Thursday 17 January 2013

Challenging IDIOMS

Idioms are words, phrases or expressions that cannot be taken literally. They don't mean exactly what the words say. They are unusual words which have a hidden meaning.    

Here are some idioms that sound unusual or crazy:

  • It was raining cats and dogs.
  • Straight from the horse's mouth.
  • Tongue-in-cheek.
  • Pull someone's leg.
  • Spill the beans.
  • Break a leg.
  • Apple of his eye.
  • Beating around the bush
Idioms become a challenge to many who are Learners of English as a Second Language. They can be the most confusing part of learning the English language.

One of the best ways to understand Idioms is by looking into the reference/ context of its use. The sentences themselves tell the meaning sometimes. 
  • Eg: This tin opener's driving me round the bend! I think I'll throw it away and get a new one next time I go to the market.

The context tells us that driving here is not about a car or a bike. It tells us that the opener is not working properly and having an affect on the user. 



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