Idiomatic Expression

Identifying meanings
An idiom is an expression, the meaning of which is far
different from its literal meaning.

An idiomatic expression is used by writers to achieve

certain dramatic effect.
Examples:
Break a leg. - Good luck

You should get your act together.

- Work better.

Nika hit the sack early every night. - go to sleep

Hi Tom, speak of the devil, I was just telling Sara about your new car.”
 this means that the person you’re just talking about actually appears
at that moment.
By working part-time and looking after her kids two days a
week she managed to get the best of both worlds.
- means you can enjoy two different opportunities at the
same time.

They finally see eye to eye on the business deal.

 this means agreeing with someone.

I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon

 an event that happens infrequently.
I let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.
 to accidentally reveal a secret.

The English test was a piece of cake.

 something is very easy.

When pigs fly she’ll tidy up her room

 something that will never happen.

I’m really feeling under the weather today; I have a terrible cold.
- to not feel well.
Fuel these days costs an arm and a leg.
 something is very expensive.

They really cut corners when they built this bathroom; the
shower is leaking.
 to do something badly or cheaply.

The heavy overnight rain spoilt our plan to play cricket

next morning.
- To ruin someone’s plans
I’ve more productive time in the day because I’ve
developed this good habit of keeping video games at arm’s
length.
- keeping something at arm’s length.