New Year's Resolutions: Idioms and Phrases in English

The New Year is both an ending and a beginning. It makes us stop and think about what we have achieved so far and what we want to do in the year ahead. We usually celebrate it in style, with champagne and a party. However you mark it, remember to be grateful for what you have and to enjoy the moment. People around the world welcome the New Year in different ways. In the United States, as in many European cities, there are fireworks displays in city centres, a symbol of a fresh start. In this lesson you'll learn idioms and phrases about the New Year and New Year's resolutions. So, let's read!

Idioms for a new year

There are many idioms and phrases about New Year's resolutions. Read the example sentences and try to guess what each phrase means. You'll check yourself in Exercise 1.

Kick the habit

• •She used to be a heavy smoker, but she kicked the habit last year.
• •I want to kick the habit of biting my nails this year.

Hit the ground running

• •He needs to hit the ground running if he wants to achieve all his goals by the end of the year.
• •We are so excited about our new house; we are going to hit the ground running and decorate it.

Get the ball rolling

• •I decided to get the ball rolling and got up to dance.
• •He's shy, so he always waits for other people to get the ball rolling.

A fresh start

• •It is never too late for a fresh start.
• •She is moving abroad to make a fresh start.

Out with the old, in with the new

• •Well, with the new year comes the "out with the old, in with the new" attitude. No more cheeseburgers and fries for lunch, only salads.
• •You should repaint your room a different colour: out with the old, in with the new.

Start from scratch

• •We don't have a lot of money, so we're going to have to start from scratch.
• •She moved to a new place where she had to make friends from scratch.

Turn over a new leaf

• •Every year on January 1st, millions of people vow to turn over a new leaf and then give up after just a week.
• •He has not been in trouble this year. He has turned over a new leaf.

Ring in the New Year

• •People thronged the streets just before midnight to ring in the New Year.
• •My parents are letting me stay up late to ring in the New Year with them.

Have a whale of a time

• •We had a whale of a time on New Year's Eve.
• •I spent the summer holidays in Mexico and had a whale of a time!

Start with a clean slate

• •I felt like I could start again with a clean slate.
• •Instead of making resolutions, why not start the New Year with a clean slate?

Tempt fate

• •You're tempting fate by riding your bike without wearing a helmet.
• •I hope we are not tempting fate too much.

Reflect back on

• •When I reflect back on the year, I think it was a pretty good one.
• •All my accomplishments will sink in once I retire and can reflect back on my career.

Exercise 1: match the idioms to their meanings

• •1. Kick the habit
• •2. Hit the ground running
• •3. Get the ball rolling
• •4. A fresh start
• •5. Out with the old, in with the new
• •6. Start from scratch
• •7. Turn over a new leaf
• •8. Ring in the New Year
• •9. Have a whale of a time
• •10. Start with a clean slate
• •11. Tempt fate
• •12. Reflect back on

• •a. an opportunity to begin something again
• •b. to remember or think about someone or something
• •c. to give up something harmful that you have done for a long time
• •d. to change your behaviour for the better
• •e. an absence of existing restraints or commitments
• •f. to start something and move at a fast pace with great enthusiasm
• •g. to do something risky or dangerous
• •h. to begin from a point at which nothing has been done yet
• •i. to begin an activity or process
• •j. to mark the end of the old year and welcome the new one
• •k. to move forward and change something
• •l. to enjoy yourself very much

Read the article and answer the questions

New Year's resolutions are a popular tradition among many people around the world. They are usually made at the start of the new year and are meant to be a way for people to improve themselves or achieve specific goals. Common resolutions include improving one's health, learning a new skill or advancing in one's career.

One of the benefits of making New Year's resolutions is that it gives us a sense of purpose and motivation. By setting goals, we have something to work towards and can feel a sense of accomplishment when we achieve them. Making resolutions can also be a good way to reflect on the past year and make positive changes in our lives.

However, it is important to keep in mind that making resolutions does not guarantee success. In fact, it is estimated that only about 8% of people manage to stick to their resolutions for the whole year. To increase your chances, make specific and achievable goals, break them down into smaller steps and track your progress along the way. Be realistic and flexible, too. It's okay to make mistakes or run into setbacks; the key is to learn from them and keep trying. It also helps to have a support system in place, whether friends, family or a professional, to hold yourself accountable and to encourage you.

In conclusion, making New Year's resolutions can be a great way to improve yourself and reach personal goals. Be realistic, specific and flexible, and have a support system to help you along the way. Wishing everyone a happy and successful New Year!

• •What is a New Year's resolution? Do you make resolutions?
• •Does making resolutions guarantee success?
• •How can we make sure that we achieve our resolutions?

Plans for New Year's Eve

How will you spend December 31st? At a party, at home, or away somewhere? Listen to the three conversations (each recording is just above its conversation) and find out what the speakers are planning.

Conversation 1

Person 1: Hey, do you have any plans for New Year's Eve?

Person 2: Not really, I was thinking about just staying in and watching TV. How about you?

Person 1: I was thinking about doing something a little more thrilling. I heard there's a famous party at a local bar, with a live band and a champagne toast at midnight.

Person 2: That sounds like a blast! Do you think we could get a group together to go?

Person 1: Definitely! I'll send out a few texts and see who's keen.

Person 2: Sounds good. What time should we meet up?

Person 1: How about we meet at the bar around 9:30? That way we can get a good spot and have time to mingle before the countdown to midnight.

Person 2: Perfect! I'll see if I can round up a few friends and meet you there.

Person 1: Great. I'm really looking forward to ringing in the New Year with you and our friends.

Person 2: Me too. It's going to be a remarkable night.

Conversation 2

Person 1: Hey, have you made any plans for New Year's Eve yet?

Person 2: Not yet. I'm still trying to decide what to do. Have you?

Person 1: Yeah, I'm going to a party at a friend's house. I'm dying to go. I heard my crush is coming.

Person 2: That sounds like a tremendous time. I'm trying to decide between going to a party or just staying in and watching the fireworks from my balcony.

Person 1: Either way sounds fun. Just make sure you do something you enjoy.

Person 2: Yeah, I'm leaning towards staying in and relaxing. I've been swamped with work, and I'm looking forward to just unwinding on New Year's Eve.

Person 1: That's understandable. It's important to take time to rest and recharge.

Person 2: Definitely. So, have you made any resolutions for the new year yet?

Person 1: Yeah, I want to start going to the gym regularly and stick to a better budget. How about you?

Person 2: I want to commit to a healthier sleep routine and upcycle my wardrobe. Those are my main goals for the new year.

Person 1: Those are great goals. I'm sure we'll both achieve them with some hard work and determination.

Person 2: I hope so. Well, I'm going to start getting ready for my New Year's Eve fireworks show. I'll talk to you later.

Person 1: Sounds good. Happy New Year!

Conversation 3

Person 1: Hey, have you started making plans for New Year's Eve yet?

Person 2: Yes, I was thinking about just staying in and having a quiet night, watching all my favourite seasonal films. How about you?

Person 1: I was thinking the same thing. Maybe we could order a takeaway and watch something together?

Person 2: That sounds like a marvellous idea. Do you have a particular film in mind?

Person 1: How about that new romantic comedy that just came out? I heard it's really good.

Person 2: Sure, that sounds like fun. Do you want to invite anyone else to join us?

Person 1: I don't think so. Just the two of us will be enough. It'll be nice to have a low-key night for a change.

Person 2: Yeah, I agree. New Year's Eve can be so overwhelming with all the parties and crowds. It'll be nice to have a relaxed evening at home.

Person 1: Exactly. Plus, we can still toast the New Year with a glass of champagne.

Person 2: Perfect. I'll order the takeaway and you pick the film. Sounds like our New Year's Eve plans are all set.

What are your plans for New Year's Eve? Happy New Year!