Food is an everyday part of our lives, no matter what language we speak, so it’s not surprising that it’s an important part of language, too! In the English language, food idioms are very common, and are a great way of adding extra emphasis when you are saying something. Check out this list of food idioms to find out more!
1. The apple of my eye
This idiom is used to describe someone who is very important and loved to you, especially a child, or someone younger than yourself.
E.g. “He always spoilt her – she was the apple of her grandfather’s eye”.
2. Recipe for disaster
You would use this idiom when you have a collection of events, people or things that are bound to cause a problem together.
E.g. “I should have known that leaving the cats inside with the fish-tank would have been a recipe for disaster.”
3. Wake up and smell the coffee
If you are trying to get someone to pay attention to things more closely, this is the perfect idiom. It is often used to express that the reality of things is very different to what is imagined.
E.g. “If she thinks she can just keep skipping classes and still pass, she needs to wake up and smell the coffee.”
4. Pinch of salt
This is used in a situation that is not very believable or likely to be exaggerated.
E.g. “He might act like he’s very rich, but you should take anything he tells you with a pinch of salt – he’s usually just faking it.”
Quick Practice
Which idioms would you use in the following events?
- Your aunt has invited her favourite niece to visit her.
- A friend keeps promising to take you out for dinner, but you know she will cancel on you at the last minute.
- Your boyfriend and ex-boyfriend are both at the same party, and they don’t like each other.
- Your colleague insists the boss won’t notice that a mistake has been made– even though everyone else already knows about it.
Your turn
Idioms might seem complex, but the best way to learn how to use them is to work them into everyday conversation. So why not try to use them in a conversation between friends? Imagine a group of people talking, and try and use each idiom at least once.
Useful Phrasal Verbs about Food
Think phrasal verbs are all boring? Think again!
In this lesson, we look at one of the most enjoyable parts of everyday lives – food. We think about and talk about food in all sorts of ways – and phrasal verbs about food are a great way of learning the language.
Whip up
Ever wanted to make yourself something quick to eat? This phrasal verb is all about preparing something quickly and easily. Use this verb to describe making a fast meal or snack.
E.g. “I didn’t have time for breakfast at home – I’ll just whip up an omelette while he gets changed.”
Cut out
This phrasal verb is used to describe removing certain items from your daily diet – often for health or other personal reasons.
E.g. “I really need to lose weight so I’m cutting out all chocolate for a month.”
Eat out
This describes eating outside the home – usually at a restaurant or café, or anywhere else you might be able to purchase and eat something substantial.
E.g. “We decided to eat out as nobody wanted to cook after we got home.”
Mix in
You can use this phrasal verb to express combining different ingredients, often when you are preparing a recipe, or putting together a meal.
E.g. “After combining the eggs and sugar, mix this in with all the dry ingredients.”
Quick Practice
Which phrasal verb would you use in the following events?
- Adding a dollop of Greek yoghurt to some soup.
- Going out to have a birthday meal at your favourite restaurant.
- Preparing a meal for some surprise guests.
- Someone has stopped eating any dairy products.
Your turn
Get to know phrasal verbs better by putting them into action! Food is a part of our everyday lives, so try using these phrasal verbs at every mealtime. Why not write your own little scenario where you can experiment with using these phrases in different ways? You’ll discover that it’s the perfect way to memorise and become familiar with them.
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