Breakfast 2: milk, tea and jam

Idioms with milk

Idiom Explanation Example
milk something get as much as possible out of a person or situation, often in an unfair way Tom only had a slight cold, but he really milked it and took two whole weeks off work.
There’s no use crying over spilled/spilt milk. it’s useless to be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed —I can’t believe Fred forgot my birthday.
—I know, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Try to look forward.

Idioms with tea

Idiom Explanation Example
a storm in a teacup when people are angry, outraged or upset about an issue that is unimportant —People are furious about the new iPhone update.
—It’s a storm in a teacup. They’ll get used to it.
as useful as a chocolate teapot useless —These concert tickets are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
—Why?
—They are for yesterday! Not today!
not my cup of tea not what I like, not what I’m interested in —Do you want to come to a music festival at the weekend?
—No thanks, festivals aren’t really my cup of tea.

Idioms with jam

Idiom Explanation Example
be in a jam find yourself in a difficult situation Can you help me? I’m in a bit of a jam. I’ve locked myself out of the house.
display incorrect answers

Exercises C1

Complete the sentences with the words below. Use each word once.

jam – milk – tea – teacup – teapot

  1. We’re talking about one tiny change that only affects a handful of people, all this outrage is nothing more than a storm in a  .
  2. I have to go and help Rob, he’s got himself into a bit of a  .
  3. The press love a political scandal, they will   this story as much as they can.
  4. Lots of people enjoy the beach but it’s just not my cup of  .
  5. Well, having a car in this traffic is about as useful as a chocolate  .

Choose the correct idiom.

  1. —How’s it going?
    —Not great. I forgot about my tax return and now I owe a lot of money. I’m …
  2. —I love the theatre.
    —I’m not that keen. It’s just …
  3. —The postman left a note saying that our parcel is with a neighbour, but it doesn’t say which one.
    —Well, that’s …
  4. —Joe sprained his wrist last week. He says he can’t do anything at all and he’s treating me like his personal butler.
    —It sounds like he’s …
  5. —I can’t believe I lost my favourite earrings.
    —I know it’s sad, but you have to move on, …
  6. —I’m concerned that the rest of the office isn’t happy about the new shorter lunch break.
    —Don’t worry about it, it will blow over soon. It’s nothing more than …

Go back