Expressions to be studied in June/2026

YOUR FLY IS OPEN.
Seu zíper está aberto.
SHE KNEW EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF HER HOUSE.
Ela conhecia cada cantinho de sua casa.
FYI / ASAP
For Your Information / As Soon As Possible
THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK.
O sujo falando do mal lavado.
I AM TAKING A PAGE FROM THEIR BOOK.
Estou aprendendo com eles
FRIENDS? I CAN’T GET ENOUGH.
Friends? Não consigo parar de assistir

“Your fly is open” 👖

Your fly is open” means that the zipper on someone’s pants is undone/open.
It’s an informal expression, and people usually say it quietly to avoid embarrassing the person.

Vocabulary

  • fly = the zipper area on pants/jeans/trousers
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Examples

  • “Hey, your fly is open.”
  • “I walked around all day with my fly open!”
  • “Before the interview, someone told me my fly was open.”
  • “Check your fly before you go on stage.”

More natural / softer ways to say it

People often avoid saying it directly. They may say:

  • “XYZ.”
  • “You might want to check your zipper.”
  • “Your zipper’s down.”
  • “Code red!” (playful)

What does “XYZ” mean?

There’s a funny mnemonic:

  • eXamine Your Zipper

So if someone quietly says “XYZ,” they are politely telling you your zipper is open.

Mini dialogue

A: “Excuse me… XYZ.”
B: “Oh no! Thanks for telling me.”

Similar embarrassing-clothing expressions

  • “You have food in your teeth.”
  • “Your shirt is inside out.”
  • “You have toilet paper stuck to your shoe.”
  • “Your button came undone.”

“She knew every nook and cranny of her house” 🏠

This expression means she knew every small part, corner, or detail of her house very well.

  • nook = a small corner or hidden place
  • cranny = a narrow opening or tiny space

Together, “every nook and cranny” means:
➡️ every possible part of a place, especially the small or hidden ones.

Simple meaning

“She was extremely familiar with her house.”

More examples

  • “The detective searched every nook and cranny of the apartment.” 🔍
  • “My grandmother knows every nook and cranny of this neighborhood.”
  • “We looked in every nook and cranny for the missing keys.”
  • “After working there for 20 years, he knew every nook and cranny of the office.”
  • “Kids love exploring every nook and cranny of an old castle.” 🏰

Common situations where we use it

People often use this expression when talking about:

  • houses 🏠
  • cities 🌆
  • schools 🏫
  • offices 🏢
  • old buildings 🏛️
  • shops or markets 🛍️

Mini dialogue

A: “How did she find the document so quickly?”
B: “She knows every nook and cranny of that office.” 🙂

FYI 📌

FYI stands for:

For Your Information

People use it when sharing information that may be useful or important.

Examples

  • “FYI, tomorrow’s meeting starts at 9.”
  • “I sent you the file, FYI.”
  • “FYI, the restaurant closes early on Sundays.”

Tone

It can sound:

  • neutral 🙂
  • professional 💼
  • sometimes a little cold or passive-aggressive depending on context 😅

Example:

  • “FYI, this problem was already discussed yesterday.”

ASAP

ASAP stands for:

As Soon As Possible

It means something should be done very quickly.

Examples

  • “Please send me the report ASAP.”
  • “Call me ASAP.”
  • “We need to fix this problem ASAP.”

Tone

ASAP is common in:

  • work emails 💼
  • texting 📱
  • urgent situations 🚨

But sometimes it can sound demanding if not softened.

Softer alternatives

Instead of “ASAP,” people may say:

  • “When you have a chance.”
  • “At your earliest convenience.”
  • “As soon as you can.”

Mini dialogue

A: “Can you send the presentation ASAP?”
B: “Sure, I’ll do it right now.” 🙂

“The pot calling the kettle black” 🍳☕

This expression is used when someone criticizes another person for a fault they also have.

In other words:
➡️ a hypocrite criticizing someone for the same thing they do.

The full proverb is:

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

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Why?

In the past, pots and kettles became black from smoke over fire.
So one black object criticizing another black object is ironic 😄

Examples

  • “Mike said I complain too much. That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
  • “She called him lazy, but she never helps anyone either.”
  • “My brother told me to stop using my phone so much — the pot calling the kettle black!” 📱
  • “He says other drivers are rude, but he yells at everyone on the road.”

Simple meaning

“You do the same thing, so you shouldn’t criticize others for it.”

Mini dialogue

A: “You’re always late!”
B: “Really? You were late three times this week. That’s the pot calling the kettle black.” 🙂

“I’m taking a page from their book” 📖

This expression means:

➡️ I’m copying or following someone’s example because it seems like a good idea.

It usually has a positive meaning 🙂

The more common version is:

“To take a page from someone’s book.”

Examples

  • “My friend started exercising every morning, so I’m taking a page from her book.”
  • “The company improved customer service, and other businesses are taking a page from their book.”
  • “He saves money carefully. I should take a page from his book.” 💰
  • “After seeing how organized she is, I’m taking a page from her book.”

Similar expressions

  • “Follow someone’s example”
  • “Learn from someone”
  • “Copy a good habit”

Mini dialogue

A: “Maria studies a little every day instead of cramming.”
B: “I’m taking a page from her book. It seems much less stressful.” 🙂

“Friends? I can’t get enough.” 😊

This means:

➡️ “I love watching Friends so much that I never get tired of it.”

The expression “can’t get enough” means:

you enjoy something so much that it never feels sufficient.

Structure

I can’t get enough of + noun/activity

Examples

  • “I can’t get enough of coffee.” ☕
  • “She can’t get enough of that TV show.”
  • “We can’t get enough of beach vacations.” 🌴
  • “He can’t get enough of chocolate.”
  • “I can’t get enough of live music.” 🎵

Mini dialogue

A: “You’re watching Friends again?”
B: “Yep. I just can’t get enough.” 🙂

Expressions to be studied in May/2026

CONTACTLESS CARD/TAP CARD
Cartão de aproximação
STILL WATER OR SPARKLING WATER?
Àgua sem gás ou com gás?
I HAVE A LOT ON MY PLATE.
I’m very busy (estou muito ocupado).
SHE INPUTTED THE DATA.
Ela colocou a informação.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INPUT?
Alguém tem alguma ideia ou opinião para compartilhar?
I NEED TO CLEAR MY INBOX.
Preciso responder os meus e-mails.

CONTACTLESS CARD/TAP CARD

Contactless card” or “tap card” is a payment card you don’t insert or swipe. You just tap it on the reader to pay. It uses NFC (wireless) technology.

  • Contactless card = more formal term
  • Tap card / tap-to-pay card = everyday language

Examples

  • “You can use a contactless card for small purchases.”
  • “Just tap your card on the machine.”
  • “Do you accept tap cards?”
  • “I paid with my contactless debit card.”
  • “Tap your card — no PIN needed for amounts under $50.”

Also used with phones & watches

  • “I used tap to pay on my phone.”
  • “It’s contactless payment — no need to insert the card.”

What you might hear at a store

  • “You can tap.”
  • “Contactless is fine.”
  • “Tap whenever you’re ready.”
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Expressions to be studied in April/2026

YOU HAVE TO PUT DOWN A $500.00 DEPOSIT, AND THAT’S JUST FOR STARTERS.
Você tem que dar $500,00 de sinal só pra começar.
THAT WAS FULL OF MUMBO JUMBO (MUMBLE JUMBLE).
Estava cheio de blá-blá-blá.
I WAS RUNNING ERRANDS.
Eu estava resolvendo coisas na rua.
I DON’T GO AROUND DOING THINGS LIKE THAT.
Não ando por aí fazendo essas coisas.
YOUR TAG IS STICKING OUT.
Sua etiqueta está aparecendo.
YOUR T-SHIRT IS INSIDE OUT.
Sua camiseta está do avesso.

🔹 Expression:

“You have to put down a $500 deposit, and that’s just for starters.”

🔹 Meaning:

  • “put down a $500 deposit”
    = pay an initial amount of money before getting something (like renting, buying, booking)
  • “that’s just for starters”
    = that’s only the beginning; more (usually more money, effort, or requirements) will come after

👉 So the full sentence means:
You need to pay $500 now, and that’s only the beginning—there will be more to pay or do later.


🔹 Important note:

In English, we usually write:

  • $500.00 (not $500,00)

🔹 Tips:

  • Don’t say: ❌ “five hundred dollars deposit”
  • Correct: ✅ “five hundred dollar deposit” (adjective form)

🔹 More examples:

  1. Buying a car
  • You’ll need to put down $2,000, and that’s just for starters.
  1. Planning a wedding
  • The venue costs $5,000, and that’s just for starters.
  1. Starting a business
  • We’ve already invested $10,000, and that’s just for starters.
  1. Travel expenses
  • The flights alone cost $1,200—and that’s just for starters.
  1. Home renovation
  • Fixing the roof will be $3,000, and that’s just for starters.

🔹 Similar expressions:

  • “That’s only the beginning”
  • “That’s just the first step”
  • “There’s more to come”
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Expressions to be studied in March/2026

I COULDN’T PUT MY FINGER ON IT.
Eu não conseguia explicar.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW!
Quem podia imaginar! Olha só!
SHE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING!
Ela chegou arrebentando/começou com tudo.
LET’S PLAY IT BY EAR.
Vamos deixar rolar.
IT’S A LONG SHOT, BUT I NEED TO TRY.
É improvável/difícil/um tiro no escuro, mas preciso tentar.
HE DID A QUICK FIX ON THE LAMP.
Ele consertou a lâmpada com uma gambiarra.

👉 “I couldn’t put my finger on it.”

Meaning:
You feel or notice that something is different, strange, or wrong — but you can’t clearly explain exactly what it is.

It’s used when you have a vague feeling or intuition, but you can’t identify the specific reason.


🔎 Simple Explanation

It means:

“I know something is going on… but I can’t explain what exactly.”


🗣 Examples

  1. About a person
    There’s something different about her today. I can’t put my finger on it.
  2. About a problem
    The project isn’t working properly, but I can’t put my finger on the issue.
  3. About a feeling
    I felt uncomfortable during the meeting, but I couldn’t put my finger on why.
  4. About appearance
    Did you change something? I can’t put my finger on it, but you look different!
  5. About a place
    This restaurant feels strange tonight. I can’t quite put my finger on it.

💬 Mini Story Example

When Denise walked into the classroom, everything seemed normal. The students were quiet, the lights were on, and the lesson plan was ready. But something felt off. She looked around and thought, “I can’t put my finger on it… but something isn’t right.”

Five minutes later, she realized — she had forgotten her laptop charger!


🎯 Similar Expressions

  • Something feels off.
  • I can’t quite explain it.
  • I have a funny feeling.
  • There’s something about…
  • I can’t pinpoint it. (more formal)
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Expressions to be studied in February/2026

LET’S CALL IT A DAY.
Vamos encerrar por hoje.
IT’S A PIPE DREAM.
É um sonho impossível.
CUTTING A LONG STORY SHORT…
Indo direto ao ponto.
I’M PARTIAL TO VANILLA ICE CREAM.
Eu gosto de sorvete de baunilha.
TO TEACH YOUR GRANDMOTHER TO SUCK EGGS.
Ensinar o padre a rezar a missa.
WHY ARE YOU MAKING SUCH A FUSS?
Por que você está fazendo toda essa confusão?

“Let’s call it a day”

Meaning:
This expression means to stop working or doing an activity for now, usually because:

  • you’re tired 😮‍💨
  • you’ve done enough for today
  • it’s late
  • continuing wouldn’t be productive

It doesn’t mean the task is finished forever — just for today.

🕔 Very common at work, meetings, classes, or study sessions.


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Expressions to be studied in December/2025 and January/2026

THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE SEA.
Haverá outras oportunidades.
THERE’S A METHOD TO HIS MADNESS.
Ele é mais esperto do que pensa.
IT IS A POOR WORKMAN WHO BLAMES HIS TOOLS.
Não culpe outra pessoa por seus erros.
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN TO THE FIRE.
De mal a pior.
SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG.
Está super confortável.
A WORD TO THE WISE IS ENOUGH.
Para um bom entendedor, meia palavra basta.

Gustavo Decleve’s contribution

🐟 THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE SEA

Meaning:
It means there are plenty of other opportunities, people, or possibilities, especially after a disappointment.
Most commonly, it’s used to comfort someone after a breakup, rejection, or something that didn’t work out, reminding them that better options still exist.


Examples

  1. After a breakup:
    “I know you’re sad, but don’t worry — there are other fish in the sea.”
  2. After not getting a job:
    “You didn’t get the position? That’s tough, but there are other fish in the sea.”
  3. After a friendship ends:
    “If she doesn’t value you, there are other fish in the sea who will appreciate you.”
  4. After missing an opportunity:
    “You didn’t buy the house in time, but there are other fish in the sea.”
  5. Encouragement:
    “Don’t stress about this one chance. There are other fish in the sea.”

🧠 THERE IS A METHOD TO HIS MADNESS

Meaning

This expression means that even if someone looks chaotic, strange, or illogical, they actually have a plan or a purpose behind what they are doing.
What seems like “madness” is actually organized or intentional.

It’s often used when someone’s behavior appears confusing at first, but then you realize it makes sense.


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Expressions to be studied in November/2025

YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOW ME OUT.
Não precisa me acompanhar até a porta.
WE’VE RUN OUT OF PETROL.
Estamos sem gasolina.
WHAT A CHICKEN SCRATCH SHE GOT!
Que garrancho que ela tem.
HE’S ON CLOUD NINE.
Ele está nas nuvens.
I’VE READ THE ARTICLE, WHICH I TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.
Não confiei muito no artigo que eu li.
SHE WAS BACK TO SQUARE-ONE.
Ela voltou a estaca zero.

keep digging—you’ll find more insights below.

YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOW ME OUT.

The expression “You don’t need to show me out” is something you say when you’re leaving someone’s home, office, or room, and you want to tell them that they don’t have to accompany you to the door — you can find your own way out.


💬 Meaning

  • Literal: You don’t have to walk with me to the exit.
  • Polite sense: It’s a courteous way of saying “I can leave by myself.”
  • Context: Common in homes, workplaces, or meetings when you don’t want to trouble the host or person you were visiting.

🏠 Example situations and sentences

  1. At a friend’s house: Thanks for having me! You don’t need to show me out — I remember the way.
  2. At an office: It’s been great meeting you. You don’t have to show me out; I know the building well.
  3. After a class or appointment: No worries, you can stay seated. I’ll see myself out.

🔁 Similar expressions

  • “I’ll see myself out.” → Very common and slightly more natural in English. “Thanks for your time, I’ll see myself out.”
  • “Don’t bother to get up.” → Used when you don’t want someone to interrupt what they’re doing. “Don’t bother to get up — I’ll let myself out.”
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Expressions to be studied in October/2025

HE FLIES OFF THE HANDLE VERY EASILY.
Ele fica nervoso/bravo muito rápido
AN HONEST DAY’S WORK FOR AN HONEST DAY’S PAY.
Trabalhe honestamente e você será recompensado.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Pense antes de fazer.
ARE YOU GONNA SULK?
Você vai ficar magoado?
YOU HAVE TWISTED MY ARM.
Você me convenceu!
HE WENT FROM RAGS TO RICHES.
Ele ficou rico do dia pra noite.

keep digging—you’ll find more insights below.

HE FLIES OFF THE HANDLE VERY EASILY.

The expression “he flies off the handle very easily” means that he gets angry very quickly and suddenly, often over small or unimportant things.


🔍 Meaning:

  • “Fly off the handle” = to lose your temper suddenly.
  • It’s an idiom (non-literal expression).
  • The phrase originally comes from the idea of an axe head flying off its handle, which is dangerous and uncontrolled—just like someone’s sudden anger.

✅ Example Sentences:

  1. He flies off the handle very easily when someone criticizes his work.
    → He gets angry fast when people give feedback.
  2. You need to stay calm during the meeting. Don’t fly off the handle if things don’t go your way.
  3. She flew off the handle when her kids spilled juice on the carpet.
  4. My boss flies off the handle for the smallest mistakes. It’s very stressful.
  5. I try to be patient, but sometimes I just fly off the handle when I’m tired.

🗣️ Synonyms (similar expressions):

  • Lose your temper
  • Blow up
  • Snap
  • Go ballistic
  • Have a short fuse
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Biscoitinho de Nata com Maizena, Farinha de Arroz, Farinha de Amêndoas e Linhaça Marrom

Ingredientes:

  • 1 xícara (chá) de nata
  • 2 colheres (sopa) de óleo de coco (ou manteiga ghee)
  • 1/3 xícara (chá) de açúcar demerara ou xilitol
  • 1 ovo
  • 1 colher (sopa) de linhaça marrom moída + 3 colheres (sopa) de água (deixe hidratar 10 min)
  • 1 colher (sopa) de fermento em pó
  • 1 xícara (chá) de farinha de arroz
  • 1 xícara (chá) de Maizena (amido de milho)
  • 1/2 a 1 xícara (chá) de farinha de amêndoas (ajuste conforme o ponto da massa)
  • Canela em pó ou essência de baunilha (opcional)

Modo de preparo:

  1. Em uma tigela, misture a nata, o óleo de coco, o açúcar/xilitol, o ovo e a linhaça hidratada.
  2. Acrescente o fermento.
  3. Adicione a farinha de arroz, a Maizena e a farinha de amêndoas aos poucos até a massa ficar macia e não grudar nas mãos (se precisar, polvilhe mais Maizena e farinha de arroz).
  4. Modele em bolinhas ou palitinhos.
  5. Leve ao forno preaquecido a 180 °C por 15–20 min, até ficarem firmes e levemente dourados.

📌 Dica:

  • A linhaça marrom deixa o biscoitinho mais rústico, com sabor um pouco mais intenso que a dourada.
  • Se quiser suavizar, coloque um pouquinho de baunilha ou raspas de limão.

A mesma receita pode ser usada para fazer biscoitinhos de chocolate.

Continue lendo “Biscoitinho de Nata com Maizena, Farinha de Arroz, Farinha de Amêndoas e Linhaça Marrom”

Simple Present

🧠 1. EXPLANATION: When do we use the Simple Present?

✅ We use the Simple Present to talk about:

  1. Habits and routines
    • 🕘 “I wake up at 7 a.m.”
  2. Facts or general truths
    • 🌎 “The Earth orbits the Sun.”
  3. Scheduled events (like classes or buses)
    • 🚌 “The bus arrives at 8 o’clock.”
  4. States and feelings (non-action verbs)
    • ❤️ “She loves chocolate.”

🧱 2. STRUCTURE

Affirmative:

Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he/she/it)

  • I play soccer.
  • She plays soccer.

Negative:

Subject + do/does not + base verb

  • I don’t like tea.
  • He doesn’t like tea.

Question:

Do/Does + subject + base verb?

  • Do you like coffee?
  • Does she work here?

📌 RULE: Add -ES for verbs ending in O, SH, CH, X, or S

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