Phrase of the day with an explanation of it's origin 

Today's phrase is a phrasal verb with a sports origin.

To keep it up

Definition:
To persevere at a task and to continue in the same way.


Origin:
In Victorian times playing badminton was very popular in the summer in the garden. The shuttlecock needs to be kept up in the air at all times and so the phrase "keep it up" was shouted to encourage the players to continue a rally.

An interesting article which shows the differences between American English and British English:

http://www.theguardian.com/media/mind-your-language/2014/mar/12/english-to-english-translating-cultural-divide?CMP=fb_us

Phrase of the day with an explanation of it's origin

Today's phrase is a phrasal verb with a nautical origin.

To be taken aback

Definition:
When someone has been really surprised by something unexpected and it stops them in their tracks.


Origin:
'Aback' is a nautical term for when there is a sudden change in the direction of the wind which flattens the sails against the mast. This can mean that sailing boats and especially the old tall square-rigged ships will be slowed down or even blown backwards.

Looking for business English or useful phrases for your presentation?

Sometimes you need to have just the right phrase for your presentation or vocabulary to compose a business letter or e-mail. On this site you might find exactly what you're looking for. Business English

Doctors help a gorilla

Doctors help a gorilla

The Fallas Festival (Valencia-Spain) (English version)

Do you need listening practise? Do you love music?

Go to http://en.lyricstraining.com/ and listen to 1000s of English songs and learn while you listen by filling in the missing words.


A few tips....


English songs use a lot of incorrect English so be careful not to pick up bad habits but it is useful to recognise these words as they are used a lot in coloquial speech:


wanna = want to
gonna = going to
´cause = because
ain´t = isn´t/it´s not