Idioms and Metaphors and how to recognize them: What is an idiom? An idiom is group of words that has a special meaning, which is different from the meanings of all or some of the individual words. Idioms are typically used in a fixed and definite way. Example: To say someone is talking or behaving strangely, we would say that he or she is out to lunch ‐ this is an idiom that indicates that this person’s mind is somewhere else. But saying, they have gone out to lunch would be incorrect ‐ this is not an idiom and simply tells us that the person has literally gone out to have lunch. What is a metaphor? A metaphor is a way of describing something, by referring to it as something different. Example: when someone is being rude or unfriendly towards you, you may describe them as being cold this does not mean that they are feeling cold physically. Identifying Idioms (1) Pairs of Words: Many idioms are a pair of words, which are separated by the word and. NOTE: It is important to remember that the order of these two words cannot be changed. Changing the words in an idiom, (by adding, removing or rearranging words) often changes the meaning of it. Example: idiom: up‐and‐running • definition: to be operational (a technological process), to be ready to use • sentence: Our new computers are already upandrunning. (2) Similes: A simile is an adjective phrase that uses as or like. Some similes have become idiomatic. Example: idiom: as easy as pie definition: very easy That crossword puzzle was as easy as pie. (3) Sayings: Some idioms come from common sayings. Often, only part of a saying is used. This is because the listener is usually able to anticipate what is coming next, without having to hear the entire saying. Example: idiom: Don’t count your chickens (before they’ve hatched). definition: you should assume that all outcomes will be good Don’t count your chickens, a lot can happen between now and then. (4) Metaphorical Actions (that represent a feeling or type of behavior). Some idioms describe an imaginary action, which represents a specific feeling or type of behavior. Example: idiom: to break someone’s heart definition: to make someone feel very sad or disappointed It broke her heart to see him lose the race. (5) Variable Idioms: Normally, idioms are used in a very fixed and limited way. However, English speakers often play with idioms by making up their own versions of them. Example: There are many ways of saying that something or someone annoys you notice that all these idioms start with the word drive: • drives me crazy / drives me nuts / drives me mad / drives me up the wall / drives me bananas • Sometimes, my little brother drives me bananas. This article was compiled by Nayani Thiyagarajah, ELS student Staff. Source: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (2003.). Longman Pearson Education.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 22:04:15 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015