By:Teacher Almira
Sick and tired of using the weather as your subject for small talk? Why not add a twist on how you use it. We can also use weather elements as idiomatic expressions. Check out our top 8 idioms expressed with weather elements. Find out how you’ll use these weather-related idiomatic expressions. Stand out from the rest as you’ll learn how to upgrade a sentence with these idiomatic expressions. Are you ready?
Bolt from the blue
Meaning: It is a sudden, unexpected event.
Basic Sentence: The death of the president was unexpected.
Upgraded Sentence: The death of the president was a bolt from the blue.
Situation A: When something turned out to be a total surprise
A: We’ll gonna go to the pub tonight.
B: It’s going to be the perfect timing to announce my company exit as well.
A: Wow, that’s a bolt from the blue!
B: Not really for our boss. He knows my plan, so consider tonight as my farewell party. Let’s have fun.
Situation B: Talking about current events
A: What is happening in the world now?
B: You sound so disturbed by the events.
A: The president of Guinea’s ousting through a coup was a bolt from the blue.
B: 3 weeks ago, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, and the president also went MIA before its people. I don’t want to think deep, but why are these things happening bolt from the blue?
A: Exactly my point!
(Keep/left) in the dark
Meaning: to be uninformed about something.
Basic Sentence: I don’t fully trust her, so I won’t disclose any information about my business plan for now.
Upgraded Sentence: I don’t fully trust her, so I am leaving her in the dark about my business plans for now.
Situation A: The wife does not know about his husband’s credit card spending.
A: I got the credit card bill this morning. What have you been purchasing?
B: Car spare parts, I’d be selling them at a higher price on eBay.
A: Why did you keep me in the dark with this plan of yours? You have almost maxed our card out.
B: I’m sure that I’ll be getting a huge profit from these purchases. Don’t worry.
Situation B: The reporter didn’t know that she’s been assigned to
The reporter didn’t know that she’s been assigned to cover something abroad.
A: They told me that you will be sent to Russia next month to cover the UN Convention. Good luck to you.
B: What? Our head has not yet informed me about this. Why was I kept in the dark?
A: Oh, I’m sorry Lisa. I thought they have already shared the information with you.
B: The UN Convention will be in 3 days, and I don’t know a thing about me going there.
Come rain or shine
Meaning: To do something whatever the circumstances are.
Basic Sentence: The party will be on Friday night whatever happens.
Upgraded Sentence: The party will be on Friday night, come rain or shine.
Situation A: to submit a report or an output to one’s superior or boss
A: Are you sure you could meet the deadline for your quarterly report?
B: Yes. I have to get this done come rain or shine as I need our boss to go over this for the assessment.
A: Yes, he’s also relying on the accuracy of your output.
B: That to me sounds like a lot of pressure, but yes – I will submit this accurate report come rain or shine this Friday.
Situation B:
A: All the girls will be there on Friday.
B: Come rain or shine I will be there for the brunch.
A: Yeah, you missed it last month. I hope you won’t miss it this time.
B: I told you, I will be coming whatever happens.
Storm in a teacup
Meaning: unnecessary complaint or anger over trivial /unimportant things
Basic Sentence: They broke up because of constant petty fights.
Upgraded Sentence: They broke up because of constant storms in a teacup.
Situation A: Complaining over the internet connection
A: Why do you look so serious?
B: I can’t study well because of the internet connection, and I want to report this to the administration.
A: Don’t do that! You’ll just create a storm in a teacup! I’ll just restart the router.
B: You think that will work?
A: Absolutely, just wait and don’t go anywhere. I’ll be fixing it.
Situation A: Complaining over the internet connection
A: The discussion with my sister had turned into a storm in a teacup.
B: What had happened exactly?
A: I opposed her political standpoint, and she took it personally.
B: You should sort things out with her before everything gets worse.
There you are! We hope you have enjoyed learning these new expressions. Whatever mood you are in, there are some idiomatic expressions to help you make high-quality sentences. Don’t forget to upgrade your sentence by using idioms when you are conversing with foreign national friends. Just in case they don’t get you, share your knowledge with them as this could turn out to be a promising language exchange.