In this post we'll be introducing some basic vocabulary about Easter, especially the names of the days and period leading up to Easter Sunday. Let's begin, shall we?

The week leading up to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week.

Similarly, the days of the Holy Week are called Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, etc., but they may also be called Great and Holy Monday, Great and Holy Tuesday, etc.

Holy Wednesday is also known as Spy Wednesday.
Holy Thursday is also known as Maundy Thursday.
Holy Friday is also known as Good Friday. 

What is Palm Sunday though?

Below is a list of ten phrases that are rather tricky to understand the first time you hear them or read them mainly because at first they give the impression of having a literal meaning. However, if you pay closer attention to the context, you will soon realise that they're, in fact, English idioms!

1. a wet blanket
if you call someone a wet blanket, you mean that they ruin other people's fun by being boring and miserable or by disapproving of their activities 

Example: 
- Oh gosh, I'd rather have stayed home. Why did we have to come here? It's so crowded and the music is almost deafening, I can't stand it.
- Oh, don't be such a wet blanket, Tom! Stop complaining, get yourself another drink, and try to have some fun. OK?

2. rain check
if you say you'll take a rain check on something, you mean that you cannot accept an invitation or offer now but you would like to do so at a later time

Example:
Do you mind if I take a rain check on that drink? I don't feel like going out tonight. 

3. a dark horse
a person who has interesting qualities or abilities that most people do not know about

Example:
The shy little girl turned out to be a dark horse in the dancing competition. No one knew she could dance so gracefully. 

It may also mean "a secretive person".

Example:
You're such a dark horse! Why didn't you tell me you'd got promoted?