subject: British Academics - What Is An Idiom [print this page] British Academics - What Is An Idiom British Academics - What Is An Idiom
Idioms
An idiom is a distinct arrangement of words and phrases, the combination having its own meaning, with odd uses, and turns of expression which, frequently unpredictable from the individual meanings or their own grammatical construction alone. Due to the prolonged usage, idioms managed to be a part of the language. It is suggested that the best way to study idioms is to memorize and use them, also, always refer to a dictionary and reference book on idioms. Idioms are not meant to be explained nor reasoned out.
Idioms allow speakers or writers to make the words they utilize more appealing and imposing. At the same time, it facilitates to convey their message more descriptively.
Below are some examples of frequently used idioms and how they are used:
animal spirits the natural optimism and liveliness of the youth
Some say that fresh graduates seeking for a job have animal spirits.
in apple-pie order in perfect order
The mother made it to a point that she had to put things in apple-pie order before she left her children to the baby sitter.
chicken-hearted easily frightened
She is known to be chicken-hearted and needs some encouragements in trying new things.
a close shave near miss, lucky escape
That was a close shave. Good thing her friend pulled her back when the truck lost its breaks and went rushing down the hill.
dog-eared damaged, well-read
She returned to me my favourite book already dog-eared.
Dutch courage confidence brought about by alcohol
Before visiting her mom's house, he stopped at the convenience store to get a shot of rhum to give himself a Dutch courage.
a fast man extravagant
He becomes a fast man and forgets about his dues each time he receives his monthly salary.
forty winks a short sleep
He was too exhausted rushing his report that he could not think clearly anymore and needed forty winks before he could finish it.
hard-boiled tough, hard-hearted
It was as if I didn't know him. He was such a sweet man until after the loss of his wife, it was really hard to get through his emotions; he suddenly became hard-boiled.
left-handed complement insincere praise
The boss was not pleased with the group's response so he gave them a left-handed complement to make them think again.
red-letter day special day, a day to remember
Meeting my classmate again after five years made this day a red-letter day.
point-blank at close range, straight on, bluntly
The mother expressed all her dismay point-blank regarding her daughter's decision to quit school.
cold-feet scared
He was so pumped up about his performance until he suddenly got cold-feet.
close-fisted ungenerous, selfish, reluctant to spend money
It was hard to ask assistance for the charitable project from that company, they're known to be close-fisted.
light-fingered pickpocket, kleptomaniac
When we go to the market later, keep your purse close to you because there are many light-fingered people in the area.
