expressions to improve your english

English is an interesting language. We can make it more interesting and rich by using some expressions in our spoken and written language. It adds vibrancy to our thought and expression. By using such expressions in our daily communications we stand at par with others.

Dear friends, let’s have a look at some of the beautiful expressions along with their usage in various contexts.

Here you are:

1. Have a bone to pick – to have a complaint or grievance.

The children didn’t know how to approach their principal though they had a bone to pick.

• Have a break – to have a short rest period from work.

Every Sunday is a holiday so that everyone have a break from their chores of work.

• Have a cow – to get angry.

Mrs. Sita has a cow when her son came in late.

Similarly

• Have in for – to be angry.

My boss must really have it in for me; that was the third lecture this week.

• Have a fable for – to have a weakness for something.

Tirumala has a fable for delicious foods.

• Have it going on – to be attractive

The children decorated their class to have it going on for the inspection.

• Have it bad – to be obsessed.

Sreedhar has it bad about locking his room.

• Have a go – To make an attempt

Kalyani had never tried swimming before, but she is willing to have a go.

• Have a good one / Have a good time – to enjoy an event or occasion.

You are turning nineteen tomorrow, I hope you have a good go.

1. Have a whale of time – to enjoy oneself greatly.

I had a whale of time in yesterday’s party.

1. Have a hand in – to contribute

Things would be better if you let me have a hand in the planning process” said Sumanth.

1. Have a handle on – to understand or grasp, to be in control of to have power over.

Sumanth has a  handle on everything that happens in their office.

1. Have a head for – to be capable with, knowledgeable about.

Koushik has always had a head for figures: that’s why he became an accountant.

1. Have a look – to examine.

Please, have a look at the article before it’s sent for publication.

1. Have a mind of one’s own – to form one’s personal opinion.

Geetha is trying to follow the dance steps, but Sreetham’s feet have a mind of his own.

1. Have a quiet word – to speak to someone in private.

Sreeja can never have a quiet word with her husband. That seems to me a strange relation.

1. Have a say – to voice one’s opinion.

For centuries together women had no say in deciding their own life.

1. Have a tiger by the tail/have the wolf by the ear – to be in difficult and dangerous situation.

Working in a hospital without PPT kits, Venkat had a tiger by the tail.

1. Have done with – to finish.

The teacher aske the students to take a break after they have done with the Class work.

• Have butterflies in one’s stomach –to be nervous, uncertain or anxious.

Speaking to public makes one to have butterflies in one’s stomach.

( This work is contributed by Smt Suneela Jyotsna, TGT English)