Hey there! This is TOP episode 214. Speaking Activator: 15 Health Idioms
I’m Ola, an English teacher with over a decade of teaching under my belt. I firmly believe that unlocking fluency is within your reach. In fact, the key to fluency is in your pocket. Imagine confidently speaking English, conquering your fears, and embracing effective communication.
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Hello there, lovely listeners! Welcome to another exciting episode of TOP where we’re all about boosting your English fluency. Today, we’re delving into the world of idioms, specifically health-related idioms. Learning vocabulary in a topical way is a really good idea. I even run 1:1 vocabulary workshops and I see that it really works when the words, phrasal verbs and idioms are grouped into logical categories. So! Today we have health idioms.
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15 health idioms you need to know. I’ll give you the list with definitions and example sentences. Listen and see if you know them all. If you don’t, see the transcript to translate idioms. Relax and listen:
Number 1. Fit as a Fiddle: To be in excellent physical condition. Fiddle refers to stringed musical instrument, the violin, which had to be kept in good condition – fit. Listen to this example sentence:
My grandfather is 90 years old, but he is as fit as a fiddle.
Zdrowy jak ryba
Number 2. Go Viral: To spread quickly and widely, often used in the context of information, gossip, memes or trends. It comes from viruses which spread fast.
That funny cat video went viral on Facebook.
Number 3. Under the Weather: Feeling unwell or sick. An example:
I won’t be able to make it to the party; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Number 4. Break a Leg: It’s a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. For instance:
You’ve got that big presentation today? Break a leg!
Number 5. Kick the Bucket: To pass away, to die.
He always said he wanted to travel the world before he kicked the bucket.
Kopnąć w kalendarz
Number 6. Catch a Cold: To become sick with a cold. For example:
I caught a cold after walking in the rain without an umbrella.
Number 7. In Good Shape: To be physically fit and healthy. A sentence example:
She’s been going to the gym regularly, and now she’s in really good shape.
Number 8. A Bitter Pill to Swallow: Something unpleasant or difficult to accept yet necessary. Listen to this sentence:
Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Number 9. On the Mend: In the process of recovering or getting better. after a period of being sick.
Thanks to the treatment, I’m on the mend after that bad flu.
Wracać do zdrowia
Number 10. Butterflies in My Stomach: Feeling nervous or anxious or excited about something.
Before the big event, I always get butterflies in my stomach.
Number 11. As Sick as a Dog: To be very ill or unwell. Like in this sentence:
After eating that street food, I was as sick as a dog for days.
Number 12. To Be Back on Your Feet: To recover from an illness or setback and return to normal activities. For example:
After a week in bed, I’m finally back on my feet and ready to go back to work.
Stanąć na nogi.
Number 13. Run in the Family: To have a particular trait or characteristic that is common among family members. Something is in the genes, in DNA. Something runs in the family. It doesn’t have to be an illness, but it can. Example:
Her talent for music runs in the family; her parents are both musicians.
To u nich rodzinne
Number 14. Hit the Hay: To go to bed or sleep.
I’ve had a long day, so I’m going to hit the hay early tonight.
Number 15. Out of Shape: Not in good physical condition or fitness.
After months of inactivity, I’m completely out of shape.
These are 15 health idioms that you need to know. Alright, now it’s your turn! Take a moment to repeat these idioms out loud. Practice them, and soon, they’ll become a natural part of your English vocabulary. Do the Worksheet, it’s very important. Download it from teacherola.com/214. Listen and repeat 10 sentences:
My grandfather is 90 years old, but he’s as fit as a fiddle.
That funny cat video went viral on Facebook.
You’ve got that big presentation today? Break a leg!
I caught a cold after walking in the rain without an umbrella.
She’s been going to the gym regularly, and now she’s in really good shape.
Thanks to the treatment, I’m on the mend after that bad flu.
After eating that street food, I was as sick as a dog for days.
After a week in bed, I’m finally back on my feet and ready to go back to work.
Her talent for music runs in the family; her parents are both musicians.
After months of inactivity, I’m completely out of shape.
As a bonus, think about a situation where you could use these idioms, and try to create your own sentences. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce your learning. The sentences you make don’t have to be extraordinary, you can make very short and simple ones. That’s enough. So while translating the sentences in the Worksheet please create one extra sentence next to the original one, ok? That’s your extra speaking practice for the day.
That’s it for today’s episode! I hope you’ve enjoyed our journey into health idioms. Keep practising, and soon you’ll be using them effortlessly in your conversations.
Join my TOPeople newsletter for more language challenges, and don’t forget to check out the Worksheet for this episode at teacherola.com/214. I’ll be back next week with more language learning. Until then, stay fearless, keep speaking, and take care. Bye for now! And hey! Say it out loud!