Idioms 1.3: Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. A.Identify and apply knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to

IdiomsIdioms1.3: Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature.

A.Identify and apply knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to demonstrate an understanding

Of a literary selection.

What is an What is an idiom?idiom?

• refers to a phrase or expression that cannot be understood by knowing what the individual words in the phrase mean.

• words are put together to make a clever phrase that means something other than what the individual words mean

Huh?Huh?For example:

Barking up the wrong tree

When taken literally it means: a dog barking at the base of tree.

Actually it means: To misunderstand a situation and complain to a wrong person or blame a wrong thing.

Another Another example…example…

I’m as cool as a cucumber.

When taken literally it means: cucumbers can be cool to touch.

Actually it means: being very calm and relaxed even in a difficult situation.

More More Examples…Examples…

• This is a humorous expression that is used when you find out someone else was thinking the same thing as you were.

Great minds think alike.

A couch potato.

• It’s usually someone laying around a lot!!!


Putting your foot in your mouth.

• It means that you said something you shouldn’t have.



Cat’s got your tongue.

• It means that you don’t know what to say.


On the ball.

• It means that you are keeping up with the work at hand.


A dog’s life.

• It means that you have an easy life.


Holy Cow!

• It is an expression said when you are shocked about something.


Proud peacock.

• It means that you are telling people about something you did well. You are proud of yourself.


It’s raining cats and dogs.

• It means that it is raining very hard outside.


I’ve got a frog in my throat.

• It means that your voice is almost gone or sounds funny.


I can smell a rat.

• It means that you believe that there is someone betraying you.


Needle in a haystack.

• It means that something or someone will really be hard to find.


Dressing to the nines.

• It means that you are dressing up and looking good.


Stick your neck out.

• It means to say or do something bold or a bit dangerous.


To break the ice.

• It means that you are the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will follow.


Shake a leg!

• It means that you need to move faster.


Selling like hotcakes.

• It means that something is selling very quickly.


Going bananas.

• It means that you are going crazy!


Feel like a fish out of water.

• It means that you feel out of place and uncomfortable.


Hang on.

• It means that you are asking someone to wait for something.

• It can also mean that someone needs to persevere.

Documents

Idioms 1.3: Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. A.Identify and apply knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to