Skip to main content

Health Idioms

 

Idioms are phrases that English speakers use in everyday conversation, but don’t always make sense if they are pulled apart, word by word. This week our language students are discussing their health and how to communicate with their doctor! Here are some common idioms that are associated with health to add to your conversational vocabulary.

 

1.    Alive And Kicking

 

This English idiom refers to when someone is in good health even though they are suffering or dealing with health issues. We usually use this phrase when we are trying to put a positive spin on a negative health situation.

 

For example: I had a heart attack a while ago, but I’m alive and kicking!

 

2.    As Pale as a Ghost

 

When we say the phrase, “as pale as a ghost,” it means that someone is extremely pale or looking very sick. We use this phrase because the assumption is that ghosts are white and it is used as a comparison to someone’s white face. A pale or white face means that a person isn’t feeling well.

 

For example: My sister was as pale as a ghost when she entered the doctor’s office.

 

3.    At Death’s Door

 

This English idiom is used when someone is very near death or close to dying. It may not be polite to say it directly to the person, but it is more likely used when talking about someone when they are not around.

 

For example: The CEO was at death’s door after her sudden stroke.

 

4.    Be on the Mend

 

This English idiom is used to describe someone that is improving after an illness or surgery.

 

For example: I was in the hospital for a week after my back surgery, but now I’m back home, and I’m on the mend.

 

5.    Go Under the Knife

 

This English idiom describes someone that is about to undergo surgery. We use this to indicate a future event only!

 

For example: I’m going under the knife next month to get a knee replacement!

 

6.    Just what the Doctor Ordered

 

This English idiom describes someone that has done exactly the thing that is or was needed to help improve something or make one feel better. This phrase isn’t used when the doctor actually ordered something for a patient to do.

 

For example: A cup of coffee is just what the doctor ordered to wake me up!

 

7.    Snake Oil

 

This English idiom describes medicine of unproven value or medicine that doesn’t actually work. It is a term that comes from history where a traveling salesman actually sold a product he called snake oil and claimed that it would cure any and every sickness or disease you could ever have. It didn’t!

 

For example: The Internet is full of people who sell snake oil that won’t help you at all with your medical problems.

 

Interested in learning more idioms and conversational English? Check out our ESL program in Los Angeles and Orange County! We offer both ESL and TOEFL classes. For more information about our ESL program or classes, please visit our website at: AELS ESL Program !

Labels:
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transferring Language Schools on an F1 Student Visa: What You Need to Know

Transferring to a new language school while holding an F1 student visa can be an important step in your educational journey. Whether you’re seeking a program that better aligns with your goals, offers a higher level of instruction, or provides a more supportive environment, the process of transferring schools as an F1 student requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this transition smoothly. Why Transfer Schools? There are several reasons why an F1 student might consider transferring to a different language school: Academic Fit: You may find that the curriculum or teaching methods at your current school are not meeting your learning needs. Program Levels: The new school might offer more advanced ESL (English as a Second Language) courses or specialized programs. Location: Moving to a new city or region might necessitate finding a school closer to your new home. School Environment: You might seek a more supportive, engaging, or...
Post a Comment
Read more

F1 Transfer Grace Period

Introduction: Embarking on a new academic journey is an exciting prospect, and for international students on an F-1 visa, the transfer process plays a crucial role in this transition. In this blog post, we'll delve into the F-1 transfer process, focusing on the grace period and illustrating how it seamlessly intertwines with the transfer procedure. Understanding F-1 Visa Transfer: The F-1 visa transfer allows students to shift from one Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-approved institution to another without compromising their visa status. Whether you're transferring between high schools, colleges, or universities, a well-planned transfer ensures a smooth continuation of your academic pursuits. The Grace Period Unveiled: One of the significant advantages of the F-1 visa transfer process is the provision of a grace period. The grace period refers to the timeframe during which students can remain legally in the United States before and after the transfer. Th...
Post a Comment
Read more

F1 Student Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide to Program Start and End Dates

 Certainly! The program start date of the new school and the program end date of the previous school are crucial elements that can significantly impact the F1 student transfer process. Let's delve into each of these dates and understand their significance: Program Start Date of the New School: The program start date of the new school is the date on which the student's academic program at the new institution officially begins. This date is stated on the new school's Form I-20, which is a crucial document for F1 students. The Form I-20 is issued by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new school after the student's acceptance and successful SEVIS transfer. Implications for the Transfer Process: a. Coordination with the Previous School: When planning to transfer to a new school, the F1 student must ensure that the program start date at the new institution aligns with their academic intentions. This means the new program should ideally begin immediately after the pro...
Post a Comment
Read more