English Idiom – Rat race.
Meaning – The modern daily way of life – a struggle to get a better job and improve our social life. The fierce competition we face in life if we want to improve our career and earn more money.
This idiom relates to the daily struggle for survival of the average rat.
Expressions Related to Work Life:
- Bring home the bacon (idiom) – Earn money for your family.
- Call it a day (idiom) – Stop doing something (usually work).
- Make hay while the sun shines (idiom) – Make the most of an opportunity.
- Pound the pavement (idiom) – Walk the streets looking for a job.
- Skive (slang) – To avoid work or your responsibilities by staying away or leaving without permission.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- You are having a bad week at work.
- A relaxing holiday is coming to an end – and you wish it wasn’t.
- You are working overtime so you can afford a better car.
- Your are dreaming of early retirement.
Example:
- “I dream of building a little house in the middle of the forest and living there forever with my bloke. I’ve had enough of the rat race!”
In The News:
Why I Left the Rat Race – To Live Free -To Live Life
Discuss:
- Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
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