Learn English – Feel like doing something

phrase-meaningphrase-usage

I've found out that there is a phrase

feel like verb-ing

and that is used to describe a wish for or inclination to something, like

I feel like drinking tea

But I've also heard this example:

If I have short vacation, by the time I feel like relaxing, I have to go back home.

It seems that in this case this phrase is suppose to mean

I begin to relax

Am I correct or I misunderstand?

Thank you in advance.

Best Answer

In some cases you have to sense the meaning of phrases rather than just understand the dictionary definition of the word.

by the time I feel like relaxing

is another way to say

by the time I feel like I am able to relax.

This is slightly different from

by the time I feel like I am relaxed.

This structure can be used elsewhere with similar meaning:

I have to have a few drinks before I feel like singing karaoke.

Many people don't feel like learning a sport until they buy a bunch of expensive equipment for that sport.

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