Figurative Language

Idioms

In Lesson 36 you will:

1. Understand what is ‘idiom’.2. Know the purpose of idioms.

What are idioms?Idioms are expressions found in everylanguage, but the English language has thousands of them. Idioms are groups of words or phrases that mean something very different from what each individual word means in that phrase. They usually started somewhere in history, but took on a life of their own.

Figurative Language

Where do you find idioms?

Idioms, like other forms of figurative language, are everywhere. People use them in conversation, as well.

Figurative Language

Why use idioms?It allows us to express feelings and emotions in a creative way. Let’s look at a few together to help you understand.

Examples:let the cat out of the bag… to reveal a secret…behind the eight ball… in a bad situation…

Figurative Language

You cannot figure out the meaning of an idiom literally, word by word. If you try you will be very confused!

More examples you may encounter in your reading or conversations:1.ace up your sleeve2.Achilles’ heel3.added fuel to the fire4.apple of my eye5.ants in your pants6.as the crow flies

Idioms

What does this mean?1.Ace up your sleeveMeaning: a surprise or secret advantage.Origin: Back in the 1500’s people kept things up their sleeves because they did not have pockets. Later on, magicians hid things up their sleeves when they

Idioms

performed their tricks for people. In the 1800’s, dishonest card players would hide cards, often an ace, up their sleeves to win the game.

This is how idioms came to be common expressions you encounter in the English language!

Idioms

What do they mean?2. My Achilles’ heelMeaning: a weakness in someone’s character where they are especially vulnerableOrigin: In the Illiad, a Greek story, Achilles was the great hero and warrior. He had one weak spot, his heel. He was killed by an arrow in the heel in the Trojan War.

Idioms

What does this mean?3. Added fuel to the fireMeaning: making a bad situation worse; causing more troubleOrigin: Thousands of years ago a Roman historian used this expression. If you pour water on fire it will go out, but if you put fuel on it, it will burn hotter and brighter.

Idioms

What does it mean?4. Apple of my eye…Meaning: a person greatly loved and treasuredOrigin: Ancient people thought the pupil of the eye to be the shape of an apple. The pupil is important to see, so it is precious and protected.

Idioms

What does it mean?5. Ants in your pants…Meaning: extreme restlessness; can’t stop squirming aroundOrigin: This one is easy to understand! If you had ants in your pants you would wiggle a lot!

Idioms

What does it mean?6. As the crow flies…Meaning: the shortest and most direct route; measured in a straight lineOrigin: Most birds, including crows, fly to their destination in a straight direct line without zigzagging, or taking detours.

Idioms

Are there idioms in the bible?

Yes, there are! We already shared one, “…apple of my eye”. Sometimes we use idioms to soften blows or be kind about another's feelings. Let’s see how the Bible uses them.

Figurative Language

Hebrew idioms have found their way into the everyday talk of millions of people.

Figurative Language

Example: “go the second mile”"kill the fatted calf" "eat the forbidden fruit."

Figurative Language

What they mean:“go the second mile”: willing to do much more to help someone out"kill the fatted calf”: celebration that is extravagant "eat the forbidden fruit”: disobedient and sinful

Figurative Language

Where did these come from?Idiom: “go the second mile”(Matthew 5:41)

Meaning: When someone asks you to go 1 mile be willing to go 2 miles. Do more than is required.

Figurative LanguageWhere did this come from?

Idiom:"kill the fatted calf”(Luke 15:23)Meaning: A rebellious son had come home after being away a long time away. He was reconciled to his family and they celebrated as though he came back from the dead! They killed a calf to eat to celebrate.

Figurative LanguageWhere did this come from?

Idiom: "eat the forbidden fruit”(Gen.2:16)Meaning: Based on the story in Genesis where Adam and Eve sinned in the garden by eating the fruit that God specifically told them not to eat. This refers to doing what you know is wrong.

Let’s look at some examples of idioms used in the Bible:

Figurative Language

Example: Idiom: following the "straight and narrow”(Matthew 7:14)Meaning: The way of proper conduct and moral integrity.

Another example of an idiom in the Bible:

Figurative Language

Example: Idiom: "handwriting on the wall” Daniel 5:5

Meaning: It means something is so obvious only a fool would not see it coming.

Reading is Thinking Practice

Read the following passage: Genesis 37:1-36, The Message

Respond in your journal on the following:

1.What is the main idea of this passage? (Make sure you support your opinion by using the text.)

2. What connections did you make with this chapter? What questions do you have?

(Think about how you would feel if you were Joseph’s brother? What advice would you give him?)

Share your connections and questions in the Discussion Forum with others taking this course!

Here are some questions I want you to reflect on in your journal:

A.Why is jealousy a dangerous emotion? Explain.

B.Do you think Joseph could have handled himself differently even though he had these dreams?

C. Do you think we can learn from this?

Explain your thinking.

Look for examples of idioms in your reading this week. Record them in your journal. Remember to write the date and title: Examples of idioms.

You can also look up idioms on the internet. Look up common idioms in English. What do they mean?

Writing

Good-Bye, until next time!

We will review figurative language in our next lesson. We will review metaphors, similes, personification, and idioms. Keep up your reading! Use the CROPQV to show reading is thinking!