Learning Common English Idioms in Context
One of the best methods for learning idioms in English is by watching authentic content on television. Now that TV shows are readily available on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon, students can learn new expressions in real-life contexts.
English Idioms and Phrases in TV Shows
In this article, we will highlight ten common English idioms and phrases in popular TV shows. First, we will define the idiom and the meaning of the expression. Then, we will show how it is used in the dialogue of each scene.
Finally, after understanding the definitions of each expression and grasping how everything is used in each scene, students can practice repeating the scene. This method will improve pronunciation, fluency, and language acquisition overall.
Now, let's outline the idioms and phrases in the TV shows.
1. brownie points
Idiom Meaning: rewards for a good deed
NCIS “UnSEALeD” (2004)
Agent Caitlin ‘Kate’ Todd: You were a boy scout?
Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: Cub.
Agent Caitlin ‘Kate’ Todd: What did they kick you out for?
Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: Trying to score brownie points.
2. eager beaver
Idiom Meaning: a keen and hard-working person
Star Trek: The Next Generation “The Child” (1988)
Dr. Kate Pulaski: Some eager beaver at play.
Lt. Commander Data: Inquiry. Eager beaver.
Dr. Kate Pulaski: Well, in this case, “eager beaver” refers to some overachieving genetic engineer who, probably because of lack of anything better to do, has forced this strain of virus to mutate just so he can see how bad bad can get.
3. have a cow
Idiom Meaning: get angry or go crazy
The Simpsons “Hurricane Neddy” (1996)
Bart Simpson: Hey! Back off, man!
Ned Flanders: Ok, dude! I wouldn’t want you to have a cow, man! Here’s a catchphrase you better learn for your adult years: “Hey, buddy, got a quarter?”
Bart Simpson: I am shocked and appalled.
4. in a pickle
Idiom Meaning: in trouble
Will & Grace “Lows in the Mid-Eighties” (2000)
Jack: Yeah, guys our little Pammy’s in a pickle, and, uh, shouldn’t we help her find her way back to a place called hope?
Karen: Honey, she’s wearing synthetic plaid. It’s a four-day drive and a boat trip to a place called Hope.
5. joined at the hip
Idiom Meaning: very close romantically
Star Trek: Voyager “Timeless” (1998)
The Doctor: And how did you get involved with Bonnie and Clyde here?
Tessa Omond: Oh, I’ve had an interest in Voyager for a long time.
Harry Kim: They’re having sex.
The Doctor: Pardon?
Harry Kim: Chakotay and Tess. They’re a couple joined at the hip.
6. knock your socks off
Idiom Meaning: get you very excited (or astonished)
The Big Bang Theory “The Classified Materials Turbulence” (2009)
Sheldon Cooper: Excuse me, Stuart, have you read the new Flash?
Stuart: No.
Sheldon Cooper: Well. I have, and it will knock your socks off! Good luck getting them back on.
7. no spring chicken
Idiom Meaning: no longer young
The Sopranos “Everybody Hurts” (2002)
Christopher Moltisanti: What about Sil? You got that with him, and Paulie?
Tony Soprano: Those other guys: Sil, Paulie, one thing they’re not, they’re not my blood. You hear what I’m saying to you? It’s a matter of trust
Christopher Moltisanti: It’s very wise.
Tony Soprano: Sil’s a good Consigliere and his going to continue on as such but his no […] spring chicken either. On the other hand there’s no reason to give him a […] attitude either.
Christopher Moltisanti: No, of course not.
Tony Soprano: Now there’s going to be a period of transition.
8. off the hook
Idiom Meaning: to escape obligation (or something exciting)
The Walking Dead “Cherokee Rose” (2011)
Rick Grimes: Daryl. You okay on your own?
Daryl Dixon: I’m better on my own. I’ll be back before dark.
Rick Grimes: Hey. We got a base. We can get this search properly organized now.
Daryl Dixon: You got a point or are we just chatting?
Rick Grimes: My point is it lets you off the hook. You don’t owe us anything.
9. put a sock in it
Idiom Meaning: be quiet and stop talking
The X-Files “Pusher” (1996)
Agent Frank Burst: Ok, we get it. It’s a nice shade of blue
Robert Patrick Modell: Cerulean blue. Cerulean makes me think of a breeze, a gentle breeze.
Agent Frank Burst: Hey Mr. Blackwell, put a sock in it.
Robert Patrick Modell: Cerulean is a gentle breeze. Cerulean… a gentle breeze.
Agent Frank Burst: Stop!
10. walking on eggshells
Idiom Meaning: being overly cautious not to upset a sensitive situation
Law & Order: Criminal Intent “The Consoler” (2011)
Robert Goren: Do you think I’m crazy?
Paula Gyson: I think you are a person who is aware that the world is a dangerous place. You found a way of surviving, but your way can make other people feel uncomfortable.
Robert Goren: Challenging and, you know, uncomfortable. You’re walking on eggshells with me, aren’t you?
Paula Gyson: Isn’t that how you like it? Hmm? It’s part of your skill set, like being able to read people quickly.
Robert Goren: It’s my job.
Study Tips for Learning English Idioms and Phrases
After reading the dialogue in each scene, students should practice saying the lines out loud. This will help with pronunciation and natural fluency. Also, if possible, try to find the scene online or on a streaming service. Listen to the scene and try to emulate what the characters say.
ESL Games Book
Do you need more lesson ideas?
Check out ESL Games for Kids and Adults on the ESL Expat website.
The book features 50 fun activities for teaching English as a second language.
Order your copy of the book on Amazon.
ESL Idioms Book
Do your students need extra help with English idioms?
Check out ESL Idioms and Worksheets on the ESL Expat website.
The book features over 400 idioms and several activities for students to practice using the expressions.
Order your copy of the book on Amazon.
More Common English Idioms and Phrases
Are you looking for more resources for learning English expressions?
Check out the collection of common English idioms and phrases on the ESL Expat website. Also, for students interested in learning English with movies and TV shows, visit the Movie Idioms website.
