Language can be confusing, especially when it comes to idiomatic expressions. American English is filled with phrases that, while commonplace to locals, can leave foreigners scratching their heads. Here are 17 uniquely American sayings that might just leave non-natives baffled.
Piece of Cake
When someone says something is a “piece of cake,” they don’t mean it’s a literal slice of dessert. This phrase is used to describe something that’s very easy to do. Business Insider reveals that it “likely derives from a line in “The Primrose Path,” a 1935 poetry collection.” To Americans, it simply means the task at hand is effortless.
Break a Leg
The phrase “break a leg” is particularly confusing, especially if taken literally. If you tell someone to “break a leg,” you’re actually wishing them good luck, especially before a performance. This is an example of American humor and superstition, where saying something negative is meant to bring about a positive outcome.
Spill the Beans
When someone “spills the beans,” they’re not making a mess in the kitchen. Instead, they’re revealing a secret. This phrase can be particularly perplexing to foreigners who might wonder what beans have to do with divulging information. It’s just another quirky way Americans add color to their language.
Kick the Bucket
If someone “kicks the bucket,” it’s a euphemism for dying. The origins of this phrase are murky, but it’s a way Americans soften the conversation about death. For someone who isn’t familiar with this idiom, trying to figure out what buckets have to do with mortality can be a challenge.
Raining Cats and Dogs
The saying “raining cats and dogs” paints quite a bizarre picture for non-native speakers, but it simply means it’s raining very heavily. There’s no actual connection to pets falling from the sky, but it’s a vivid way to describe a downpour. Foreigners might find it amusing, though.
Under the Weather
When an American says they’re feeling “under the weather,” they’re not experiencing strange meteorological phenomena. To say this means they’re feeling sick or unwell. If you’ve never heard the idiom before, it might make you think of being caught in a storm rather than having a cold.
Bite the Bullet
“Bite the bullet” is used to describe enduring a painful or unpleasant situation with courage, and it harks back to times when soldiers were given bullets to bite on during surgery without anesthesia. If you come from outside of the U.S., you wouldn’t readily associate biting a bullet with bravery.
Hit the Nail on the Head
To describe something exactly right or to do something precisely correct, you might say “hit the nail on the head”—at least, you would if you’re from the United States. A person from any other country might take it literally and think of carpentry; but in essence, it’s about being accurate or spot-on.
Break the Ice
“Breaking the ice” means to initiate conversation in a social setting, making people feel more comfortable. It’s a metaphorical way to describe easing tension. A foreigner might find it confusing, wondering why there’s any ice to break in a conversation.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
When someone “lets the cat out of the bag,” they reveal a secret, often accidentally, and this phrase can be misleading because there’s no logical connection between cats and secrets. But for U.S locals, it’s just another way to talk about unintended revelations.
Pulling Someone’s Leg
If someone is “pulling your leg,” they’re joking or teasing you, and this idiom can be particularly tricky for non-native speakers who might take it very literally. It’s a playful way to describe making a joke, but without context, it can be quite strange to hear.
Cut to the Chase
“Cutting to the chase” translates as getting to the point without wasting time; to Americans, this phrase has its origins in the film industry, where it referred to skipping directly to the exciting chase scenes. To anyone outside of the United States, it can come across as unrelated to everyday conversation, adding to the uncertainty.
A Dime a Dozen
If an American was to say something is “a dime a dozen,” what they really mean to say is that it’s very common and not particularly valuable. This phrase can be bewildering because it involves understanding the historical value of a dime, which foreigners might find difficult to do, failing to equate something’s abundance with the cost of a ten-cent coin.
On the Ball
A person who is “on the ball,” is very alert and competent, and while the origins of this phrase are unclear, it’s commonly used to compliment someone’s awareness or efficiency. To someone from overseas, it could seem like it has something to do with sports, when it’s not at all.
Throw in the Towel
If you’re “throwing in the towel”, you’re giving up or surrendering; which a tourist might not know if they’re hearing this for the first time. This phrase actually comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight. Non-native speakers might not make the connection to the sport—understandably.
The Whole Nine Yards
When someone goes “the whole nine yards,” they give it their all or go to great lengths. Saying this phrase means to express thoroughness or completeness. This very specific measurement can throw a lot of non-Americans off if they’re encountering it for the first time in conversation.
Through the Grapevine
Hearing something “through the grapevine” means learning about it through gossip or informal communication. While tourists understand the idea of hearing something through rumor or hearsay, they wouldn’t be quick to jump to “gossip” after hearing “grapevine”.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.
19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE