Category: language

It’s a piece of cake! Understanding American food idioms.

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Americans talk about food, think about food, and eat food – a lot. It’s not surprising that so many expressions in American English are centered on food. Here are a few you will hear frequently:

Let’s start with our title – “It’s a piece of cake” means that something is easy to do. You might also hear the similar, “it’s easy as pie.”


Desserts are always good – eating them is a piece of cake!

“Spill the beans.”


Shhhh – don’t tell anyone you’re learning these idioms! “Spill the beans” is another way to say you’re telling a secret or giving away a surprise.


We didn’t want Luis to spill the beans about the surprise party for Dmitri.

“Cool as a cucumber.”


This means that someone is very relaxed and confident in a situation.

Maria went into the interview as cool as a cucumber.

“Bring home the bacon.”


This means you’re going to work and earning money, or you’re competing and win a prize.


Xiting worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for her family.

“Go bananas”

We use this idiom when we want to describe someone getting very excited about something – even acting a little crazy.

The crowd went bananas when Beyonce stepped onto the stage.

And let’s finish with another ‘sweet’ expression: “the icing on the cake.”


We say, “that’s the icing on the cake” when something good becomes even better when added to.


Ekaterina was happy to ice skate at the Olympics; winning the gold medal was the icing on the cake!

If you can use all these idioms, you’ll be the Big Cheese in your English class!

(“Big Cheese” means the most important person in a group.)

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2025 – 2026 Class Photos 😀

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Weekend Classes

James’ W1 class, Lynne’s W101 class, Erica’s W2 class, and Gabe’s W3 class

Evening Classes

Barbara’s E0 class, Megan’s E101 class, Sasha’s E1 class, Julie’s E2 class, Sara’s E3 class, and Hans’ E4 class

Daytime Classes 9-11am

Christine’s 0A class, Yeshe’s 1A class, Joe’s 2A class, Rachael’s 3A class, and Abby’s CCR-A class

Daytime Classes 11-1pm

Christine’s 0P class, Yeshe’s 1P class, Joe’s 2P class, Rachael’s 3P class, and Abby’s CCR-P class

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History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day: today, October 13, 2025.

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VOCABULARY

Indigenous – adj., of or relating to the earliest known inhabitants of a place

Disrupt – v., to throw into disorder

Recognize – v., to admit that something exists

Hurtful – adj., causing pain, especially emotional

Glorified – v., to make something seem great

Colonial – adj., relating to people settling in a new place, often belonging to someone else

Oppression – n., cruel or unjust use of authority or power

Trauma – n., a psychological state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or injury

Erased – v., to wipe out, to make something disappear

Self-sufficient – adj. to be able to take care of oneself

Sustain – v., to keep up, to supply nourishment

Movement – n, series of acts working toward a desired end

History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day: today, October 13, 2025.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day began in 1977 as an idea expressed at a UN conference on discrimination.  In 1990, South Dakota was the first state to recognize the day.

In 1992, protests and demonstrations disrupted planned Columbus Day celebrations in San Francisco and Santa Cruz. People began referring to that day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people. Soon, those cities also recognized the holiday.

For the Native Americans, Columbus Day was always hurtful as it glorified the violent past of 500 years of colonial torture and oppression by European explorers like Columbus. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises that were erased by the celebration of Columbus Day. Before his arrival, the indigenous folk were successful self-sufficient communities that sustained life for thousands of years.

Year by year, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day spreads to more and more states, towns, and cities across the United States of America.*

*https://nationaltoday.com/indigenous-peoples-day/

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INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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Independence – n., freedom from outside control

Federal – adj., of or being a form of government

Parade – n., a great show or display,  a public procession

Demonstrate – v., to show clearly

Patriotism – n., love for one’s country

Reflect – v., to realize, to consider

Expat (Expatriate) – n., a person who lives in a foreign country

Embassy – n., the official residence and offices of an ambassador

Homesick – adj., longing for home and family while absent from them

Colonies – n., an area over which a foreign nation has control

Highlight – n., something which is especially interesting

Spectacular – adj., striking, sensational

On July 4th, Americans all over the world celebrate Independence Day. In the United States, it is a federal holiday, so many people don’t have to work. Parades, picnics, and barbecues take place during the day, with fireworks lighting up the sky at night. Americans demonstrate their patriotism on July 4th, reflecting on their freedom and the things they love about their country.

American expats living out of the United States still observe the 4th of July. American embassies all over the planet host parties and events. Individuals celebrate with their friends, and many get a little homesick.

The holiday marks the separation of the 13 colonies from the rule of Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence (the document) was completed on the 4th of July, 1776.  But it was not signed until August!

A highlight of Independence Day in New York City is the evening fireworks display, this year to be held near the Brooklyn Bridge, on the lower East River. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation. For more information and where to watch the fireworks: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-4th-of-july-fireworks

Happy Independence Day!

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April Holidays

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April is known for many things: the start of spring, Arbor Day, as well as Easter & Passover. But did you know it’s also known as National BLT Sandwich Month and International Guitar Month 🤟🎸?

A B.L.T Sandwich ( Bacon, lettuce & tomato )
Kirk Hammett – guitarist for Metallica

Here are a few more lesser known holidays to celebrate in the month of April…

The first Saturday of April is International Pillow Fight Day. “What is International Pillow Fight Day?” you ask. Read all about it here.

Sometimes getting dressed in the morning can be a challenge – no worries! On April 6th come to work/school in your pajamas for National Pajama Day.

No Housework Day on April 7th says it all. Take the day off from your household chores and rest; maybe watch a movie or drink some wine- do the dishes tomorrow, they can wait!

Image gallery image

April 7th is also National Coffee Cake Day, so why not grab a cup of coffee to pair with this sweet treat. Not sure what coffee cake is? Check out this YouTube video and learn all about this deliciously mis-understood “breakfast” food.

Hug Your Dog Day is on April 10th – Show your dog some love with a big hug. Don’t have a dog, maybe consider adopting one!

National Siblings Day is on April 10th. If you have a brother or sister, reach out to them to send your love. If you don’t have a sibling, maybe consider volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters – “a mentoring organization that pairs adult volunteers with children to help them develop positive relationships and reach their full potential”.

National Pet Day 🐶🐱 is April 11th. Do you have a pet? Maybe you want another pet? Check out the ASPCA and adopt a new cat or dog today.

If you love bread and cheese, Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th is perfect for you. Check out this video on how to make the world’s greatest sandwich:

And finally, if you’re tired of all the music streaming services, maybe head to your local record store on April 20th for National Record Store Day. Check out this list of the top ten record stores in New York City. 

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HOT DRY NOODLES (RE GAN MIAN, 热干面)

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Vocabulary –

soy sauce (noun) – a sauce made with fermented soybeans

al dente (adjective) – cooked so as to be still firm when bitten.

“…ensure they remain chewy and al dente.”

chop (verb) – cut (something) into pieces with a knife

toss (verb) – throw (something) somewhere lightly, easily, or casually

drain (verb) – cause the water in (something) to run out, leaving it empty, dry, or drier.

WHAT IS RE GAN MIAN, OR HOT DRY NOODLES?

“Re, 热” means hot, “Gan，干” means dry, and “Mian, 面” means noodles. Re Gan Mian, or “Hot Dry Noodles” are a top breakfast choice in Hubei Province. 

Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com

HOT DRY NOODLES (RE GAN MIAN, 热干面): THE RECIPE

Start by preparing the sauce. Add 3 tablespoons sesame paste to a bowl, and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons sesame oil to smooth out the paste. Then add 1 ½ teaspoons of dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon sugar, and stir until well combined. If the sauce is still too thick, add in a few drops of warm water to thin it out. Add salt to taste and set aside. You can prepare this sauce ahead of time.

Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com

Boil a pot of water to cook the noodles as per package instructions, undercooking it by 1 minute to ensure they remain chewy and al dente. Drain. Shake off any excess liquid from the noodles, and put them in a large bowl.

Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com

Toss the noodles with the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. Add in the preserved mustard stems (zha cai), pickled long beans, garlic, chili oil, cilantro, scallions, Chinese black vinegar, and tahini sauce.

Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com
Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com

Quickly toss the noodles together and serve hot.  

Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian, 热干面) - thewoksoflife.com

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Start by preparing the sauce. Add 3 tablespoons sesame paste to a bowl, and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons sesame oil to smooth out the paste.
  2. Then add 1 ½ teaspoons dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or 4 ½ teaspoons of master sauce, if you have it). Add 1 teaspoon sugar, and stir until well combined. If the sauce is still too thick, add in a few drops of warm water or more master sauce to thin it out. Add salt to taste and set aside. You can prepare this sauce ahead of time.
  3. Boil a pot of water to cook the noodle as per package instructions, undercooking it by 1 minute to ensure they remain chewy and al dente. Drain. Shake off any excess liquid from the noodles, and put them in a large bowl.
  4. Toss the noodles with the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. Add in the preserved radish, pickled long beans, garlic, chili oil, cilantro, scallions, vinegar, and tahini sauce. Quickly toss the noodles together and serve hot.

Source – https://thewoksoflife.com/hot-dry-noodles-re-gan-mian/

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