Burn a Bridge and Other ESL Idioms

Introduction to ESL Idioms in English

Hello! It’s Kristine here with the Express to Impress podcast. This episode is part two of 4 Tips for How to Negotiate a Job Offer. We have many new ESL idioms and phrases to cover today! You will learn seven English idioms and sayings with definitions to improve your spoken English.  As a result, you will be able to communicate better with native English speakers. You won’t feel confused when you hear English idioms and phrases and will keep up with the conversation. As always, you’ll get some homework at the end so you can continue to improve your English pronunciation.

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If you want my tips on preparing for a job interview, I invite you to visit my website for my free five-step job interview preparation checklist. This checklist has already helped thousands of people worldwide perform well in interviews and get jobs they love. To sign up, visit my website at express-to-impress.com.

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Now, let’s begin!

ESL Idioms and Phrases 

Alright, I will introduce new English idioms and sayings, share how I used them in 4 Tips for How to Negotiate a Job Offer, and provide definitions.

No Time Flat

He had a job interview in no time flat. 

This phrase means that something took very little time or was done quickly.

Twists and Turns

Brian’s experience illustrates something important about the negotiation process: there are twists and turns along the way. 

This phrase means to move or progress in an unpredictable way.

In One’s Wildest Dreams

Other times, people get offered a salary or benefits package they couldn’t have imagined in their wildest dreams. 

“In one’s wildest dreams” is an idiom used to emphasize something that is beyond the scope of, or greater than, anything someone could imagine.

Not all Roses

But usually, negotiating is not all roses. Sometimes there are disappointments and hurt feelings. 

“Not all roses” or “not a bed of roses” are idioms used to remind us that there will be some unpleasant things to deal with in a situation.

Burn a Bridge

If done incorrectly, you can burn a bridge during the negotiation process.

To “burn one’s bridges” is an idiom that means to figuratively destroy the path behind you, making it impossible to repair or return. It is usually used in the context of ending personal or professional relationships.

Off to a Good Start

These tips are simply an introduction to get you off to a good start.

Being “off to a good start” is a phrase used to indicate that something has begun in a positive way. The reverse of this would be “off to a bad start.”

Crop Up

Without asking questions and getting answers on the spot, misunderstandings and hurt feelings can crop up.

This phrasal verb indicates something that has appeared suddenly or unexpectedly, usually a problem or something else unpleasant.

Now you know some of the best ESL idioms and phrases. I encourage you to start using these idiomatic expressions today!

Let’s Work Together!

I love helping talented professionals excel in job interviews and convince the interviewer they are the right person for the job. But it’s no easy task, especially if you’re interviewing in a second language. That’s why I released the podcast episode 5 Tips for Interviewing in English, why I work one-on-one with English Language Learners getting ready for job interviews in English every day, and why I created the 90-minute online video course, How to Succeed in a Job Interview.  During our time together, I help clients identify questions and answers, and of course, deliver their answers powerfully.

Here’s a review from a recent satisfied client:

Kristine was super informative and a big help throughout the entire process. Not to mention, her website has insightful information, and her videos extend the learning outside of our session. I definitely recommend her for any interview coaching needs!

To see pictures and more testimonials from my clients, visit my website at express-to-impress.com. 

I would love to work with you if you have an interview coming up–either a job interview, medical residency interview, fellowship interview, or academic interview.  You can schedule a free consultation or book a mock interview with me on my website.

English Learning Homework

Learning takes repetition and implementation. So, I’ll give you some homework! Listen to this episode again and repeat the words out loud to practice. It will not only expand your English vocabulary but help you to improve your American English pronunciation, listening skills, and intonation. You’ll be doing the Shadowing Technique! If you need a reminder about implementing the Shadowing Technique, check out my episode, Introducing the Shadowing Technique for English Learning.   

Thank you so much for listening to the Express to Impress podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please remember to share it with a friend. See you next time. Bye!