Have you been feeling under the weather* lately? Or maybe you’ve had an argument with a friend that you thought was a storm in a teacup?*

We use idioms to help us broaden our vocabulary and dramatise our statements.

Idioms are not only very funny if you use them in the right way but can allow us to convey an idea in the clearest way possible without even mentioning that idea directly. Native speakers often use them which is why you should become familiar with these expressions while learning English as a foreign language.

Why weather idioms?

The weather is a popular topic of conversation for many English-speakers. Talking about the weather is a great conversation starter and learning how to use these idioms will help when you travel to English speaking countries.

1.     The calm before the storm

• This idiom refers to the stillness/calm experienced before a storm breaks/becomes violent, and can be used to describe a period of calm before a crisis, for example:
• I am having a nice coffee, this is just the calm before the storm, when the kids get home from school this house will be chaos.

2.     To be snowed under

• ‘To be snowed under’ is to have so much to do that you’re overwhelmed, for example:
• I really want to go to the party but I’m completely snowed under.
• I feel snowed under with all the work my boss keeps giving me
• The doctors and nurses have so many patients, they are completely snowed under.

3.     IT’S RAINING CATS AND DOGS

• This expression is typically used when it is raining heavily outside, for example:
• “Do not forget your umbrella before you go outside. It is raining cats and dogs!”
• If you go to Ireland in the winter be sure to bring your umbrella. It’s always raining cats and dogs.

4.     UNDER THE WEATHER

• To describe feeling unwell or minor illnesses that are not life-threatening. It can sometimes be used when you feel very tired after a long day, for example:
• Hazel did not come into work today. She was feeling under the weather.
• I was walking in the rain and now I’m feeling under the weather, I’m sure that I’m getting a cold.

5.     On cloud nine

• We use this idiom when we are extremely happy! For example:
• They were both on cloud nine during their honeymoon.
• He was on cloud nine when he got a promotion.

6.     Storm in a teacup:

• when someone makes a small problem larger than it really is.
• Those two are always arguing about something, it’s just a storm in a teacup.
• I don’t know why everyone is annoyed about the football score. It is just a storm in a teacup and everyone will forget about it soon.

What do you think of these idioms?

Do you think that you’ll be able to use them in everyday life? There are lots more idioms to learn and not just about the weather!

Learn more grammar, vocabulary and become fluent at www.scargill-english.com/