ATT English Academy All lessons
Room progress
  1. Match
  2. Match
  3. Quiz
0 of 3
Practice room 18 · Going further

What the British really mean

Politeness, understatement and everyday idioms: the hidden layer of British English.

  • About 10 minutes
  • Chapter 18 of the book
  • Saves on this device
Activity 1 of 3 · Match

What they say, what they mean

Match each British phrase to what it usually means.

Say and mean

Tone can change these, but these are the usual meanings.

✓ Done

Activity 2 of 3 · Match

Everyday idioms

Match each idiom to its meaning.

Idiom match

All of these are common in everyday British English.

✓ Done

Say it

Phrase box

Useful phrases from this chapter. Anything that isn't British English is labelled.

Understatement

  • Not bad (= very good)
  • A bit annoying (= very annoying)
  • Quite good (= could be anything!)

Politeness

  • I'll bear it in mind (= probably not)
  • With respect… (= I disagree)
  • You must come round some time (= friendly, but not an invitation yet)

Idioms

  • It's not my cup of tea.
  • I'm knackered.
  • It's a piece of cake.
Activity 3 of 3 · Quiz

Understatement quiz

The British often say less than they mean. What do these speakers really mean?

Understatement

✓ Done

3 activities to go

Finish all 3 activities to complete this practice room. Your progress saves on this device.

Your answers and progress stay on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.