Idiom: a manner of speaking that is natural to

native speakers of a language

Every language has its own collection of wise sayings. They offer advice about how to live and
also transfer some underlying ideas, principles and values of a given culture / society. These
sayings are called "idioms" - or proverbs if they are longer. These combinations of words have
(rarely complete sentences) a "figurative meaning" meaning, they basically work with "pictures".

An idiom is an accepted phrase or expression that doesn't follow the usual patterns of
the language or that has a meaning other than the literal. Phrases that, when dissected,
don't seem to make much sense, are often idiomatic.

Idioms aren't something you memorize; it would take you a lifetime. If English is your
native language, you've already learned thousands of them naturally so that you don't
need to question what they mean—or how they mean what they mean. But when you
try to learn the idioms of another language, or when you ask someone who is trying to
learn English, you find that Idioms can be a real challenge.

Figurative idioms

Figurative idioms are expressions so common you don't question their source: let the
cat out of the bag; he has a monkey on his back; it's the straw that broke the camel's
back; you're splitting hairs; the ball's in your court; etc. Many figurative idioms have
become clichés. You can use them occasionally, when they do a job for you—but don't
overuse them. Also, be sure you know what they mean and that you use them
correctly. Don't make the mistake of the real-estate agent who told her client, "The
monkey's in your court now."

Prepositional idioms

The most common idiom is an expression that depends on the choice of a particular
preposition. The choice may seem arbitrary. For example, why do we say "She put up
with him" rather than "She put on with him"? "At home" rather than " in home" Why is it
"sick of him" rather than "sick from him"? No logical reason—the expressions areidiomatic.
Notice In addition that many words take different prepositions to form different idioms. For
example to wait on someone is different from to wait for someone.

Prepositional idioms don't follow rules you can memorize. Fortunately, you don't need
rules. You can usually rely on your own ear and your own experience. When you're in
doubt about the right preposition for an expression, check a good dictionary. The entry
for a word sometimes gives you a phrase showing which preposition to use.
 Selected list of prepositional idioms

Although far from complete, this list illustrates the importance of prepositions in forming idioms.
• accompanied by (in the company of)—The reporter was accompanied by his lawyer.
• accompanied with (linked with)—Martinez accompanied his speech with a series of
photographs.
• accountable for (responsible for)—I am accountable for the errors in the book.
• accountable to (answerable to someone)—I am accountable to the board of directors.
• accuse of ( not with)—He accused the speaker of lying.
• adapt from (a model)—He adapted the design from one he had seen in Europe.
• adapt to (a situation, an environment)—The children soon adapted to the new school.
• a admit of (allow)—The conflict doesn't admit of an easy resolution.
• admit to, into (a place, a group)—He was admitted into the secret organization.
• admit to (confess)—Dr. Allan admitted to having sent the card.
• agree on or upon (something)—We agreed on a date for the meeting.
• agree to (do something)—We agree to pay the damages.
• agree with (people, opinions)—The women who were polled agreed with the judge.
• analogous to (something similar)—Their marriage is analogous to a war that no one
wins.
• angry at (things)—We're angry at the lack of attention the proposal received.
• angry with (people)—We're angry with the people who lied to us about their support.
• annoyed at or with (a person)—The doctor was annoyed at her nurse for the
interruption.
• annoyed by (something)—The doctor was annoyed by the constant interruptions.
• apprehensive for (concerned for)—They are apprehensive for the stranded travelers.
• apprehensive of (a danger)—The townspeople are apprehensive of the approaching
storm.
• assist at (an event)—He assisted at the service.
• assist with (someone or something)—Mr. Nguyen assisted with the refreshments and
the flowers.
• based on ( not in)—The decision was based on our experience with the media.
• bored by, with ( not of)—He was bored by their speeches and bored with his job.
• comply with ( not to)— If you comply with the rules, you'll be accepted.
• contend for (a position, a prize)—The candidates have contended for the office twice.
• contend with (an obstacle)—The candidate has to contend with his lack of personal
charm.
• defect in (things)—The defect in the system was its inflexibility.
• defect of (people, qualities)—A defect of conscience caused his action.
• depart for ( not to, a destination)—They depart for England tomorrow.
• depart from (a destination, a tradition)—They departed from their routine today.
• differ from (something)—The first version differs from the second.
• differ with (someone)—I differ with you on that issue
• end in (a state, a feeling)—The relationship ended in sorrow.
• end with (something)—I think the world will end with a bang, not a whimper.
Translate into Romanian paying attention to the idioms

1) It's ages since one of his sculptures last came under the hammer.
2) They are making money hand over fist nowadays.
3) Everyone told her that drowning her sorrow in drinking was not an option.
4) When we got home our children were dead to the world.
5) He really hated to ask his parents-in-law for a loan but he had to bite on the bullet.
6) We were really browned off with our jobs.
7) The prisoner tried to make a bolt for it but the guards got him at the last minute.
8) The boys made believe they were masters and slaves.
9) He did his task by fits and starts.
10) George has never had a head for figures.
11)This project is quite hush-hush.
12)George loves her in spite of her being no oil-painting.
13)Can I take it as read that all these figures are correct ?
14)I am sure they will talk their heads off when they meet again.
15)The press got wind of the politician's intention to get divorced and started making enquiries
16)Her intention was just to go window shopping but she bought herself a new pair of shoes.
17)This song is really a smash hit.
18)I believe she's helping him steal jewels on the sly.
19)The woman realized the man was a cheat and a liar but she held her piece.
20)The two girls are like two peas in a pod.