Lecture viii idioms

“ “ IDIOMS IN ENGLISH”IDIOMS IN ENGLISH”

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IdiomsIdiomsIdioms are phrases which people use Idioms are phrases which people use in everyday language which do not in everyday language which do not make sense literally but we make sense literally but we understand what they mean understand what they mean

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An An idiomidiom is an expression that has a meaning is an expression that has a meaning apart from the meanings of its individual apart from the meanings of its individual words.words.

For example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Its literal meaning suggests For example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Its literal meaning suggests that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We interpret it to mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We interpret it to mean that it is raining hard.that it is raining hard.

Other Examples:Other Examples: To stick your neck outTo stick your neck out is to say or do something that is bold and a is to say or do something that is bold and a

bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position.idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position.

To break the iceTo break the ice is to be the first one to say or do something, with is to be the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that means something similar is "get the ball rolling."means something similar is "get the ball rolling."

To get long in the toothTo get long in the tooth means to get old. The expression was means to get old. The expression was originally used when referring to horses since gums recede with age. originally used when referring to horses since gums recede with age. So the longer the teeth a horse has, the older it is said to be.So the longer the teeth a horse has, the older it is said to be.

To have a chip on one's shoulderTo have a chip on one's shoulder is usually an expression to is usually an expression to describe a person who acts, as you say, rudely or aggressively, but describe a person who acts, as you say, rudely or aggressively, but also in a manner that could be described as "aggressively also in a manner that could be described as "aggressively defensive." The person seems always ready for a fight.defensive." The person seems always ready for a fight.


Food for thoughtFood for thoughtThese idioms are all about food. Can you explain what These idioms are all about food. Can you explain what they really mean? they really mean?

Taking two bits of Taking two bits of the cherrythe cherry

Selling like hot Selling like hot cakescakes

Playing Playing gooseberrygooseberry

Going bananasGoing bananas


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Feel like a fish out of waterFeel like a fish out of waterBe like a fish out of waterBe like a fish out of water

Meaning:Feel uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation.

If you feel like a fish out of water, you feel awkward or uncomfortable because you are in an unusual or unfamiliar situation.

Example:I don't like going to the big parties they have. I always feel like a fish out of

water there.

Todd is a country boy raised in a small town in Northumberland and was like a fish out of water when he visited bustling London.


What does this mean What does this mean really?really?


And this?And this?


Numbers upNumbers upLots of idioms are about numbers. See if you can fill in Lots of idioms are about numbers. See if you can fill in the missing numbers in these says. What do they mean?the missing numbers in these says. What do they mean?

Dressed up to the ______Dressed up to the ______

Talking ___ to the dozenTalking ___ to the dozen

One in a ______One in a ______

Playing ______ fiddlePlaying ______ fiddle

In _______ heavenIn _______ [email protected]@ggnindia.dron

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Animal CrackersAnimal Crackers It’s raining ____ and dogs!It’s raining ____ and dogs!

I’ve got a ____ in my throatI’ve got a ____ in my throat

Those are just ______tearsThose are just ______tears

He’s taken the lion shareHe’s taken the lion share

I can smell a ___I can smell a ___


Let’s see, if you understand Let’s see, if you understand the peculiar meaning of the peculiar meaning of some common idioms!some common idioms!


So can you define So can you define ‘idiom’?‘idiom’?

YES…Idioms are group of words that YES…Idioms are group of words that donot make sense literally but have their donot make sense literally but have their specific meaning.specific meaning.

EXAMPLE: Happy go lucky, heart sinks, EXAMPLE: Happy go lucky, heart sinks, dead wood.dead wood.


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Lecture viii idioms