Idioms and idiomatic expressions

ING 482

The English language is one of the vastest and most vivid languages in the world. It is made up of over 1.5 million words. Over and above that, the same word can have a variety of different meanings depending on the context it is put in; two (or more) words can have the exact same spelling but are pronounced differently, depending on their meanings.

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

Today's discussion will mainly focus on those combinations of words which are commonly referred to as idioms or idiomatic expressions.

It is important to point out that idioms use language in a non-literal (and sometimes metaphorical) way.

Idiomatic expressions

This implies that ‘the meaning of the idiomatic expression cannot be deduced by looking at the meaning of the individual words that it is made up of' (Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language, David Crystal).

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

Another important feature to point out is that idioms are fixed, which means that people cannot just decide to make up their own.

Here is a list of idioms, can you guess their meanings?

Idiomatic expressions

A penny for your thoughts Once in a blue moon Miss the boat Kill two birds with one stone Costs an arm and a leg Take what someone says with a pinch of salt Feeling a bit under the weather Speak of the devil!

Common Idioms

This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

This is used when something happens very rarely. This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or

her chance at something. This means ‘to do two things at the same time'. When something is very expensive. This means not to take what someone says too

seriously. There is a big possibility that what he/she says is only partly true.

Feeling slightly ill. This expression is used when the person you have just

been talking about arrives.

MEANINGS

MORE IDIOMS

Add insult to injury A hot potato See eye to eye On the ball Cut corners The last straw The best of both worlds Put wool over other people's eyes

MORE IDIOMS

When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse.

This idiom is used to speak of an issue (especially in current affairs) which many people are talking about.

This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.

When someone understands the situation well. When something is done badly to save money. For

example, when someone buys products that are cheap but not of good quality.

The final problem in a series of problems. All the advantages. This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them.

MEANINGS

Think of idioms in Spanish and try to find an appropriate translation in English.

Assignment:

1.Pull ones leg 2.Leg to stand on 3.Last leg 4.Foot the bill 5.stand on one’s two feet 6put one’s foot down 7.put a foot in one’s mouth 8.Make one’s mouth water 9.Melts in your mouth 10. see eye to eye 11. pull the wool over one’s eyes 12. butterflies in one’s stomach 13.over one’s head 14.lose one’s head 15. out of hand

IDIOMS WITH NAMES OF BODY PARTS

1. ( to joke about something or exaggerate) ‘ Don’t pull my leg, tell me the truth.’ 2. (proof or support for an idea or decision) ‘Without a witness, you don’t have a leg to stand on.’ 3. ( the final part, the last phrase ) ‘Asia will be the last leg of my around-the-world trip.’ 4. ( pay the cost or the expenses) ‘My father is footing the bill for my education.’ 5. ( to be independent or responsible for one’s own life.’) ‘Now that you are 21, you should stand on your own two feet.’ 6. ( to take a firm stand, to enforce a command) ‘My father put his foot down and won’t let me use the car.’ 7. ( to say something embarrassing) ‘Think before you speak so you don’t put your foot in your mouth.’ 8. ( to make hungry or stimulate your appetite) ‘The smell of mom’s cooking makes my mouth water .’

meanings

9. (tastes very good, delicious) ‘Grandmother’s apple pie melts in your mouth.’ 10. (to agree completely ) ‘We get along well because w usually see eye to eye.’ 11. ( to deceive or trick someone) ‘My teacher didn’t believe my excuse. I couldn’t pull the wool over her eyes.’ 12. ( to be very nervous) ‘When I speak before large groups, I get butterflies in my stomach.’ 13. ( to be unable to meet responsibilities or pay debts) ‘Stella can’t pay her bills, she’s over her head in debt.’ 14. ( to act irresponsibly or foolishly without thinking: to become very excited.’ 15. ( to be out of control) ‘The meeting got out of hand.’

meanings

16. lend a hand 17. heart’s not in it 18. by heart 19. slap in the face 20. elbow room 21. hold one’s tongue 22. wet behind the ears 23. all ears 24.cross one’s fingers 25. on the nose

MORE IDIOMS WITH NAMES OF BODY PARTS

16. ( to provide help or assistance) ‘I’ll lend a hand and help my friend fix his car.’ 17. ( not interested or enthusiastic) ‘My heart is not in doing housework today.’ 18. ( to know by memory) ‘ I know the pledge by heart.’ 19. ( a bad insult) ‘John called me stupid; that’s a slap in the face.’ 20. ( space to move around) ‘I don’t like small spaces. I like lots of elbow room.’ 21. ( to keep quiet) ‘Please hold your tongue. I don’t want to hear it.’ 22. ( to have very little experience) ‘He’s not ready to be the boos; he’s still wet behind the ears.’ 23. ( to listen carefully) ‘Tell me what is bothering you. I’m all hears.’ 24. ( to wish for good luck or success) ‘I’ll cross your fingers that you will win the race.’ 25. ( perfect with no mistake: at the exact time) ‘Your answer to that question was right on the nose.’

meanings

Información para su conveniencia y seguridad

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TRANSLATION PRACTICE

Information for your convenience and safety.

We are happy to have you on board. We wish to give you some important information which will help you have a more comfortable and safe trip. Also, we would like to acquaint you with some international Aviation Regulations and request your compliance.

Notice the reduced version in English

ENGLISH VERSION