Idioms

What is an idiom?
An idiom is a fixed group of words with a special meaning which is different from the
meanings of the individual words.
Idioms are usually fixed
Although certain small changes can be made in idiomatic expressions, you cannot
usually change the words, the word order, or the grammatical forms in the same
way as you can change a non-idiomatic expression. For example:
The answers easy can be changed to The answers simple. But in expression its
(as) easy as pie. The word simple cant be used.
She likes cats and dogs can be changed to She likes dogs and cats. But in the
expression Its raining cats and dogs (=raining hard), the word order is fixed.
He always delivers the goods can be literal expressions meaning, for example, he
always brings the goods to his customers house. In this case, the goods can be
replaced by a pronoun. He always delivers them, or the verb can be used in the
passive form. The goods are always delivered on time. However, He always delivers
the goods can also be a fixed idiomatic expression meaning he always produces
the desired results. When this expression is used as an idiom, no word changes are
possible.
Idioms have a special meaning
Sometimes the meaning of an idiom can be guessed from the meaning of one of
the words.
To rack your brains (= to think hard, something to do with brains)
To live in the lap of luxury (= to live in a very luxurious way; something to do with
luxury)
Usually, however, the meaning of an idiom is completely different from any of the
separate words.
She was over the moon about her new job (= she was extremely happy)
The exam was piece of cake (= the exam was very easy)
Sometimes an expression can have two meanings, one literal and one idiomatic.
This happens most often when the idiomatic expression is based on a physical
image:
A slap in the face (= a physical blow to the face; an insult or action which seems to
be aimed directly at somebody)
To keep your head above water (= to prevent yourself inking into the water; to be
just able to live on your income, to be just able to go on with life, work, etc).

Recognizing idioms
How do you recognize an idiom? It is sometimes difficult to know whether an
expression is literal or idiomatic. So it is useful to remember some of the most
common types of idioms.
Pairs of words
Touch-and-go| high and dry (Note that the word order in these pairs is fixed.)
The birds and the bees| stuff and nonsense

Similes
(as) blind as a bat| as large as life
(as) mad as hatter| (as) old as the hills
Phrasal verbs
Chicken out (stng.)| come across (sthg. Or sbdy.)
Nod off| put up with (sthg. Or sbdy.)
Action which represent feelings
Look down your nose (in scorn or dislike)
Raise your eyebrows (in surprise, doubt, displeasure, or disapproval)

These idioms can be used by themselves to express feelings even when the feeling
is not stated. For example, There were a lot of raised eyebrows at the news of the
ministers dismissal just means everyone was very surprised.

Sayings
Many sayings are complete sentences, Remember, however, that sayings are not
always given in full.
Well, twos company I always say, What do you think, Mary? (The speaker wants to
be alone with someone and is asking the third person, Mary, to go away.) The full
saying is Twos company, threes a crowd.
Ring up the dentist and make an appointment now. A stitch in time, you know (The
speaker wants the hearer to go to the dentist immediately, before she gets bad
toothache.) The full saying is: A stitch in time saves nine.
Its a bit of a swings and roundabouts situation. Im afraid. (The speaker is
discussing two possibilities which have equal advantages and disadvantages.) The
full saying is, What you gain on the swings you lose on the roundabouts.

Using idioms
Before using an idiom, ask yourself the following questions.
How fixed is the expression?
Sometimes certain parts of an idiom can be changed.
Verbs, for example, can often be used in different forms. (Note, however, that they
are rarely used in the passive form.)
He caught her eye.| Somethings just caught my eye.| Catching the waiters eye, he
asked for the bill.
In many expressions, it is possible to change the subject pronoun:
He swallowed his pride.| They swallowed their pride.| Janet swallowed her
pride.
Someone can usually be replaced by other nouns or pronouns.
Jog someones memory.| She jogged my memory.| This photograph might jog
your memory.
Remember, however, that most idioms are far more fixed rgan literal expressions,
and many cannot be changed at all.
Is the style right for the situation?
Many idiomatic expressions are informal or slang, and are only used in informal
(usually spoken) language. Compare
He said the wrong thing and He put his foot in it.
They all felt rather depressed and They were all down in the dumps.
Some expressions are pompous, literary, or old-fashioned, and are not often used in
everyday language except perhaps, as a joke.
Gird up your loins! Its time to go home, (humorous use of a literary idiom)