What is an idiom? Here’s a quick and simple definition: An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For example, saying that something is "beyond the pale" is an...
True or false? This sentence contains an idiom: Don't cut corners or compromise to achieve your dreams. (Chanda Kochhar) A. True B. False 5 not attempted Select the example of an idiom: A. Honestly, you're such a liar. B. That's a cock and bull story. ...
A particular type of idiom, called a phrasal verb, consists of a verb followed by an adverb or preposition (or sometimes both); in make over, make out, and make up, for instance, notice how the meanings have nothing to do with the usual meanings of over, out, and up. View more ...
Example #2 “Mad as a hatter” The source of this idiom is commonly mistaken as an invention Lewis Carrol in his novAlice’s Adventures in Wonderlandbut the phrase “mad as a hatter” has earlier origins. It comes from a real-life illness, mercury poisoning, that befell hat makers. It...
Idiom vs. cliché Aclichécan be an idiom, but an idiom is not always a cliché. Clichés are expressions or phrases that are overused to the point where they lose their meaning and indicate a lack of original thought. For example, there are few people who feel better when they hear this...
So, let’s slip right in and explore some of these idiom examples, featuring an eclectic list of idioms that I’ll break down and demonstrate in use. All bark and no bite: Someone who sounds threatening but is harmless. Example: For all his loud complaints, my boss is all bark and ...
Salt of the earth: A very good, honest and hardworking person. Example: Mr. Smith is the salt of the earth; he’s always willing to help those in need. Scraping the bottom of the barrel: Using the last and often worst of the resources. ...
This example of idiom comes William Shakespeare’sThe Merchant of Venice; suitors from around the world have come to try for Portia’s heart. The princes must solve a riddle of choosing the correct casket of three. The Prince of Morocco chooses the golden casket, and inside he finds the me...
Though English Idioms are used to accomplish a desired effect, incorrect usage can result in ambiguity and perhaps, even embarrassment. For example, “Kick the bucket” is an English Idiom that means “to die”. However, if one were to miss out the definite article “the” and replace it ...
be more precise than the literal words, often using fewer words but saying more. For example, the expressionit runs in the familyis shorter and more succinct than saying that a physical or personality trait 'is fairly common throughout one's extended family and over a number of generations....