Up to Something: The Language of Heroes and Villains
One of the pieces of advice that we sometimes get when learning a new language is to watch children's TV shows.
The idea is that the words and phrases used should be easier to understand.
However, some of the language used by characters in children's shows is actually quite idiomatic.
Think of shows that have heroes and villains.
The villains are often "up to something," which means they're planning something — probably something very bad!
So the heroes' job is to "foil" that plan. This means to stop it from succeeding.
When the villains find out the heroes have learned what they're planning, the villains might say: "They're onto us!"
The good guys might even add: "You won't get away with this!" They're saying that the bad guys won't succeed!
But "get away" can also mean to escape. So the heroes may watch the villains running off and shout: "They're getting away!"
And if things look really bad, the heroes may find that "time is running out" — they haven't got much more time to "save the day" and defeat the villains.
"You're no match for us," the good guys may say, meaning the villains aren't as strong or as clever as the heroes.
Of course, most of the time it's heroes who succeed in these children's shows. Good "triumphs" — or wins — over evil.
At least, until next time!
