Idioms That Are Connected to Nationalities and Countries

Today's lesson will be about idioms that are connected to nationalities and countries. Want to find what these famous idioms are? Read them below.

1. Go Dutch

- [for each person in a pair or a group] to pay for himself or herself.

Example:

I don't want you to pay for my ticket. Let's go Dutch. Is it still considered a date if you go Dutch?

2. Greek to Me

- used when someone is not understandable

Example:  

from The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (1599) by William Shakespeare

CASSIUS: Did Cicero say any thing?
CASCA: Ay, he spoke Greek.
CASSIUS: To what effect?
CASCA: Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look you i' the face again: but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.

3.  Talk for England

- when someone can talk for hours and hours

Example:

"I’m so sorry I'm late. I couldn’t get away from Linda. She can talk for England!"

4.  A Mexican Standoff 

– a situation in which no one can emerge as a clear winner

Example:

There appears to be a Mexican standoff as neither party can agree on the terms of the merger.

5. Indian Summer (UK)

- a successful or pleasant period in someone's life, especially towards the end of their life

Example:

The book describes the last 20 years of Churchill's life, including his Indian summer as prime minister between 1951 and 1955.

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