Tag Archives: New Year

A New Leaf: Learn 20 English Idioms for the New Year

A New Leaf: Learn 20 English Idioms for the New Year

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Whether you see the new year as a chance for partying hard (becoming three sheets to the wind), giving up a bad habit (kicking the habit), making resolutions (mending your ways), or just going for an all-round change (out with the old and in with the new), there are English idioms for every aspect of new year! 

[Click here to learn more about how to use idioms in teaching English.]

Try our fun Quizlet quiz!

1. idiom: To turn over a new leaf.

literal meaning: To change your life completely.

example: ‘It looks like after that warning from the principal, James has turned over a new leaf.’

 

2. idiom: Out with the old and in with the new.

literal meaning: We’re changing everything.

example: ‘Shall we get rid of these curtains too?’ ‘Yes. Out with the old and in with the new.

 

3. idiom: To start [time] with a clean sheet.

literal meaning: To forget the past and move forward without recriminations.

example: ‘OK, let’s start 2020 with a clean sheet.’

 

4. idiom: A change is as good as a rest.

literal meaning: Doing something different from usual can be as invigorating as a relaxing holiday.

example: ‘We won’t have time for a proper holiday this year, because we’ll be moving house.’ ‘Never mind. They say a change is as good as a rest.’

 

5. idiom: To ring in the new year.

literal meaning: To celebrate the moment when new year arrives at midnight on 31st December.

example: ‘We were round at Harold’s with his mum and dad and cousin ringing in the new year.’

 

6. idiom: To kick the habit.

literal meaning: To give up something addictive.

example: ‘Your father tried to kick the habit last new year but he just loves his cigars.’

 

7. idiom: To go cold turkey.

literal meaning: To give up an addictive substance, e.g. nicotine, by simply stopping using it.

example: ‘Was it hard to give up smoking.’ ‘No. I went cold turkey. Just quit.’

 

8. idiom: To stick to [something].

literal meaning: To follow a plan of action without deviating from it.

example: ‘My mum started her new diet for new year. I just hope she can stick to it.’

 

9. idiom: No pain, no gain.

literal meaning: If an improving action does not cost you anything, you will not benefit from it.

example: ‘Going to the gym twice a week is so difficult for me.’ ‘Keep at it, mum! No pain, no gain.

 

10. idiom: To mend your ways.

literal meaning: Improve your behaviour.

example: ‘If you don’t mend your ways you’re going to end up in court with a driving ban.’

 

11. idiom: To shake things up a bit.

literal meaning: Change habits.

example: ‘We’re just stuck in a rut, Albert, doing the same things. Let’s shake things up a bit in the new year!’ ‘OK, Barbara. What about flying to Rio?’

 

12. idiom: To kick off the new year.

literal meaning: To start the new year.

example: ‘Let’s kick off the new year with a nice trip to the mountains!’

 

13. idiom: New year, new you!

literal meaning: You can completely change your weight / level of fitness / appearance in the new year!

example: ‘Have you seen this magazine? It says, “New Year, New You”!’ ‘Who are they kidding!’

 

14. idiom: To bury the hatchet.

literal meaning: To forgive each other and make friends again.

example: ‘You really should bury the hatchet with your Auntie Joan in the new year.’

 

15. idiom: To tighten [one’s] belt.

literal meaning: To spend much less.

example: ‘After buying all those Christmas presents we’re really going to have to tighten our belts in the new year.’ ‘OK. I’ll start by cancelling your Netflix subscription.’

 

16. idiom: To get back into the swing of things.

literal meaning: To return to normal.

example: ‘After the long Christmas break it took me a while to get back into the swing of things at work.’

 

17. idiom: To give it my best shot.

literal meaning: To try very hard to do something.

example: ‘This year my new year’s resolution is to give up cheese.’ ‘But you love Stilton, Janet.’ ‘I know. It won’t be easy, but I’m gonna give it my best shot.’

 

18. idiom: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

literal meaning: Keep trying to do something until you succeed.

example: ‘I’m never going to win a place in the school hockey team.’ ‘Keep trying, Brian. Remember the old saying: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’

 

19. idiom: To be three sheets to the wind.

literal meaning: To be very drunk.

example: ‘Paul was three sheets to the wind at the new year’s eve party last night.’

 

20. idiom: Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

literal meaning: The past is unimportant; you can start afresh from this moment on.

example: ‘How can I go on with my life, after such a bad experience?’ ‘I know it’s hard, but try to remember: today is the first day of the rest of your life.’


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New Year's resolutions podcast and worksheet 2018

NEW Podcast! Talking about New Year’s Resolutions – with Daria Storozhilova

It’s time to ring in the New Year 2018!

In this very special holiday podcast I’m joined by online course developer and tutor Daria Storozhilova from Smart English Learning. We have fun discussing New Year traditions, resolutions, and predictions for 2018! I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our listeners a very Happy and Healthy New Year 2018!

Listen and download the free MP3 lesson: Talking about New Year’s Resolutions – with Daria Storozhilova (36 MB, Google Drive)

Don’t forget to download the accompanying free printable worksheet below:

 

You can visit Daria’s profiles here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartlanguagelearning/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bYRjDJXQwcsZJOpOhO4sg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StordarLearn
Website: https://www.stordar.com

Free image courtesy of https://pixabay.com