T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

Christmas has come early !

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) I am very very cold, and it’s not December.

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) I can’t believe my luck !

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

When you receive some unexpected good news or good fortune, you can describe it as Christmas coming early or an early Christmas present. The good news/fortune is a ’present’.

French translation

c’est mon jour de chance aujourd’hui, c’est mon anniversaire, c’est Noël avant l’heure

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Examples in context

‘Eurotunnel is to be allowed to continue to offer ferry services from Dover after a ban by the UK Competition Commission was overturned on appeal. Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive of Eurotunnel, said Wednesday’s ruling by the Competition Appeals Tribunal had recognised "the benefits and practicalities of our presence in the maritime cross-Channel market".
Robin Wilkins, managing director of MyFerryLink, added that it was "a victory for common sense and logic", and an early Christmas present for the company’s 600 staff.’

BBC News, 3rd Oct. 2013

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‘Tips for getting on with your housemates.’

‘For Washington, Christmas could come early. Or it could not come at all.
The deal to end the government shutdown in October included a new deadline — come up with a plan to fund the government by December 13 — or risk another partial government shutdown next month.
Well, December 13 is Friday and House and Senate negotiators don’t yet have a deal.
And that’s not the only thing Congress has to work on before the House is supposed to leave town, also on Friday, and the Senate at the end of next week.’

BBC News Magazine, 23rd Oct. 2013

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Everyday usage

That is such great news ! I feel like Christmas has come early !

Christmas has come early ! What an amazing surprise. I was not expecting that.

c) I am really in the Christmas spirit.

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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