In this episode, I again interview Sandra Hamrouni, an experienced English as a Foreign Language Teacher, about the use and origins of idioms in the English language. We explain where they might have originated from, although the derivation is not always clear.

We use example idioms from two thematic areas here - music and the Devil - in the second of a series of short programmes to assist English Language learners get to grips with these sometimes problematic phrases, or idioms.

Idioms such as, 'it's music to my ears' and '... better the Devil you know (than the one you don't)' are explained. Sample sentences are given as to how they might be used in everyday conversations. Others include: 'between the devil and the deep blue sea', but that one is not the Devil you might be thinking of!

Sandra has taught English or managed English language programmes in many countries including Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Spain, Tunisia, Syria, Oman, Bahrain, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Cyprus, Algeria and the United Kingdom. We first met before we both went out to teach English in Kenya for Voluntary Services Overseas, a long time ago!

For more information about this podcast series, or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at [email protected] or visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ or my company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-scott-lawton-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

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