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An idiomatic expression is a phrase, saying or group of words that has a metaphorical meaning that has become accepted through common use, rather than being deduced from the literal meanings of the individual words. Idioms do not always translate well and help make language more interesting and dynamic. Some examples of common idiomatic expressions include "piece of cake", "raining cats and dogs", and "once in a blue moon".

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55 views

FS Word

An idiomatic expression is a phrase, saying or group of words that has a metaphorical meaning that has become accepted through common use, rather than being deduced from the literal meanings of the individual words. Idioms do not always translate well and help make language more interesting and dynamic. Some examples of common idiomatic expressions include "piece of cake", "raining cats and dogs", and "once in a blue moon".

Uploaded by

Shannen Quinaging
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Idiomatic Expression

 Is an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words
that make it up.
 Is a phrase, saying or a group of words that has a metaphorical (not literal) meaning,
which has become accepted in common usage.
 Is a phrase, or a combination of words, that has developed a figurative meaning through
frequently using it. Also, a staple in many different languages, and are often shared
across languages through numerous translations.

In Linguistics

Idioms are usually presumed to be figures of speech contradicting the principle of


compositionality. That compositionality is the key notion for the analysis of idioms is emphasized
in most accounts of idioms. This principle states that the meaning of a whole should be
constructed from the meanings of the parts that make up the whole. In other words, one should
be in a position to understand the whole if one understands the meanings of each of the parts
that make up the whole.

In Phraseology

Idioms are defined as a sub-type of phraseme, the meaning of which is not the regular sum of
the meanings of its component parts. John Saeed defines an idiom as collocated words that
became affixed to each other until metamorphosing into a fossilised term. This collocation of
words redefines each component word in the word-group and becomes an idiomatic expression.
Idioms usually do not translate well; in some cases, when an idiom is translated directly word-
for-word into another language, either its meaning is changed or it is meaningless.

Idioms in fact, evolve the language; they are the building blocks of a language and civilization.
They also have great intensity to make a language interesting and dynamic. Idioms bring a
spectacular illustration to everyday speech. They provide interesting insights into the use of
words, languages and the thought processes of their speakers. They have a sense of mystery
and fun about them.

Examples of Idiomatic Expression

1. piece of cake
 Something that is easy to do.

Example: Making spaghetti Bolognese is a piece of cake.

2. a hot potato
 A controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with.

Example: The subject of bullying and fighting in my school is a hot potato.

3. once in a blue moon


 Very rarely.

Example: I go to visit my grandfather only once in a blue moon; he lives in a remote farm house.
4. a bed of roses
 Easy option.

Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly.

5. raining cats and dogs


 Raining very heavily.

Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday.

6. when pigs fly


 Something that will never happen or is impossible.

Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly.

7. devil’s advocate
 One who presents a counter argument

Example: Hey Jack! You’re always playing devil’s advocate! Give it a rest and mind your own
business.

8. miss the boat


 Miss the chance.

Example: Peter wanted to enter the drawing competition, but he was too late to enter, and he
missed the boat.

9. apple of the eye


 Someone very precious or dear.

Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents’ eye(s).

10. zip your lip


 To stop talking.

Example: I don’t want to hear another sound out of you. Now do as you’re told and zip your lip.

11. the best of both worlds


 Can enjoy two different opportunities at the same time.

Example: By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a week she managed to get
the best of both worlds.

12. speak of the devil


 The person you’re just talking about actually turns up at that moment.

Example: Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.

13. see eye to eye


 Agreeing with someone.

Example: They finally saw eye to eye on the business deal.

14. to cost an arm and a leg


 Something is very expensive.

Example: Fuel these days costs and arm and a leg.

15. let the cat out of the bag


 To accidentally reveal a secret.

Example: I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.

16. to feel under the weather


 To not feel well.

Example: I’m really feeling under the weather today; I have a terrible cold.

17. to kill two birds with one stone


 To solve two problems at once.

Example: By taking my dad on holiday, I killed two birds with one stone. I got to go away but
also spend time with him.

18. spill the beans


 Tell a secret.

Example: My three-year-old spilled the beans about the surprise birthday party we were
planning.

19. taste of your own medicine


 When someone receives the same treatment, usually negative, that they gave someone
else.

Example: That kid is always beating up other kids on the playground. I wish someone would
give him a taste of his own medicine.

20. slap on the wrist


 A mild punishment, such as a scolding.

Example: The cop pulled me over for speeding, but it was my first time so she just gave me a
slap on the wrist.

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