IDIOMS IN LITERATURE, FILM AND MUSIC
1. IDIOMS IN MUSIC
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, Pink Floyd
We don't need no thought control. Don't think I need anything at all. All in all you're just another brick in the wall.
Meaning On the whole; en definitiva, después de todo.
BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT, Frankie Avalon, "Grease", 1977
1. Baby don't blow it; Don't put my good advice to shame.
Meaning mishandle or waste an opportunity, echarlo todo a perder.
Synonyms fail; Idioms: mess up; screw up.
2. Baby don't sweat it. You're not cut out to hold a job. (You) better forget it.
Meanings (don't) sweat it: do not worry about that; Idioms: forget it; no worries; no stress; see sweat it out; (be) cut out for: good for, qualified (for), hecho para, tener talento/vocación para.
3. Now I've called the shot, get off the pot, I really gotta fly, gotta be going to that Malt shop in the sky.
Synonyms: call the shots: be in charge/control/command (of sth); wear the trousers; Idioms: run the show; make the decisions; get off the pot: say yes or no; accept or reject; Idioms: fish or cut bait; take it or leave it; A ruder twentieth-century American version is shit or get off the pot.
Similar Idioms: call the shots: a bad call; call for; (it's) time to call it a day/night; call (one) on the carpet; get off the pot: (shit or) get off the pot: get off the point; get (sth) off the ground; get off on (sth/it); get off; get off; get off on the right/wrong foot; get off with (sb); get off with (sth); get off (one's) back/case; get off (one's) bike; get (sth) off your chest.
4. Beauty school drop-out (beauty school drop-out); hangin' around the corner store; Beauty school drop-out (beauty school drop-out); it's about time you knew the score.
Meaning hang around: loiter, holgazanear, vaguear; perder el tiempo; hang around/about with (socialize with), estar con, andar con, pasar tiempo con; ex: Since Harvey started hanging around with a group of older boys, he is always getting in trouble; know the score: understand the situation; conocer la jugada, conocer el paño; ex: She says the cheque is in the mail, but I know the score - she's trying not to pay us.
5. Baby, get moving (better get movin'), why keep your feeble hopes alive?; what are you proving? (what are you provin'?); you've got the dream, but not the drive.
Meaning act now; go now; ponerse en march, salir; ex: They woke up at 10 o'clock but didn't get moving until noon; We should get moving if we don't want to miss the flight.
6. If you go for your diploma; you could join a steno pool; turn in your teasin' comb and go back to high school.
Meaning 1. submit, hand in, entregar: Emma lost marks for turning in her homework a day late; 2. inform on to the police: She knew her brother had committed a crime, but she refused to turn him in; 3. go to bed; irse al / meterse en al sobre: It's getting very late, I'm going to turn in.
7. Now your bangs are curled; your lashes whirled; but still the world is cruel; wipe off that angel face and go back to high school.
Meaning remove by rubbing; borrar; ex: They were able to wipe off the graffiti with a wet sponge.
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, Simon & Garfunkel
1. When times get rough; And friends just can't be found; I'm sailing right behind
Meaning get rough: become difficult; behave violently; complicarse; ponerse violento; right: 1. adjective, informal Total; utter; ex: I felt like a right idiot after getting my test results back; This is a right mess you've gotten us into; 2. adverb, informal Very; extremely; ex: Well, that was a right silly thing to do, don't you think?
2. When you're down and out; When you're on the street Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
Meaning down and out (n. adj. destitute person, homeless, extremely poor and needy, sin techo, indigente, vagabundo); ex: When we met Rick again some years later, he was down-and-out and couldn't help us; on the street(s): unemployed, without a job, released from prison; working as a prostitute; homeless; en la calle; hacer la calle.
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, John Lennon
All we are saying is give peace a chance.
Meaning (I am) only/just/simply saying (that) ...; I just say (that ...); I just mean; all I meant was (that ...).
Similar Idioms as/like I was saying; as the saying goes; ((do) you) know what I'm saying?; have (one's) say; It goes without saying that ... / It should go without saying but ... / that goes without saying; it's/that's not/hardly saying much, etc; (I'm) just saying; (I) can't say that I do / I do not; if you don't mind me/my saying (so); say a lot/a great deal about (sb/sth); say boo; say grace; say (sth) in a roundabout (sort of) way; says it all; say (sth) in plain English; say the word; say/cry uncle; (there's) no saying/telling/knowing; That's all I'm saying / period.
INSTANT KARMA, (WE ALL SHINE ON), John Lennon
1. Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear. Why on earth are you there, when you're everywhere?. Come and get your share.
Meaning Used to ask a question that emphasizes one's shock, anger, disgust, incredulity, etc. Idioms: why ever ...?; Why in the world ...?
2. Well, we all shine on like the moon and the stars and the sun. Yeah, we all shine on C'mon and on and on, on, on.
Meaning on and on (and on about sth): continuously and tediously, sin parar; una y otra vez; "on and on and on" (a pop son recorded by the sweedish group ABBA in 1980)
LAST CHRISTMAS, Wham
1. Last Christmas, I gave you my heart but the very next day you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special.
Meaning the very: 1. one already mentioned, mismo: ex: It was that very day that he proposed to her; 2. mere, solo/a; ex: The very mention of his ex-wife caused problems; 3. as intensifier, muy, mas; ex: From the very beginning I knew he was a liar; She was the very best person for the job; 4. exact, preciso; ex: He was the very person that I wanted to talk with; 5. truly, en gran medida; ex: He was very much an active member of the team.
Similar Idioms the very last: The absolute final moment; the very end; ex: They were behind for the entire game, but they managed an incredible comeback right at the very last; The politician led an incredible campaign until the very last.
Meaning the very: give away: 1.To give sth (to sb) for free; to donate sth (to sb).2. To reveal or make known some secret or hidden aspect of sb, sth, or oneself; ex: I'm terrible at keeping secrets. My face goes beet red and gives me away every time; I have to be careful during interviews so I don't give away the plot to the movie; 3. To present the bride to the bridegroom during their marriage ceremony; ex: My father sadly passed away two years ago, so my uncle agreed to give me away at my wedding.
2. Once bitten and twice shy. I keep my distance but you still catch my eye. Tell me, baby, do you recognize me? Well, it's been a year, It doesn't surprise me.
Meaning once bitten and twice shy: Once one is hurt by sb or sth, one will be extra cautious to avoid that person or thing; if sth has gone wrong once, you are very careful not to let sth similar happen again: ‘Will she marry again, do you think?’ ‘I doubt it, once bitten, twice shy.’; catch (one's) eye: To attract one's interest, especially due to being visually appealing or attractive; ex: I see that the new girl in school has caught your eye.
NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN. Depeche Mode
1. I'm taking a ride with my best friend, I hope he never lets me down again; promises me I'm safe as houses, as long as I remember who's wearing the trousers.
Meaning let (sb) down: disappoint (sb); safe as houses: very safe and reliable; wear the trousers, Idioms: call the shots, run the show.
2. We're flying high. We're watching the world pass us by. Never want to come down. Never want to put my feet back down on the ground.
Meaning 1. Doing very well; in a successful or important position; 2. To be very happy or jubilant; In a state of euphoric happiness, excitement, or enthusiasm.
Synonyms Idioms: be/live/rolling in clover; be on easy street; be in the pink; go places; live the life of riley; make good; make it.
Similar Idioms fly blind; fly off the handle; fly the coop; fly the flag (for sth); fly the nest; I gotta fly (slang); (it) will/it'll never fly; (do sth) on the fly; when pigs can fly.
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, Abba
When the summer's over and the dark clouds hide the sun, neither you nor I'm to blame when all is said and done. When all is said and done. ABBA
Meaning basically, ultimately, después de todo, en definitiva, al fin y al cabo.
2. IDIOMS IN LITERATURE
An idiom is a figure of speech that means something different than a literal translation of the words would lead one to believe. ... Because idioms are such interesting ways to get a point across, they're often seen in literature.
Idioms often summarize or reflect a commonly held cultural experience, even if that experience is now out of date or antiquated. For instance, you might say that someone should “bite the bullet” (be stoical, hacer de tripas corazón; aguantar el tirón; when they need to do something undesirable or unpleasant. The phrase’s origin refers to wounded soldiers literally biting down on a bullet to avoid screaming during a wartime operation. That common occurrence from the past resulted in a phrase we still use today.
William Shakespeare was a master of using the English language in new ways, and many of the figures of speech we use today come from his plays.
Many other authors also coined their own idioms or used common idioms in their works to great effect. Idioms often help make dialogue more realistic and make clear a character's personality, education or background. Here are more idioms used in famous works of literature.
Tips for Incorporating Idioms into Your Own Writing
Identify Repetitive Or Boring Descriptions. Read through your work with an eye for language that feels dry or monotonous. Look for instances where replacing a rote description with an idiom would add clarity or texture. Do you find yourself describing someone as being “angry” a lot? Maybe they’re “seeing red” or “up in arms” or “flying off the handle.”
Be careful not to overuse. Though a strategic use of idioms can add color to your writing, too many idioms in a piece of writing can feel stale or confusing. In other words, a little can go a long way.
Avoid cliché. Some idioms are used so commonly that they become a cliché. How many times have you heard the phrase “there are other fish in the sea”? Overreliance on common idioms can cause the reader to become bored with your writing.
Why are Idioms used in literature?
Idioms are a type of figurative language that can be used to add dynamism and character to otherwise stale writing. You can also use idioms to: Express Complex Ideas in a Simple Way. Oftentimes, idioms can help express a large or abstract idea in a way that is succinct and easy to understand.
CAMPOS DE CASTILLA, Antonio Machado.
Wanderer, your footsteps are the road, and nothing more; wanderer, there is no road, the road is made by walking. By walking one makes the road, and upon glancing behind one sees the path that never will be trod again. Wanderer, there is no road; Only wakes upon the sea.
Caminante, son tus huellas el camino, y nada más; caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar. Al andar se hace camino, y al volver la vista atrás se ve la senda que nunca se ha de volver a pisar. Caminante, no hay camino, sino estelas en la mar.
Meaning nothing more than (sth): Only or exactly something; nothing higher in degree than what is described; ex: I'm fine, it's nothing more than a paper cut; Despite the huge public outcry, the company received nothing more than a measly fine.
CARRIE, Stephen King
High school isn't a very important place. When you're going, you think it's a big deal, but when it's over nobody really thinks it was great unless they're beered up.
Meaning: 1. slang sth important; algo/asunto importante; ex: Passing her driving test was a big deal for Jodie; 2. Big deal! (desdain, so what?, y qué?); ex: So he won the game by cheating. Big deal!
CHRISTMAS CAROL, Charles Dickens
DAIRY QUEEN, Catherine Gilbert Murdock
When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Dairy Queen)
Meaning 1. (eventually have to do); ex: Julia turned Larry down, so he ended up going to the prom by himself; 2. (have eventually): ex: I would never have gone skydiving if I'd known I was going to end up with a broken leg; 3. (arrive somewhere); ex: I hoped by taking the metro I would end up in central Paris.
DIFFERENT SEASONS, Las cuatro estaciones. Stephen King
Get busy living or get busy dying.
Meaning hurry to do sth; to engage in a particular task with enthusiasm or vigor; ponerse a trabajar, ponerse las pilas.
EAST OF EDEN, Al este del edén. John Steinbeck
A man so painfully in love is capable of self-torture beyond belief.
Meaning Inconceivable; incredible, unbelievable; increible; ex: The amount of money some professional athletes earn is beyond belief.
Old Black Joe started crowing out in the henhouse. Then Mother’s rocking chair cricked for all the world like she was sitting in it.
Meaning 1. exactly; precisely. (esp. with look.); ex: She sat there looking for all the world as if she was going to cry; It started out seeming for all the world like a beautiful day. Then a storm came up; 2. everything. (Usually in the negative.) I wouldn't give up my baby for all the world. They wouldn't sell their property for all the world.
Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.
Meaning 1. enact, perform; ex: Edward and Diana acted out the first scene of the play.
2. To behave poorly or inappropriately, esp considering one's age; misbehave; comportarse mal; My son is always so happy at home, so I can't understand why he's suddenly acting out at school.
2. To behave poorly or inappropriately, esp considering one's age; misbehave; comportarse mal; My son is always so happy at home, so I can't understand why he's suddenly acting out at school.
Cathy's lies were never innocent. Their purpose was to escape punishment, or work, or responsibility, and they were used for profit. Most liars are tripped up either because they forget what they have told or because the lie is suddenly faced with an incontrovertible truth. But Cathy did not forget her lies, and she developed the most effective method of lying.
Meaning trip up: to trip, stumble, or lose one's footing; ex: You're going to trip up walking around with your shoelaces untied like that!; face with (sth): to force sb to handle, deal with, or confront sth, (noun or pronoun can be used between "face" and "with"); ex: My meditation practice definitely helps me whenever I'm faced with a stressful situation at work.
She stayed close enough to the truth so that one could never be sure. She knew two other methods also, either to interlard her lies with truth or to tell a truth as though it were a lie. If one is accused of a lie and it turns out to be the truth, there is a backlog that will last a long time and protect a number of untruths.
Meaning so that: in order that; with the particular aim or purpose of; ex: We always take a vacation on the east coast each summer so that my kids get to see their grandparents at least once a year; as though: as if; ex: It seemed as though the place was deserted; turn out to be (sb or sth): To be eventually discovered or considered to be a certain type of person or thing in the end or over time; ex: He was so charming on our first date, but he turned out to be a real jerk; This project is turning out to be a huge pain in the butt for everyone on the team!
Sometimes, a lie is told in kindness. I don't believe it ever works kindly. The quick pain of truth can pass away, but the slow, eating agony of a lie is never lost.
Meaning die, disappear; morir, desaparecer. Synonyms depart, expire, decease, pass on, kick the bucket, bite the dust,
GONE WITH THE WIND, Margaret Mitchell
I’ll think of it all tomorrow, at Tara. I can stand it then. Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day. Gone with the wind, Margaret Mitchell.
Tomorrow figurative; used more generally to mean the future.
Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
I want the children of Israel to believe that there can be a better tomorrow. Benny Gantz
Meaning These words, Scarlett’s personal motto, conclude 'Gone with the Wind'. Scarlett repeats some variation of this line several times over the course of the novel when hardships plague her. She knows that she often acts immorally and that she faces absurdly difficult circumstances, and to avoid feelings of guilt and helplessness she simply avoids reflecting on her life. Scarlett knows that eventually she should mull over her plight, but she always puts it off until another, different day, which never truly comes. But this refusal to reflect is crucial to Scarlett’s survival. Her attitude contrasts directly with Ashley’s obsession with the past and his inability to let go of nostalgia and adapt to new times. Scarlett’s determination to believe that “tomorrow is another day” indicates her fundamental optimism about the future. Because Scarlett represents the South, her optimism indicates Mitchell’s general optimism about the South’s ability to survive in the face of change.
HARRY POTTER, J.K. Rowling
Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?
Meaning Used to ask a question that emphasizes one's shock, anger, disgust, incredulity, etc. Idioms: why ever ...?; Why in the world ...?, pero Dios mio, por qué (demonios/diablos) ...?.
HENRY IV, William Shakespeare
Set my teeth on edge - In Henry IV, Part 1, Hotspur complains about how much he hates poetry, saying, "And that would set my teeth nothing on edge, nothing so much as mincing poetry.
Meaning cause discomfort; if sth sets your teeth on edge, you find it extremely irritating or unpleasant poner de los nervios, poner los nervios de punta; inquietar, molestar. Today the phrase is used to express distaste for sth, particularly annoyance, and also discomfort, like the noise of nails dragging on a chalkboard; ex: His casual arrogance never failed to set my teeth on edge.
LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN, El abanico de Lady Windermere. Oscar Wilde
1. The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. I can resist everything but temptation. I can resist everything but/except temptation.
Meaning to throw away; to relieve or free oneself of (sth or sb unpleasant or undesirable); ex: We finally got rid of your younger brother, he's so annoying!
Similar Idioms all but. 1. everyone except (todos menos): ex: All but one of her students passed the exam; 2. (with verb: almost completely (casi por completo, practicamente); ex: You've all but polished off that cake; but for: were it not (si no hubiera sido por, a no ser por). ex: We would never have won but for your help.
2. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
Meaning (of a person): in a low state; slang In a state of total waste, failure, or ruination; poor and homeless; en el fango/arroyo, en la calle. (Typically: be ~; fall (into) ~; put sb (into) ~.); ex; You had better straighten out your life, or you'll end in the gutter; His bad habits put him into the gutter; see the gutter press (la prensa amarilla).
Note 'We are all in the gutter' means we all have our struggles, hard times and life problems. 'Some of us are looking at the stars' means that some rare humans, despite the challenges we face decide to remain positive, remain focused on our dreams and goals. These are ultimately the people who find success in life.
MACBETH, William Shakespeare
Macbeth: (Looking on his hands), This is a sorry sight; Lady Macbeth: A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
Meaning a sad sight; 1. a sight that one regrets seeing; someone or something that is unpleasant to look at; ex: Well, aren't you a sorry sight! Go get cleaned up and put on some fresh clothes; 2. The phrase indicates something or someone looks or sounds so pitiful and unfortunate that you feel very sorry for them; ex: Look at this little bird! It's a sorry sight with a broken wing; un espectaculo desolador, una imagen lamentable, deprimente.
NOTE Macbeth's hands are a "sorry sight", they're covered with the blood of King Duncan, whom he has just murdered. Macbeth seems to fuse several related meanings of "sorry." On one hand, the sight is "painful" or "distressing"; on the other, it provokes remorse and sorrow. We use "sorry sight" in a somewhat weaker sense than Macbeth did; we mean "pathetic spectacle." Serious pain or true regret is rarely involved. Lady Macbeth only finds it foolish to get all emotional about such a manly deed of courage [see SCREW YOUR COURAGE TO THE STICKING PLACE]. Macbeth's bad conscience, however, cannot be curbed, as he hallucinates hideous denunciations of the murder.
METAMORPHOSES, La Metamorfosis, Ovid.
Happy is the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying once and for all. Be patient and tough; one day this pain will be useful to you. Ovid
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Mucho ruido y pocas nueces. William Shakespeare
The name of a Shakespeare play. It is best remembered as Shakespeare’s title for a comedy, but the term was already known by the time he used it.
Meaning The noun ado, meaning “a big fuss,” survives largely in this cliché. A furor/uproar/ outcry over sth unimportant. A big fuss over a trifle or for little reason, A lot of commotion or excitement over sth insignificant or unimportant; ex: All this arguing is much ado about nothing; This really isn't a big deal, it's all much ado about nothing; (mucho ruido y pocas ...).
If he could right himself with quarrelling, some of us would lie low.
Meaning: The act of "lying low" is described as keeping quiet and avoiding attention; not draw attention to yourself; tener un perfil bajo, pasar desapercibido. Ex: I want to lie low after my mum found out I've been sneaking out to meet friends.
MY NEXT LIFE, Mi próxima vida. Woody Allen
In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day.
Meaning get (sth) out of the ˈway: (task), deal with a task or difficulty so that it is no longer a problem or worry; taken care of; quitarse de encima/en medio; ex: I’m glad I’ve got that visit to the dentist out of the way; kick out: Slang, to put out by force; dismiss; evict; expel; eject; echar a; expulsar a. Idioms: give sb the boot; throw out;
Similar idioms: get a kick out of (sth/sb): slang (enjoy, take pleasure in; encantar, flipar); ex: She gets a kick out of watching talking animal videos.
OTHELLO, William Shakespeare
1. Emilia: It's neither here nor there.
The origin of this famous expression is older than Shakespeare but it did gain in popularity after the play and remains to be widely used. 'Neither here nor there' means it doesn’t matter; its synonyms include irrelevant and insignificant. The phrase is often used to express that the matter in concern is not important enough to take a side to either support or refute it.
2. Iago: But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve; For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.
This saying was first used in Othello when Iago describes how he would be vulnerable if he revealed his dislike of Othello. In the play, the phrase continues to state that the “daws," or crows, would be able to peck at his heart if he revealed it. Today, people use this phrase to mean that they are showing their real feelings about something.
Note The idiom means to be open. However, Iago is also directly contradicting this by saying he will act as though he is open, but in fact has a cunning plan that no one knows of. Iago makes this clear by stating, “I am not what I am.”
Meaning If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you openly show your feelings or emotions rather than keeping them hidden; llevar el corazón en la mano; con la mano en el corazón.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, Orgullo y prejuicio. Jane Austen
In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
Meaning pointlessly, for nothing, en vano.
ROMEO AND JULIET, William Shakespeare
Nay, if our wits run the wild-goose chase, I am done, for thou hast more of the wild-goose in one of thy wits than, I am sure, I have in my whole five.
Meaning: In Shakespeare’s day, this originally referred to a kind of horse race rather than hunting wild geese. Today, it refers to a pointless exercise/chase, where the outcome will be fruitless (can you imagine how impossible trying to catch a wild goose would be?); misión imposible; ex: The sheriff was sent on a wild goose chase to find the fugitive; Trying to find the missing papers turned out to be a wild-goose chase.
SHAKESPEARE IDIOMS
A blessing in disguise
Meaning it is an English language idiom referring to the idea that sth that appears to be a misfortune can have unexpected benefits or turns out go be good; no hay mal que por bien no venga; ex: Not being chosen to play that role turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Related Idioms are "count your blessings", meaning to be grateful for the good things that have happened to you and not spending time regretting the bad, and a "mixed blessing", meaning sth that has good and bad aspects.
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, El guardian entre el centeno. J.D. Sallinger
1. I think if you don't really like a girl, you shouldn't horse around with her at all, and if you do like her, then you're supposed to like her face, and if you like her face, you ought to be careful about doing crumby stuff to it, like squirting water all over it. It's really too bad that so much crumby stuff is a lot of fun sometimes.
Meaning horse around: behave in a silly or frivolous way; to work inefficiently; hacer el tonto, hacer bobadas; Synonyms: misbehave; Idioms: play/fool around (in a rough manner); play the fool; goof off/around; mess around/about; monkey around, piss around/about; (it's/that's) too bad: 1. An expression of sympathy, condolence, or regret: that's unfortunate; that's too bad; 2. Used ironically to show that one is unmoved by what is being described; que mal, que lástima!
Synonyms (it's/that's) too bad: unlucky; unfortunate; Idioms: that's a pity/shame; what a shame/ pity; tough luck; tough brake(s).
Similar Idioms: not bad; (have) got it bad; a bad iron/trot; (dang, that's) bad (man) (slang); be in a bad way; too bad, (so sad); (it can't be) as bad as all that; bad iron; in (someone's) bad books; a streak/string/run of bad luck.
2. What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though.
Meaning knock (sb) out: impress (sb); sorprender; dejar pasmado/boquiabierto; ex: Sophie knocked everybody out with her great singing voice; be done (have finished doing (sth): haber terminado: Are you done yet?; feel like (1.want to have, tener ganas, apetecer; 2. have sensation; tener la sensación de, sentir como si: I feel like there are little ants running around on my skin; What does it feel like to win in your home town?; I've always wondered what weightlessness feels like.
3. Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know.
Meaning by no means: not at all, not in any way; de ninguna manera. Opposite by all means: of course, certainly, por supuesto, desde ya; ex: "Can I borrow your pen for a moment?" "By all means!"; the score: The complete, accurate details of a situation; what is really happening or expected to happen; ex: Okay, everyone knows the score, right? We get in, get the money, and get out; no one inside gets hurt, do you understand?
4. Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around, nobody big, I mean, except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff. That's all I do all day.
5. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be.
Meaning and all (that); and all that goes with it; (y todo lo que eso conlleva); ex: She gave her sister a birthday party, with cake, ice cream, and all that goes with it; and all that jazz (y ese tipo de cosas); and all that sort of thing; todo eso, y tal y cual, y demas.
6. Make sure you marry someone who laughs at the same things you do.
Meaning make sure (that): ensure (it is so), asegurarse de; ex: He made sure they were all listening before starting to speak.
7. If you do something too good, then, after a while, if you don't watch it, you start showing off. And then you're not as good any more.
Meaning watch it (be careful); show off (brag about; boast about); see a show-off; ex: I don't like her – she's such a show-off.
8. Almost every time somebody gives me a present, it ends up making me sad.
Meaning become; arrive somewhere; acabar, terminar; ex: If we keep going this way, we'll end up totally lost.
THE GREAT GATSBY, El gran Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerld
1. In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.
Meanings: turn (sth) over in (one's) mind: think about sth, for example an offer, a plan, etc., very carefully before you make a decision; ever since: from a particular time; since then; feel like: want to have/do sth; to have the urge or desire to do sth; to be in the mood to do sth.
Similar Idioms: turn (sth) over in (one's) mind; (enough to make one) turn over in one's grave, turn over a new leaf; ever since: ever so; did you ever (hear)...!; for whatever/what it's worth; whichever way you slice it; why ever...?; forever and ever; forever and a day; whatever; feel like: feel like a million (dollars/bucks); feel out of place; be/feel honored to/that)
2. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy; they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.
Meaning smash up: destroy, break into pieces; hacer pedazos.
Meaning or whatever: a flippant way of indicating sth else similar to what was mentioned.
Similar idioms for whatever it's worth: whether or not it's significant or useful; ex: For whatever it's worth, I think you should confront your boss if you're unhappy with how he's treating you.
3. Yet, Nick has suspicion as to what Gatsby tries to hide behind his seemingly devil-may-care attitude and his multiplicity of summer parties.
Meaning as to: with reference to, regarding, concerning, en cuanto a, con respecto a; Idioms: as for; devil-may-care: reckless, unconcerned, casual, careless, easy-going, flippant; Idioms: happy-go-lucky, despreocupado, frivolo, superficial, temerario, indiferente,
4. So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
Meaning to strike sth repeatedly; ex: Quit beating on the door, I'm coming!
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Oscar Wilde
The good ended (up) happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means.
Meaning arrive, find yourself,to reach some conclusion, state, or situation due to a particular course of action; arrive; find yourself; ir a parar, acabar, terminar; ex: We were trying to get to Brighton, but we ended up in Hastings.
THE LETTERS OF VINCENT VAN GOGH, Vincent Van Gogh
Don't lose heart if it's very difficult at times, everything will come out all right and nobody can in the beginning do as he wishes.
Meaning 1. To feel demoralized or pessimistic about sth; to lose hope; ex: Don't lose heart—this is just a minor setback; 2. to lose one's courage or confidence; ex: Now, don't lose heart. Keep trying; What a disappointment! It's enough to make one lose heart.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, William Shakespeare
O hell! what have we here? All that glistens is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold; But my outside to behold; Gilded tombs do worms enfold; Had you been as wise as bold; Young in limbs, in judgment old; Your answer had not been inscroll’d; Fare you well; your suit is cold.
Meaning all that glitters/glistens/glisters: not everything that seems good, attractive, etc. is actually good, etc. Things that have an outward appeal are often not as beautiful or valuable as they seem; ex: Don’t imagine that because they are rich, they are happy. All that glitters is not gold; A: "I want to grow up to be a movie star, then I won't have a care in the world!" B: "Just remember that all that glistens is not gold. The pressures of fame can be difficult; suit: petition (petición); courtship (noviazgo)
Note "Suitors from around the world have come to try for Portia’s heart. The princes must solve a riddle of choosing the correct casket of three. The Prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket, and inside he finds the message beginning “All that glitters is not gold.” He has chosen incorrectly. He assumed that the golden casket was the most valuable, and thus would be the correct one, but this idiom means that not everything superficially attractive is valuable.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, William Shakespeare
Falstaff: “I will not lend thee a penny”; Pistol: “Why then the world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.”
Meaning The world is your oyster: You can have or achieve anything; el mundo es tuyo.
Meaning: One theory is that the phrase initially related to wealth, but now means ‘all life’s richness’ with the pearl in the oyster signifying this. In The Merry Wives Of Windsor, when Falstaff refuses to lend Pistol money Pistol draws his sword and says, "Why, then the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open.” Today the phrase is full of optimism rather than violence and is used to say the world is full of possibilities and you can do anything.
A: I don’t know what to do now I’ve finished university! What do you think? B. You can do anything you want, the world is your oyster!. You could travel for a year, or get a job. B. You’re young and healthy with no commitments, the world is your oyster!
Using the context of the example above, the phrase “the world is your oyster” means that you can achieve anything you wish in life or go anywhere because you have the opportunity or ability to do so.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, Stephen Chbosky
It's just that I don't want to be somebody's crush. If somebody likes me, I want them to like the real me, not what they think I am. And I don't want them to carry it around inside. I want them to show me, so I can feel it too.
Meaning carry (sth) around: take everywhere; llevar siempre a todas partes; so (that): in order that; para que ...)
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, El retrato de Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde
1. The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation.
Meaning get rid of sth/sb (to discard, eliminate, or become free from sth/sb); anything but (not at all; de todo menos, nada que ver); ex:His new novel is anything but dull; Though he's known for his comedies, his latest film is anything but.
2. Never marry at all, Dorian. Men marry because they are tired, women, because they are curious: both are disappointed.
Meaning (in the slightest, en lo mas minimo; en absoluto)
3. I am afraid that woman appreciate cruelty, downright cruelty, more than anything else. They have wonderfully primitive instincts. We have emancipated them, but they remain slaves looking for their masters, all the same. They love being dominated.
Meaning downright: (1.adj thorough; utter; 2. adv. thoroughly, sumamente, extremadamente, realmente, a tope); ex: The roads are getting downright dangerous with the heavy snow;1. adj. frank or straightforward; blunt: a downright speech; adj/adv (intensifier): a downright certainty/ lie; downright rude; all the same (even so; de todas formas; a pesar de todo; aún asi): (It's) all the same (to me): (there is no difference, it makes no difference; es indiferente, dar lo mismo; I have no preference, me da lo mismo, me es indiferente).
4. If it was only the other way! If it was I who were to be always young, and the picture that were to grow old! For this, for this, I would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole world I would not give!
Meaning the other way (around/around) (vice versa, with the order reversed), ex: She hates him and vice versa.
TRAINSPOTTING, Irvine Welsh
We start off with high hopes, then we bottle it. We realise that we’re all going to die, without really finding out the big answers.
Meaning 1. to begin a series or sequence: Today I start off on the first volume of my trilogy; 2. (by doing sth) to begin a process by doing a particular thing first; ex: Can I start off by singing the school song? That's a good way to start off.
Love does not exist, it's like religion, the state wants you to believe in that kind of crap so they can control you, and f**k your head up.
Meaning in order that (para, y asi)
TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME, A las vírgenes, para que aprovechen el tiempo. Robert Herrick
Gather ye rosebuds while you may. Old time is still a-flying. And this same flower that smiles today, tomorrow will be dying. To the Virgins, to make much of time.
Note The poem is in the genre of carpe diem, Latin for "seize the day".
Meaning make much of (sb or sth); To emphasize the importance of or devote much attention to sb or sth; aprovechar o dar mucha importancia a algo; (how) time flies (time passes quickly).
WITHOUT FEATHERS, Sin plumas; The New York Time, etc. Woody Allen
A FREE SOUL, Alma libre, Clarence Brown (1931)
The secret of my success is, never say die.
Meaning Never surrender or give up; don't stop trying; ex: No matter how many things go wrong, never say die, we'll find a way to finish this on time; A: "I'll never be any good at guitar." B: "Hey, never say die! You just need to practice."
ANNIE HALL, Woody Allen, (1977)
1. A relationship, I think, is like a shark. You know? It has to constantly move forward or it dies. And I think what we got on our hands is a dead shark. (Annie Hall)
Meaning on one's hands: 1. Imposed upon one, esp. as one's responsibility to confront or manage; for which one is responsible; in your care, en tus manos; 2. b. to spare: time on my hands.
Similar Idioms sit on one's hands: be passive, not do anything, cruzarse de brazos.
2. The guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, my brother's crazy. He thinks he's a chicken." and the doctor says, "well, why don't you turn him in?" and the guy says, "I would, but o need the eggs." Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd and, but, err, I guess we keep going through it because most of us need the eggs.
Meaning 1. turn sb in: inform on to the police; entregar a; ex: She knew her brother had committed a crime, but she refused to turn him in;; ex: She knew her brother had committed a crime, but she refused to turn him in; 2. turn in: go to bed; irse al sobre, a la cama; 3. turn (sth) in: submit, hand in; ex: Emma lost marks for turning in her homework a day late; keep going: 1. make an effort to live normally when you are in a difficult situation or when you have experienced great suffering: You just have to keep yourself busy and keep going; 2 (spoken) used to encourage sb to continue doing sth; ex: Keep going, Sarah, you’re nearly there; go throug: to endure sth unpleasant or difficult; ex: I'm so sorry that you had to go through such a traumatic experience.
3. I was in analysis. I was suicidal. As a matter of fact, I would have killed myself, but I was in analysis with a strict Freudian and if you kill yourself they make you pay for the sessions you miss.
Meaning (often used for emphasis); actually, in fact, on the contrary; de hecho, en realidad. ex: As a matter of fact, I did remember to pick up dinner on the way home from work.
BLOOD ON THE SUN, Sangre sobre el sol, Frank Lloyd (1945)
Sure, forgive your enemies, but first get even. (Blood on the Sun, 1945)
Meaning revenge get even (with sb); revenge, vengarse de alguien por algo; ex: I'm going to get even with him when I see him.
Similar Idioms don't get mad, get even (channel your anger into revenge); ex: When I heard that a co-worker had stolen my idea and presented it as his own, all I could think was, "Don't get mad, get even."
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, Desayuno con diamante, Blake Edwards, (1961)
1. You know what’s wrong with you, Miss Whoever-you-are? You’re chicken, you’ve got no guts. You’re afraid to stick out your chin and say, ‘Okay, life’s a fact, people do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.
Meaning chicken: slang, coward; (have/take) guts (to do sth): courage, conviction, or resolve; ex: Wow, you've got a lot of guts if mountain climbing is your hobby!; Climbing that cliff without a rope takes a lot of guts; I don't have the guts to ask my crush to the prom; You're always talking about quitting your job, but I don't think you have the guts to do it; stick out your chin 1. correr el riesgo, arriesgarse tomar una postura comprometida, 2. levantar la cabeza/el ánimo.
2. You call yourself a free spirit, a wild thing, and you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it’s not bounded in the west by Texas, or in the east. It’s wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself.
Meaning a free spirit: a non-conformist; sb who does not conform to social norms or expectations; ex: She's a free spirit: she wears what she likes, does what she likes, and doesn't care what anybody thinks; bound for (somewhere or something) 1. Moving toward a particular destination or outcome; heading towards a place; ex: The cruise ship was bound for New York; 2. legally obligated; ex: We are bound by the terms of the contract. no matter (what/how/when/ where/sth): 1. It doesn't matter; it's not important; 2. Regardless of; irrespective of. ex: We'll get her the very best treatment available, no matter the cost! end up: 1. To reach some conclusion, state, or situation due to a particular course of action; ex: Thanks to that traffic jam, I ended up being late to the meeting; Sara has always loved to read so I'm not surprised that she ended up an English major; I really think that you and your high school sweetheart will end up together; 2. To take some course of action, perhaps reluctantly; ex: Thanks to bad weather, we ended up by leaving our beach house ahead of schedule; 3. To conclude something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "end" and "up."; ex: Well, I'd say that big fight pretty much ends up our family dinner.
Similar Idioms no matter what: In any conditions; regardless of what happens; ex: I don't care if it's raining, I'm going to the concert no matter what; I will always love you no matter what. Nothing can take that away.
BREAKING POINT, Punto de ruptura. Michael Curtiz, (1950)
Meaning (reach the) braking point: By extension, the point at which an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc, fails, gives up, or collapses; limite, punto de máxima tensión tolerable; to reach (the) breaking point: llegar al límite; the point at which nerves or one's mental state can endure no more. My nerves are at the breaking point. ex: I was already fed up with my husband's lazy, selfish ways, but his refusal to come with me to my mother's funeral was the breaking point.
Synonyms idiom: the last straw (that broke the camel's back).
Similar Idioms turning point: decisive moment, punto de inflexión; ex: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a turning point in the battle for equality for all Americans.
BUGSY, Barry Levinson, 1991
Everybody deserves a fresh start every once in a while.
Meaning (occasionally, sometimes; de vez en cuando; ex: I don't travel often, but every once in a while I just need to get away from the city; My mom has sweets once in a while but mostly eats only healthy foods. fresh start: an opportunity to start over without prejudice; chance to begin anew, empezar de nuevo, empezar/partir de cero, borrón y cuenta nueva; ex: The child was moved to a different school to give him a fresh start.
You get a little confused and you get afraid ... I don't know - I'll tell you what, why don't we just leave it in the bank? Save it for a rainy day.
Meaning I'll tell you what: why not ...?; how about ...?; what if ...?; save it for a rainy day: In case of future need; To reserve sth, esp money, for use in a time or period of unforeseen difficulty, trouble, or need; para cuando no haya, en épocas de vacas flacas; ex: It's important to put some money aside for a rainy day.I save a portion of my wages each month for a rainy day.
I've got to go - You want me to go with you? - Fly?, In this weather? I see; Get out of here; I'll be back in a couple of hours.
Meaning 1. interj. an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, or incredulity; ex: Sally's brother is dating my cousin? Get out of here!; You just won the lottery? Get out of here!
CASABLANCA, Michael Curtiz, (1942)
1. Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine. This iconic line is uttered by Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart).
Meaning of all the (people/places/things) (used to express great annoyance, exasperation, impatience, or frustration with sb/ sth); Of all the possibilities (this is the most surprising or unlikely; de todos/as).
2. I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that.
Meaning not amount to/be worth a hill of beans (used with a negative, to be insignificant; to result in nothing; a very small amount or value; trifle, insignificante, de poca importancia); ex: The boss is just mad right now; I think all of his rules and threats won't amount to a hill of beans.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, La gata sobre el tejado de zinc. Richard Brooks (1958)
It's a 1958 American drama film directed by Richard Brooks. It is based on the 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Tennessee Williams. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Judith Anderson and Jack Carson.
Meaning be like a cat on a hot tin roof (in a state of suspense or anxiety; to be anxious and unable to sit still or relax, jumpy, inquieto, nervioso, en ascuas); ex: A: "Why is Carrie pacing?" B: "She's waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she's been like a cat on a hot tin roof all day."
Synonyms idioms: on pins and needles; on tenterhooks.
CYRANO DE BERGERAC, Edmond Rostand
1. Tonight When I make my sweeping bow at heaven's gate, One thing I shall still possess, at any rate, unscathed, something outlasting mortal flesh, And that is ... My panache.
Meaning anyway; in any case; en cualquier caso; de todas fromas; ex: I didn't want to go to the party at all, but it's over now, at any rate.
2. Who would have thought it? The young precieuse turns out to be a heroine.
Meaning be discovered to be: become, resultar ser; convertirse en: ex: The man convicted of the crime turned out to be innocent.
CUL-DE-SAC, Callejón sin salida. Roman Polanski (1966)
Cul-de-sac is a 1966 British psychological comic thriller directed by Roman Polanski, written by Polanski and Gérard Brach, and starring Donald Pleasence, amd Françoise Dorléac. It also features Jacqueline Bisset.
Meaning cul-de-sac /ˈkʌldəsæk/; (street open at one end only with no exit; dead end, dead-end street, blind alley; callejón sin salida); ex: I grew up on an idyllic cul-de-sac in the suburbs with many of my friends as neighbors.
DUCK SOUP, Sopa de ganso. Leo McCarey (1933)
I could dance with you till the cows come home... On second thought, I'd rather dance with the cows when you came home. Duck Soup, 1933
Meaning When/Until/Till the cows come home (For a very long, indefinite amount of time; forever); ex: My wife was talking on the phone with her sister till the cows came home last night!; on second thought(s) (Having reconsidered or revised one's opinion of sth; having reconsidered a matter/one's opinion of sth (and arrived at a different opinion or decision; ex: I'll take a tuna sandwich. Actually, on second thought, I'll have the soup.
GONE WITH THE WIND, Lo que el viento se llevó. Victor Fleming (1939)
1. Rhett, Rhett… Rhett, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do?” “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
Meaning give/not give a damn (about sb/sth): slang; 1.To care deeply about or be especially interested in sb/sth; ex: I'm here because I give a damn. I want you to succeed; 2. potentially offensive (not care); ex: I don't give a damn that my ex has a new girlfriend!. Note. damn (it)! (interj. maldita sea!; mierda!; adv: a damn good pie.
2. I'll think of it all tomorrow, at Tara. I can stand it then. Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Meaning after all: ultimately; explanatory: because, después de todo; at the end of the day: ultimately; al fin y al cabo; al final.
LOVE AND DEATH, La última noche de Boris Grushenko. Woody Allen (1975)
1. If it turns out that there is a God, I don't think that he's evil. I think that the worst you can say about him is that basically he's an underachiever. Love and death,
Meaning turns out that/to be (sth); (be discovered to be, become; resultar ser, convertirse en); ex: Your son has turned out to be a hardworking young man; you must be proud of him.
2. The key here, I think, is not to think of death as an end. But to think of it more as a very effective way of cutting down on your expenses.
Meaning reduce consumption; reduce, consume less of; bajar, reducir el consumo de); ex: It's hard to cut down on alcohol when my friends keep inviting me out for drinks.
NETWORK, Network, un mundo implacable. Sidney Lumet (1976)
I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!
Meaning mad as hell (Enraged; extremely or inconsolably angry); ex: My dad was mad as hell after I crashed his car.
ON THE WATERFRONT, La ley del silencio. Elia Kazan (1954)
You don't understand! I could'a had class. I could'a been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it! (On the waterfront)
Meaning (To recognize the truth; to face reality. Often used an imperative; accept reality; aceptalo, afrontalo, asumelo;); ex: Face it, Hannah, you never wanted to go on this trip.
STAR WARS, La guerra de las galaxias. George Lucas (1977)
Never tell me the odds!. May the force be with you.
Meaning (the) odds are (that) (probability ratio, probabilidades); It is very likely or probable that (sth is the case or will happen); ex: I'll try to get there before you've started eating dinner, but the odds are I won't make it before 8 o'clock.
THE BAD WAGON, Melodias de Broadway, Vincent Minelli (1953)
I can stand anything but pain.
Compare I can resist everything but temptation, (The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde)
Meaning (1.at the end): Not at all; by no means; nada que ver); ex: I thought the play would be great, but it was anything but. In fact, I left early!; Though he's known for his comedies, his latest film is anything but; 2.(before adj): anything except, not at all, cuaquier cosa menos, todo menos); ex: My vacation was anything but relaxing because my hotel was under construction; I was anything but happy about going; His new novel is anything but dull; I'll do anything but wash windows.
Similar Idioms anything goes (dress, conduct): not restricted; todo vale; anything is permissible or likely to be tolerated; anything that sb says or does is accepted or allowed, even if it shocks or surprises people; ex: Almost anything goes these days; like anything (To an exceeding degree): extremely, intensely, muchisimo, extremadamente; ex: We worked like anything to meet the deadline); anything like (commonly used in negative sentences or questions): at all like; totalmente diferente, en nada, para nada; ex: She doesn't look anything like her mother.
Similar Idioms all but (everything or everyone, with the exclusion of); ex: We sold all but the curtains in that estate sale; All but the freshmen were invited to the party; (Nearly, almost); ex: Public pay phones have all but disappeared in most major cities.
THE DIARY OF ANN FRANK, George Stevens (1959)
It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them.
Meaning to do or accomplish sth; (a noun or pronoun can be used between "carry" and "out."); ex: I don't understand why I'm being punished for simply carrying out an order from my superior.
In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.
Meaning in spite of: (regardless of; despite); at heart: (In accordance with one's deepest feelings or desires); ex: Nicole is a kind person at heart, you just need to spend some more time with her.
Similar Idioms deep down (at the centermost point of one's feelings or convictions); ex: Deep down inside, I knew that what I did was wrong.
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, Histórias de Philadelphia, George Cukor (1940)
I feel as though I'd lived through all of this before in another life. (The Philadelphia Story, 1940)
Meaning (conj. as if, como si); ex: You sound as though you've caught a cold.
Similar Idioms as if/though there was/were no tomorrow (as if there was/were no tomorrow (Very rapidly and eagerly; without restraint or thought; as if there won't be another opportunity, so one must do sth as much or as quickly as possible; ex: He must have been starving, because Jonathan started wolfing down his food as if there was no tomorrow!).
THE SOCIAL NETWORK, La red social, David Fincher, 2010
You are probably going to be a very successful computer person. But you’re going to go through life thinking that girls don’t like you because you’re a nerd. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that won’t be true. It’ll be because you’re an asshole.
Meaning from the bottom of (one's) heart: Truly; sincerely; ex: I love him from the bottom of my heart, but that doesn't mean I'm blind to his faults; From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported our project.
THE WOMEN, Mujeres. George Cuckor (1940)
No pride at all. That's a luxury women in love can't afford. (The Women, 1940)
Meaning (this phrase is typically used in the negative; in the slightest, a little bit; this en lo mas mínimo, en absoluto).
TITANIC, James Cameron (1997)
1. Make it count. Meet at the clock. (Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo di Caprio).
Meaning make (sth) count (To ensure that some action has the most beneficial or effective result possible, que valga la pena!); ex: We only get one shot at this, so let's make it count!
2. I’d rather be his whore than your wife. (Rose, played by Kate Winslet)
Meaning 1. would prefer to; would be more inclined or willing (to do sth); preferiria que; ex: I would rather you simply told the truth, instead of seeking to excuse yourself; 2. mejor que; convendria que; ex: I would rather go out .
Similar Idioms I'd rather face a firing squad than do sth: I would prefer to stand and be executed by gunfire than to do sth; ex: I'd rather face a firing squad than go shopping the day after Christmas; be a bit/rather ˈsteep (of a price or a request); be too much; be unreasonable; es demasiado, no ser justo; ex: €6? That seems a bit steep for a small piece of cheese; It’s a bit steep to expect us to work longer hours for no extra money.
Note 'would rather' vs 'had rather': they are both the same in meaning, when you prefer to have or do one thing more than another. Although, ‘had rather’ is more archaic and not as commonly used as ‘would rather’. Generally, this is used as a contraction (I’d rather) so it isn’t always clear which one is being used ... but thankfully, they have the same meaning!
WHAT'S UP, TIGER LILY?, Lily, la tigresa (1966)
I'd call him a sadistic, hippophilic necrophile, but that would be beating a dead horse.
Meaning beating/flogging a dead horse (to continue to focus on an issue or topic that is no longer of any importance or relevance); ex: We've all moved on from that problem, so there's no use beating a dead horse.
*********************** IDIOMS IN QUOTATION *************
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