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
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