English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions

English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions We all love food.We love eating it of course but we also like cooking it and talking about it. Here are  some English Food Phrases and Idioms for advanced English learners.There are many English expressions linked to the theme of food. Of course,  they are metaphorical  meanings and have a very different meaning than the food items that they may refer to.Scroll down to watch a video lesson. English Food Phrases and Idioms AS EASY AS PIEWhen we are planning a task or have a job to do perhaps that we are not looking forward to  someone may tell us  â€œdon’t worry it won’t take you long,  it is as easy as pie”.  (this expression has a similar meaning to  a piece of cake   something is easily achieved)A pie is a very  popular and common dish in England.Pies come in all shapes and sizes and are made with different  ingredients. We have fish pie, shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie which the most well known.  (this expression has similar meaning to a piece of cake something is easily achieved).My favourite has always been Shepherds pie! If I can cook it anyone can!THE APPLE OF ONES EYEWhen someone has a favourite person (for example, a child or grandchild) who they are very proud of and always happy to see, we refer to this person as the apple of ones eye.Example: The grandfather had four grandchildren. Two boys  and two girls. He was fond of all of them but the first born grandchild was his favou rite and he  always told her (Mary)  that she was the apple of his eye.SPILL THE BEANSBeans are a favourite food of many. Easy to make.Tasty to eat and cheap to buy.However,  if you  drop them or spill them it can be a little bit messy  (tomato sauce everywhere!)  When some one has  a secret or some information that we really want we keep asking them to tell us. We ask them to  â€œspill the beans” or give us the information.We constantly urge them  (encourage them):“Come on, spill the beans, you know you want to!” English Phrases about Food - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: FULL OF BEANSStill on the theme of beans.  Lots of food is well known for giving us energy.  Beans in particular offer one of the best sources of energy.If someone is full of beans, it means they are full of energy, they are very active.Example: When children are jumping and running and screaming and shouting we often hear the parents saying: “Don’t worry, they are full of beans”.BUTTER SOMEBODY UPSometimes it is difficult to persuade someone to do what you want them to or to get them to agree  to your request.To help we often have to find their “good side”  (something that will help in  persuading him/her more easily).Often praising them or flattering them works quite easily and we refer to this as buttering them up  (like putting lots of butter on toast.it makes the toast very  smooth).Example: Juan wanted Ana to cook his favourite meal  (paella).  Ana said she was busy and did not have the  time. Juan told her over and over again that she was a great cook and her paella was well known to  be the best in the family. “Come on, you know your paella is the best. Let’s  have a beautiful evening paella,  wine and music”. He continued this for several minutes until she  eventually agreed. His buttering up  had worked. He got his paella. HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT ITWe all love cakes. The sweet taste of a rich chocolate or gateaux is a very warm experience. To have  your cake and eat it is used when somebody wants everything.Not happy with one thing he/she  wants it all.Example: Michael had been asking his boss for many  months about promotion. When finally his boss called him in and told him he was  being promoted he was of course very happy. However,  he immediately asked for an increase in his  salary and a company car. His boss was a bit surprised. “You really want  your cake and eat it don’t you.”  TO BE IN A PICKLEWhen we want to preserve some vegetables (like cucumbers or onions) we often use vinegar.  These are then referred to as pickled.We all have difficulties at times in our lives. Some are more  difficult than others. When we have a problem that is not easy to solve we say “oh we are in a pickle  here.”  Example: David had a problem. He had lost his job and needed to repay his bank loan. He owed th em  money for his car loan. He phoned his father to see if he could help. “Dad sorry to ask but I am in a  bit of a pickle. I lost my job and need to repay my bank . Could you help for a few weeks please?”