コロナ禍でのStay homeももううんざり。でも、三密は避けなきゃ、と世界中の人が、映画館やパーティーなどの娯楽を避けた結果、大自然の中でのアクティビティの素晴らしさに気づいた年にもなったのでは、と思います。

今日は、そんな自然や植物などを使った13のイディオムをご紹介。

険悪だった隣人にオリーブの枝を差し出す。。。。さて、どういう意味でしょうか。

それでは本日も3分で英語ブログを流し読み。

For most of us, life has been quite different over the past few months. Many people have been going outdoors more than usual to enjoy activities while social distancing. Others have been stuck inside, just dreaming of going to a park or a beach. 

Whatever you’ve been doing lately, the outside world has probably been on your mind in one way or another.

On that note, let’s have a look at some idioms that have been inspired by nature!

Common Nature Idioms

1. Out of the woods

→ Out of difficulties, danger, or trouble

My daughter was really sick, but she seems much better today. I think we’re finally out of the woods. 

2. To offer/extend an olive branch

→ To say or do something to show that you want to end a disagreement 

I’m tired of arguing with my neighbour about their barking dog; I want to offer an olive branch. Maybe I’ll bring them some cookies.  

3. A needle in a haystack

→ Something that’s almost impossible to find because it’s hidden among other things

I lost my car keys somewhere in my house. It’s such a mess that it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack!

4. To beat around the bush

→ To avoid answering a question or speaking directly 

If you want to ask your boss for a raise, stop beating around the bush—just ask!

5. To have a green thumb

→ To have a natural talent for growing plants

Wow, your vegetable garden looks amazing! You obviously have a green thumb.

6. To hit the hay

→ To go to bed

Sorry, I’m too tired to join you for a drink after work. I just want to go home and hit the hay. 

7. Over the moon

→ Extremely happy

My brother got a fantastic new job. He’s over the moon!

8. To go with the flow

→ To relax and accept a situation rather than try to fight it

I wanted to go to the beach this weekend but everyone else wanted to go hiking. I guess I’ll just go with the flow!

9. To hear (something) through the grapevine

→ To get information about something through gossip

She heard through the grapevine that her teacher had gotten fired for stealing.

10. A bed of roses

→ An easy or comfortable situation 

Marriage isn’t always a bed of roses; it takes hard work!

11. A breath of fresh air

→ A refreshing, pleasant change from the typical situation

After being in quarantine for so long, gathering with friends will be a breath of fresh air!

12. In hot water

→ To be in a difficult situation where you’re likely to get punished 

The president is in hot water for the comments he made at the press conference.  

13. To make a mountain out of a molehill

→ To make a minor difficulty seem like a serious problem

You only failed one small test; it’s not that important. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill!

Conclusion 

These are some of the idioms about nature that we like best. Which ones are your favourites?

平和の象徴オリーブの枝。干し草を積み重ねた寝床。葡萄の樹の陰から聞くゴシップ。。。イディオムはそのカルチャーを如実に表しますね。

ぜひ、そのカルチャーを深く理解するGabbyコーチにイディオムが生まれた成り立ちを聞いて、それを思い浮かべながら例文を読んでみてくださいね。きっと、忘れないですよ！

Gabbyのコーチは全員英語ネイティブスピーカーで、英語を教える専門資格（CELTA, DELTA, TESOL, TEFLなど）を持っています。そのコーチからのプライベートセッションを2回も受けられるトライアルコース、なんと無料です。お気軽に試してみませんか？

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