Understanding the Idiom: 'That Should Be a Crime'

In this episode of Daily Easy English Expression, Coach Shane breaks down the idiomatic phrase, "That should be a crime." While the literal meaning of a "crime" refers to illegal acts such as "stealing money from a bank or killing somebody," the idiomatic usage serves as a powerful rhetorical device to express strong disapproval or moral indignation toward non-illegal actions that one finds deeply offensive or "just not right."

The Core Usage of the Expression

The phrase is designed to convey a subjective, intense reaction. As Coach Shane explains, when you witness something that is "so wrong it should be a crime," you are emphasizing that the act is morally reprehensible or aesthetically displeasing, even if it falls well within the bounds of the law. It is an expression of strong opinions, often used in a hyperbolic or playful manner to highlight personal pet peeves.

Practical Examples and Contextual Application

To illustrate how to use this expression effectively, the podcast provides several relatable scenarios:

• Culinary Controversies: The primary example involves the polarizing topic of "pineapple on pizza." When faced with the idea of "fruit on pizza," the speaker reacts with, "That should be a crime," suggesting that such a food combination is fundamentally wrong. Similarly, the host notes his personal shock when seeing people adding milk to black tea, jokingly claiming it is so egregious that it "should be a crime."
• Social Etiquette: The host also points to common societal behaviors, such as people failing to return their shopping carts to the designated area at a supermarket. Describing this inconsiderate behavior, he notes, "People who do not put the shopping cart back where it's supposed to be, that should be a crime." This highlights how the idiom can be used to critique social negligence.

When to Use This Expression

This expression is perfect for situations where you want to emphasize your frustration or disagreement with someone's choices. It is a way of saying, "I believe this is so wrong that there should be a penalty for it." Whether it is an unconventional food habit or a lack of basic manners, the phrase allows the speaker to express their "strong opinions" in an engaging and colorful way.

Additional Resources: 'Let's Master English'

Beyond the grammar lesson, Coach Shane encourages listeners to explore his other podcast, Let's Master English. He describes it as being "like a magazine" that runs for about 20 to 30 minutes, covering news, interesting stories, and facts. He emphasizes that for long-time listeners of the E-Cubed podcast, checking out the other show is a great way to review past material, as he is currently "re-hashing" or "rerunning" previous episodes with updated intros and outros. He concludes with a humorous use of the target idiom: if you choose not to listen to his other podcast, he jokes, "That should be a crime."

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Literal vs. Figurative: Distinguish between a legal crime and the figurative use of the phrase to express strong personal disapproval.
• Hyperbole: Use the phrase to add emotional weight to your opinions about minor annoyances or controversial preferences.
• Engagement: Integrate this idiom into daily conversation to sound more natural and expressive when debating subjective topics.