Study on Idioms

Definition of Idiom

An expression that differs from the literal meaning of the individual word when specific terms are used together is referred to as an idiom. Say I said, “Don’t worry, going to your place is a piece of cake,” as an example. We would comprehend that the phrase “piece of cake” refers to how simple something is. Naturally, when the term “cake” is used alone, we wouldn’t think of it as anything other than dessert. However, it is a well-known idiom in this case.

Examples of Idioms

The English language has tens of thousands of idioms. Idioms are problematic for persons whose first language is not English, as we might certainly guess. In actuality, American idioms are difficult for even native English speakers in the Motherland of England. They are frequent idioms; therefore, most Americans are familiar with them. They frequently appear in our favourite television shows, in school, and in our homes.

Idioms from the United States may travel abroad, while other times they are exclusive to a single state. Here are a handful of the idioms most frequently used in the US and their most likely sources. 

1.’As happy as a clam’

Sentence-He was happy as a clam on the day of his Result.

Meaning: Pleased, very content

Origin: Why on earth would a clam ever be joyful, then? They are shellfish and have no emotions. The smile probably first appeared because when a clam’s shell is cracked, the clam does appear to be smiling.

2.’Pass the buck’

Meaning: To abdicate one’s duties by transferring them to some other person.

Origin: In the 1800s, poker became quite well-liked in the United States. Of course, many of the cowboys and bar guests who participated in the game were unethical gambler types. As a result, a system was established wherein a different player would deal the cards for each new game, and they would be given some sort of marking to signify that it was their deal. A knife was frequently used as a marker. These knives generally had buck’s horn used for the handles. The symbol simply became recognised as a buck throughout time.

3. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Origin: The proverb has been around for ages in various forms; its primary creditor is Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (1878).

Meaning: What looks beautiful and attractive to one person may not look beautiful or attractive to another.

4. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Origin: Samuel Butler poem, 1663

Meaning: Never assume anything will happen until it actually does.

5. No crying over spilt milk.

Origin: unknown

Meaning: Don’t become irritated over things that are beyond your control. OR: Don’t get stressed about something that is truly is just a little issue.

6. Curiosity killed the cat.

Origin: proverb; Ben Jonson play, 1598

Meaning: Being overly inquisitive or curious might be risky.

7. It’s raining cats and dogs.

Origin: unknown

Meaning: There is a heavy downpour.

8. Back to the drawing board.

Origin: possibly artist Peter Arno, 1941

Meaning: It’s time to restart. We must begin from the beginning.

9.Beat around the bush.

Origin: Medieval Period

Meaning: Someone is avoiding the topic.

10.You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Origin: mid-19th century

Meaning Don’t base your opinion of someone or something on how they appear.

Idioms Are Not Always Grammatical

Idioms are not always logical and don’t always follow conventional grammar rules because they are the result of common usage.

This is thus because, regardless of each word’s grammatical function, the phrase as a whole conveys the idiom’s meaning, not the individual words.

For example,

1.This is a life-and-death situation.

Even if the statement is crucial, it is irrational. Life and death cannot apply to a situation.

2. In a similar vein, sayings like “it’s not you, it’s me” are grammatically incorrect.

Idioms Are Not Complete Thoughts

An idiom doesn’t, by itself, make a whole sentence, just like any other term. To give them significance, additional context is needed.

For example,

1.Beat around the bush

This idiom is not a complete sentence by itself. It’s the idea itself that is the idiom. One might make it into a complete sentence by adding:

Don’t beat around the bush.

-OR-

He’s beating around the bush.

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION

Here’s an example of an idiomatic expression:

“Hold your tongue”

The literal meaning of this phrase isn’t to put your fingers in your mouth and grab hold of your tongue. It implies that you should remain silent.

When it would be preferable if they didn’t speak, people “hold their tongues” in certain instances. So, even if their tongue is ready to speak, they “hold” it and remain silent.

Examples of idiomatic expression –

1. He’s been down in the dumps lately. —> sad or depressed
2. I feel sick as a dog. –> very sick
3. My grandma has been under the weather. —> not well
4. Rise and shine! -> Wake up and be happy!
5. Bring your umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs out there! -> very hard rain
6. This assignment is a piece of cake. > very easy

Phrases

A phrase is a group of two or more words that serves as a meaningful unit inside a sentence or clause in English grammar. Typically, a phrase is thought of as a grammatical unit that falls between a word and a clause.

A phrase is composed of one or more optional modifiers and a head (or headword), which establishes the grammatical nature of the unit. It’s possible for phrases to contain other phrases

Conclusion

A phrase or statement is considered to be an idiom if it usually has a metaphorical, non-literal meaning connected to it. Formulaic language is when an idiom’s metaphorical meaning differs from its literal meaning. Idioms are often used across all languages; there are over 25 million idiomatic words in English alone.