What

is

an

idiom?

words, phrases, or expressions that are

not interpreted logically or literally

IdiomIdiomss

• Idioms are phrases which people use in

everyday language which do not make sense

literally but we understand what they mean

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!!!!It’s raining cats and dogs

means:a. Cats and dogs are falling

from the sky.b. It’s raining very hard.c. It’s not raining much at all.d. The weather is horrible.

a.

c.

d.

b.

SORRY, Try Again!

CORRECT!

•For exampleFor example: It’s raining cats and dogs. It’s literal meaning suggests that cats and dogs are falling from

the sky. We interpret it to mean that it is raining hard.

An idiom is an expression that has a meaning

apart from the meanings its individual

words.

Skeletons in Your ClosetSkeletons in your closet

means:a. Your closet is full of skeletons.b. You are hiding something in

your closet.c. You have secrets or something

that you don’t want anyone to know.

d. You are not afraid of anything.

a.b.

c.

d.

CORRECT!

Sorry, Try Again!

What does this mean really?

Shake a leg means:a. A dance move used in

the Shag.b. Shake your leg to get a

bug off of it.c. Hurry up!d. You are doing the Hokey

Pokey.

a.

b.

d.c.

CORRECT!

Sorry, Try Again!

To break the ice is to be the first one to

say or do something, with the expectation that

others will then follow. Can you think about

Another idiom that means something similar

•To break the ice •To be the first to say or do something hoping that

others will join you•To have a chip on your

shoulder•Describes a person who

is angry and defensive or who is always ready to

argue or fight•Hold your horses •Be patient; wait a minute•Over the hill •Old or too old to do

something•On cloud nine •Very happy or excited•Pulling your leg •Teasing you

Common Idioms and their meanings:

Food for thoughtThese idioms are all about food. Can you explain

what they really mean ?

• Taking two bits of the cherry

• Selling like hot cakes

• Playing gooseberry

• Going bananas

• to take another try. • ex: the girl failed her test, at least

she get another bit of the cherry next year!

1. to sell quickly, to sell rapidly.2. You are a good seller.3. Hot cakes are delicious

CORRECT!

CORRECT!

• Feel uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation.

• If you feel like a fish out of water, you feel awkward or uncomfortable because you are in an unusual or unfamiliar situation.

•Example:

• I don't like going to the big parties they have. I always feel like a fish out of water there.

And this?

And what about this one?

Let’s see, if you understand the peculiar

meaning of some common idioms!

The meaning of the idiom go to pieces is:

to experience an emotional or mental breakdown

• to severely criticize someone • exert oneself to the fullest

extent• to be overly shy or bashful; to

be insincere

Now read the sentences and try to guess the meaning of the underlined idioms:

• 1. Hey! Don't put words in my mouth! I didn't say that.

Don't tell me what to say. Don't misquote me. Don't be sad

• .

1. 2. You look down in the mouth today. What's wrong?

1*You should smile. 2*You look ugly. 3*You look sad.

Animal Crackers• It’s raining ____ and dogs!

• I’ve got a ____ in my throat

• Those are just ______tears

• He’s taken the lion share

• I can smell a ___

Lots of idioms are about numbers. See if you can fill in the missing numbers in these says. What do they

mean?

• Dressed up to the ______• Talking ___ to the dozen• One in a ______• Playing ______ fiddle• In _______ heaven

•www.funbrain.com/idioms/ has fun idiom games.•www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/6720/ has an a to z list of idioms with categories and quizzes.•www.idiomagic.com/dgl is a site about a software program you can buy about idioms.•http://a4esl.org/q/h/idioms.html is another idioms review site .•www.english-zone.com/idioms/ has practice quizzes.•www.idiomsite.com/-history tells where specific idioms originated.