Idioms

Find the meaning of the following English idioms or their German equivalent.

1. Kill two birds with one stone.

2. Speaking off the cuff.
3. To beat around the bush.
4. Under the weather.
5. Take the bull by the horns.
Answers

1. (Accomplish two things with a single action.) - "Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen." (To
hit two flies with one swat.)

2. The phrase "Frei von der Leber weg" is a German idiom that translates to "Speaking
off the cuff" or "Speaking one's mind" in English. It refers to expressing oneself
openly and honestly without filtering or holding back. It conveys the idea of speaking
directly and straightforwardly, often without much consideration for the consequences
or without sugarcoating one's words.

3. The idiom "beat around the bush" means to avoid addressing a topic directly, to speak
indirectly, or to delay getting to the main point of a conversation. It refers to someone
talking around or skirting the main issue instead of addressing it straightforwardly.

The German equivalent of "beat around the bush" is "um den heißen Brei
herumreden" or "um den Brei herumreden." These phrases convey the same idea of
avoiding the main point or speaking indirectly, often with a sense of circumlocution
or hesitation.

4. The German equivalent of the idiom "under the weather" is "nicht auf dem Damm sein" or
"sich nicht auf der Höhe fühlen." These phrases convey the same meaning as the English
idiom, indicating that someone is feeling unwell, sick, or not in their best condition.

5. The idiom "take the bull by the horns" means to confront a difficult or challenging
situation directly and with determination, without hesitation or fear. It refers to
tackling a problem head-on and assertively, rather than avoiding it or being passive.

The German equivalent of "take the bull by the horns" is "den Stier bei den Hörnern
packen." It carries the same meaning, suggesting the act of confronting and dealing
with a situation boldly and decisively.