International Expressions Flashcard

Front

What does the Australian expression "Flat out like a lizard drinking" mean?

Back

Working very hard

Answer explanation

The expression "Flat out like a lizard drinking" means to be extremely busy or working very hard. It reflects the idea that lizards drink quickly and efficiently, symbolizing intense effort.

Front

In England, if someone is "a picnic short of a sandwich," what does it imply?

Back

They are not very smart.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a picnic short of a sandwich" is a humorous way to suggest that someone is not very smart, implying they are missing something essential, much like a picnic without food.

Front

What does the French expression "C’est la fin des haricots" translate to in English?

Back

It's the end of the world

Answer explanation

The French expression "C’est la fin des haricots" literally means "It's the end of the beans," but idiomatically translates to "It's the end of the world," indicating a situation that is hopeless or disastrous.

Front

What does the German expression "Die Naschkatze" refer to?

Back

A person who loves to eat sweets

Answer explanation

The German expression "Die Naschkatze" literally translates to "the nibbling cat" and refers to someone who has a sweet tooth or loves to eat sweets, making the correct choice A.

Front

In Ireland, what does the expression "As thick as two short planks" mean?

Back

Very foolish

Answer explanation

The expression "As thick as two short planks" is a colloquial way of describing someone as very foolish. It implies a lack of intelligence, making "very foolish" the correct interpretation.

Front

What does the Irish phrase "Like feeding strawberries to a donkey" mean?

Back

A waste of time

Answer explanation

The phrase "Like feeding strawberries to a donkey" implies that the effort is futile, as donkeys do not appreciate strawberries. Thus, it means "A waste of time," making this the correct choice.

Front

What is the meaning of the Italian phrase "In bocca al lupo"?

Back

Good luck

Answer explanation

The Italian phrase "In bocca al lupo" translates to "In the wolf's mouth" and is commonly used to wish someone good luck, especially before a challenging situation. Thus, the correct answer is "Good luck."

Front

In South African slang, what does "Eish!" express?

Back

Surprise or disbelief

Answer explanation

In South African slang, "Eish!" is commonly used to express surprise or disbelief. It captures a reaction to unexpected situations, making it the correct choice over the other options.

Front

What does the Spanish phrase "Comer moscas" mean?

Back

To be distracted

Answer explanation

The Spanish phrase "Comer moscas" literally translates to "to eat flies," but idiomatically it means "to be distracted." This expression is used to describe someone who is not paying attention.

Front

What does the US idiom "When pigs fly" imply?

Back

Something impossible

Answer explanation

The idiom "When pigs fly" is used to express that something is impossible or highly unlikely to happen. Therefore, the correct choice is "Something impossible."