A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things by stating that one thing is another, highlighting a particular quality or aspect they share, without using "like" or "as". For example, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from lives, even though time is not literally a thief. Metaphors help convey meanings and emotions in a more vivid and imaginative way by creating direct comparisons between different concepts.

What is a "metaphor"?

metaphor

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idiom

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intelligence

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=aW50ZWxsaWdlbmNl&hash=be1ff2926250807978a2c0743beeff5946ef9edd&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

emotion

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=ZW1vdGlvbg&hash=0a11b0f98199ade2058e10dcb301e43661d2e5a8&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

manual

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bWFudWFs&hash=87327eb0eed4328bdb40d4c8d733fc144c7ab9bc&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

skill

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c2tpbGw&hash=a2720e10d633d618f417875b5680c1da8139c5f1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the idiomatic expression "lend a hand" can be traced back to the literal act of physically assisting someone by extending a hand to offer support.  It has likely emerged from the universal understanding of reaching out and offering help to those in need. Over time, this idiom have become deeply ingrained in language and culture, emphasizing the importance of being helpful, supportive, and compassionate towards others.

What is the origin of the idiom "lend a hand" and when to use it?

to [lend|give] {sb} a (helping|) hand

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to head

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big-headed

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=YmlnLWhlYWRlZA&hash=b3f4280bf8b79d7481af860f8109eef65025b573&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [shake] hands

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to [have] a (good|) head for {sth}

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The phrase "have one's hands full" is believed to have originated in the 16th century, and it is a reference to the idea of being so busy or preoccupied that one has no free hands. The idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is very busy or has a lot of responsibilities to attend to. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

What is the origin of the idiom "have one's hands full" and when to use it?

to [have] {one's} hands full

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Its origin can be traced back to the 14th century, when the word "gold" was used to refer to something valuable, noble, or excellent. In the 16th century, the phrase "a heart of gold" was used to describe a person who had a kind and generous nature. The phrase gained wider recognition in the 19th century with the publication of William Shakespeare's play "Henry V", in which the character of the king is described as having a "heart of gold". Since then, the phrase has become a common idiom in the English language, used to describe people who are kind, selfless, and compassionate.

The origin and history of "heart of gold"

heart of gold

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heart-to-heart

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The idiom "go to one's head" originated from the concept of alcohol or success having an intoxicating effect on a person. It figuratively suggests that when someone experiences a sudden or excessive boost in confidence, power, or pride, it can lead to a sense of arrogance or inflated self-importance. The phrase is generally used to indicate that the person's newfound status or achievement has had a negative impact on their behavior or attitude.

What is the origin of the idiom "go to one's head" and when to use it?

to [go] to {one's} [head]

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The idiom "on one's last legs" is believed to have originated in the 17th century and was used to describe animals that were near death and could barely stand up. The phrase now means to be in a very weak or poor state, often due to age or illness. The phrase is often used to describe people or things that are nearing the end of their useful life.

What is the origin of the idiom "on one's last legs" and when to use it?

on {one's} last legs

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The idiom "sharp tongue" originates from the metaphorical use of the word "sharp" to describe someone's critical, witty, or acerbic way of speaking. The term emphasizes the cutting or incisive nature of the person's words, suggesting that their language is pointed and can be piercingly critical. It is often used to describe individuals who possess a talent for delivering clever, biting remarks or criticisms.

What is the origin of the idiom "sharp tongue" and when to use it?

sharp tongue

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to [get] used to

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kind

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=a2luZA&hash=a2cac0313b1b7ffd9e6e2f9a769e3909e3a795c0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

generous

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to accept

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYWNjZXB0&hash=46a6e5c1a1a1aac247a9871f793c36c194d46f07&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to joke

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gam9rZQ&hash=a0597d6d3bf0e759475e57071cfd22cf37953651&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [face] the fact

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The exact origin of the idiom "pull one's leg" is not well-documented, but it likely originated in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. The phrase was first used to describe someone joking or teasing another person in a playful or humorous way. The idea behind the expression is that when you pull someone's leg, you are metaphorically playing a light-hearted trick on them, much like a prank or a jest. This expression is used to imply that someone is teasing or joking with another person, often in a good-natured and playful manner. It is a way to suggest that what has been said may not be entirely truthful or that it is meant to be taken with a grain of salt. It is commonly used in informal conversations to lighten the mood or to acknowledge humor.

What is the origin of the idiom "pull one's leg" and when to use it?

to [pull] {one's} leg

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to [find] {one's} feet

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The origin of the idiom "put on a brave face" is rooted in the idea of maintaining a facade of strength, courage, or composure despite facing difficulties, challenges, or adversity. The phrase signifies the act of deliberately concealing one's true feelings, fears, or vulnerabilities behind a mask of bravery or confidence. It is often used to describe situations where individuals make a conscious effort to appear strong and optimistic outwardly, regardless of their internal struggles or fears.

What is the origin of the idiom "put on a brave face" and when to use it?

to [put] on a brave (face|front)

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to trade

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to carve

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gY2FydmU&hash=165b7780e21406dbea0f4e482a6ea69513193e2f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to tend

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGVuZA&hash=816925b51d47d58ecc9fb17de4b8b6fa4bdee734&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to raid

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gcmFpZA&hash=e167700669cc62d21e345ea7fba6e259ebe6a180&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to worship

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gd29yc2hpcA&hash=17f51c3cb05ac8135dc378906bac5ebbf535db85&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to extort

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZXh0b3J0&hash=59b9ac1fa8e3a28adf11e34874b4a8fc273d1f1c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to settle

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc2V0dGxl&hash=c7e9fb4272252a892a359a060db6415b47545e76&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to mount

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbW91bnQ&hash=d958bf6c8e71be24c9e33695cac1175d19097946&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to explore

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZXhwbG9yZQ&hash=3e9ad7d607e6e4397f92cc4edb12c2c79c081b33&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Viking

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=VmlraW5n&hash=0ee5fc226509ec235a2c10dc0c697785404577f4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

{one's} heart [is]  {not} in  {sth}

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Here you will find the vocabulary from Unit 10 in the Headway Upper Intermediate coursebook, such as "manual", "sharp tongue", "extort", etc.

Vocabolario dell'Unità 10 di Headway Upper Intermediate