Idioms: Figuring Out What Common Phrases Mean

What do you do when you are reading, and you come across a phrase you don't know?

An idiom is an expression common to a particular culture that does not mean what it literally says. You have to learn the meanings of idioms, just like you learn the meanings of words. For example, the idiom Break a leg! means “Good luck!” People often say this to performers before a show.

 There are different ways to figure out the meaning of an idiom. Sometimes you can figure out the meaning of an idiom using context clues, or familiar words around the idiom. In this example, the highlighted words give clues to the meaning of the idiom it takes two to tango.” Whenever they had a conflict, the twins agreed that it takes two to tango. Because they were both at fault, they often quickly forgave one another.  It takes two to tango means “both sides are at fault in a conflict

 You may be able to understand the meaning of an unfamiliar idiom by focusing on just one of the words in the idiom. In the following idioms, the highlighted word gives a clue to each idiom’s meaning.  Drop in the bucket … means … very small; not important  Plain as the nose on your face … means … obvious

Finally, sometimes you just have to ask for the meaning of an idiom. Many idioms are used in everyday language, so you can memorize what they mean. One example of a common idiom is spill the beans, which means “tell a secret.” I knew my cousin was keeping a secret from me, so I told her to spill the beans.