Idioms Phrases which people use in everyday language which do not make sense literally but we understand the hidden meaning. Remember…idiom (sounds like) idiot…sayings even idiots understand and don’t take literally Difficult for immigrants new to America Every country has unique idioms

An idiom is an expression that has a meaning apart from the meanings of its individual words. For example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Its literal meaning suggests that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We interpret it to mean that it is raining hard. Other Examples: To stick your neck out is to say or do something that is bold and a bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position. To break the ice is to be the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that means something similar is "get the ball rolling." To get long in the tooth means to get old. The expression was originally used when referring to horses since gums recede with age. So the longer the teeth a horse has, the older it is said to be. To have a chip on one's shoulder is usually an expression to describe a person who acts, as you say, rudely or aggressively, but also in a manner that could be described as "aggressively defensive." The person seems always ready for a fight.

Food for thought These idioms are all about food Food for thought These idioms are all about food. Can you explain what they really mean? Taking two bites of the cherry Selling like hot cakes Going bananas

Feel like a fish out of water Be like a fish out of water Meaning: 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. Todd is a country boy raised in a small town in Northumberland and was like a fish out of water when he visited bustling London.

What does this mean really?

And this?

And what about this one?

Numbers up Lots of idioms are about numbers Numbers up Lots of idioms are about numbers. See if you can fill in the missing numbers in these says. What do they mean? Dressed to the ___9s___ Talking __19_ to the dozen One in a __million____ Playing ___2nd___ fiddle In ___7th____ heaven

Animal Crackers It’s raining ____s and dogs! I’ve got a ____ in my throat Those are just ______tears He’s taken the ____’s share I can smell a ___

Choose 4 idioms from the next slides for your assignment…

Barking up the wrong tree Cat got your tongue Cry over spilt milk Drive me up the wall Have an axe to grind Jump the gun On pins and needles X marks the spot Give me a hand It’s raining cats and dogs

Hit the books Keep an eye on you You’re pulling my leg Zip your lip Cold turkey Wear your heart on your sleeve In the dog house When pigs fly Put your foot in your mouth Toss your cookies

Bite off more than you can chew All in the same boat It takes two to tango The straw that broke the camel’s back Rub salt in the wound Out on a limb Let the cat out of the bag Preaching to the choir Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched