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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