Some idiomatic phrases in English, often used in both spoken and written language, are very confusing! They don't even make sense when you first see them. However, using one of these phrases correctly when speaking or writing to an English speaker is very impressive and shows that you are comfortable with the language. Here are some wonderful and interesting British idioms. Use them wisely.

    When pigs fly!

This expression is one of my favorites and I use it all the time. It is used primarily when speaking, meaning that something is extremely unlikely or impossible. For example, "I will forgive him when pigs fly!" "When do you think you will get a gym membership, Lucy?" "When pigs fly!"

    A penny for your thoughts?

This question is used in a situation where someone appears thoughtful or is very quiet seeming lost in thought. But remember that you don't actually have to pay them a penny if they do tell you what is going on! For example, "You've been a bit quiet this evening, Pete. A penny for your thoughts?"

    It's the bee's knees

The phrase dates back to the 1920s, and refers to an extraordinary person, thing, idea, and so on. For example, "Try this chocolate. It's the bee's knees."

    To feel a bit under the weather

    I use this expression in many different situations but most use it to refer to feeling ill, or unwell. You would not use this phrase if you were feeling extremely unwell. It is only for those times when you are feeling a little ill or suffering from something slightly like a cold or a cough. However, this can also be used to refer to feeling emotionally low.

    Pyramid of Giza

    One of seven wonders of ancient world also becomes favorite site for astronomers to capture photographs from the orbit. It is not at all visible with naked eyes from space, so astronomers used special cameras for it.

    Grand Canyon

    It surely takes many days to enjoy every site of 277-mile-long Grand Canyon in Arizona. But the astronauts at orbits of Earth are able to see Grand Canyon with their own eyes all at once. The space images of Grand Canyon help the scientists to make surface map of the steep sided Canyon, also to monitor the changes within its surface.

    Ganges River Delta

    Ganges River Delta is 220 miles long; this amazing geographic feature can also seen from orbits of Earth. When the river becomes empty, it becomes the largest remaining habitat of Bengal tiger and other rich wild life.

    Palm Island, Dubai

    Palm Island along with world islands of Dubai can be seen even from space. The Palm Island actually holds two artificial island in shape of palm tree, spreading across in an area of 100,000 square meters. You can meet hundreds of luxury hotels and parks within this man-made wonder.

    People have grown taller over the last century, with South Korean women shooting up by more than 20cm on average, and Iranian men gaining 16.5cm. A global study looked at the average height of 18-year-olds in 200 countries 1914 and 2014. The results show that while Swedes were the tallest people in the world in 1914, Dutch men have risen from l2th place to claim top spot with an average height of 182.5cm. Larvian women, meanwhile, rose from 28th place in 1914 to become the tallest in the world a century later, with an average height of 169.8cm. James Bentham, a co-author of the research says the global trend is likely but once you average over whole populations, genetics plays a less key role," he added.

    But while height has increased around the world, the trend in many countries of north and sub-Saharan Africa causes concern, says Elio Riboli of Imperial College. While height increased in Uganda and Niger during the early 20th century, the trend has reversed in recent years, with height decreasing among 18-year-olds.

    "One reason for these decreases in height is the economic situation in the 1980s," said Professor Alexander. The nutritional and health problems that followed the policy of structural adjustment, he says, led to many children and teenagers failing to reach their full potential in terms of height.

    Bentham believes the global trend of increasing height has important implications. "How tall we are now is strongly influenced by the environment we grew up in," he said. "If we give children the best possible start in life now, they will be healthier and more productive for decades to come."

    Mr. Lee was in bed and was trying to go to sleep when he heard the bell ring. He turned on the light and looked at his clock. It was twelve o'clock. "Who can it be at this time of night?" He thought. He decided to go and find out. So he got of bed, put on his dressing gown (浴袍) and went to the door. When he opened the door, there was nobody there. "That is very strange." Then he went back to his bedroom, took off his dressing gown, got back into bed ,turned off the light and tried to go to sleep.

    A few minutes later he heard the bell again. Mr. Lee jumped out of bed very quickly and rushed to the door. He opened it, but again he found no one there. He closed the door and tried not to feel angry. Then he saw a piece of paper on the floor. He picked it up. There were some words on it : "It is now after midnight(午夜), so it is April Fool's Day (愚人节). April fool to you!"

    "Oh, it was the English boy next door!" Mr. Lee exclaimed (惊叫) and almost smiled. He went back to bed and feel asleep at once. The bell did not ring again.

When it comes to having fun in the sun, it's easy to lose track of time. If you're not careful, this can be quite dangerous.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}But it can easily be prevented—all you need is a little sunscreen.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}People have been using chemical pastes to protect themselves from the sun for centuries. But the first modern sunscreen sold on the market was offered by French company: L'oreal in 1935.

Several other companies were quick to release their own sunscreens. Perhaps the biggest advancement in the world of sunscreen came in the 1970s, when scientists started looking at the sun protection factor, or SPF.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

The advantages of using sunscreen are obvious. It limits the painful effects of sunburn.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Millions of people have died from skin cancer caused by ultraviolet rays from the SUITL. Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.

Unfortunately, there are many mistaken ideas about sunscreen.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Some also think you only need to put it on once for a whole day's protection or that you don't need it on cloudy days. None of these things are true. Experts say you should apply sunscreen every two hours when outside in the daytime, no matter how dark your skin is or what the weather is like.

A. And it can even save your life.

B. Sunscreen is not exactly a recent invention.

C. Choosing a sunscreen isn't as simple as it used to be.

D. In direct sunlight, sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes.

E. This rating is a number that shows how effective a sunscreen is.

F. It's believed that you don't need much sunscreen if you have dark skin.

G. Some think a good method is to cover as much as possible with protective clothing.

Looking to take your four-legged friend on holiday? Here are the best pet-friendly hotels in the UK.

Sentry Mead, Isle of Wight

Sentry Mead is a beautifully decorated destination with charming bedrooms. Guests delight in features such as piles of books, homemade cakes and even a pillow menu. Dogs are welcomed with a bowl at the gate and are allowed everywhere except the dining room. There are extra blankets just for them, not to mention walks from the door to Alum Bay, and treats and towels on your return. 

No. Twenty 9, Norfolk

This hotel offers a lively stylish atmosphere and charmingly odd features. Rooms are spacious and light, each named after a music or movie legend. Dogs get their own "fur baby welcome present", containing a treat, bowls and a bathrobe. A spa shower in the garden washes off the sand on your friend after a long day on the beach before settling down in the bar together.

Mayfair Townhouse, London

Mayfair Townhouse is spread over a row of townhouses on Half Moon Street. Inside it offers an abundance of personality and a touch of oddity with nods to the famous writer Oscar Wilde. Puppies stay for free and receive a blanket, bowl and "screaming" ball for their stay. There are walks nearby in Green Park, and your pet can join you in the fancy bar for a "Pawsecco".

Halfway Bridge West Sussex

In the heart of the South Downs national park, Halfway Bridge is a welcoming village pub with rooms, famous for its delicious food. Dogs can stay in select rooms with garden access. In addition to a bed, bowl and sausage breakfast, treats for four-legged friends are available in the bar, and there's always a water bowl to hand.