Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

An audience that interrupts, boos or heckles a performer, speaker, etc, is a peanut gallery.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

If you’re cooking with gas, you’re working very efficiently.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

If you have been all over Hell’s half acre, you have been traveling and visiting many more places than originally intended, usually because you were unsuccessful in finding what you were looking for.

It can also be used to mean everywhere.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

If someone tells you to keep your pants on, they mean that you should be patient and not make them rush.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

A problem or issue that is very controversial and no one wants to deal with is a hot potato.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

Someone or something that is unimportant is small potatoes.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

Someone who plays a part or who is involved in two different groups of people, opinions, ways of thinking or living, etc, has a foot in both camps.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

If someone gives away the store, they say or do something that makes their position in negotiations, debates, etc, much weaker.

Idioms for Teaching English and ESL in Japan

A knee slapper is something that is considered funny, though it is often used sarcastically.