Idiomatic
Expressions
Learning
Competency
Determine the meaning of idiomatic expressions by noting context clues and collocations (EN8V- If-6).
1
Objectives
● give the meanings of idiomatic expressions; and
● create sentences using idiomatic expressions.
Essential Question
Why do we sometimes use words with figurative meanings?
Vocabulary Words
context clues
(noun) the words or phrases that help define the unfamiliar word
She used context clues that are easy to understand.
figurative
(adjective) used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something else
Most of the time, I use figurative language in my poems.
literal
(adjective) adhering to the primary meaning of the word
Give me the literal meaning of that word.
Vocabulary Words
analogy
(noun) the act of comparing two things that are alike in some way
His analogy is illogical and does not support his argument.
metaphor
(noun) an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else The song “You Are My
Sunshine” uses many metaphors.
Understanding Words and
Expressions
While reading an article or watching your favorite movie, do you often come across an unfamiliar word?
Do you know that you can understand an unknown word or expression based on the context of the passage? Context clues refer to the words or phrases around the unfamiliar word. Taking note of these words or phrases can hold the key to unlocking the meaning of unknown words.
Warm Up!
Draw the Sentence
1. Jessica hit the sack as she was so tired doing her homework.
2. Michael has to think on his feet to finish his math problem in 5 minutes.
3. The math homework is just a piece of cake for Jenna.
4. Joana and Karen are in the same boat having a hard time with the biology class.
5. This time, Matthew hit the books seriously so he could pass the history exam.
Idiomatic Expressions
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Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions, also called idioms, are a group of words that have a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers.
The meaning of an idiomatic expression is different from the literal meaning or definition of the expression’s individual words.
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Face the music
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When you hear this expression, this does not mean that you have to turn your body to the direction of the music and stand in front of it. This means that you have to receive punishment or to accept the unpleasant results of your action.
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Idiomatic expressions do not mean exactly what the words say. They have hidden meanings and often rely on analogies and metaphors. Because of this, they make the language more colorful and interesting and are often used to express something in a more vivid and brief manner. They also serve as an image or mental picture.
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As a type of informal English, idioms are commonly used in everyday conversation by English native speakers. Idioms have developed over time and are influenced by the culture of its origin.
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Understanding
Idiomatic Expressions
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One of the means to improve your English communication skills is by learning common English idioms. There are hundreds of idioms that are commonly used by native English speakers, so it is important that you become familiar with them over time.
Having a mastery of these idioms will make
your daily conversation more effective and
interesting.
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Common Idiomatic Expressions and Their Meanings
Idioms Meaning
a clean bill of health healthy, in good condition, legal about as useful as a chocolate
teapot totally useless
Achilles’ heel weakness
always chasing rainbows trying to do something that will never be achieved
face that would stop a clock ugly face
fall from grace loss of status, respect, or fame
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feast for the eyes visually pleasing sight
rabbit hole a passage into a bizarre world
red flag signal for something wrong, a warning, an alert
root and branch completely
jangle someone’s nerves to annoy someone or make someone nervous
larger than life influential
let sleeping dogs lie leave things out to avoid trouble
lift the curtain to make something known or public
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wag one’s chin to talk
walk on eggshells to be careful and sensitive hands are tied unable to help or act
have friends in high places to know powerful people
pass the buck to blame others instead of taking responsibility
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I’m not interested to learn about every detail. So cut to the chase and tell me the ending of the novel.
I told you I don’t want to have only half of the land. I want the whole nine yards all by myself.
It’s Mother’s Day next week and my older brother suggests buying our mother a bouquet of flowers. He asked our two other siblings and I to pitch in P100 each.
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Determining the Meaning of an Unfamiliar Idiomatic Expression
Using Context Clues
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• Another strategy that you can use to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar idiomatic expression is to use context clues.
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If you think solving this algebraic expression is a piece of cake, just try it.
Solving algebraic expressions is difficult for most people and the phrases If you think and just try it, tells you that the person the speaker is talking to probably thinks solving algebraic expressions is easy. Therefore, a piece of cake means easy. Its meaning is more appropriate to the context of the sentence.
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The prosecutor knew that the public official had stolen public funds, but she wanted to get all of her ducks in a row before she charged him with a crime.
The first clause talks about how the prosecutor knew that the public official had stolen public funds.
The phrase before she charged him with a crime gives the clue on what the prosecutor needed to do before doing so. The prosecutor wanted to take the time to properly prepare her case. Therefore, to get ducks in a row means to get things well organized.
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That celebrity’s Hermes bag costs an arm and a leg.
Hermes bags cost as much as a million pesos.
The idiom an arm and a leg therefore means very expensive.
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Drills
Match the underlined idiomatic expressions in Column A to its meaning in Column B.
A B
1. The villain sheds crocodile tears so that other members of the council will pity him and side with him.
a. to pay the bill
2. I already paid for last month’s water bill.
It’s your turn to pick up the tab. b. fake tears 3. . Before our match, our coach said, “Break
a leg! I am confident that you can do it!” c. good luck
Drills
A B
4. Chen hits the sack early today because he will join the marathon tomorrow, and he
has to be at the venue before 5:00 a.m.
d. Go to sleep
5. I’m sorry, but my hands are tied
regarding this matter. e. source of income
6. I will do that scary challenge when pigs
fly. f. uncertain or unsure
7. Since my older sister is good at hosting, it has become her bread and butter since she left her old job.
g. it will never happen
Values Integration
How can knowing different idioms and their meanings be helpful in expressing yourselves
especially in your immediate community?