Sentential Semantics:

Idioms
Presented by: SABA JAVAID
Roll no.15160
Class/semester/Shift: M.A 4th
Afternoon
Sentential Semantics: Definition

“Phrasal or Sentential semantics is the

branch of semantics concerned with the
meaning of the syntactic units larger than
the word.”
Idioms

• Idioms are a prominent manifestation of

sentential semantics
• Commonly used phrase where the literal
meaning differs greatly from the figurative
meaning e.g. “a white elephant”
Why do we have idioms in languages
• No one really knows why they exist or where
they all began, but every culture seems to have
their own idioms or expressions. English
language has so many of them.
The origin of Idioms
• Most idioms come from ancient literature or even classic
films.
• Many idioms originated as quotations from well-known
writers such as Shakespeare e.g.
It's Greek to me/Julius Caesar
     Meaning: It's unintelligible, I cannot understand
     GREEN-EYED MONSTER/Othello
Meaning: being sick with jealousy. 

• Learning the backgrounds of idioms can help in remembering

them.
Examples:

2. A white
elephant
Examples:

1.When pigs
fly
Examples:

2.In hot water