Learning English can be challenging enough for someone from another country. Quite often, English is not the primary language spoken at home and many ESL (English as a second language) students are often exposed to comical idioms and expressions that just make no sense to them whatsoever! I believe it is necessary to include lessons on idiomatic expressions for all grade levels. This hub is not a lesson plan, but just a listing of some of the more perplexing idioms some of my students have encountered and the meanings that have made sense for them.

1. Skate on thin ice - to take a big chance; to take a risk of suffering negative consequensces.

2. Let the cat out of the bag - to give away a secret.
3. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. - People can be encouraged, but you can't force them to do something.
4. Read between the lines - to know or discern the true or hidden meaning of a fact in actions or documents.
5. More than one way to skin a cat - there are several different ways to reach the same goal or solve a problem.
6. If the shoe fits, wear it - if a statement applies to you, you should admit that it is true.
7. Watched pot never boils - when you are anxious or impatient for something to happen, it takes longer.
8. Ring a bell - something sounds familiar or comes to mind.
9. Put your best foot forward - make the best attempt possible.
10. Out of the woods - out of danger or trouble.