Idioms

Have you ever heard the saying: I’m feeling under the weather today. *Do you understand what is being said?

Getting off on the wrong foot What about these? Hit the nail on the head Pulling my leg Down in the dumps Getting off on the wrong foot

All these statements have ONE thing in common… They are all Idioms

An idiom is a common phrase made up of words that can’t be understood by their ordinary (literal) meaning. *People use idioms in everyday conversation.

Idioms can be difficult to understand because they have a completely different meaning from what is actually said. Let’s look at some examples:

The phrase (or idiom): “Hit the road” This phrase (idiom) has nothing to do with walking out of the classroom and smacking the street. It really means “go away or leave.”

“Can I give you a hand?” The phrase (or idiom): This phrase or idiom doesn’t mean that you will physically give someone one of your hands. It really means to “help someone out.”

This is the last straw On cloud Nine Down in the dumps Let’s see if you know the meanings of these idioms: This is the last straw On cloud Nine Down in the dumps Crack someone up Shake a leg *All of these mean something different from what is actually being said. That is what an idiom is!

See if you can locate the idiom in the following short poem: I had butterflies in my stomach when I tried out for the play. I was really, really nervous but I tried out anyway.

The principal said, “You’re in hot water for fighting at school.” See if you can locate the idiom in this poem: The principal said, “You’re in hot water for fighting at school.” He meant that I was in big trouble for not following the rule.

In one ear and out the other Rub someone the wrong way Activity: Read the following idioms. See how many you can understand and explain: In one ear and out the other Rub someone the wrong way All bark and no bite Being two-faced Butter me up

Questions about Idioms???