Here is a vocabulary lesson in English to make the most of summer. Today we are going to look at some idioms linked directly to the summer period, their translation and their double meaning.

English is a very rich language, and wordplay, sentences with a double meaning, sayings and set phrases are a constant feature. Do you know these English idioms about summer, good weather and the holidays?

1. “Life’s a beach.” Literal translation into Spanish: “La vida es una playa.” Meaning: life is relaxed and pleasant. It is normally used when a situation has been resolved successfully or when you are going through a calm, untroubled spell.
2. “Sun’s out, guns out.” Literal translation into Spanish: “Con el sol fuera, saca los músculos/armas.” Meaning: when things are going well, show confidence and determination. It is an optimistic phrase, a rallying cry.
3. “Hot as hell.” Literal translation into Spanish: “Caliente como el infierno.” Meaning: it is very hot. It is also used to say that a situation is extremely tense.
4. “In the heat of the moment.” Literal translation into Spanish: “En medio del calor del momento.” Meaning: in the middle of an emotional or intense situation.
5. “Cool as a cucumber.” Literal translation into Spanish: “Fresco como un pepino.” Meaning: keeping calm and composed in stressful situations.
6. “A summer fling.” Literal translation into Spanish: “Un amor de verano.” Meaning: a brief, casual romantic relationship during the summer holidays. It is sometimes used to refer to something positive that does not last long.
7. “Dog days of summer.” Translation into Spanish: “Días perrunos de verano.” Meaning: the hottest, muggiest days of summer. It is also used more colloquially to talk about bad patches and difficulties.
8. “Chase the sun.” Translation into Spanish: “Persigue el sol.” Meaning: to seek out places or activities where you can enjoy the sun. In its less literal sense, it refers to staying active and looking for opportunities, at work for instance.
9. “Every summer has a story.” Translation into Spanish: “Cada verano tiene una historia.” Meaning: every summer brings unique, unforgettable experiences. It is also used to suggest that every circumstance in life has its own particularities.
10. “As free as a bird.” Translation into Spanish: “Libre como un pájaro.” Meaning: feeling liberated and without restrictions, like a bird in flight.
11. “Catch a wave.” Translation into Spanish: “Surfea una ola.” Meaning: to seize an exciting opportunity, to find yourself in a moment of tension and joy. In its most literal, sporting sense, to enjoy the adrenaline of surfing.

Did you know these English idioms? As you can see, knowing everyday terms and expressions helps you handle a language in depth and lets you communicate fluently. As you know, at ALOS we offer you quality teaching, tailored to your needs and with the courses that suit you best for reaching your goals.