For most people, winter is the season in which they spend the most time indoors. If this is you, what better way to use your time than expanding your understanding of English. So, pull up a chair and take some time as this blog will introduce some often-used winter/cold related idioms/expressions that will help your English knowledge grow.
the winter blues: a feeling of sadness or depression during the winter months
winter wonderland: a picturesque winter scene
ex: Shirakawa-go becomes a winter wonderland whenever it snows. It is so beautiful.
to be snowed under: to be overwhelmed with things to do at work, school, etc.
ex: Sachiko really wanted to hang out with her friends over the weekend, but she couldn’t as she was snowed under with homework.
to break the ice: to create a friendlier and more relaxed atmosphere by saying or doing something at a party, meeting or in a new situation
ex: Daisuke is great at breaking the ice. He always knows what to say to people especially when he first meets them.
to give someone the cold shoulder: to treat someone in an unfriendly way or to intentionally ignore them
ex: Sumire’s friend gave her the cold shoulder at school. She said, “Hi” to him, but he didn’t talk to her at all. She didn’t know why he was doing it.
as snug as a bug in a rug: to be very warm and comfortable
ex: Mana was as sung as a bug in a rug as she laid under the kotatsu with her dog Cinnamon.
to bundle up: to dress in warm clothes
ex: Ren and Masaki’s mother made sure they bundled up before they went out to play in the snow.
Listen for these phrases in conversations and as you watch shows or movies in English, and try to use them as this is what will really help them become part of your English.
Erik