1. Session 9: Using Idioms & Proverbs
Public Speaking:
2 February 2009
idioms & proverbs

2. Idiomห
An idiom is a group of words which have a different meaning when used together from the one they would have if you took the meaning of each word individually.*
Popular expressions that don’t always mean what one would expect.
*Sources:COLLINS COBUILD (1996). Collins Cobuild Learner's Dictionary. London, Harper /collins Publishers. p.547
idioms & proverbs

3. Proverbs
A proverb is a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life.*
Popular expressions that express advice or wisdom
Sources:COLLINS COBUILD (1996). Collins Cobuild Learner's Dictionary. London, Harper /collins Publishers. p.877
idioms & proverbs

4. Idioms with body parts
Pull someone’s leg: to joke about something or exaggerate
Are you pulling my leg Tell me about the truth.
Not having a leg to stand on: to not have proof or support for an idea or a decision
Without a witness, you don’t have a leg to stand on.
Put one’s foot in one’s mouth: to say something embarrassing
Think before you speak so you don’t put your foot in your mouth.
Lose one’s head: to lose control
After I got a small raise, I lost my head and bought an expensive car.
idioms & proverbs

5. Idioms with foods As easy as pie: very easy to do
A child could do it; it’s as easy as pie.
A piece of cake: very easy to do
I can fix your car in ten minutes. It’s a piece of cake!
Spill the beans: to tell a secret
Pierre spilled the beans and told me about the surprise party.
idioms & proverbs

6. 4. Like sardines (in a can): very crowded
In Tokyo, people pack into the subway like sardines.
5. Cry over spilled milk: to worry about something that has already happened
You lost your ring a year ago. Don’t cry over spilled milk.
idioms & proverbs

7. Idioms with colors Green with envy: very jealous Blue: sad
When I won the prize, all my friends were green with envy.
Blue: sad
He is felling blue because his dog died.
In the red: in debt
His company’s sales are down, and he’s in the red.
idioms & proverbs

8. 4. In black and white: in a very simple way
The teacher explained the rules in black and white.
5. White lie: a lie that is not serious
The woman told a white lie. She said her hair was naturally blonde.
idioms & proverbs

9. Practice
Do exercises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
idioms & proverbs

10. Final oral speaking (10 points)
Choose an idiom or a proverb
Prepare note for a presentation about the idiom or proverb. Include the following components:
An attention –getting opener
A clear statement of the idiom or expression
An explanation of the idiom’s or expression’s meaning
A graceful conclusion
Give a 2- to 3 minute speech about the idiom or proverb.
idioms & proverbs

11. Final written paper (20 points)
Analyzing Obama’ inauguration address delivered on 20 January 2009 during the swearing for Presidency of the United States O America.
idioms & proverbs