Idioms 1.3: Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. Identify and apply knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to demonstrate an understanding Of a literary selection.
What is an idiom? refers to a phrase or expression that cannot be understood by knowing what the individual words in the phrase mean. words are put together to make a clever phrase that means something other than what the individual words mean
Huh? Barking up the wrong tree For example: Barking up the wrong tree When taken literally it means: a dog barking at the base of tree. Actually it means: To misunderstand a situation and complain to a wrong person or blame a wrong thing.
Another example… I’m as cool as a cucumber. When taken literally it means: cucumbers can be cool to touch. Actually it means: being very calm and relaxed even in a difficult situation.
More Examples… Great minds think alike. This is a humorous expression that is used when you find out someone else was thinking the same thing as you were.
More Examples… A couch potato. It’s usually someone laying around a lot!!!
More Examples… Putting your foot in your mouth. It means that you said something you shouldn’t have.
More Examples… Cat’s got your tongue. It means that you don’t know what to say.
More Examples… On the ball. It means that you are keeping up with the work at hand.
More Examples… A dog’s life. It means that you have an easy life.
More Examples… Holy Cow! It is an expression said when you are shocked about something.
More Examples… Proud peacock. It means that you are telling people about something you did well. You are proud of yourself.
More Examples… It’s raining cats and dogs. It means that it is raining very hard outside.
More Examples… I’ve got a frog in my throat. It means that your voice is almost gone or sounds funny.
More Examples… I can smell a rat. It means that you believe that there is someone betraying you.
More Examples… Needle in a haystack. It means that something or someone will really be hard to find.
More Examples… Dressing to the nines. It means that you are dressing up and looking good.
More Examples… Stick your neck out. It means to say or do something bold or a bit dangerous.
More Examples… To break the ice. It means that you are the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will follow.
More Examples… Shake a leg! It means that you need to move faster.
More Examples… Selling like hotcakes. It means that something is selling very quickly.
More Examples… Going bananas. It means that you are going crazy!
More Examples… Feel like a fish out of water. It means that you feel out of place and uncomfortable.
More Examples… Hang on. It means that you are asking someone to wait for something. It can also mean that someone needs to persevere.