun.

Examples:

Ever since the new year, I've been trying to turn over a new leaf and exercise more often!
Did you see? She's really been practicing her piano more often. She's turned over a new leaf.
I've noticed you studying more often. You've turned over a new leaf after the last bad test score. Good work!

Try using one of these idioms as spring continues! Or, like last week, you can try to remix them. Check out my column from last week to see how that works!

If you'd like to write some remixed ideas, or have me check your usage, please feel free to schedule a "Homework Help" lesson! I get back to you in 24-48 hours.