As interpreters, we are constantly sharpening our skills to prepare for the work ahead. Whether by
researching a presenter’s background, brushing up on specialized vocabulary, reviewing region-specific
sign variants, or even memorizing song lyrics — our assignments require continuous learning, as we do
our best to predict what information may become relevant on the job.

No matter how much prep we do, our work often requires that we think on our feet, as we never really
know for certain what our clients might say or do. At times, an assignment will veer into content that is
completely unforeseen. Other days, a distinct accent, baffling joke, or peculiar turn of phrase may throw
us for a loop.

It is for this reason that, as interpreters, we immerse ourselves in continuous study of language — to better fulfill our role as communication experts, and to navigate through the unexpected. Hopefully, the deliberate practice and professional development we engage in will help us to swiftly determine the intent behind our client’s message, and allow for an effective interpretation.

To that end, please enjoy the below list of twenty-one idioms written in English and their meanings.

Some of these idioms may be familiar, while others may seem totally alien. Who knows, maybe one or two will appear during your next assignment!

Idioms

A black sheep
Meaning: someone who does not fit in with the rest of the group (or ‘flock’).

A little bird told me
Meaning: when sharing information and wanting to keep the source anonymous.

All bark and no bite
Meaning: someone who makes threats but does not act on them.

A night owl
Meaning: someone who stays up late.

Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: to pursue a misguided course of action.

Beat a horse to death
Meaning: to belabor a point or waste energy on something that has no chance of success.

Bigger fish to fry
Meaning: to have more important things to do.

Busy as a bee
Meaning: extremely active, doing many things, moving about quickly.

Dropping like flies
Meaning: to be defeated or become ill or die in large numbers.

Eating crow
Meaning: to admit you were wrong, and accept the embarrassment of being wrong.

Go cold turkey
Meaning: to quit or give something up completely, all at once.

In two shakes of a lamb’s tail
Meaning: right away, very quickly.

Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: tell a secret, sometimes accidentally.

Make a beeline
Meaning: move directly toward, without hesitation or delay.

Snug as a bug in a rug
Meaning: very cozy and comfortable.

Swan song
Meaning: a final performance or act.

The bee’s knees
Meaning: exceptionally cool.

The elephant in the room
Meaning: the thing that (conspicuously) no one is addressing directly or talking about.

The world is your oyster
Meaning: you have every option available to you.

When pigs fly
Meaning: something that will never happen.

Wouldn’t hurt a fly
Meaning: one who will not cause harm.

I hope this list is helpful, and that you enjoyed exploring some of the figurative expressions found in English. As an exercise, pick a few of these idioms and try to use them in conversation throughout your day. Additionally, think about ways you would consider interpreting these idioms into ASL, if they were to come up during an assignment.

To read Part 1 of this series, please visit the following link: https://interpreterresource.com/interpreter-education/15-idioms-in-english-their-meanings/

If you are an interpreter in the Southeast Florida area, interested in freelance work and have availability days, nights, or weekends, please contact us! We have a variety of assignments throughout the community (medical, evening/overnight hospital shifts, day/evening college classes, school districts, legal, etc.). Visit our website and submit our New Interpreter Questionnaire: https://interpreterresource.com/freelance-interpreters/new-interpreter-questionnaire/).