Idioms — Set 3

Set 3 of Idioms covers 5 idioms: beat around the bush, steal someone's thunder, take a rain check, hold out an olive branch, rise with the sun. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. beat around the bush · idiom/bit əˈraʊnd ðə bʊʃ/

   discuss a matter without directly getting to the point

   Don't just beat around the bush, Adam. Come out and say what you think directly.

   Origin: From medieval bird hunting — beaters circled bushes to flush out game rather than directly catching it.

2. steal someone's thunder · idiom/stil ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈθʌndɚ/

   to take attention away from someone and try to be in the spotlight

   One of the bridemaids decided to announce her own engagement after the wedding ceremony in an effort to steal the couple's thunder.

   Origin: Coined in 1709 when playwright John Dennis's thunder sound effect was used in a rival's play.

3. take a rain check · idiom/teɪk ə reɪn tʃɛk/

   to refuse an offer politely by implying that you may accept it some other time in the future

   I don't have time this weekend but I'll take a rain check on that breakfast.

   Origin: From 19th-century American baseball — fans got a 'rain check' ticket to return when games were rained out.

4. hold out an olive branch · idiom/hoʊld aʊt ən ˈɑlɪv bræntʃ/

   to propose to end a disagreement with someone

   One of them should hold out an olive branch and make an effort to open a better channel of communication.

   Origin: From the Bible — a dove brought Noah an olive branch, symbolizing peace and the end of God's wrath.

5. rise with the sun · idiom/raɪz wɪð ðə sʌn/

   to wake up early

   The villagers rise with the sun to bake their bread, work the fields and attend to the animals.

   Origin: An ancient expression dating back to pre-electricity agricultural societies that began work at dawn.