GENERAL

BENJAMIN C. PIM

Introduction

• Idioms are fixed expressions with meanings that are usually not clear or obvious.

• The individual words often give you no help in deciding the meaning.

• For example: under the weather

• Means= ‘to feel unwell’

BENJAMIN C. PIM

• Think of idioms as being just single words; always record the whole phrase, along with information on grammar and collocation.

• This tin-opener has seen better days.

(it is rather old and broken down; usually of things, always perfect tense form)

BENJAMIN C. PIM

• Idioms are usually rather informal and include an element of personal comment on the situation.

• They are sometimes humorous or ironic.

• As with any informal ‘commenting’ single words, be careful how you use them.

• Which of the following would be appropriate for a formal situation:

a. ‘How do you, Mrs Watson. Do sit down.’

b. ‘How do you, Mrs Watson. Do take the weight off your feet.’

c. ‘How do you Mrs Watson. Please have a seat.’

BENJAMIN C. PIM

BENJAMIN C. PIM

Verb + object

1. John got the wrong end of the stick.

2. Watch out for him, he might pull a fast one.

3. I told him not to poke his nose into my family life.

1. Misunderstand

2. Trick/ deceive someone

3. Interfere

BENJAMIN C. PIM

Verb + prepositional phrase

1. I was over the moon when I heard the news.

2. I was down in the dumps when I heard the news.

3. If you carry on like this you’ll be in the red!

1. extremely happy/ elated

2. Depressed/ low

3. Have a negative bank balance

BENJAMIN C. PIM

BENJAMIN C. PIM

Idioms describing people’s character/intellect

1. Very stupid/silly

2. Is the extreme/ worst of all.

3. A nuisance/ difficult person

1. He’s as daft as a brush.

2. He takes the biscuit.

3. You’re a real pain in the neck.

BENJAMIN C. PIM

Idioms with make

1. I don’t see why you have to make a meal out of everything.

2. I think we should make a move. It’s gone 10.

3. Most politicians are on the make. I don’t trust any of them.

1. Exaggerate the importance of everything.

2. Go/leave

3. Wanting money/power for themselves.

BENJAMIN C. PIM

BENJAMIN C. PIM

answers

BENJAMIN C. PIM