Stonehenge at sunrise.
The summer solstice, also known as ‘the longest day’, is celebrated this year on June 20, 2008. This day of the year has the most hours of daylight and shortest night. In the Northern Hemisphere it always occurs in mid-June, while in the Southern Hemisphere it occurs in December.
In England, people gather at the mystical and ancient Stonehenge (pictured above) to welcome in the sunrise.
In celebration of the summer solstice, here are three natural English expressions (idioms) using the words sun, shine and summer.
To make hay while the sun shines
To do something right away while the situation or conditions are right, with no delay.
‘It’s stopped raining, so I can go out and wash the car. Better make hay while the sun shines.’
A place in the sun
A job or situation which makes you happy and gives you everything you need and want.
‘Joey has got a new job as an illustrator. He loves it! He’s finally found his place in the sun.’
To think the sun shines out of someone's backside (very casual/not polite)
To love someone so much that you think they are perfect. This has a negative image as we usually use it when someone loves another person too much and forgets their faults.
‘Tim thinks the sun shines out of his girlfriend’s backside! He’s always saying how great she is.’
A knight in shining armour
Someone who helps you when you really need help; a kind of ‘hero’.
‘I couldn’t get my car started and just when I thought I would be late for work, Trevor passed by and gave me a lift. He’s my knight in shining armour!’
Come rain or shine (or 'whatever the weather')
To say you will do something regardless of the situation, or how difficult it might be. We use it to show we are determined to do something.
‘I go running twice a week, come rain or shine.’
To take a shine to someone
To be attracted to someone or to like them. Usually with new people we meet.
‘It looks like Paula has taken a shine to the new guy in accounts.’
An Indian summer
Warm sunny weather in autumn, when it would usually be colder.
‘Many places in Europe are now enjoying an Indian summer in September.’
