idoms – US Adult Literacy

Meaning: To be in the same situation as someone else; to have a similar problem
Example:
I forgot to do my homework. My classmate’s in the same boat – she forgot to do her homework too.
“Looks like you and I are in the same boat,” the stranger said to me when we both missed the train that just left.
He was going to borrow money from his friend, but then he found out his friend was in the same boat – he needed money too.

Pop Quiz:
Your roommate hasn’t paid his rent yet. You’re in the same boat because…
A. you paid your rent.
B. you are going to move.
C. you haven’t paid rent yet either.

To see the correct answer, click on “Read More.”

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Meaning: The freezing cold in wintertime.

Examples:

It’s snowing – Jack Frost is back!

Watch out for Jack Frost! Put on your gloves!

“Jack Frost nipping at your nose…”

The last example is from a famous Christmas song. You can listen to it and read the lyrics below:

The Christmas Song

Written by Bob Wells and Mel Torme

Performed by Nat King Cole

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother’s child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly

And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

      nipping = biting

     Yuletide carols = Christmas songs

     tiny tots = little children

     gonna = going to