IDIOM

 A.Definition of Idiom

An idiom is an expression that takes on a figurative meaning when certain words are combined, which is different from the literal definition of the individual words. For example, let's say I said: 'Don't worry, driving out to your house is a piece of cake.' We would understand that the expression 'piece of cake' means that it's easy. Normally, we obviously wouldn't associate the word 'cake' when it is on its own as anything other than dessert. But in this context, it's a well-known idiom.

Examples of Idioms

There are tens of thousands of idioms used in the English language. As we can probably understand, idioms are difficult for people whose first language is not English. Actually, even native English speakers in the Motherland of England have a hard time with American idioms. Americans know them because they're common expressions. We're used to hearing them in our homes, at school, and in our favorite television programs.

Sometimes American idioms make their way around the world, and sometimes an expression doesn't even make it out of a particular state. Here a few of the most commonly used idioms in the United States and their likely origins. (Note that these origins may be in dispute.)

'As happy as a clam'

Mary was happy as a clam on the day of her wedding.

Meaning: Pleased, very content

Origin: So why in the world would a clam ever be happy? They're shellfish, they don't have feelings. The expression most likely began because when a clam's shell is opened up, it does look like the clam is smiling.

'Pass the buck'

It is Tim's responsibility to mow the lawn. He shouldn't pass the buck to his younger brother.

Meaning: To dodge one's responsibilities by giving them to someone else

Origin: The game of poker became extremely popular in the 1800s in the United States. Of course, many of the cowboys and bar patrons who played the game were degenerate gambler types who could not be trusted. So, a system was instilled that on each new game a different person would deal out the cards and they would be given some kind of marker to indicate that it was their deal. Often times a knife was used as a marker. The handles of these knives were typically made out of a buck's horn. In time, the marker just became known as a buck.

'In like Flynn'

Michael left the bar with that girl Anna. He is in like Flynn.

Meaning: To be successful romantically

Origin: Actor Errol Flynn had quite the reputation around town as a ladies' man. The handsome actor did not keep his party-time romantic escapades a secret; in fact, he published a book called My Wicked, Wicked Wayswhich discussed his night time romps at length.

B.The Benefits of Learning English Idioms

  

Developing a better understanding of English using idioms

Learning English idioms and phrases may be daunting, and you might choose to stick with language you understand and avoid anything overly complicated. While it’s perfectly achievable to get your point across without using idioms – words/phrases whose meaning can’t be worked out through a direct translation –there are many benefits to pushing yourself a little harder.

Idioms will help improve your understanding of the English language

While opening a text book and studying for multiple hours a day will certainly help you learn English, sometimes it’s a good idea to immerse yourself fully into British culture and talk with the locals. By doing this, you’ll likely to come across expressions that leave you scratching your head, but this is where the fun is, as mastering the use of idioms will help you enjoy fluent conversations with locals – and understand more difficult speech/text in return.

Idioms give a deeper insight into British culture

If you’re planning to live, work or study in an English speaking society, avoiding idioms will not do you any good at all as you’ll miss out on inside jokes and perhaps fail to grasp the concept of a conversation altogether. Idioms themselves give a deeper insight into British culture and actually make language a lot more interesting, so here are some English idiomatic meanings.

• Barking up the wrong tree = looking in the wrong place/accusing the wrong person
• The ball is in your court = it’s up to you to take the next step/make the right move
• Add insult to injury = to further a loss with indignity or mockery/ to make an unfavourable situation a lot worse than it already is
• Beat around the bush = talking around a certain subject or issue rather than getting to the main point
• Best thing since sliced bread = a good invention, innovation, idea or plan

To analyse idioms further, let’s take a closer look at the last example, “best thing since sliced bread,” which means a good invention, innovation, idea or plan. It sounds obvious, but this idiom literally came about when sliced bread started to hit the shelves back in 1928. People were so amazed by the idea that they regularly used the idiom to express their enthusiasm for something.

Knowing this fact helps those learning English appreciate how language develops and explains why there are many obscure sayings within the language itself.

         ⤇ CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH OF IDIOM:

1.https://www.ntnu.edu/documents/1535402/342086074/master_01_RannveigAleksandraSingstad.pdf/e64c5530-2b30-481e-9be5-f84a2e11ddb8