Eerie English idioms and phrases

Charlotte Guest
A girl in a costume running up the stairs to the front door of a house that is covered in Halloween decorations

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, it's not only the ghosts and ghouls that come out to play. Halloween may happen only once a year, but learning about spooky idioms and phrases can add an exciting twist to your language journey throughout the year. So, grab your torch and let's delve in.

Eerie English idioms and phrases
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ɫèAV can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Ghost of a chance

Meaning: Very little to no possibility of success

When you have a "ghost of a chance," it means that your chances of success are so slim that they are nearly as elusive as a ghost. That is definitely not the case with your language learning goals though.

Skeleton in the closet

Meaning: A hidden or embarrassing secret.

Much like skeletons hidden in closets, we all have secrets. These hidden aspects of our lives are the skeletons in our personal closets. In the English language, this idiom refers to unspoken matters or uncomfortable truths hidden away from everyone. Fear not this doesn't involve any real skeletons.

Devil's Advocate

Meaning: To argue the opposing side of an issue, often to cause debate.

Originally from the Latin term' advocatus diaboli'. A devil's advocate is someone who challenges a viewpoint in a discussion to stimulate critical thinking. They raise counterarguments to test the strength of an idea or argument being presented.

Speak of the Devil

Meaning: When a person you're talking about appears unexpectedly.

Used to comment on the coincidence of someone mentioned in a conversation or thought immediately appearing or arriving.

For example, you may find yourself in a conversation about learning a language, only to have a fluent speaker of said language appear out of nowhere.

The witching hour

Meaning: The time of night when witches are believed to be most active

The witching hour can vary from person to person. Some find inspiration at dawn, while others prefer the hush of midnight. But traditionally, it's usually around the early hours of the day, around 3 a.m. If you're a fan of horror movies, you may know the trope of waking up around 3 a.m. to signal an impending supernatural event.

Graveyard shift

Meaning: A work shift that covers the late hours of the night, typically from midnight to 8 a.m.

Still on the subject of time, the graveyard shift gets its name from the eerie hours it covers and the fact that it can be a lonely and challenging time to work. This term is widely used in the context of employment. The term likely got its name because it covers the time when cemeteries and graveyards are quiet and inactive.

Haunted by past mistakes

Meaning: Continuously troubled or burdened by past errors or regrets.

The term describes feeling constantly troubled or burdened by past mistakes, blunders, or wrongdoings. It implies that the person is bothered or 'haunted' by it. For example, you might be haunted by an embarrassing language blunder or a cultural faux pas.

Ghost town

Meaning: A place that is deserted and has no people.

A is a term used to describe a once-populated or busy place that has significantly declined or become entirely abandoned. Empty streets, vacant buildings, and a general absence of residents or activity can characterize them.

One example is the many ghost towns of the American Gold Rush that were often left once the gold mines ran dry. The buildings are still standing, but with no one inhabiting them.

As you delve further into English language learning, incorporating spooky idioms and phrases can bring added enjoyment and complexity to your conversations. Therefore, do not hesitate to explore the unsettling side of language. It is a journey that is guaranteed to be thrilling.

May the spirits of communication guide you on your path to mastering languages.

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • Children sat at desks in a classroom, one is smiling and looking to the front of the class

    English: the best second language for your child to learn

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    As adult learners, our very motivation for learning English can sometimes hinder our progress because we are focusing too much on the end result. The informal way in which children learn English – through music, games and fun activities – offers an environment where they can learn and practise without worrying about the importance of it all. This relaxed attitude, in turn, gives them confidence in learning English and sets them up for more opportunities in their academic pursuits and future career options.

    the positive impact bilingualism has on a child’s cognitive development. Catherine Ford, head teacher of Moreton First Prep School, says that children : “Before children become self-conscious they can try out their newly acquired languages without fear of embarrassment”.

    Starting the English learning process at a young age will provide the head start that most parents are keen to give their children in life, education and career. More than 77% of parents who were interviewed as part of said they would consider sending their child to study at a university abroad, which involves studying in English.

    Educational benefits

    The number of students pursuing postgraduate studies overseas continues to rise, reflecting the global nature of education. According to the seeking diverse academic experiences and cultural immersion. One crucial factor in this journey is having the right level of English skills, especially when applying to universities in popular destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia.

    Learning English from a young age provides a solid foundation, enabling students to tackle more complex language skills tailored to their academic goals. Traditional English teaching often emphasizes reading, writing, and grammar, but studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an English-speaking culture, enhancing speaking and listening skills.

    Future career benefits

    Mastering English at an early age can be a transformative asset for future career success. English is the lingua franca of business, opening doors to global opportunities and enabling individuals to pursue diverse career paths across borders. As the most widely used language in business worldwide, proficiency in English is a powerful motivator for students aspiring to join global companies.

    Bilingualism is becoming increasingly advantageous in the job market, improving employability and making candidates more appealing to employers. , underscoring the competitive edge that language skills provide.

    Empowering the next generation

    The benefits your children are given by learning English at a young age are invaluable and as they go through life, the possibilities for advancement in their academic and business careers will be wide open. Children are fortunate to have intuitive language learning capabilities from a young age and this is certainly something to capitalize on.

  • Students sat in a university library talking

    Why your US university needs PTE Academic and ɫèAV English Express Test

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Higher education is competitive and universities need to attract top talent from around the globe. One way to do this is by offering a range of secure, accurate and trusted proficiency tests. Adding the ɫèAV English Express Test alongside PTE Academic can be a game-changer for both students and admissions teams.

    Meeting diverse student needs

    The ɫèAV English Express Test is a convenient option for students facing time, location, or financial constraints. Unlike traditional tests, it can be taken online, allowing students to complete it from their own homes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, who are not close to a test centre.

    Complementing PTE Academic

    While PTE Academic is a truly comprehensive assessment, the ɫèAV English Express Test offers a quicker, at-home option for prospective students.

    Enhancing the admissions process

    For admissions teams, the ɫèAV English Express Test can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. By offering a convenient testing option, universities can attract a broader pool of applicants. The quick turnaround times for results also mean faster decision-making, reducing the waiting period for students.

    Boosting business outcomes

    From a business perspective, integrating the ɫèAV English Express Test can help to increase enrolment numbers and revenue. The enhanced efficiency in the admissions process, through the use of ɫèAV’s trusted Score Reporting Website, can reduce administrative costs and free up resources for other strategic initiatives.

    Additionally, offering flexible testing options can enhance the university's appeal, making it more attractive to prospective students and their families.

    What does this mean for you as an institution?

    Adding the ɫèAV English Express Test alongside PTE Academic is a strategic move that benefits both students and universities. It addresses diverse student needs, complements existing testing options, enhances the admissions process, and boosts business outcomes.

    By embracing this approach, universities can attract top talent and position themselves as leaders in higher education in the US.

  • A teacher stood in front of her class with her students raising their hands

    What is rapid prototyping and how can it apply to the ELT classroom?

    By Nicole Kyriacou
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Tom Chi is an internet veteran with quite a resumé. His roles have been many and varied – from astrophysical researcher to Fortune 500 consultant and corporate executive, developing new hardware and software products and services.

    He worked on Microsoft Outlook when it was in its infancy, was a major influence in taking Yahoo Search from 0 to 90 million users and is now Head of Product Experience at Google X – Alphabet’s secretive division focused on creating technological innovations for the future. It has produced the self-driving car and Google Glass, and its Project Loon aims to provide internet to every square inch of the earth.

    At Google X, Tom was in a unique position – always having to think five, ten or even more years ahead in order to conceptualize and build the technology of the future. As you might imagine, this is far from an easy task; not only do the ideas have to be original, but they have to meet people’s future needs – something that is not easy to predict.

    So, how does Tom and the others at Google X deliver their vision for the future using today's materials and technology?

    That’s where Rapid Prototyping comes in. It’s a concept that allows teams to experiment, learn and adjust prototypes quickly and cheaply, so that projects (and products) get off the ground. Failure is seen as a starting block and an inevitable part of the learning process. Following his workshop, we are going to look further at rapid prototyping and how it can relate to the ELT classroom.