English Idioms for Complaining and Money Problems

Idioms help you express ideas in a colourful way, and native speakers use them all the time in conversation. In this video, you will compare normal English with three useful idioms. Instead of 'complain a lot', say someone 'whines like a broken record'. A broken record repeats the same sound again and again, just like a person who keeps complaining about the same thing. Instead of 'make things worse', say 'add fuel to the fire'. If you add fuel to a fire, it burns more strongly, so this idiom describes actions or words that make a bad situation even worse. For example: Shouting at him will only add fuel to the fire. Instead of 'have problems with money', say 'feel the pinch'. This means you have less money than before and find it hard to pay for things. For example: With prices going up, many families are feeling the pinch. These idioms are perfect for conversations about work, relationships and the economy. Watch the video, practice active listening, and repeat each idiom. Then try to describe a recent situation in your life using at least one of these expressions.