What is a wet blanket, a dark horse, or a rain check?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? |
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