4th Class English Idioms, Phrases and Proverbs Idioms and Phrases

Real Life Example

Trying to figure out English idioms on your own can be frustrating. English idioms are an important component of natural English. English idioms are non-literal phrases that have a meaning that?s different from the individual words. Phrases such as ?saved by the bell,? 'it's raining cats and dogs' and countless others are a common part of the English vernacular. Whether you're learning English for the first time or just looking to add to your vocabulary, idioms are a great place to start.  

Amazing Fact

To 'shed crocodile tears.'

Crocodiles have a reflex that causes their eyes to tear when they open their mouths. This makes it look as though they are crying while devouring their prey. In fact, neither crocodiles nor people who shed ?crocodile? tears feel sorry for their actions.                

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This lesson 'will help you to:

learn idioms and phrases.

understand their meanings.

understand their correct usage.  

QUICK CONCEPT REVIEW

Idioms are words or phrases with an informal meaning that is different from the words' dictionary definitions. For example, "under the weather" is an idiom: it means "sick/' not "beneath rain or sunshine." English speakers use idioms every day, often without even realizing it, and non-native speakers must learn at least the most common ones in order to understand conversational English.

Examples:

At home in:-familiar with. He is equally at home in German and French.

By virtue of:-on account of. He occupied the chair at the meeting by virtue of seniority.

Fair play:- equal conditions for all. All political parties want fair play in the elections.

In full swings-working busily. The share market was in full swing.

Well of:- rich. These people are very well of.

PHRASES

A phrase is a group of words that have a particular meaning when used together, or which someone uses on a particular occasion.                                   

Example:                                 

He disposed off his car for a small sum.               

Here the phrase 'disposed of can easily be replaced with "sold", so, that's how we use a phrase.                   

PROVERBS

A short well-known statement that gives advice or expresses something that is generally true. Take the famous proverb:                                      

Slow and steady wins the race. 'A penny saved is a penny earned' is another example of a proverb.    

Historical Preview

"Bury the hatchet."

Native Americans used to bury weapons to show that fighting had ended and enemies were now at at peace. Today, the idiom means to make up with a friend after an argument or fight.

"Raining cats and dogs"

In Norse mythology, the dog is associated with wind and the cat with storms. This expression means it?s raining very heavily.