when they do differ, the first retains its literal

Idiomatic Expressions and Collocations

meaning and the second loses it.
Objective Question 1
In this lesson, you should be able to What are words that usually go together?
understand both context clues and COLLOCATIONS
collocations to determine the meaning of They are words that usually go together to
idiomatic expressions. formulate an expression.
Learn about it! Question 2
Collocations What are words that are put together to
These are words that usually go together. But, form a new meaning?
not all words can be combined. Native English Idiomatic expressions are words that are
speakers will never say 'big traffic' to say that put together to form a new meaning
there are lots of cars on the road. Though it is Question 3
grammatically correct, it just doesn't sound Match the word with its characteristics.
right. The correct phrase used is heavy traffic. Drag the items in the correct category box
Idiomatic Expressions below.
Unlike collocations, these words are put collocations
together forming a new meaning. It is the literal meaning is kept
informal English or what we may call slang.
Example: words that usually go together
I know how much you wanted to make it to
the finals. I'm sorry to say this; You were idiomatic experessions
close, but no cigar. informal English
Explanation:
The expression, 'close, but no cigar' means words are put together forming a new
that something or someone is very near but
did not make it to a destination or goal. It has meaning and idiomatic expressions
nothing to do with a cigar. Collocations
Learn about it! are similar in a way that they are
Example: composed of two or more words put
together. However, they do differ. The
The coast is clear! Dave, you can come out
first retains its literal meaning and the
now, she is gone.
second loses it.
Explanation: Question 4
In the previous sentence we have the As a token of appreciation, we have given
idiomatic expression 'the coast is clear'. Put Jack a set of golf clubs for his years of
that aside for a moment and look at the rest loyal service.
of the sentence. 'Dave, you can come out What do you think 'a token of
now, she's gone'. The phrase 'come out' is a appreciation' means?
collocation which means to stop hiding. 'She's Correct!
gone' tells us that the person Dave is hiding 2a show of thanks
from has already left. From this, we can now A token of appreciation means "a show of
come up with the conclusion that it is now thanks" for Jack's loyalty.
safe for Dave to come out because the person Next question
he is hiding from has already left. It can now 1a show of happiness
be assumed that the expression 'the coast is 3a show of grief
4a show of sympathy
clear'was used as announcement that
Question 5
everything is fine now, that there is no danger
Italyas' pizza is the best. I love eating
of being caught. there. For me, it is second to none.
Do you understand? What do you think 'second to
Collocations and idiomatic expressions are none' means?
similar in a way that they are composed of Correct!
two or more words put together. However, 1the best
By reading the previous sentences you can 4hit the sack
conclude that the person thinks Italyas is hit the sack
the best pizza. It means Trisha needs to go to sleep
Next question before her exam tomorrow. The other
2waste of time lines don't match the meaning in the
3no payment sentence.
4cheap 1rain cats and dogs
Question 6 2play video games
Relax, in a few weeks you will find your 3bring home the bacon
feet and do your job well. Question 10
What does 'find your feet' mean? The nuns gave her a _________ to
Correct! signify their gratefulness for her
4to become familiar with and confident in generosity.
a new situation What do you think is the best set of words
The rest of the sentence gives clues as to to complete the sentence?
what the meaning is. Correct!
Next question 2token of appreciation
1to find shoes token of appreciation
2to find missing documents Keywords in the sentence are generosity
3to become jobless and gratefulness.
Question 7 1sack of potatoes
I am so sleepy, can't this wait till 3piece of cake
tomorrow? Let's hit the sack. 4hit the sack
What do you think 'hit the sack' means?
Correct!
2go to bed Idiomatic Expressions
If you are sleepy, what would you most Objective
likely do? Of course, go to bed. That is the This lesson aims to teach you how to use
meaning of the phrase, "hit the sack". appropriate strategies in unlocking the
Next question meaning of unfamiliar words and idiomatic
1sit down expressions.
3talk What do you do when you encounter a
4do sack racing difficult word when you read?
Question 8 Learn about it!
Mel has been doing his job for 20 years. What is an idiomatic expression?
He is good at it. This project should be A combination of words that have a figurative
a________ for him. meaning
What do you think is the best set of words The combination of words are not meant to
to complete the sentence?
be taken literally
Correct!
Idioms occur in all languages.
4piece of cake
This means it is going to be easy for him The meaning cannot be inferred from the
because he is good at it. The other group words in the expression.
of words does not fit the meaning. Learn about it!
Next question "My annoying brother is a thorn in my
1second to none side."
2hit the sack The phrase - "Thorn in my side" - is
3break a leg considered as an idiom.
Question 9 Idioms do not exactly or literally mean what
Trisha has been studying all night. She the individual words in them say. This means
will need to __________ anytime now that the brother in the sentence does not
so she can have enough sleep. have any "thorns" (sharp parts of a plant, like
What do you think is the best set of words those on a rose stem) sticking into the
to complete the sentence? author/speaker's "side" of the body.
Correct!
But what does the idiom "thorn in my side"
mean? Here are steps to find out:
Picture or imagine the idiom in your head no
matter how silly or strange it seems. A thorn
sticking out from your side would probably be
painful and awkward.
Use Context clues. Context clues are hints
that can be found in the surrounding words
and sentences and give you additional
information on what the author wants to say.
Read the statement - "My annoying brother is
a thorn on my side." again. Notice that the
author used the word "annoying" to describe
his brother.
We can then infer that the author's brother is
someone who gives pain emotionally. And
therefore conclude that - "Thorn in my
side" is something that can constantly
irritate.
Learn about it!
Idiomatic expressions add color in how we
communicate. They also make our text or
conversations more interesting. Take a look at
the following idioms below:
"Thomas had to hold his tongue even if he
wanted to tell Chris the secret."
Using the strategies presented earlier, we can
infer that the idiom - hold his
tongue means refraining from saying.
"The metro is flooded since it has been raining
cats and dogs since this morning."
Using the strategies presented earlier, we can
infer that the idiom raining cats and
dogs means non-stop strong rains.
Tip
Idioms have their own unique meaning that
can only be understood by people who speak
the same language.
Question 1
Which is not a definition of an idiomatic
expression based on the lesson?
Correct!
4A group of words that are taken literally.
The statement, "A group of words that are
taken literally." is the exact opposite of the
definition.
Next question
1The combinations of words are not
meant to be taken literally.
2The meaning cannot be inferred from the
words in the expression.
3A combinations of words that have a
figurative meaning.
Question 2
Which of these is not a step in
determining the meaning of an idiom?
Correct!
4use the dictionary
Using the dictionary is not a step because
idioms are sometimes culturally based
and cannot be found in an ordinary
dictionary.
Next question
1infer the meaning by putting the ideas
together
2picture or imagine the idiom
3use context clues
Question 3
Arrange the steps in finding the meaning
of an idiom based on the lesson.
Correct!
Get the dictionary to help you look for the
meaning of the word.
Any items that do not fit in the order
should be left here.
Correct Order
Picture or imagine the idiom in your head.
Use context clues. Context clues are hints
that can be found in the surrounding
words and sentences and give you
additional information on what the author
wants to say.
Infer the meaning based on the
information you got.
Correct sequence:
Picture or imagine the idiom in your head.
Use context clues. Context clues are hints
that can be found in the surrounding
words and sentences and give you
additional information on what the author
wants to say.
Infer the meaning based on the
information you got.
Question 4
Determine the meaning of
the idiom which is italicized in the
statement below:
Fresh out of high school, I felt like a fish
out of water when I stepped into the
university.
Correct!
1uncomfortable in an unfamiliar place
Based on context clues, you may infer that
"fish out of water" means "uncomfortable
in an unfamiliar place".
Next question
2confident in an unfamiliar place 1went to sleep
3cannot breathe in water Based on context clues, you may infer that
4desire to eat fish in a new place "hit the hay" means "went to sleep".
Question 5 Next question
Determine the meaning of 2worked in the farm
the idiom which is italicized in the 3hit his head
statement below: 4dealt a blow
Hearing about the victims of the latest Question 9
typhoon created a lump in my throat. Determine the meaning of
Correct! the idiom which is italicized in the
2feeling of sadness statement below:
Based on context clues, you may infer that Alvin's assignment was a piece of cake, he
"lump in my throat" means a "feeling of even had time to go to the bakery after.
sadness". Correct!
Next question 4easy
1gratitude Based on context clues, you may infer that
3sore throat "piece of cake" means "easy".
4painful Next question
Question 6 1something sweet
Determine the meaning of 2type of pastry
the idiom which is italicized in the 3difficult
statement below: Question 10
The plans of the rebels went up in Determine the meaning of
smoke as their tactician fell into the hands the idiom which is italicized in the
of authorities. statement below:
Correct! Take her comments with a grain of salt.
2failed She didn't mean to hurt you.
Based on context clues, you may infer that Correct!
"went up in smoke" means "failed". 2Do not take the comment seriously.
Next question Based on context clues, you may infer that
1caught fire "grain of salt" means not taking the
3disappeared in air comment seriously.
4pushed through Finish quiz
Question 7 1It is too small to count.
Determine the meaning of 3Remember it and use in the future.
the idiom which is italicized in the 4Use condiments in your cooking.
statement below:
Jerome has become hard as nails after he
lost everything when his house caught fire. Words of the Local Culture
Incorrect! Objective
3emotional This lesson aims to teach the students how to
Based on context clues, you may infer that determine the meaning of words and
"hard as nails" means having "no expressions that reflect the local culture by
sentiments for anyone". noting content clues.
Next question Can you think of words that are official to
1hard-headed your group of friends?
2nailed the wood for his new house Learn about it!
4no sentiments for anyone Have you encountered words in a text which
Question 8 you cannot understand since it is in
Determine the meaning of a different language/dialect or words that
the idiom which is italicized in the
refer to an unfamiliar culture? You will
statement below:
notice them since they are usually italicized
Ms. Lorenzo hit the hay after a long day of
work. by the author. Using context clues is an
Correct!
effective way to determine the meaning of
these words.
Context Clues are statements that precede
or come after the specific word or expression.
They provide us clues or hints that contribute
to the meaning of the word. Different ways
on how context clues are used include:
synonyms or translation, antonym,
description, explanation, and comparison.
Learn about it!
Synonym/Translation
Example:
There are still some people in Siquijor who
believe in barang or sorcery.
Explanation:
Notice the word "barang" and how its
synonym or translation - "sorcery" came after
it.*
Antonym
Example:
Filipinos value the bayanihan system, unlike
in Western culture wherein individuals prefer
self-reliance.
Explanation:
Notice the concept "bayanihan" and its
opposite - "self-reliance" that came after it.
With this in mind, we can deduce that
"bayanihan" is associated with helping each
other out and camaraderie.*
Description
Example:
The origami that Hiro created came in
different colors; he folded the paper
systematically to create different animals like
cranes, frogs, and pandas.
Explanation:
Notice the word "origami" and how the text
described what it is.
Learn about it!
Explanation
Example:
Jan makes sure to maintain his gengsi, since
it is important for Indonesians to project a
positive outer appearance to create an aura
of status.
Explanation:
Notice the concept gengsi and how the text
explained what it is.
Comparison
Example:
It is important for Thais to practice sanuk,
this is to offset their everyday struggles with
work.
Explanation:
Notice how the concept of sanuk was used; it
was compared to everyday struggles with
work. You can deduce that it means having
fun.
Tip
Incorporating local words or expressions
allow us to learn more about the culture of
others. This can be in the form of
philosophies, values, history, spirituality, arts,
religion, music, etc.
Question 1
What is an effective way to know the
definition of words that are from an
unfamiliar culture?
Correct!
Using context clues is an effective way
to determine the meaning of these words.
Context Clues are statements that
precede or come after the specific word or
expression. They provide us clues or hints
that contribute to the meaning of the
word.
Question 2
Which of these is not a kind of context
clue used to unlock the meaning of words
that are exclusive to a group?
Correct!
3images
Context clues are words within a sentence
or the surrounding sentences that help the
reader determine the meaning of a
difficult word, therefore, it cannot be
images.
Next question
1antonymns
2synonymns
4explanation
Question 3
Which of these is not a kind of context
clue used to unlock the meaning of words
that are exclusive to a group?
Correct!
4research
Research is an extensive body of work,
therefore, it is not appropriate for context
clues.
Next question
1explanation
2description
3comparison Based on context clues, you may infer that
Question 4 "Ditse" is a "sister", and to be more
Determine the meaning of the italicized specific - the second eldest sister.
word in the statement below: Next question
"Mr. Cheng served us hakaw, a Chinese 1singer
delicacy wherein shrimp is wrapped 2mother
around a thin layer of gluten." 3friend
Incorrect! Question 8
4sea creature Determine the meaning of the italicized
Based on context clues, "served" and word in the statement below:
"Chinese delicacy" you may infer that "Sepak takraw allows players to use their
"Hakaw" is a type of cuisine. head, feet and knee to exchange a rattan
Next question ball over a net."
1restaurant Correct!
2cuisine 4sport
3dessert Based on context clues, you may infer that
Question 5 "Sepak takraw" is a type of "sport".
Determine the meaning of the italicized Next question
word in the statement below: 1activity
"We are joining next week's karakol in 2body part
Cavite. We will be lining up in the streets, 3tree
dance in honor of saints, with the brass Question 9
band playing in the background." Determine the meaning of the italicized
Incorrect! word in the statement below:
3prayer vigil "The balimbing which I picked up from
Based on context clues, you may infer that the orchard is rich in vitamin C but is
"Karakol" refers to a "parade". harmful to individuals having kidney
Next question ailments."
1parade Correct!
2program 3fruit
4contest Based on context clues, you may infer that
Question 6 "Balimbing" is a type of "fruit".
Determine the meaning of the italicized Next question
word in the statement below: 1person
"For one whole month, Nur 2place
practiced sawm. He refrained from eating 4ailment
anything from sunrise up until sunset." Question 10
Correct! Determine the meaning of the italicized
3fasting word in the statement below:
Based on context clues, you may infer that "The elders took part in mahjong wherein
"Sawm" means "fasting". tiles with Chinese characters and symbols
Next question are used for recreation."
1praying Correct!
2sleep 2type of game
4dance step Based on context clues, you may infer that
Question 7 "mah jong" is a "type of game".
Determine the meaning of the italicized Finish quiz
word in the statement below: 1type of book
"Gina brought Rose, who is her ditse to 3type of dish
the coliseum, iti been a while since the 4type of material for house building
siblings have watched a concert."
Correct! Literal and Figurative Language
4sister Objective
In this lesson, you are expected to
differentiate literal and figurative language.
How do you determine what is literal
language versus figurative language?
Learn about it!
Literal Language
maintains the meaning of the words in a text
means that we use the words for their exact
meaning
Example:
When we say 'I am sick and tired' in the
literal sense it means you have something
wrong with* you*, it could be a physical or a
mental issue and at the same time, you are
exhausted with a low energy level.
Learn about it!
Figurative Language
giving a word or phrase a specific meaning
that may be different than the literal
definition
when your writing goes beyond the actual
meanings of words
idiomatic expressions are examples of
figurative language
Example:
'I am sick and tired'
Literal - you have something wrong with you
Figurative - you are bored or even angry of
an event that has been going on for quite
some time now
Learn about it!
Examples:
You're the bomb.
Literal - a person has explosives on or in
him/her and s/he can blow up in any second
Figurative - When a guy says this to a girl
what he means is that that she is very
attractive to the eyes of the speaker.
Examples:
Get off your high horse.
Literal - the speaker is asking a person on a
very tall horse to get off and continue a
conversation with him or her.
Figurative - The speaker is saying that the
person is being arrogant and needs to step
down and be more humble.
Key Points
Literal Language
means that we use the words for their exact
meaning
Figurative Language
giving a word or phrase a specific meaning
that may be different than the literal
definition
Question 1
What kind of language uses the words for
their exact meaning?
Incorrect!
The use of literal language means that you
use the words for their exact meaning.
Question 2
What kind of language gives a word or
phrase a specific meaning that may be
different than its real definition?
Incorrect!
Figurative language goes beyond the
actual meanings of words that is why it is
different with its real definition.
Question 3
Idiomatic expressions are considered
as language.
Incorrect!
Idiomatic expressions do not express the
literal meaning, therefore, they are
considered figurative language.
Question 4
Which of the following sentences is literal?
Correct!
2After the rain, we could hear frogs
croaking.
After the rain, we could hear frogs
croaking.
This is a possible scenario while the other
sentences are all figurative.
Next question
1The birds flew across the universe.
3The crickets played rhythm and the frogs
sang bass.
4John Mark is a monkey.
Question 5
Which of the following sentences is literal?
Incorrect!
4The antique table was sold to an antique
man.
The table wobbled because one of its legs
was loose.
The sentence has a literal meaning and
does not imply a different one. All the
other sentences have other meanings
other than its real definition.
Next question
1The table stretched across the street to
accommodate everyone.
2The table wobbled because one of its legs
was loose.
3Her table conquered World War II. 'On the level' means he is telling the truth.
Question 6 Next question
Which of the following sentences is 1incomplete
figurative? 3over the top
Correct! 4confusing
2You are what you eat. Question 10
You are what you eat. What is the literal meaning of the
If you are what you eat then if you eat a phrase I’d swallowed rocks and
hamburger does that mean you are a sand in this sentence?
hamburger? As I delivered my speech, my voice
Next question sounded as if I had swallowed rocks
1You ate the whole pizza? and sand.
3You baked cookies by yourself? Correct!
4You can't eat junk food. 2hoarse voice
Question 7 hoarse voice
Which of the following sentences is Rocks and sand create the comparison of a
figurative? hoarse voice.
Correct! Finish quiz
4Petra said she is so hungry that she could 1loud voice
eat a horse. 3soft voice
Petra said she is so hungry that she could 4clear voice
eat a horse.
A person cannot eat a whole horse. The
writer is just saying that Petra can eat a
lot.
Next question
1Petra said she is so hungry that she
forgot what the time was.
2Petra said she is so hungry that she ate
the entire pizza.
3Petra said she is so hungry that she did
not share her food.
Question 8
What is the literal meaning of the
phrase cotton candy skyin this
sentence?
She gazed up into the cotton candy
sky.
Incorrect!
1The sky is sweet.
The sky is full of clouds.
Cotton candy is referred to as the clouds
in the sentence.
Next question
2The sky looks like heaven.
3The sky is soft.
4The sky is full of clouds.
Question 9
What is the literal meaning of the
phrase on the level in this sentence?
My mother believed him, his story
was on the level.
Correct!
2true
true