Halloween is just around the corner and people of all ages are somewhat excited about this. It’s a holiday celebrated each year on October 31st. You might be wondering, where did it come from?
The tradition actually came from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. In this tradition, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
It was then incorporated with All Saint’s Day when November 1st was designated by Pope Gregory III as a time to honor the saints in the eighth century.
The evening before this day was called All Hallows Eve and then eventually turned to Halloween. In most countries in the west, it’s a wide celebration consisting of candies, costumes, and partying. The influence has come across the other side of the world. Some Asian countries celebrate Halloween.
1. SKELETON IN THE CLOSET
Meaning: an embarrassing fact or scandal that someone wants to keep secret
Example: He acts suspiciously as if he’s hiding a skeleton in the closet.
Sample Dialogue:
A: Do you know Anna?
B: Yes, of course. She was my schoolmate before. What about her?
A: Well, she’s under hot water in the workplace. An old video of her resurfaced.
B: Oh, I know that one and it’s a skeleton in the closet that she kept on hiding.
A: I hope people give her a second chance. You know, we are not our mistakes.
2. GHOST TOWN
Meaning: a deserted place where there are few or no people
Example: I woke up at 5 a.m. to go for a run. It felt like a ghost town, I didn’t see anyone!
Sample Dialogue:
A: How was your weekend, Dan?
B: It was terrible.
A: How come?
B: I went to the countryside. There’s nothing much to see. And the town was like a ghost town when the evening came.
A: But at least, you had a peaceful time, didn’t you?
B: Yuhp, too peaceful.
3. SCAREDY CAT
Meaning: someone who is easily frightened
Example: Don’t be such a scaredy cat … skydiving is fun!
Sample Dialog:
A: Do we really need to go in? I hate horror houses, especially during Halloween!
B: Ghosts are not real. You’re such a scaredy cat!
A: That’s not what my mom told me.
B: Come on! Man up! It’s just a man-made house of horrors.
4. SCARED STIFF
Meaning: very afraid, to the point where they are incapable of movement
Example: Aza didn’t want to go on stage; she was scared stiff.
Sample Dialog:
A: Maya was selected to perform on stage.
B: Wow, she sings really well so I’m not even surprised.
A: Yeah but I heard she was scared stiff during the first day of rehearsals.
B: Oh, that’s a first. What happened?
A: She learned that she will be sharing the stage with a famous singer.
B: Who?
A: Adele.
B: A-Adele?! I would be too if I were in her place.
5. WOULDN’T SAY BOO TO A GOOSE
Meaning: shy or nervous
Example: I don’t think James would do that; he wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
Sample Dialog:
A: Hey, have you heard about Ian?
B: Ian? What about him?
A: I heard he asked Alex to go out with him during the party.
B: No way! He’s known as a wallflower. He wouldn’t say boo to a goose!
A: I know right? That was a surprise.
6. DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS
Meaning: very good looking
Example: You look drop-dead gorgeous!
Sample Dialog:
A: I’m heading out.
B: Oh, where are you going?
A: To a party but I’m not really feeling this outfit.
B: Are you kidding me? That black dress is drop-dead gorgeous! Wear it.
7. NIGHT OWL
Meaning: a person who tends to stay up late; an evening person
Example: He didn’t go to bed until 3 a.m. – he’s such a night owl.
Sample Dialog:
A: Where’s your son?
B: He’s probably sleeping.
A: But it’s already 11 am.
B: He usually sleeps at 4 am. He’s a night owl and studies at night.
A: I see. I guess that’s why your son is on top of the class.
8. DIG YOUR OWN GRAVE
Meaning: to do something that will cause you harm or problems in the future
Example: You’re digging your own grave by skipping classes.
Sample Dialog:
A: I’ve got something to tell you.
B: What is it?
A: My mom didn’t allow me to attend the outdoor concert.
B: Oh, why so?
A: She said it’s dangerous and I shouldn’t be going to places where there are a lot of strangers.
B: Oh, that’s too bad.
A: But I still plan to go. I’ll just find the right time to leave.
B: You must be out of your mind! You’re digging your own grave!
9. GRAVEYARD SHIFT
Meaning: a work shift that happens overnight
Example: I have to work the graveyard shift tonight; I’m really not looking forward to it.
Sample Dialog:
A: Hi, I’m George.
B: Frank here.
A: Nice to meet you, Frank. Jane told me a lot about you. May I know where you work?
B: I work in the BPO industry.
A: I see. I heard from Jane that you like bowling. Wanna play with me Saturday morning?
B: Hmm, I work the graveyard shift so I can’t but I can go with you on a Sunday.
B: That sounds great.
10. OVER MY DEAD BODY
Meaning: used to express that you strongly oppose something, or won’t allow it to happen
Example: Bungee jumping?! Over my dead body.
Sample Dialog:
A: What are our plans when we get there?
B: We’ll visit some parks, do skydiving, and then have a dinner cruise in the evening.
A: Skydiving! No way, over my dead body!
No matter where you are, no matter how you celebrate Halloween. It’s a no brainer that this day is special even though it gives you the creeps. Studying a new language is scary, too! But facing your fears is something we should do. With Pinestalking, there’s nothing you should worry about!