Border collies are fun, energetic dogs that love problem-solving almost as much as they love people. Learn more about this classic working dog.

1. MODERN BORDER COLLIES CAN TRACE THEIR LINEAGE BACK TO ONE DOG.

Old Hemp (born in 1893) is widely considered to be the progenitor of the border collie. Unlike other dogs of his kind, his herding method was quieter and less aggressive. Despite having a softer technique, his method got results and impressed breeders. Old Hemp became a stud dog and fathered over 200 pups.

2. ROMANS BROUGHT SHEEPDOGS TO GREAT BRITAIN.

The Roman Empire was the first civilization to master the art of raising and herding sheep. They brought sheep and shepherds over to the British Isles, where they established a wool industry. Many of the sheepdogs the Romans brought to Britain couldn’t hack it in the cold weather, so the Celtics began breeding their own. These new dogs were smaller and more agile than their predecessors; they were called collies after the ancient Celtic word colley, meaning useful or faithful.

3. THEIR NAME COMES FROM THE REGION IN WHICH THEY FLOURISHED.

Border collies get their name because they were initially bred on the border of Scotland and England. It is believed that James Reid, the secretary of the International Sheepdog Society, coined the name while describing the dogs in letters to colleagues.

4. THEY’RE FURRY GENIUSES.

Dogs are pretty smart as a species in general, but no breed canbeat the border collie in intelligence. The bright pooches were bred to be independent problem solvers capable of solving complex tasks.

5. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN TRAINING THEM IS EASY.

Because these dogs are so smart, it means they pick up on everything and learn very quickly. This means you need to train them right away before they develop any bad habits, such as barking, nipping, or whining—behaviors many border collies default to when they’re bored. Train them young and make sure they’re focused on the task at hand, as their attention tends to wander.

6. COLLIES ARE THE ULTIMATE HERDING DOGS.

Herding dogs like border collies have been specially bred to chase and organize animals. This modified predatory behavior incorporates the beginning of the hunt (stalking, crouching, nipping), but without the killing. Border collies make particularly good herders thanks to their independence and intelligence. The need to herd is so deeply ingrained in these dogs, that some modern owners actually rent sheep for their pets to corral.

7. CROUCHING IS A TECHNIQUE.

Border collies can move swiftly in a catlike, crouched position, thanks to a space between the tops of the shoulder blades, which lets the dogs slither by while staying low to the ground. This technique lets them herd animals with extreme precision.

8. WATCH OUT FOR “THE EYE.”

Another trick up the border collie sleeve is the “the eye.” This intense stare intimidates the livestock and helps the dogs herd and control the animals. You may catch your dog giving you this look when you have something delicious in your hand.

9. ONE HAS A BIG VOCABULARY.

Chaser the border collie is often called the smartest dog in the world. She has been working with John Pilley, a professor of psychology, to learn an impressive number of English words since she was two months old. Chaser first learned that specific toys had different names when she was just five months. Since then, Chaser has slowly amassed an arsenal of words, and has the cognition and development of a toddler.

The clever pooch shows off her smarts by bringing specific items when asked. Even more impressive, she understands that items have a unique proper name (like Franklin), and then a more general common noun name (like toy). She knows the proper noun names of her 1000 unique toys.

10. ANOTHER HOLDS A MORE UNUSUAL WORLD RECORD

A talented border collie named Striker holds the record for Fastest Car Window Opened by a Dog. The canine rolled down the non-electric car window in 11.34 seconds.

11. STAYING ACTIVE IS A MUST.

Don’t expect to lay around the house with this dog. The smarter the breed, the easier it is for it to get bored when left with no stimulation. Border collies are working dogs and enjoy having tasks to keep them busy throughout the day; the high-energy dog needs to redirect its spunk or else it will misbehave.

source: mentalfloss

Ismételjünk át néhány tényt a border collie-król. Válaszolj a kérdésekre magyarul!

1. Miben különbözött a border collie-k őse a többi kutyától?

2-3. Honnan származik a border collie-k neve?

4. Miben emelkednek ki a többi fajta közül?

5. Miért kell elkezdeni korán a tanításukat?

6-8. Milyen belső és külső tulajdonságaik teszik őket alkalmassá terelőkutyának?

9. Hogyan mutatja ki intelligenciáját Chaser?

10. Milyen rekordot állított fel Striker?

Válaszok:

1. Nyugodtabban és kevésbé agresszívan terelte a nyájat.

2-3. A „collie” a kelta „colley” szóból, ami azt jelenti: hasznos, hűséges. A „border” Skócia és Anglia határára utal, ahol először tenyésztették őket.

4. Az intelligenciájukban.

5. Mert hajlamosak korán rossz szokásokat kialakítani.

6-8. Önállóak és intelligensek. Gyorsan tudnak mozogni úgy, hogy le vannak kuporodva. Intenzív tekintetük/nézésük is segít.

9. Megérti a különböző tárgyak neveit és odahozza őket, ha kérik.

10. A leggyorsabban tekerte le egy autó ablakát.

Válaszd ki a helyes megoldást!

Pizza is everything. What should we have for lunch? Pizza. What should we have for dinner? How about pizza? What should we have for breakfast the next day? Definitely leftover pizza.

One of the most popular foods in the world, pizza has become unique and variants have evolved based on culture and preference. There are so many variations, Italy even proposed that it be proclaimed a protected landmark.

On the PBS Idea Channel, Mike Rugnetta delves into the world of pizza, outlining its humble beginnings (in ancient times, people used “bread as a plate”—pizza began as a simple meal that quickly took on a life of its own) and its ever changing, occasionally polarizing ways of being served.

Our historical pizza journey begins with the iconic New York City Slice. In New York City alone, there are an estimated 2,000 pizza shops, the first of which that we know of having made its NYC debut in 1905 at a restaurant called Lombardi’s. This thin slice is designed for quick service—a plus for the diner on the go.

The New York City slice was developed off the template of Neapolitan pizza; the simple combination of bread, cheese, and tomatoes was considered low-class food at the time, even though these days we classify it as fancy pizza. I’d say we can probably blame that on the “less is more” design standard.

As we move through the history of pizza we learn about the focaccia-based square Sicilian slice, which evolves into the Grandma slice, which evolves into deep-dish. In other words, pizza is the Pokemon of the food world. (The video doesn’t say that, I’m just calling it so.)

Chicago style deep-dish pizza arrived on the scene in the 1940s. This evolution of the Sicilian pizza was uniquely localized, and its preference has divided pizza fans throughout the ages.

Pizza’s origins may be in Italy, but the dish has become an all-American pastime, as proved by the proliferation of frozen delivery and pizza delivery. In 1961, Dominick’s Pizza, later renamed Domino’s, invented the idea that “pizza comes to you.” This seemingly obvious idea revolutionized the industry and how we consume the savory pie today.

If we’re learning about the history of pizza, we inevitably end up with leftover pizza, a dish that magically transforms itself overnight into a different meal entirely. As Rugnetta so eloquently puts it, leftover pizza is “an artifact that remains commemorating D&D games, or Netflix marathons, all-nighters, hack-a-thons and various get-togethers.” Mmm, leftover pizza. So many memories, all of them delicious.

The eighth and final slice in this rundown is the international slice. Pizza has become such a global phenomenon that the pie takes on flavors and distinctions characteristically local to its origin. In other countries you’re likely to find toppings as varied as curry, tuna, and even Vegemite.

However you choose to consume pizza, it’s undeniably one of the most popular comfort foods on the planet. So grab a slice and watch A History of Pizza in 8 Slices on the PBS Idea Channel on YouTube.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

source: nerdist.com

used to say that a particular time is a good time to meet

How are things going? – Hogy s mint?

It means the same as ‘How are you?’

How’s tricks? – Hogy vagy?

It means the same as “How are you?”

Speak of the devil! – Farkast emlegettünk! /Emlegetett szamár!

something you say when the person you were talking about appears unexpectedly

What have I missed? Fill me in! – Lemaradtam valamiről? „Avass be!”

to give someone extra or missing information

sources: Cambridge Dictionary; Dictionary.com

On Sale

Komplett angol nyelvtan rendszerező videókurzus

39,900Ft Original price was: 39,900Ft.29,900FtCurrent price is: 29,900Ft.

On Sale

20 alkalmas TEMATIKUS SZÓKINCSFEJLESZTŐ videókurzus Szalai Nórival

34,900Ft Original price was: 34,900Ft.24,900FtCurrent price is: 24,900Ft.

On Sale

Általános üzleti/munkahelyi angol videókurzus

30,900Ft Original price was: 30,900Ft.20,900FtCurrent price is: 20,900Ft.

A következő mini feladatban egészítsétek ki a mondatokat az 5 kifejezés egyikével.

1.Oh, we haven’t seen each other since we left uni. ______ with you?

2. “I can’t pick you up at seven o’clock.”
“How about 8.30?”
“Sure, ______.”

3. “Hi, ______?”
“Oh, fine, how are you doing?”

4. Have you heard anything about Tom?
Oh, ______, here he is.

5. Oh, you’re wearing a diamond ring! ______ !

keys/megoldások:
1. How are things going;
2. it’s a date;
3. how’s tricks;
4. speak of the devil;
5. What have I missed? Fill me in!

to make an effort to improve your work or behaviour because it is not good enough

2.to have a card/trick up one’s sleeve – van egy ütőkártya/trükk a tarsolyában (ingujj, ruhaujj)

to have a secret plan; to have an advantage that other people do not know about

3.off the cuff – kapásból (mandzsetta)

you say something without having prepared or thought about your words first

4.to keep one’s shirt on – Ne pattogj! /Türelem! (ing)

to tell someone to stop being so angry or upset

5.to be in one’s birthday suit – pőrén/pucéran/évakosztümben (öltöny/kosztüm)

to be naked, to be in the nude, not wearing any clothes

sources: Cambridge Dictionary; Collins Dictionary

Válaszd ki a helyes megoldást!

Listen to the song and fill in the gaps with the words given below.

They told him, “Don’t you ever 1)…………. around here.

Don’t wanna see your face. You better disappear.”

The fire’s in their 2)………. and their words are really clear

So beat it, just beat it

You better 3)…………., you better do what you can

Don’t wanna see no blood, don’t be a macho man

You wanna be 4)…….., better do what you can

So beat it, but you wanna be bad

[Chorus]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

No one wants to be defeated

Showin’ how funky strong is your 5)……….

It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it [4x]

They’re out to get you, better leave while you can

Don’t wanna be a boy, you wanna be a 6)………….

You wanna stay alive, better do what you can

So beat it, just 7)…………

You have to show them that you’re really not 8)…………

You’re playin’ with your life, this ain’t no truth or dare

They’ll 9)………. you, then they beat you, then they’ll tell you it’s fair

So beat it, but you wanna be bad

[Chorus 2x]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

No one wants to be 10)…………..

Showin’ how 11)………. strong is your fight

It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or 12)…………

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

No one wants to be defeated

Showin’ how funky strong is your fight

It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right

[Chorus 3x]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it

No one wants to be defeated

Showin’ how funky strong is your fight

It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right

Just beat it, beat it

Beat it, beat it, beat it

Key: 1-come, 2-eyes, 3-run, 4-tough, 5-fight, 6-man, 7-beat it, 8-scared, 9-kick, 10-defeated, 11-funky, 12-right

Michael Jackson – “Beat It”

They told him, “Don’t you ever come around here.
Don’t wanna see your face. You better disappear.”
The fire’s in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
You better run, you better do what you can
Don’t wanna see no blood, don’t be a macho man
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

[Chorus]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin’ how funky strong is your fight
It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it [4x]

They’re out to get you, better leave while you can
Don’t wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it
You have to show them that you’re really not scared
You’re playin’ with your life, this ain’t no truth or dare
They’ll kick you, then they beat you, then they’ll tell you it’s fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

[Chorus 2x]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin’ how funky strong is your fight
It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin’ how funky strong is your fight
It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right

[Chorus 3x]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin’ how funky strong is your fight
It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it

Most pedig jöjjön 5 hasznos mondat! 

Don’t you ever come around here. – Ide ne gyere többet soha.
I don’t wanna see your face. – Látni sem akarom az arcodat (pofádat).
No one wants to be defeated. – Senki nem akarja, hogy legyőzzék.
It’s doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right. – Mindegy, hogy kinek van vagy nincs igaza.
You have to show them that you’re really not scared. – Meg kell mutatnod nekik, hogy nem félsz.

]]> https://www.5percangol.hu/szokincs_main/5-kifejezes-naponta-hu-de-ciki/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:04:41 +0000 https://www.5percangol.hu/?p=66768 When you spot your ex in the distance…video

1.to disappear from/off the face of the earth – eltűnni a föld színéről

to vanish completely and without a trace

Has anyone talked to Tom lately? It’s like he disappeared from the face of the earth. – 

Beszélt valakit Tommal mostanában? Mintha eltűnt volna a föld színéről.

2.to disappear into thin air – felszívódni/eltűnni a ködben

to vanish completely and without a trace

After that embarrassing situ, Sue disappeared into thin air. – Azután a kínos szitu után, Sue felszívódott.

3.to disappear without a trace – nyom nélkül eltűnni

to disappear without any indication as to one’s or something’s whereabouts

Police have been searching for three weeks to find a young boy who disappeared without trace from his home in London.–A rendőrség három hete kutat a fiatal fiú után, aki nyom nélkül eltűnt londoni otthonából.

 4.to pull/do a disappearing act – eltűnni, mint a kámfor

to depart or go away very suddenly or without warning, especially so as to avoid doing something

My roommate loves to throw parties here, but she always pulls a disappearing act the next day when everything needs to be cleaned up! – A szobatársam nagyon szeret partikat rendezni itt, de másnap, mikor takarítani kellene, mindig eltűnik, mint a kámfor.

5.to disappear from sight – eltűnni a szemünk elől

to vanish from something or some place, especially from sight,

The car pulled away and disappeared from sight down the road. – Az autó elhúzott és az úton eltűnt a szemünk elől.

CIKI…

1.(it’s) awkward – kínos/ciki

causing problems, worry, or embarrassment

He found me with his wife in the bath, it was such an awkward situation. – A feleségével talált a kádban, annyira kínos helyzet volt.

2.(it’s) embarrassing – ciki/gáz

making you feel nervous, worried, or uncomfortable

I found the whole situation excruciatingly embarrassing. – Az egész szitu gyötrelemesen ciki volt számomra.

3.naff – ciki (már nem menő)

not stylish or fashionable

His haircut was a bit naff. – A frizurája olyan ciki volt.

4.It’s so 80’s –ez már ciki

Something that seems like a good idea at the time, but was a poor choice in retrospect.

“Dude, I can’t believe you dated Susan!” – Haver, nem hiszem el, hogy Susannal randiztál!

“Yeah, mate, that was pretty 80’s…” – Igen, cimbi, az tényleg ciki volt.

5.It sucks! – Szívás!

If someone or something sucks, that person or thing is bad or unpleasant

Come on, mate, Microsoft Windows sucks. – Ugyan, haver, a Microsoft Windows egy szívás.

sources: Urban Dictionary; The Free Dictionary by Farlex; Cambridge Dictionary; Collins Dictionary; TK Media, Youtube

Ez az 1992-es dal óriási sláger volt, és a mai napig nagyon sokat lehet hallani, szinte nincs is, aki ne ismerné. Sokan azt gondolják, hogy az énekesnő, Linda Perry, “egyslágeres” (one hit wonder) előadó, pedig rengeteg dalt szerzett másoknak is. Például ő írta Pink Get the Party Started című számát, több slágert szerzett Gwen Stefaninak (What You Waiting For, Wonderful Life) és Christina Aguilerának is (Hurt, Candyman, Keeps Getting Better). 

Hallgassuk meg most legnagyobb slágerét és tanuljunk meg néhány hasznos szót és 5 mondatot is – amelyeket te is jól tudsz használni a hétköznapokban.

Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
I realized quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
For whatever that means

And so I cry sometimes
When I’m lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What’s in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What’s going on?

And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what’s going on?

Ooh, ooh ooh

And I try, oh my god do I try
I try all the time
In this institution
And I pray, oh my god do I pray
I pray every single day
For a revolution

And so I cry sometimes
When I’m lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What’s in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What’s going on?

And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what’s going on?

Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination

On Sale

Komplett angol nyelvtan rendszerező videókurzus

39,900Ft Original price was: 39,900Ft.29,900FtCurrent price is: 29,900Ft.

On Sale

20 alkalmas TEMATIKUS SZÓKINCSFEJLESZTŐ videókurzus Szalai Nórival

34,900Ft Original price was: 34,900Ft.24,900FtCurrent price is: 24,900Ft.

On Sale

Általános üzleti/munkahelyi angol videókurzus

30,900Ft Original price was: 30,900Ft.20,900FtCurrent price is: 20,900Ft.

Jöjjön most az 5 mondat! 

I realized quickly when/what/who/where … – Gyorsan rájöttem, hogy mikor/mi(t)/ki(t)/hol …
I wake in the morning and step outside. – Reggel felkelek és kilépek a lakásból (ez jól jöhet napi rutin leírásánál)
I scream from the top of my lung. – Torkom szakadtából ordítok. (Ezt mondjuk történetmesélésnél múlt időben jól lehet használni: I screamed from the top of my lung. – Torkom szakadtából ordítottam.
What’s going on? – Mi folyik itt?
I want to get out what’s in my head. – Meg akarok szabadulni a fejemben lévő gondolatoktól.

Now, listen to the song once again and fill in the gaps.

Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great 1. __________ of hope
For a destination
I 2. _____________ when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man
For whatever that means

And so I cry sometimes
When I’m 3. ___________
Just to get it all out
What’s 4. ________  
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream 5. ____________ of my lungs
What’s going on?

And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what’s going on?

Ooh, ooh ooh

And I try, oh my god do I try
I try all the time
In this institution
And I pray, oh my god do I pray
I pray 6. ____________
For a revolution

And so I cry sometimes
When I’m lying in bed
Just to get it all out
What’s in my head
And I, I am feeling a little peculiar
And so I wake in the morning
And I 7. __________  
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What’s going on?

And I say, hey hey hey hey
I said hey, what’s going on?

Twenty-five years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination

Key:

1.    big hill

2.    realized quickly

3.    lying in bed

4.    in my head

5.    from the top

6.    every single day

7.    step outside

If we decide to stop doing something we consider to be bad and to start behaving in a better way, we can say that we are going to turn over a new leaf. We might decide to kick a habit such as smoking (stop doing it), have a crack at (try) a new hobby, or even leave a dead-end job (one with no chance of promotion) or finish a relationship that isn’t going anywhere.

Of course, many of these things are difficult. You may have decided to give up sweets once and for all (definitely and for ever), but that’s easier said than done when you receive a birthday box of your favourite chocolates. If you have a bad day or two, it’s easy to feel that you are back to square one (have made no progress). However, people who advise on such things will tell you that it’s not all or nothing – if you break your resolution, it’s not the end of the world and you can soon be back on the straight and narrow (doing what you should be doing).

In order to stick to a resolution, there are some strategies you can use. First, you could put your money where your mouth is (pay money to show you are serious about something), for instance by taking out a gym membership to get fit. One common piece of advice is to take it one day at a time (not focus too much on the long-term goal). After all, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Another is not to bite off more than you can chew (not try to do too much) – we all know someone whose New Year’s resolution to ‘renovate their house’ means that they and their family are still living in a building site ten years later. It’s also important to be realistic – with the best will in the world (even with a lot of effort), a chain-smoking couch potato (lazy person) isn’t likely to give up cigarettes and go running five times a week. It may be a good idea to get the ball rolling (start) with a more modest aim.

Some people are very successful in their resolutions. Once they’ve decided to bite the bullet (do something difficult), they get their act together (organize themselves effectively)   achieving what they want to achieve. If they manage to stay the course (not give up), they will see their efforts bear fruit.

And finally, I could not leave this topic without one well-known proverb: the road to hell is paved with good intentions, which means that although people often intend to be good, they often fail at it.

Happy New Year!

source: dictionaryblog.cambridge.org

IDIOM: to take stock of sy’s life         
MEANING: to think about what is good or bad about it
IN HUNGARIAN: számba venni, leltározni

IDIOM: to draw a line under the past
MEANING: to finish with it and forget about it
IN HUNGARIAN: lezárni a múltat és új lapot kezdeni

IDIOM: to make a fresh start
MEANING: an opportunity to begin something again
IN HUNGARIAN: új lapot nyitni, valami újat kezdeni

IDIOM: to turn over a new leaf
MEANING: to start to act or behave in a better or more responsible way
IN HUNGARIAN: új életet kezdeni

IDIOM: to kick a habit
MEANING: to stop doing it
IN HUNGARIAN: feladni egy szokást, leszokni valamiről

IDIOM: to have a crack at
MEANING: to try
IN HUNGARIAN: kipróbálni, megpróbálni

IDIOM: to leave a dead-end job
MEANING: to leave a job in which there is no chance of progressing to a better, more important job
IN HUNGARIAN: otthagyni az előléptetésre reményt sem nyújtó állást

IDIOM: with no chance of
MEANING: it`s not at all possible
IN HUNGARIAN: esély sincs valamire

IDIOM: it isn’t going anywhere
MEANING: it’s not your priority, it’s not advancing
IN HUNGARIAN: stagnál, nem megy előre

IDIOM: once and for all
MEANING: definitely and for ever
IN HUNGARIAN: egyszer s mindenkorra

IDIOM: easier said than done
MEANING: be more easily talked about than put into practice
IN HUNGARIAN: könnyebb mondani, mint megvalósítani

IDIOM: to be back to square one
MEANING: to have made no progress
IN HUNGARIAN: újra elölről kezdeni

IDIOM: it’s all or nothing
MEANING: relates to doing something either completely or not at all
IN HUNGARIAN: mindent vagy semmit

IDIOM: to break sy’s resolution
MEANING: to not keep your promise
IN HUNGARIAN: nem tartja meg a fogadalmát

IDIOM: it’s not the end of the world
MEANING: something bad is not really as serious as someone thinks it is
IN HUNGARIAN: ez még nem a világ vége

IDIOM: to be back on the straight and narrow
MEANING: to do what you should be doing
IN HUNGARIAN: visszatérni a helyes/egyenes útra

On Sale

Komplett angol nyelvtan rendszerező videókurzus

39,900Ft Original price was: 39,900Ft.29,900FtCurrent price is: 29,900Ft.

On Sale

20 alkalmas TEMATIKUS SZÓKINCSFEJLESZTŐ videókurzus Szalai Nórival

34,900Ft Original price was: 34,900Ft.24,900FtCurrent price is: 24,900Ft.

On Sale

Általános üzleti/munkahelyi angol videókurzus

30,900Ft Original price was: 30,900Ft.20,900FtCurrent price is: 20,900Ft.

IDIOM: to stick to a resolution
MEANING: to not give up on sg you’ve promised to do
IN HUNGARIAN: kitartani az elhatározása mellett

IDIOM: to put your money where your mouth is
MEANING: to pay money to show you are serious about something
IN HUNGARIAN: anyagilag is befektetni valamibe, hogy látsszon, hogy komolyan gondoljuk

IDIOM: to take it one day at a time
MEANING: to not focus too much on the long-term goal
IN HUNGARIAN: csak kis időtávban/egy nappal előre gondolkodni

IDIOM: Rome wasn’t built in a day
MEANING: important work takes time
IN HUNGARIAN: Róma sem egy nap alatt épült fel/ jó munkához idő kell

IDIOM: to not bite off more than you can chew
MEANING: to not try to do something that is too difficult for you
IN HUNGARIAN: aki sokat markol, keveset fog – olyanba fogj bele, amit el is tudsz végezni

IDIOM: with the best will in the world
MEANING: even with a lot of effort
IN HUNGARIAN: még, ha a legjobbat akarjuk, sem

In 1861 Tom Smith launched his new range of what he called ‘Bangs of Expectation’!

Legend says that, one night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

However, looking into the history of the Tom Smith company, it’s thought that Tom actually bought the recipe for the small cracks and bangs in crackers from a fireworks company called Brock’s Fireworks. The story of him sitting by the fire was probably added to help sell his new items.

Crackers were also nicknamed called ‘cosaques’ and were thought to be named after the ‘Cossack’ soldiers who had a reputation for riding on their horses and firing guns into the air.

When Tom died, his expanding cracker business was taken over by his three sons, Tom, Walter and Henry. Walter introduced the hats into crackers and he also traveled around the world looking for new ideas for gifts to put in the crackers. The crowns might have been inspired from Epiphany cakes from Europe which are often decorated with a paper crown on the top.

The company built up a big range of ‘themed’ crackers. There were ones for bachelors and spinsters (single men and women), where the gifts were things like false teeth and wedding rings! There were also crackers for Suffragettes (women who campaigned to get women the vote), war heroes and even Charlie Chaplain! Crackers were also made for special occasions like Coronations. The British Royal Family still has special crackers made for them today!

Very expensive crackers were made such as the ‘Millionaire’s Crackers’ which contained a solid silver box with a piece of gold and silver jewerly inside it!

Cracker manufacturers also made large displays, such as horse drawn carriages and sleighs, for the big shops in London.

The Christmas Crackers that are used today are short cardboard tubes wrapped in colorful paper. There is normally a Cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled – with a bang! – a colorful party hat, a toy or gift and a festive joke falls out! The party hats look like crowns and it is thought that they symbolise the crowns that might have been worn by the Wise Men.

source: whychristmas.com

Egészítsd ki a Christmas Cracker-ekben található vicceket a megadott opciók alapján.
source: Christmas Jokes, whychristmas.com

useful information:

nickel –  (in the US and Canada) a coin worth five cents
soot –  a black powder composed mainly of carbon, produced when coal, wood, etc. is burned
to soothe – to make someone feel calm or less worried:
to wrap –  to cover or surround something with paper, cloth, or other material
platform shoes –  a style of shoe with a very thick high sole (= bottom part)
clue –  a sign or some information that helps you to find the answer to a problem, question, or mystery
crisp –  hard enough to be broken easily
Kris Kringle –  Santa Claus
source: Cambridge Dictionary

Rudolph is sitting in the sleigh, too.

He’s sitting next to Santa.

Santa and Rudolph are sitting next to each other.

There is a dragon flying beside the sleigh.

Schwa is riding on the dragon.

They are all flying over a forest.

The forest is covered in snow, because it’s Christmas.

Santa’s sack full of presents is in the sleigh behind him.

Suddenly, a Spitfire comes up behind the sleigh and flies past.

Who’s in the Spitfire?

It’s Captain Britlish.

Captain Britlish is the pilot sitting in the Spitfire’s cockpit.

They’re all flying to a secret meeting in the forest.

Let’s follow them and find out what they’re doing, shall we?

They’re in a clearing in the forest.

It looks like they’re not happy with the music.

Let’s have some dance music!

That’s better!

There is a lot of snow on the ground and on the trees.

The Spitfire is opposite the sleigh.

The sleigh is opposite the Spitfire.

They’re standing on the snow between the Spitfire and the sleigh.

The dragon is standing behind them.

Schwa is on the sleigh.

Santa is between Captain Britlish and Rudolph.

Captain Britlish is between his Spitfire and Santa.

Rudolph is between Santa and the sleigh.

Santa has Captain Britlish and Rudolph next to him.

There is nobody next to Schwa.

And a very Merry Christmas from me.

I’ll be back in the new year with a magical new way of teaching English.

See you then.

Do you know your prepositions? Let’s have a look at them together with their Hungarian meaning.

I’m driving home for Christmas

Oh, I can’t wait to see those faces

I’m driving home for Christmas, yea

Well I’m moving down that line

And it’s been so long

But I will be there

I sing this song

To pass the time away

Driving in my car

Driving home for Christmas

It’s gonna take some time

But I’ll get there

Top to toe in tailbacks

Oh, I got red lights on the run

But soon there’ll be a freeway

Get my feet on holy ground

So I sing for you

Though you can’t hear me

When I get through

And feel you near me

I am driving home for Christmas

Driving home for Christmas

With a thousand memories

I take look at the driver next to me

He’s just the same

Just the same

Top to toe in tailbacks

Oh, I got red lights on the run

I’m driving home for Christmas, yea

Get my feet on holy ground

So I sing for you

Though you can’t hear me

When I get through

And feel you near me

Driving in my car

Driving home for Christmas

Driving home for Christmas

With a thousand memories

Listen to the song (or read the lyrics) and match the expressions and the definitions.

Key: 1-e, 2-f, 3-g, 4-h, 5-b, 6-a, 7-c, 8-d