English Idioms

Idiom (Latin: idioma, “special property”, f. Greek:

ἰδίωμα — idiōma, “special feature, special phrasing”, f.
Greek: ἴδιος — idios, “one’s own”)

• Fixed

• Uses language in a non-literal, metaphorical, way

• Recognised by native speakers

• An idiom is generally a colloquial metaphor - a term requiring some

foundational knowledge, information, or experience, to use only within a
culture

• Assumes common cultural reference points

• Idioms are not considered part of the language, but part of the culture.
 Idioms and metaphors
• Idioms employ a metaphorical use of language. Match the
idiomatic expression on the left to the metaphor on the right:
1. I simply can’t afford more than a week a) Moods are weather
off b) A company is a ship
2. You win some you lose some c) Life is gambling
3. He had a constant stream of visitors d) People are liquid
4. I think I’m in a rut e) Seeing is understanding
5. Carry on, but keep your head down f) Business is war
6. We’re going to weather the storm g) Time is money
7. He was a bit hazy about the amount h) Life is a journey
8. I just don’t see the point
 Idiom v. Metaphor & Proverb
• A metaphor is a way of comparing something
abstract to something in real life
Life is a box of chocolates; you never know
what you’re going to get

• A proverb seeks to impart a truth or wisdom

A white elephant
A wolf in sheep’s clothing
A snake in the grass: An enemy or unpleasant person
who pretends to be a friend but cannot be trusted.
Make a mountain out of a molehill
Like a bull in a china shop
Like a fish out of water
Let the cat out of the bag
In the dog house
Hold your horses
Crocodile tears
Can of worms
Now see if you can find your pair