On Paper

This is a great phrase that can be used in both spoken and written English. If something looks good “On paper” it means that all the information you have seems like the situation would be great. What is good “on paper” and what is good “in reality” are often 2 very different things. Here are 2 good examples.

Celestial Lights -enjoy!!!

http://vimeo.com/40555466

Sam Roberts - Brother Down

The song is by “Sam Roberts”. It’s called “Brother Down”. The song was what they call a

“one hit wonder”. This is a great phrase to understand in spoken English. If a band or singer is a “One hit wonder” it means they made one and only one song during their career that got super popular. Some bands and singers make many great and popular songs. Many bands and singers make one song almost everyone knows, and all their other stuff either sucks or just isn’t popular. I haven’t heard a lot of music from Sam Roberts, but I do know this song and I know he’s referred to as a “One hit wonder”. Here is the video of the song. Below are the lyrics. (China232.com)

Unknown Somerset Maugham

On June 20, 1917,  a British Secret Agent - though better recognized as the outstanding writer,  Somerset Maugham - was assigned on a mission in Russia.

Behind Blue Eyes

Moment in the Sun

If you’ve already had your “moment in the sun” it means that you’ve already experienced your best times. This is a common phrase and can be applied in many situations.  It means “your best days are in the past”.
Here are 2 fantastic examples:

The US economy might continue to get worse and worse because of international competition.  I think they’ve already had their moment in the sun. 
Britney Spears has already had her moment in the sun.  She will never again be as famous as she was 10 years ago.

I think you get the idea.  Your “moment in the sun” is your best time.  If you’ve already had your “moment in the sun” your best days are “behind you”

Get Back on that Horse

“Get back on that horse”  is a common idiom in spoken English.

The idea is that, in life, when something bad happens to you or you experience a setback, you should “keep trying” and “never quit”.

Imagine if you were riding a horse but you fell off and hurt yourself a little bit.  You shouldn’t be a baby and quit riding horses, you need to realize that not everything in life happens the way we want it to, but no matter what, we need to be strong and keep trying even when things aren’t easy.

It’s a good English phrase and a good phrase to think about in general life.  Never give up!