Cooking With Gas
Definition: Expediting a project or task by approaching it in a different way. Usually said with enthusiasm.
Example: After I told the cab driver my preferred route to work, so I could get there on time, we were cooking with gas.
Origin: Gas stoves were introduced in the 1800’s and quickly became a popular, more efficient alternative to wood burning models. Cooking with gas derives from advertisements from the era which looked to support the virtues of gas stoves.
Cut From the Same Cloth
Definition: Used when speaking of people who have similar personalities and beliefs.
Example: “Rodriguez and Simpson are writers cut from the same cloth on the topic of renewable energy.”
Origin: When preparing a suit tailors adhere to the philosophy that both the jacket and pants should be cut from the same piece of material to ensure uniformity between the two articles of clothing, as using separate pieces would lead to differing textures and color among other variables. Therefore, one piece of fabric is used to avoid this potentially cost prohibitive situation.
Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Hatched
Definition: The idea that one should not make assumptions about future outcomes, as they are subject to change.
Example: “Javier has been putting so well lately there’s no way he can lose the golf tournament this weekend.” A cautious outlook would respond to the statement, “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.”
Origin: Many of the words of wisdom that have become an accepted part of American vernacular feature the word “don’t” and emphasize exercising caution even when there is no immediate danger. “Don’t count your chickens…” was first used in its current context within a poem by Thomas Howell that appeared in New sonnets and Pretty Pamphlets.
Want More Idioms?
Accent Pros has a continuing series on common English phrases and American Idioms. Be sure to check out other blog posts to find your favorites and learn how to pronounce them with standard American English. Ready for an accent reduction tutorial or a complimentary accent screening? Check out the private on-line courses for accent reduction designed for students all over the world.
