English Idiom – To Boot.
Meaning – In addition or as an extra. This idiom is used to emphasize an added or supplementary factor, often highlighting something positive or advantageous in a given situation.
The phrase to boot is commonly used in English to indicate something that is added to an existing situation or to emphasize an extra element. It serves to highlight an additional aspect or benefit.
According to PhraseFinder this idiom actually has nothing to do with footwear! The ‘boot’ is thought to be a derivative of the earlier ‘bat‘ meaning ‘good or useful‘. This is also the root of the word ‘better‘.
Idioms Featuring Boots:
- Give someone the boot: To dismiss or fire someone from a job or position.
- “The manager gave him the boot after repeated poor performance.“
- Shake in your boots: To feel extremely scared or frightened.
- “The horror movie was so terrifying that it made me shake in my boots.”
- Boot camp: A rigorous training program, typically used in military or fitness contexts.
- “He enrolled in a boot camp to prepare for his upcoming marathon.”
- Bootleg: To illegally copy or distribute copyrighted material, such as movies or music.
- “They were arrested for bootlegging and selling counterfeit DVDs.”
- Boots on the ground: Referring to the presence of military personnel or troops deployed in a particular area.
- “The government decided to put boots on the ground to support the peacekeeping mission.”
- Bootlicker: A person who excessively flatters or tries to gain favor with someone in authority.
- “Everyone knew he was a bootlicker, always seeking the boss’s approval.”
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- When you are emphasizing an added advantage or benefit of something.
- To highlight an extra or supplementary feature.
- Introducing an additional point or factor.
Example:
- Sarah: “The hotel room we booked was spacious, comfortable, and had a stunning view. To top it off, they provided complimentary breakfast and a spa session to boot!”
- John: “Wow, that sounds amazing! A beautiful room with additional perks, truly a great deal.”
In this example, Sarah describes the positive aspects of the hotel room they booked. The expression to boot is used to emphasize the added advantages of complimentary breakfast and a spa session. It highlights the extra benefits that make the experience even more appealing.
In The News:
Lee Johnson has two Hibs games to save his job and shake off ‘Hearts syndrome’ to boot – Tam McManus
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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