Idiomatic Halloween Fun

Several years ago, I posted this tip around Halloween.  Here it is again.

If you like to use idioms in your speech, here are a few to try for Halloween:

• I’ll knock them dead with this report!
• I will give the devil his due even though it hurts me.
• I stopped by John’s office and he looked dead to the world. 
• I’ll stop him dead in his tracks when I show up at the meeting.

Do you know what all of those idioms mean?  The problem using idioms is that they are used inaccurately, they are used with someone who might not understand, or they are accidently mixed with another idiom making the meaning confusing and inappropriate.  Before you try a new idiom on a colleague, practice it first with a trusted friend.

If you have a hard time understanding the meaning of idioms when used, look them up on the internet or purchase a book.  The book I like is called Speak Business English Like an American by Amy Gillett. 

Here is a quiz to test your Halloween idioms.

http://a4esl.org/q/j/dt/mc-halloween2.html

Have a safe but fun Halloween everybody!  For those of you who don’t celebrate Halloween, tell us about a holiday that you celebrate but we don’t have in America.