This blog post is an updated article from a few years ago. I’ve added a 5 minute English video, and a new idiom for your learning pleasure!

The post is inspired by Earth Day, which is right tomorrow, Friday April 22! In honor of our loving Mother Earth, I hope you enjoy the post. Below, in the introduction, you will also see other expressions related to the Earth (about nature, things in the environment, etc..) and you can read the idiom underlined and the definition italicized and in ( ) parenthesis.

Learning is a ray of sunshine (something that brings happiness) to me! The opportunity to teach others is like heaven on earth (a very enjoyable situation, thing, place)  I am not going to beat around the bush (to avoid saying something by talking about other things), I will come out and directly say it! Idioms (and other expressions) are one of my favorite things to teach because not only are they so fun, they are such a huge part of fluency and English conversations.

These 3 idioms just mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg (a small part of something bigger), below are some more idioms, definitions, and examples with very common and useful idioms about our world. First, I invite you to watch the 5 minute English video lesson below. This video will review the idioms below with examples, and give you listening comprehension practice. 

Are you interested in receiving these lessons directly in your (e-mail) inbox? Then sign up to be on English Outside the Box’s newsletter and you will get these lessons, updates, promotions and so much more! You can sign up here.

 

Now, let’s review what we learned in the video…

1. nothing like it on earth: used to say that something is very unique or rare, or so incredible that there is nothing else to compare it to in the entire world (often used in an exaggerated way)

  Ex: The view from the top of our roof stretches across San Diego Bay, there is nothing like it on earth.

2. go to the ends of the earth: to do everything and anything possible to achieve something. It’s often followed with “+ to do something” (similar to: “move heaven and earth”)

Ex: Lucy’s mother often goes to the ends of the earth for her, making sure she has everything she needs, and always giving full support.

Ex: Dylan would go to the ends of the earth to become a successful musician, it has always been his passion.

2 (a). move heaven and earth: work very hard to do something  (similar to: “go to the ends of the earth”)

 Ex: Taylor would move heaven and earth to give his wife a special surprise for her birthday.

3. down-to-earth: easy to talk to (one who doesn’t think too highly of themselves), practical and sensible 

Ex: Paulo is so down-to-earth, even though is a world-famous chef.

4. What/Where/Why on earth?: “on earth” is used to add emphasis or force to the question word 

Ex:   Why on earth are we going to that restaurant?! You know I really don’t like it!

Ex:   What on earth are you wearing?! It’s snowing outside, and you are wearing a dress!

5. promise the earth: to promise something (say that you will do/give something) that is likely impossible to do/give 

Ex:   Politicians often promise the earth during their election campaigns; however, not much is actually followed through with

Now that you’ve watched the video and read the article, it’s time to practice! Remember, if you’re a current English Outside the Box student you can upload your practice sentences directly into our online classroom. If you aren’t a current student, then why don’t you become one? Are you interested in becoming a student of English Outside the Box? Schedule your trial lesson by clicking here!

If you are not currently signed up for online classes, then you can write your practice sentences below in the comments. I will provide feedback as soon as I can!

Finally, I would love if you shared these idioms with someone who loves nature, our earth, the environment, language, learning, and/or idioms! Thank you!

Happy Studying and Happy Earth Day! ♥

 

Do you want to learn even more English idioms online? Don’t forget to check out all the English Idioms of the Week, and sign up to receive your weekly lessons and exclusive free download of  English idioms.