Idioms vs Clichés - Indioms vs cliche PDF

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Indioms vs cliche...

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Idioms

vs

Clichés

What’s an Idiom? Broadly speaking, an idiom is a widely used phrase that, when taken as a whole, has a particular meaning that you would not be able to deduce from the meanings of the individual words. The ubiquitous greeting “How are you doing today?” is an example of an idiom. Normally, how means “in what manner” or “to what degree.” Taken literally, the question doesn’t make a lot of sense. But fluent English speakers understand the idiomatic meaning; “How are you doing today?” usually just means “hello.” Idiom vs. Cliché The terms idiom and cliché are often used interchangeably, especially when people talk about things you shouldn’t say. But they’re not quite the same thing. A cliché is an expression like “throw the baby out with the bathwater” or “the cat who ate the canary”—a phrase that has been repeated so often that it’s no longer effective. Clichés are like idioms in that you can’t understand the meaning of the phrase by looking at the literal meaning of each word. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater has nothing to do with babies or bathwater; it means that you’re in such a hurry to get rid of something

that

you

accidentally

throw

out

something 1

valuable, too. Someone who looks like a cat who ate the canary doesn’t look like a feline. She looks like someone who is proud of getting away with mischief. But not all idioms are clichés in the same way that “throw the baby out with the bathwater” is. Consider the phrase “all of a sudden.”

You

probably

know

that

this

phrase

means

“suddenly.” But it’s hard to see why. We don’t normally use sudden as a noun, as it seems to be in this phrase. And why all? Can you have part of a sudden? Some idioms that seem nonsensical now actually did make logical sense in the past (sudden was a noun, once, but that usage died out everywhere except in this phrase). Other Types of Idiomatic Usage English prepositional idioms are numerous and often arbitrary. They

are

enormously

challenging

for

English

language

learners, and for that matter, they give native English speakers plenty of trouble, too. In standard English, you can comply with a rule or conform to a rule, but you can’t comply to a rule. There’s no obvious reason why these particular words require these particular prepositions. The best way to learn which prepositions are construed with which words is by osmosis. In other words, read—a lot—and eventually you will internalize the most common prepositional idioms.

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Words that tend to be used together by native speakers are called collocations. In English, it’s common to describe a backup of cars on the highway as “heavy traffic.” It’s not common to describe it as “crowded traffic.” Although the phrases could reasonably be interpreted the same way, the collocation “heavy traffic” simply “sounds right” to English speakers.

Commonly Confused Idioms Different

from The

preferred

preposition

with different is from, although different than is common in speech. However, most authorities will accept different than in a sentence like “Ice cream tastes different than it did when I was a kid,” because otherwise you’d have to resort to some wordier construction like “Ice cream tastes different from how it tasted when I was a kid.” Take for Granted: It’s easy to mishear this one as take for granite. It does kind of make sense, after all. Taking something for granted means that we fail to appreciate it because it seems like it has always been there and always will be. Granite is pretty long-lasting, right? But what the expression

3

really means is that we mistakenly believe that something has been permanently granted to us. Just Deserts: Just deserts is another example of an idiom that preserves an obsolete form of a word that has fallen out of use outside this particular expression. The phrase is often incorrectly written as just desserts because that’s the way we pronounce it. But in fact, this expression has nothing to do with cake and ice cream or with hot, sandy wastelands. When we say someone got their just deserts we mean that they got what was coming to them. Or, to put it another way, they got what

they

deserve. Deserts is

an

archaic

noun

form

of deserve.

Idiomatic Expressions

What are idioms? Definition An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom's individual elements. In other words, 4

idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning. Examples  

"Kick the bucket" "Spill the beans"

The meaning of these expressions is different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which they are made. Their meanings are however used figuratively. They mean respectively:  

"to die " "to tell people secret information"

Lists of idioms English has thousands of idioms. Here are lists of idioms arranged in alphabetical order or in different categories.

Commonly used Idioms Idiom: a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language Every language has its own collection of wise sayings. They offer advice about how to live and also transmit some underlying ideas, principles and values of a given culture / society. These sayings are called "idioms" - or proverbs if they are longer. These combinations of words have (rarely complete sentences) a "figurative" meaning - they basically work with "pictures". This list of commonly used idioms and sayings (in everyday conversational English) can help you to speak English by learning 5

English idiomatic expressions. This is a list, which contains exactly 66 of the most commonly used idioms and their meaning. Smart Idioms A hot potato Speak of an issue (mostly current) which many people are talking about and which is usually disputed A penny for your thoughts A way of asking what someone is thinking. Actions speak louder than words People's intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say. Add insult to injury To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an unfavorable situation. At the drop of a hat Meaning: without any hesitation; instantly.

Back to the drawing board When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over. Ball is in your court It is up to you to make the next decision or step. Barking up the wrong tree Looking in the wrong place. Accusing the wrong person Be glad to see the back of Be happy when a person leaves. 6

Beat around the bush Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue. Best of both worlds Meaning: All the advantages. Best thing since sliced bread A good invention or innovation. A good idea or plan. Bite off more than you can chew To take on a task that is way to big. Blessing in disguise Something good that isn't recognized at first. Burn the midnight oil To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting. Can't judge a book by its cover Cannot judge something primarily on appearance. Caught between two stools When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. Costs an arm and a leg This idiom is used when something is very expensive. Cross that bridge when you come to it

7

Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary, not before. Cry over spilt milk When you complain about a loss from the past. Curiosity killed the cat Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation. Cut corners When something is done badly to save money. Cut the mustard [possibly derived from "cut the muster"] To succeed; to come up to expectations; adequate enough to compete or participate. Devil's Advocate To present a counter argument Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched This idiom is used to express "Don't make plans for something that might not happen". Don't give up the day job You are not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally. Don't put all your eggs in one basket Do not put all your resources in one possibility. 8

Drastic times call for drastic measures When you are extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions. Elvis has left the building The show has come to an end. It's all over. Every cloud has a silver lining Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days. Far cry from Very different from. Feel a bit under the weather Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.

Give the benefit of the doubt Believe someone's statement, without proof. Hear it on the grapevine This idiom means 'to hear rumors' about something or someone. Hit the nail on the head Do or say something exactly right Hit the sack / sheets / hay To go to bed. 9

In the heat of the moment Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment. It takes two to tango Actions or communications need more than one person

Jump on the bandwagon Join a popular trend or activity. Keep something at bay Keep something away. Kill two birds with one stone

This idiom means, to accomplish two different things at the same time. Last straw The final problem in a series of problems. Let sleeping dogs lie Meaning - do not disturb a situation as it is - since it would result in trouble or complications. Let the cat out of the bag

10

To share information that was previously concealed Make a long story short Come to the point - leave out details Method to my madness An assertion that, despite one's approach seeming random, there actually is structure to it. Miss the boat This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance Not a spark of decency Meaning: No manners Not playing with a full deck Someone who lacks intelligence. Off one's rocker Crazy, demented, out of one's mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile. On the ball When someone understands the situation well. Once in a blue moon Meaning: Happens very rarely. Picture paints a thousand words 11

A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words. Piece of cake A job, task or other activity that is easy or simple. Put wool over other people's eyes This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them. See eye to eye This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something.

Sit on the fence This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision. Speak of the devil! This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.

Steal someone's thunder To take the credit for something someone else did. Take with a grain of salt This means not to take what someone says too seriously. Taste of your own medicine 12

Means that something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else To hear something straight from the horse's mouth To hear something from the authoritative source. Whole nine yards Everything. All of it. Wouldn't be caught dead Would never like to do something

Your guess is as good as mine To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question Although it is difficult to draw a clear line, "an 'idiom' can not be defined as a synonym for aphorism. It is more than that. To be an idiom, a word or phrase must be distinctive to a specific language and have a meaning that is not obvious from the common meaning of the words employed. For example: "raining cats and dogs", "hangover", "jonesing" [drug withdrawal symptoms]. "You're pulling my leg" is an English idiom for "teasing", while "You're winding my clock" is an English translation of a German idiom that means the same thing. Note that in both cases, the meaning is transferred by the culture, not the words themselves." [Author:Robert Hard] IDIOMS AN IDIOM IS A PHRASE, SAYING OR A GROUP OF WORDS THAT HAS A METAPHORICAL (NOT LITERAL) MEANING, WHICH HAS BECOME ACCEPTED IN COMMON USAGE. 13

AN IDIOM'S SYMBOLIC SENSE IS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE LITERAL MEANING OR DEFINITION OF THE WORDS OF WHICH IT IS MADE. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF IDIOMS AND THEY ARE USED VERY COMMONLY IN ALL LANGUAGES. THERE ARE ESTIMATED TO BE AT LEAST 25,000 IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 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. SO WHAT MAKES IDIOMS DIFFICULT? THE ANSWER IS THEIR "MEANING". IDIOMS ARE NOT EASY TO UNDERSTAND - ESPECIALLY FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS, BECAUSE THEIR MEANINGS ARE USUALLY METAPHORICAL. THIS CHARACTERISTIC OF IDIOMS MAKES THEM STRANGE AND DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS. TOP 10 COMMON IDIOMS LIST OF TOP 10 MOST COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS AND PHRASES, WITH THEIR MEANING AND EXAMPLES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS. THEY ARE ALSO FREQUENTLY ASKED IN COMPETITIVE EXAMS. THOUGH THE POPULARITY OF THE IDIOMS MAY VARY FROM REGION TO REGION, STILL THE LIST IS RATHER POPULAR AROUND THE GLOBE. 14

A HOT POTATO MEANING: 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. READ ON PIECE OF CAKE MEANING: SOMETHING THAT IS EASY TO DO EXAMPLE: LEARNING ENGLISH IS A PIECE OF CAKE AS LONG AS YOU DO IT WITH OUR WEBSITE. READ ON ONCE IN A BLUE MOON MEANING: VERY RARELY EXAMPLE: I GO TO VISIT MY GRANDFATHER ONLY ONCE IN A BLUE MOON; HE LIVES IN A REMOTE FARM HOUSE. READ ON A BED OF ROSES MEANING: EASY OPTION EXAMPLE: TAKING CARE OF MY YOUNGER SISTER IS NO BED OF ROSES; SHE IS VERY SILLY. READ ON RAINING CATS AND DOGS MEANING: RAINING VERY HEAVILY EXAMPLE: I WANTED TO GO TO PLAY OUTSIDE, BUT IT WAS RAINING CATS AND DOGS YESTERDAY. READ ON HEN PIGS FLY MEANING: SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN OR IS IMPOSSIBLE. EXAMPLE: WILLIAM WILL KEEP QUIET ONLY WHEN PIGS FLY. READ ON L'S ADVOCATE MEANING: ONE WHO PRESENTS A COUNTER ARGUMENT

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EXAMPLE: HEY JACK! YOU'RE ALWAYS PLAYING DEVIL'S ADVOCATE! GIVE IT A REST AND MIND YOUR BUSINESS. READ ON

OWN

HE BOAT MEANING: MISS THE CHANCE. EXAMPLE: PETER WANTED TO ENTER THE DRAWING COMPETITION, BUT HE WAS TOO LATE TO ENTER, AND HE MISSED THE BOAT. READ ON EYE MEANING: SOMEONE VERY PRECIOUS OR DEAR EXAMPLE: EVERY KID IN THE WORLD IS THE APPLE OF THEIR PARENTS' EYE(S). READ ON P MEANING: 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. READ ON DOWNLOAD AS PDF FILE LATEST IDIOMS! BACKROOM BOY(S) MEANING: PEOPLE WHO WORK IN ANONYMITY EXAMPLE: THEY LEFT THE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS FOR THE BACK-ROOMS BOYS. THEY WILL MAKE SHORT WORK OF IT ALL. READ ON END UP MEANING: REACH A PARTICULAR PLACE OR CONDITION EXAMPLE: THEY ATE SO MUCH THAT THEY ENDED UP FEELING ILL FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. READ ON BUFFER ZONE

16

MEANING: NEUTRAL ZONE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE AREAS EXAMPLE: THE COUNCIL PROPOSED TO PLANT SOME PARKLAND INDUSTRIAL

AS

A BUFFER

ESTATE

AND

PROJECT. READ ON CALL ON MEANING: USE COURAGE,

ZONE BETWEEN THE

NEW

RESERVE,

THE

HOUSING

NERVE

OR

STRENGTH TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING EXAMPLE: HE HAD TO CALL ON ALL HIS STRENGTH TO GET TO THE FINALS. READ ON TURN ASIDE MEANING: REFUSE ENTRY TO SOMEWHERE EXAMPLE: HIS JOB APPLICATION WAS TURNED ASIDE WHEN THEY SAW HIS CRIMINAL RECORD.

LIST OF ALL IDIOMS Page 1 of 141 BACKROOM BOY(S) MEANING: PEOPLE WHO WORK IN ANONYMITY EXAMPLE: THEY LEFT THE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS FOR THE BACK-ROOMS BOYS. THEY WILL MAKE SHORT WORK OF IT ALL. READ ON END UP MEANING: REACH A PARTICULAR PLACE OR CONDITION EXAMPLE: THEY ATE SO MUCH THAT THEY ENDED UP FEELING ILL FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. READ ON BUFFER ZONE

17

MEANING: NEUTRAL ZONE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE AREAS EXAMPLE: THE COUNCIL PROPOSED TO PLANT SOME PARKLAND

AS

A BUFFER

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PROJECT. READ ON CALL ON MEANING: USE

AND

COURAGE,

ZONE BETWEEN THE

NEW

RESERVE,

THE

HOUSING

NERVE

OR

STRENGTH TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING EXAMPLE: HE HAD TO CALL ON ALL HIS STRENGTH TO GET TO THE FINALS. READ ON TURN ASIDE MEANING: REFUSE ENTRY TO SOMEWHERE EXAMPLE: HIS JOB APPLICATION WAS TURNED ASIDE WHEN THEY SAW HIS CRIMINAL RECORD. READ ON OUT OF HAND MEANING: OUT OF CONTROL EXAMPLE: WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED, THEY REALISED THE PARTY WAS GETTING OUT OF HAND. READ ON RABBIT HOLE MEANING: MENTALLY GO SOMEWHERE SURREAL OR STRANGE EXAMPLE: PETER IS HAVING ANOTHER ONE OF HIS PARTIES ON FRIDAY. TIME TO GO DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AGAIN. READ ON BANG FOR THE BUCK MEANING: MORE VALUE FOR MONEY EXAMPLE: WE TRIED THAT NEW INDIAN RESTAURANT LAST NIGHT. THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT, AND THE 18

PRICES WEREN'T TOO BAD EITHER, SO WE GOT A LOT OF BANG FOR OUR BUCKS. READ ON GET RID OF MEANING: TO REMOVE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE EXAMPLE: HE FINALLY GOT RID OF THE DOOR TO DOOR SALESMAN, BY SAYING HE HAD TO GO OUT. READ ON PAY LIP SERVICE MEANING: TO AGREE BY WORD OF MOUTH ONLY EXAMPLE: HE PAID LIP SERVICE TO THE CAUSE, BUT HE HASN'T LENT A HAND YET. Why is it so important to learn English idioms? Well, say you’re in an American bar. It’s loud, but you can hear what people are saying. Someone is talking about hitting books… …another is talking about twisting someone’s arm… …and it sounds like someone’s been stabbed in the back. What the heck is going on? You scratch your head and wonder why you can’t understand these English expressions, even though you can translate the words. Well, you’ve just had your first introduction to English idioms. If you don’t understand common idioms in English, it’ll be hard to truly communicate like a native speaker. In this post, we’ll teach you nearly 100 English idioms and phrases that you need to make sense of the chatter at that American bar—and anywhere else! 19

But

first,

what

exactly are idioms,

anyways?

What Are Idioms? An idiom is a phrase whose meaning isn’t obvious from looking at the individual words. They have developed over time and so they might seem random to you. Idioms often rely on analogies and metaphors. Because they’re used so often in everyday English , if you don’t know them, it’s almost impossible to understand the context. Learning common idioms in English will help you fit in with most situations, whether it’s at a basketball game, over a beer, studying or going out on a hot date. The key to understanding English idioms is never to look at them or read them in a literal sense—the words just won’t make sense together. Instead, you need to learn them in context so you can understand their true meaning. FluentU is a fun but effective tool for learning English idioms and phrases this way. FluentU offers authentic English videos, like movie trailers, YouTube clips, inspiring talks and more, that’ve been transformed into a language learning experience. That means you get to absorb idioms and other natural, real language, without worrying that you’re missing something. 20 Essential American Slang Words for English Learners American slang can make things so tricky for English learners. Has this e...