GRAMMAR REVIEW 102: PUNCTUATION: PERIODS

Some of my friends would say that punctuation rules limit their creative freedom, while others (at least) see it the opposite. The rules actually don't block your creative minds, instead they set it free! They allow you to tell your story or express your thoughts clearly, creatively and persuasively. 

Let's see how to use punctuation in a way that lets your stories sparkle and and your creativity soar.

PERIODS. 

1. Use a period at the end of the complete sentence.

    This rule is mighty easy.

2. Use periods (decimal points) with money and percentages.

     P120.50          21.99%

3. Use periods after people's initial names.

    My English teacher is Mr. A. M. Duping.

4. Use periods in some abbreviations.

     a. Many uppercase and lowercase abbreviations still use a period

         Jan. (January), Mon. (Monday), Tues. (Tuesday), Gov. (Governor), Sen. (Senator), Pres. (President), Mrs.,  Ph. D., M.D., Ave., St., Rd., lbs., oz., cm., min., ft., U. S. A., U. K., lat., long., misc., i.e (Latin abbreviation meaning "in other words"), e.g. (Latin abbreviation meaning "for example"), B.C., (before Christ), Inc. (Incorporated).

     b. When all the letters are capital letters, periods are usually not used. 

          States: LA, NY, MA

          Agencies, companies and organizations: NBI, CIA, FBI, DOH, DPWH

          Tests: OLSAT, NSAT, NEAT, IQ, EQ

           Radio and Television stations: DZRH, ABS-CBN, GMA, CNN, ESPN

           Medical Terms: AIDS, PMS

           Directions: NE, SE, SW

      c. Some other common abbreviations don't use periods.

          UFO (unidentified flying object)

          DST (daylight savings time)

          mph (miles per hour)

          Hg (mercury)

          Hz (hertz)

GRAMMAR REVIEW 101: On my day VS. In my day

Someone asked me on which expressions is better to use? On my day or in my day? I felt aback. I wanted to say " I'm not a dictionary."... I am not Merriam... but I ended mumbling, 'I'll found it out."

First of all, it's hard to help someone with this problem without understanding on the context in which the phrase/s will be used. Colloquially, the phrase "in my day", means "back when I was young and everything was done as it should be as opposed to now when everything is done incorrectly. Example. In my day, people always stopped on whatever they were doing to pray when the bell of the church rang at 6:00  in the early evening.

In contrary, the  "on my day" phrase implies a birthday or some special occasions. Example: On my day, I want simple celebrations.

Since we haven't absorbed yet the semantic system of the English language, it is always best to take risks and communicate. If I may add, none of us will ever master the complete complexity and beauty of any language (bisan pa ang akong native tongue).

If this is right, then why?

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one goose, two geese
Then why shouldn't we say one moose, two meese?

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one die, two dice
Then why shouldn't we say one pie, two pice
And one lie, to lice.

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one mouse, two mice
Then why shouldn't we say one spouse, two spice

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one cherub, two cherubim
Then why shouldn't we say one bathtub, two bathtubim

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one foot, two feet
Then why shouldn't we say one root, two reet
And one boot, two beet

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one man, two men
Then why shouldn't we say one pan, two pen
And one fan, two fen
And one can, two cen

IF THIS IS RIGHT: one tooth, two teeth
Then why shouldn't we say one telephone booth, two telephone beeth.

IF THIS IS RIGHT: I write it just for fun.

Filipino Myth: Asuang Steals Fire from Gugurang

Long ago when the world was still young the good and evil gods were not yet enemies as they are now. They were friends, each living separately in a mountain (Bolod, Bicol). One report even said that they were brothers. Gugurang, the good god, was living inside Mount Mayon, and Asuang, the evil one, inside Mount Malinao. As gods they had control of the welfare of the people. But Gugurang was more powerful than Asuang who was merely a subordinate; the former was the chief deity (cagurangnan) of the Bicols.

Now Gugurang was given full control over the people, who learned to look up to him for protection or for advancement. Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.

The image of Asuwang as illustrated by Cantada11

Gugurang then became the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava (abo).

Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.

"How dare you ask for my fire! " Gugurang thundered. The earth trembled. "Don't you know that when the fire in my seat is carried by hands such as yours the whole world will be set on fire?"

"But I will be very careful," replied Asuang.

"Be careful! I myself with all my power cannot handle it."

"But how can you threaten the people with it?"

"It is not my will that does it. It is someone else's that you or I do not know nor will ever know. But the rainy days are coming and I need fire to make me warm in Mount Malinao."

"Why," answered Gugurang, "you have lived there for many years and this is the first time that you have asked me for it, what will you use the fire for? Look at your people; they can live without it."

"Well, it is time for you to give them fire now."

"Give them fire!" burst Gugurang. The earth shook and the people were more afraid. But soon Gugurang quelled the commotion. Asuang himself was frightened. He never saw him that way before.

"They are not fit to have it yet! They must make themselves worthy."

"Well, am I not worthy?"

"You! you lay god! Look at your ragged mountain and compare it to Mayon which is the most beautiful in the world."

Asuang argued with him for a long time but Gugurang would not budge an inch. Asuang suddenly discovered, which before he had not, that Gugurang was all-powerful. Asuang narrowed his eyes and smiled with sinister import. He decided to oppose him from now on.

"You want to be the omnipotent power," Asuang cried. "But between us two there is not much difference. Why must I live in a humble place like Mount Malinao while you sit here gloating over your power unlimited and unchecked?"

"Stop!" The earth shivered as Gugurang stamped his feet on the ground. Asuang only smiled this time. That made Gugurang angry all the more. He struck out but before his blow could land, Asuang had vanished already. Gugurang was greatly amazed at this—the new power of Asuang in making himself invisible.

Then from a short distance in the room came the voice of the evil one, "If I cannot get fire in good will, I will in bad—I will steal it."

"Try—and before you can do that I will cut your mountain in twain."

"Then let there be war between us," countered Asuang. Thus the good and the evil became enemies from that time on. Motives were many to prove that Asuang was ambitious. It could not be doubted that the power to rule intrigued him. He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.

He sent pestilence to the barrios and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto denied him.

Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration.

But in spite of the precaution taken, Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.

Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was on fire. Every barrio that Asuang passed caught fire. Asuang!" Gugurang cried. And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else he would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they went madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang, it would be lost for the good god would then be under the spell of the devil.

Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, snatched the fire in the coconut shell, and vanished with it. Asuang was greatly surprised. He could not make himself invisible, as he would. Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything was bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was rain. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness.

Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for his revenge on Asuang—he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe Linti and Dalogdog. What is the use of your serving a master when you don't even receive any reward?" Asuang asked. "Why don't you join me? Here you can have what you want. You can be your master."

Linti, quite taken, asked, "You mean what you said?" Sure," the wily Asuang answered. It is true we are driven like slaves," said the thunder.

At this Gugurang sent his thunderbolt. Boom! Crash! For several minutes the world sank and bobbed and sank again. All the mountains creaked. Then a mighty crashing was made amid the din. Gugurang then ordered the lightning and the thunder to stop. All was over in a few minutes.

Then the people noticed that what was once Mount Malinao was but half now. They thanked the omnipotent for destroying the abode of the devil. (To this day one who sails the Tabaco Bay will still see that Mount Malinao seems to have been cut while Mayon stands majestically unimpaired.)

The people for a time believed that Asuang was killed, but later his influence was doing havoc with the populace. Incidentally, the people got fire, for the enterprising few kept some embers to keep themselves warm during the rain that followed the conflagration.

--From The Myths: Philippine Folk Literature by Damiana L. Eugenio

Reblog: 5 Ways a Classroom Blog Will Challenge Your Students by Help Teaching

Your students live in a world where newspapers are going out of business and citizen journalists are cracking cases on Twitter and writing about it on their WordPress site. Incorporating lessons on how to be a part of this world is critical to improving their chances for success as they move through school and into the working world.

One way to prepare them is to teach them how to blog. See how this new tool will challenge your 21st century students.

Following Directions

Give your students their first assignment: set up their own blog. Learn how to do it yourself – you can set up a classroom blog – write out the directions, and have them go through the steps, either alone or in groups. While following directions may not be a new skill, having to find and learn the tools needed to set up a blog will be, making it an unfamiliar and rewarding challenge for them.

HTML Formatting

If your students have worked in Microsoft Word, then formatting from the front-end of your blog isn’t going to be much of a challenge. Formatting with HTML however, will be new. Use theseresources from Edutopia to help guide yourself and your students through the process. Have them test their skills on a new blog post done entirely from the backend. You can do this within most blogging platforms, including WordPress.

Choosing and Installing Plugins

Plugins make your blog more fun, adding functionality that doesn’t exist without them. Students can choose from a list of plugins you’ve suggested, download the one that appeals most to them, install it and test it out. Bonus: have each student teach the class how to use the plugin on their own blogs.

Sharing on Social Media

An important part of being a 21st century citizen is understanding what a digital footprint is, where you’ve left yours and what it says about you. It’s important that students learn about this at an early age. “Kids need to start establishing a positive digital impression of themselves … as young as they are, they need to cultivate their personal brand, and they can do this by posting about what they’re involved in at school, learning in their classrooms, or other co-curricular activities they enjoy,” says Jenny Luca, teacher and librarian.

To teach students about their digital footprint, give them a social media challenge, during which they share a new blog post on your class Facebook or Twitter account. The task includes:

• Using appropriate language—no swearing allowed and must use proper grammar
• Choosing relevant hashtags—a comprehensive understanding of the topic will help them determine the best hashtags to use
• Understanding the impact—for example, once you post something on social media it will be online forever

Adding Photos and Videos

Blog posts have higher rates of being shared if images are included. Challenge your students to include a few important images in their next blog post. But, don’t stop there. Teach them how to imbed a YouTube video that helps explain the topic.

Teaching Fellow Students

Learning how to blog isn’t much different from a tradition classroom lesson—all students will learn at a different pace. This gives you an opportunity to have students teach one another. Let them pick their favorite new skill or give each student a task. Separate the class into pairs and have each student teach their partner how to complete the task or master a skill.

Learning how to blog—and everything that comes with it, including using social media and coding—at a young age not only teaches students how to be a valuable citizen in our hyper-connected society, but allows them to carve out a spot for themselves in the bustling online world. “Students start to create their own essence as a writer first playing around with fonts but then creating tag lines for their blogs and deciding how they want to present themselves to the world as writers. This is powerful at the elementary age,” says Pernille Ripp, education blogger.

Encourage your students to blog, challenge them with unfamiliar tasks, and teach them how to be a great 21st century citizen.

100 IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN A SENTENCE

These are selectively selected idiomatic expressions with meanings and sample sentences.

Picture taken from web.

100. TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Meaning: It is a clever or expert way of doing something.

In a sentence: Being a businessman for half of my life, I know all tricks of the trade.

99. LIVE IN AN IVORY TOWER

Meaning: This means living a lifestyle that saves you from the real world problems.

In a sentence: Jay has problems in dealing with poor people because she has lived in an ivory tower.

98. ACID TEST

Meaning:  It means as Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.

In a sentence: I already know how to compute decimals but the acid test will come when our Math professor will conduct assessment orally.

97. WHOLE BAG OF TRICKS

Meaning: This means trying all the clever means to achieve something.

In a sentence: It was really difficult to pass the final exam even after applying the whole bag of tricks.

96. FINE-TOOTH COMB

Meaning: This means of examining something carefully so as not to miss out any details.

In a sentence: My thesis adviser examined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the panel for defense.

Use this idiom in your own sentence.

95. FAST TRACK SOMETHING

Meaning: This mean of rating something higher on a priority list to achieve the desired result.

In a sentence: In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing up on a fast track decision from the court.

94. MEAN BUSINESS

Meaning: This means of being serious about what you announce.

In a sentence: We mean business when we posted announcement on the internet site.

93. NOT LET GRASS GROW UNDER FEET

Meaning: Don't delay in getting something done.

In a sentence: After making the administrative Council signed the resolution, the Board Secretary requested the Board for referendum on the contracts. He doesn't let the grass grow under his feet.

92. BACK-ROOM BOYS

Meaning: People who perform important work but have no contact with the public.

In a sentence: Johnny Manahan and the writers of the show are the back room boys that deserve more applause than the artists performing on stage.

91. DEAD WOOD

Meaning: This refers to people or things which are no longer useful or necessary.

In a sentence: The school acquires new laboratory equipment. They no longer want the dead woods.

90. PLUM JOB

Meaning: This is a desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy.

Example - This looks like a plum job but it has its own bunch of complications.

89. GOLDEN HANDSHAKE

Meaning: This refers to big sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire.

In a sentence: When the company want to cut down on the man power, they usually offer a golden hand shake to many of their aged employees.

88. WAITING IN THE WINGS

Meaning: This means waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone else in their job.

In a sentence: Dr. Santos is going to retire in next 2 months. Two of his juniors who are waiting in the wings will have a fierce competition.  

87. LUMP IN YOUR THROAT

Meaning: It refers to a tight feeling in your throat because of an emotion like sadness or gratitude.

In a sentence: I have a lump in my throat seeing my daughter receiving a gold medal today after all the hard years we have in the family.

Are you a big cheese?

86. HARD AS NAILS

Meaning: This refers to a person without sentiments and sympathy for anyone.

In a sentence: He has become as hard as a nail after his brother was brutally murdered.

85. PROUD AS PEACOCK

Meaning: It refers to an extremely proud person.

In a sentence: Ana’s mother is as proud as peacock when Ana topped the board exam.

84. TONQUE-TIED

Meaning: It means difficulty in expressing oneself because of nervousness or embarrassment.

In a sentence: Jody was completely tongue tied when she met her crush in person.

83. SPEAK VOLUMES

Meaning: This is expresses a reaction without words.

In a sentence: She always call to know if I was okay. Her actions really speak volumes about her care and concern for me.

82. NOT TURN A HAIR

Meaning: This refers to not exhibiting any emotion where it is expected.

In a sentence: Martha didn’t turn a hair even after her name was called as the Grand Prize Winner.

81. REDUCE TO TEARS

Meaning: It means getting into tears because of some one's behaviour.

In a sentence: Greta reduced to tears when her boyfriend stopped seeing her.

80. IN THE BAG

Meaning - Refers to a situation when you are sure that success is sure.

In a sentence: The BPA Team fans rise to yell, the victory seems to be in the bag after the opponent’s best player failed to shoot in last two seconds time.

79. BLOW UP IN FACE

Meaning: This refers to a situation when a plan or project suddenly fails.

In a sentence: It was difficult to be on time in the venue. It blew up in the face when the bus didn’t arrive on time at the station.

78. CAKE NOT WORTH A CANDLE

Meaning: This refers to something in which results are too less compared to the effort.

In a sentence: Mr. Duping studied so hard in Economics exam but still he got the low score. The cake wasn't worth the candle.

77. CHANCE ON ONE’S ARM

Meaning: This is referring to deciding to do something even though the chances of success are very little.

In a sentence: Considering her height, Grace knew that there was little chance of her to be casted in Bb. Panabo 2015 but she still decided to chance her arm.

76. MAKE A GO OF

Meaning: This means you are succeeding in your enterprise.

In a sentence: With his hard work and dedication, he has made a go of his new venture.

75. FLYING START

Meaning: This refers to something that is immediately successful.

In a sentence: “Praybet Benjamin” hit the box office with a flying start and collected the highest revenue on day 1 of Metro Manila Film Festival.

74. LIVE ON THE BREADLINE

Meaning. This means having very little income.

In a sentence: The war in Mindanao caused many natives live on the breadline.

73. MAKE OR BREAK

Meaning: This refers to circumstances causing total success or total ruin.

In a sentence: Your performance in the Q and A portion will make or break you.

This job is just an icing on the cake.

72. LANDSLIDE VICTORY

Meaning: It is overwhelming victory received by a candidate of political party at an election.

In a sentence: The ASAP Party are expecting a landslide victory after a win of more of than 50% seats in the first two hours of counting.

71. RAGS TO RICHES

Meaning: This refers to experiences of those who are becoming very rich while starting very poor.

In a sentence: Manny’s determination, hard work and perseverance got him rags to riches.

70. ON THE PIG’S BACK

Meaning: This refers to a person, event, idea in successful and well situation.

In a sentence: Her studies was on the pig’s back before she met Adrian.

69. MISS THE BOAT

Meaning: This refers to failure to take advantage of an opportunity because of slow actions.

In a sentence: I wasn’t able to pass my project in advance and failed to earn an early bird bonus points. Submitting late made me miss the boat.

68. SMASH HIT

Meaning: This refers to music, films which are very successful.

In a sentence: PSY’s “Gentleman” is a smash hit in a month’s time.

67. MURPHY’S LAW

Meaning: This means that if anything can go wrong, it will.

In a sentence: Lora prepared for the worst in the debate but she doesn't forget the Murphy's law.

66. PLACE IN THE SUN

Meaning: This refers to a position which provides you all the success and happiness you want in your life.

In a sentence: Adrianna found a place in the sun after getting married to the scion of the richest family in town.

65. SINK OR SWIM

Meaning: This simply means “fail or succeed”.

In a sentence: The removal exam will decide if Dayna sinks or swims.

What is meant by this expression?

64. CHAMPAGNE ON A BEER BUDGET

Meaning: This means wanting expensive things that you cannot afford.

In a sentence: She always buys things out of her budget. She has developed a taste for champagne on beer budget.

63.  TOP DOG

Meaning: This refers to very successful group, company, person, country etc.

Example: The result of the recently concluded Miss Universe proved that USA is the top dog in terms of beauty pageants.

62. KEEP UP APPEARANCES

Meaning: This means maintaining an outward show of prosperity or well-being while hiding your difficulties

In a sentence: Her smile and taste of fashion keep up her appearances to her friends and colleagues.

61. WOODEN SPOON

Meaning: This refers to imaginary prize for the last person in a race.

In a sentence: We won a wooden spoon at the fashion show.

60. HAVE THE WORLD BY ITS TAIL

Meaning: This refers to a very successful person who can choose from a lot of opportunities.

In a sentence: Graduated magna cum laude, Victor  is now having the world by its tail.

59. LIVE BEYOND MEANS

Meaning: This means spending more money than you can afford. This is similar to “champagne on a beer budget”

In a sentence: Carol has a habit of living beyond her means. Most of the times, you will find her borrowing the money from her friends.

58. HIT THE ROAD RUNNING

Meaning: This means to start performing immediately.

In a sentence: She came late that’s why she hit the road running just seconds of her arrival.

57. ACHILLES HEEL

Meaning: This expression refers to a vulnerable area or a weak spot, in an otherwise strong situation, that could cause one's downfall or failure.

In a sentence: Mayor Manato considers his love of women as his Achilles heel.

56. AGAINST THE CLOCK

Meaning: If you do something against the clock, it means that you are rushed and have very little time to do it.

In a sentence: The students are working against the clock to have the oral presentation ready for an hour.

55. WEAR THE TROUSERS

Meaning: This refers to the one who makes the important decisions in a couple.

In a sentence: In John’s family, his mother always wears the trousers especially in budgeting.

54. ADD FUELS TO THE FLAMES

Meaning: If you add fuel to the flames, this means that you do or say something that makes a difficult situation even worse.

In a sentence: Raul forgot their monthsary, and his excuses only added fuel to the flames.

53. WET BLANKET

Meaning: When you refer to someone as a wet blanket, you mean that they spoil other people's fun, or make an event less enjoyable than it could have been.

In a sentence: Come on Mike!  Don't be such a wet blanket. You're spoiling the party!

52. BLIND AS A BAT

Meaning: This refer to someone whose vision is very poor, or who is unable to see anything.

In a sentence: Clarisse is totally dependent on her glasses. Without them, she is as blind as a bat.

51. BLIND LEADING THE BLIND

Meaning: This expression describes a person with very little ability trying to help or guide a person with no ability.

In a sentence: Don’t ask me to help you in your speech. I could hardly speaks English words right. I don’t want to be blind leading the blind.

50. BLINK OF AN EYE

Meaning: If something happens in the blink of an eye, this means that it happens nearly instantaneously, with hardly enough time to notice it.

In a sentence: Martina just disappeared in the blink of an eye.

49. MAKES YOUR BLOOD BOIL

Meaning: If something makes your blood boil, it means that it makes you really angry.

In a sentence: The absence of Pres. Aquino on the arrival of the FALLEN 44 made the Filipinos blood boil.

48. MAKES YOUR BLOOD RUN COLD

Meaning: If something makes your blood run cold, it means it shocks or scares you a lot.

In a sentence: The tiger look of our English teacher made my blood run cold.

47. JACK OF ALL TRADES

Meaning: A jack of all trades is referring to a person who can do many different things but is not very good at any one of them.

In a sentence: I can sing, I can dance, I can write, I can act but I do not excel on any of them. Now, I realize that I am a jack of all trades.

46. GET THE JITTERS

Meaning: If you get (or have) the jitters, especially before an important event, you become very nervous or anxious and begin to shake.

In a sentence: Students get the jitters when they are told to perform in front of the class.

45. COOK SOMEONE’S GOOSE

Meaning - Spoil other person's chances of success.

In a sentence: Alfred cooks someone’s goose when he failed to answer easy questions in the quiz bowl.

44. GO UP IN SMOKE

Meaning: This refers to something that ends before getting a result.

In a sentence: Her plan of cheating in the exam has gone in smoke after the proctor inspected all the examinees things.

43. GO TO THE DOGS

Meaning: This means getting comparably less successful than before.

In a sentence: With the inexperience of the SSC president on budgeting, the student council is going to dogs.

42. LET SLIP THROUGH FINGERS

Meaning: This means failing to obtain or keep up a good opportunity.

In a sentence: This reporting could be your chance to chosen as the class debater. Please don't let it slip through your fingers.

41. COME UP ROSES

Meaning: This refers to successful end results even though there may be some initial hiccups.

In a sentence:  The PBB Guidelines seems to be coming up roses in spite of initial hiccups and controversies.

40. MAKE YOUR FLESH CRAWL

Meaning: This refers to something that makes you feel disgusting or nervous.

In a sentence: The picture of the Fallen 44 posted on Facebook made my flesh crawl.

39. SWALLOW ONE’S PRIDE

Meaning: This means accepting something humiliating or embarrassing.

In a sentence: To keep your good relationship with your teacher, you have to swallow your pride and sincerely apologize.

38. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

I am not a morning person!

Meaning: When you look on the bright side, you view an unpleasant situation in a positive light.

In a sentence: You met with an accident but look on the bright side - you managed to get away just with some bruises.

37. LICK ONE’S WOUNDS

Meaning: When someone licks one’s wounds, it means that he is trying to regain their confidence or boost up the spirits after a defeat.

In a sentence: Janna is licking her wounds after being dropped from the Deans List.

36. GO BANANAS

Meaning: This refers to someone who behaves in a crazy way out of emotions.

In a sentence: Angel’s decision to get married will make her family go bananas.

35. BEARD THE LION IN HIS DEN

Meaning: This means that you challenge someone in his own area.

In a sentence: If he doesn't come to see me today, I'll have to beard the lion in his den.

34. GROAN INWARDLY

Meaning: Groan inwardly refers to a feeling where you want to express despair, disapproval or distress, but you keep quite.

In a sentence: Brandon was quite disappointed at the sarcastic remark by his friend but looking at the situation he just groaned inwardly.

33. KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP

Meaning: It refers to a person who doesn't show off his emotions.

In a sentence: The wayward son heard the news about his father's demise but kept a stiff upper lip.

32. GET THE AXE

Meaning: Paradoxically, when you get the axe, it means you lose the job.

In a sentence: The projects team was undergoing a major restructuring, and recruitment. Absolutely, the executives were the first to get the axe.

31. SEPARATE SHEEP FROM GOATS

Meaning: This means examining a group of people and deciding their suitability.

In a sentence: The audition was conducted by the director of the theatre guild to separate sheep from goats.

30. SHAPE UP OR SHAPE OUT

Meaning: This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve their ways, they will have to leave their job.

In a sentence: When Stephen started neglecting his assignments, the dean told him shape up or ship out.

29. KEEP YOUR FINGERS ON THE PULSE

Meaning: If you keep your fingers on the pulse, you are being constantly aware of the most recent developments.

In a sentence: An IT practitioner must keep his fingers on the pulse of the world technology and computers.

28. SAIL THROUGH SOMETHING

Meaning: You are being successful in doing something without difficulty, if you sail through something.

In a sentence: You sailed through the celebration of the Charter Day. It was indeed successful.

27. THINK ON YOUR FEET

Meaning: You are adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions when you think on your feet.

In a sentence: Her shifting to another course program is thinking on her feet.

26. WORK LIKE CHARM

Meaning: It means that it works very well or has the desired effect.

In a sentence: I did not eat cold foods like ice creams days before the competition and it worked like a charm.

25. BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW

Meaning: You are taking a task that is way too big.

In a sentence: I think you need to realize that you bit off more than you can chew in hosting this event.

24. DON’T COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THE EGGS HAVE HATCHED.

Meaning: This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen".

23. DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET.

Meaning: This expression means not to put all your resources in one possibility.

In a sentence: There are still games to play, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

22.  FAIR-WEATHER FRIEND

Meaning: This refers to someone who acts as a friend when times are good, and is not there when you are in trouble.

In a sentence: I thought I could count on Bill, but I've discovered he's just a fair-weather friend.

21. TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Meaning: This term refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in a job.

In a sentence: He's a tough negotiator; he knows all the tricks of the trade.

20. CHICKEN OUT        

Meaning: If you chicken out of something, you decide not to do something because you are afraid.

In a sentence: Carlos decided to join a karate class, but chickened out at the last minute.

19. DRASTIC TIMES CALL FOR DRASTIC MEASURES

When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions. This what the expression means.

18. ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING.

Meaning: This expression means that the show has come to an end. It's all over.

In a sentence: Elvis has left the building when I arrived.

17. FEEL A BIT UNDER THE WEATHER

Meaning: When you feel a bit under the weather, you feel slightly ill.

In a sentence: I was absent from the class because I felt a bit under the weather.

16. IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO

Meaning: This refers to actions or communications that need more than one person.

In a sentence: It takes two to tango to talk on other person’s life.

15. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

Meaning: You hit the nail on the head when you do or say something exactly right.

In a sentence: The universe applauded Miss Jamaica when she hit the nailed on the head during the Q and A portion.

14. PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS

Meaning: This means that a visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

In a sentence: This painting tells a lot. Indeed, a picture paints a thousand words.

13. TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE

Meaning: This means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else

In a sentence: The bullied freshmen tasted his own medicine when he was bullied by the seniors of the school.

12. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON

Meaning: You jump on the bandwagon when you join a popular trend or activity.

In a sentence: Let’s jump on the bandwagon. Let us also color our hair purple.

11. KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE

Meaning: This idiom means to accomplish two different things at the same time.

In a sentence: Self-supporting students are killing two birds with one stone.

10. CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT

Meaning: This means that being inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.

9. GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

Meaning: You believe on someone's statement, without proof.

In a sentence: Why not give her the benefit of the doubt before deciding a punishment?

8. YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE.

Meaning: It is used to tell that you have no idea, or you do not know the answer to a question.

In a sentence: I am sorry sir but your guess is as good as mine.

7. DELIVER THE GOODS

Meaning: When you deliver the goods, you do what is expected or promised.

In a sentence: I have given my car to a new mechanic for repair, hope he delivers the goods.

6. CHASE YOUR TAIL

Meaning: This means spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually achieving too little.

In a sentence: He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is still not ready.

5. GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

Meaning. This means of putting up a plan or idea into action.

In a sentence: Now that we have completed all the legal formalities, let's get the show on the road.

4. CUT ONE’S OWN THROAT

Meaning: Doing something that will cause your own failure is cutting one’s own throat.

In a sentence: Danica is cutting her own throat when she partied late at night before the day of the exam.

 3. JUGGLE FROGS

Meaning: A person who is juggling frogs is trying to deal with many different tasks at the same time and finding the situation difficult.

In a sentence: I feel like I'm juggling frogs when I got a lot of some things to do at the same time.

2. EXPLORE ALL AVENUES

Meaning: Trying out every possibility to get a result is exploring all avenues.

In a sentence: It is a difficult thing to do but if we really want it done, we must explore all avenues.

1. GET DUCKS IN A ROW

Meaning: This idiom means getting your things well organized.

In a sentence: To ensure a successful investiture ceremony, we must get our ducks in a row.

If you have comments, suggestions, discussions related to this post, please feel free to share (just drop a comment). Do you have expressions not included in my list? Please feel fee to add it here (just drop a comment).

25 IDIOMS THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

These are idiomatic expressions that I usually used during my talk, convo, writings. I will share them to you hoping that this will add to your lexicon.

Taken from web.

25. A HOT POTATO

Meaning:  Speaking of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed

In a sentence: The death of Fallen 44 is a hot potato.

24. ADD INSULT TO INJURY

Meaning: This is to further a loss with mockery or indignity or to worsen an unfavorable situation.

In a sentence: Your unsolicited opinion just add insult to injury.

23. LAST STRAW

Meaning: The final problem in a series of problems.

In a sentence: After all the hardships I have this year, I hope losing you is the last straw that I will have.

22. COST AN ARM AND A LEG

Meaning: It is very expensive or costly or a large amount of money.

In a sentence: It requires an arm and leg to have this project come to reality. or This project costs an arm and a leg.

21. BEAT AROUND THE BUSH

Meaning:  It is avoiding the main topic or not speaking directly about the issue.

In a sentence: Pnoy did not talk directly on the Fallen 44 issue. He is just beating around the bush.

20. AT THE DROP OF HAT

Meaning: This means "without any hesitation" or  instantly without any double thoughts.

In a sentence: His decision of dropping the course is just at the drop of a hat.

19. BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

Meaning: This means looking in the wrong place, talking or asking to the wrong person or accusing the wrong person

In a sentence: I don't know what you are talking about. You are barking a wrong tree.

18. BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL

Meaning: To work or study late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.

In a sentence: Burn the midnight oil to study your lessons for final exam.

17. DEVIL'S ADVOCATE

Meaning: To present a counter argument or someone that is always arguing.

In a sentence: Steven is acting as devil's advocate when he laid down his points of disagreement.

16. CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Meaning: One cannot judge something primarily on what is visible from the naked eye.

In a sentence: Do not judge a book by its cover.

15. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Meaning: This means "all the advantages".

In a sentence: It's for you to decide but I am warning you that both have best of both worlds.

14. CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO STOOLS

Meaning: This can be used when you find it difficult to choose between two alternatives.

In a sentence: Shall I go or stay? Oh, my God. This really caught me between two stools.

13. CRY OVER SPILLED MILK

Meaning: This can be used when complaining about a loss from the past.

In a sentence: Giving my negative comments on last year's evaluation is just like I am crying over spilled milk.

12. HEAR IT ON A GRAPEVINE

Meaning: This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone.

In a sentence: Make sure that the president's statement is factual and you did not just hear it on a grapevine.

11. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

Meaning: The situation that happens very rarely.

In a sentence: Our supervisor visits our area once in a blue moon.

10. EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

Meaning: This means to be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.

In a sentence: Don't worry with these trials on your life, remember that, every cloud has a silver lining.

9. PIECE OF CAKE

Meaning: This refers to a job, a task or other activity that is easy or simple.

In a sentence: This tasks is so cumbrous to me but it appears that it's just a piece of cake for Marie.

8. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Meaning: When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.

In a sentence: After many tries of winning the heart of Jane, Andrew is still back to the drawing board.

7. ON THE BALL

Meaning: When someone understands the situation well.

In a sentence: The class is on the ball after the teacher explains the lesson.

6. BEST THING SINCE SLICE BREAD

Meaning: A good invention or innovation or may refer to a good idea or plan.

In a sentence: Your decision to settle down in Japan is the best thing since slice bread.

5. WHITE ELEPHANT

Meaning: A property that is costly but useless or having no value at all or not able to serve its purpose.

In a sentence: The gymnasium that stood far from the city is the white elephant of the local government.

4. FAR CRY FROM

Meaning: It is very different from.

In a sentence: Let's accept the fact that Miss Joanne's performance is very far cry from Miss Julian's.

3. IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT

Meaning: You are overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.

In a sentence: The audience are in the heat of the moment when the announcers announced the result.

2. BALL IS IN YOUR COURT

Meaning: It is up to you to make the next decision or step

In a sentence: Almira has already decided. Now, the ball is on your court, Elmer.

1. BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Meaning: Something good that isn't recognized at first

In a sentence: Our break-up is a blessing disguise for my student career.

Do you have idioms not included in my list? Feel free to share here.

Do you have comments, suggestions or discussions related to this topic? Feel free to comment them here.