Idiom

An idiom is a phrase or collection of words that have one apparent or literal meaning and deep inner meaning. Idioms trace back to the cultural roots of a language. The English language is very rich in idioms and proverbs, and idioms are the easiest way to express oneself. Its underlying meaning advises common people, and in ancient times it was a very popular method to give value education. The use of idioms in regular conversations makes them rich in vocabulary and also helps to establish one’s point. Especially for non-native speakers, the use of idioms in conversation helps to boost confidence.

Idioms in English

Here are some examples of English idioms given below that are useful both in regular conversation and informal speaking.

“The best of both worlds”—This idiom means’ enjoying two different opportunities at the same time.’

Application in the sentence: She was born to an Asian mother and a German father, so she had the best of both worlds.

“Speak of the devil” means when someone is speaking about a person (usually with malicious intent) and he arrives.

Application in a sentence: Speak of the devil and here he comes.

Once in a blue moon: this means a rare occurrence of an event, especially the appearance of a person.

Application in the sentence: I only go to the theatre once a blue moon.

“When pigs fly”: This idiom indicates something that will never happen in reality.

In a sentence, she will finish her homework when pigs fly.

“To cost an arm and a leg”: This indicates something extremely expensive.

Application in Sentence: Buying an iPhone will cost me an arm and a leg.

“A piece of cake”: This means something very easy (as easy as taking a piece of cake).

The mathematics test was a piece of cake for me.

“Let the cat out of the bag”: This means accidentally revealing a secret.

Application in Sentence: I let the cat out of the bag about their engagement party.

“To feel under the weather” means not feeling well.

I am feeling terribly under the weather; I have caught a serious case of the flu.

“To kill two birds with one stone” means solving two problems with one chance.

Application in the sentence: By going on vacation, I killed two birds with one stone. I had a nice holiday and also got to spend time with my family.

“To cut corners” means doing something with inefficiency or cheaply.

Application in the sentence: They cut corners while arranging this party; the food was stale.

“To add insult to the injury”: This indicates making a situation worse.

Application in the sentence: To add insult to the injury, they left me in the cold after dropping me off at the wrong location.

“Judging a book by its cover” means judging someone solely based on their appearance.

Application in the sentence: “non-branded gadgets can be pretty useful. It turns out one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”

“Break a leg”—it means good luck (usually used in a theatrical context)

Break a leg, brother, you’re going to have a great time on stage.

“To hit the nail on the head” means analysing a cause that is creating a problem.

Application in the sentence: He hit the nail on the head when he said that the market is volatile.

“A blessing in disguise”: This indicates a misfortune that, in the long term, turns into a boon.

Idioms in Hindi

The Hindi language is also reached with the usage of idioms and phrases. Some examples are mentioned below.

Rahul is a very simple guy. He is a cow. It indicates that Rahul is as simple as a cow.

In English, it can be depicted as Rahul is a simple guy; he is a lamb.

“Ankhon ka tara” is a Hindi idiom that means “apple of the eye” in English.

Application in the sentence: The child was its mother’s apple of the eye.

Conclusion

Every language is rich in its use of idioms, phrases, and proverbs. Also, it helps to understand the context during a conversation. It also helps to make the con more refined. Non-native speakers may face difficulty learning idioms and common phrases. Idioms, proverbs, and phrases are inseparable parts of linguistics, and they help to enrich the language.