CUNY - College of Staten Island - English Language Institute



CUNY - College of Staten Island: The English Language Institute (ELI) of the Center for Global Engagement has offered innovative academic programs for students learning English as a Second Language since the late 1970’s. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and ethnicity of New York City. Classes range from beginner to the advanced level.

Monday, December 17, 2012

TO LEND SOMEONE AN EAR

To "lend someone an ear" means to listen to someone, especially when they need it.

Are you a good listener?

image courtesy of dreamstime.com

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

TO BE A PEACH

If someone is a peach, he or she is a very nice person.

For example: 
Thank you so much for helping me move. You are a peach!

images courtesy of dreamstime.com

Saturday, December 8, 2012

TO BE THE APPLE OF SOMEONE'S EYE

To be the apple of someone's eye means to be adored and preferred by someone, usually an older relative.

For example,"She's the apple of her grandpa's eye. He spoils her with gifts."

image courtesy of dreamstime.com
As with many other idioms, this is a little puzzling. How do you think this idiom came to be? Why an apple?

Saturday, December 1, 2012

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

The idiom "waste not, want not" means that if you don't waste anything you will always have enough.

Have you ever regretted wasting something, missing it later?

                                                                            photo courtesy of dreamstime.com