What Are Idioms?

Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be understood by simply combining the meanings of the individual words. Look at the underlined words in the sentences below. What would these expressions mean if you took them literally, or word for word?

Carmen is throwing a party.

Have you run across Ted today?

Idioms occur often in everyday speech and writing. People who grow up speaking English hear them over and over again. Thus native speakers usually understand a large number of idioms. People who are learning English for the first time, however, usually find idioms challenging.

Idioms are not only important to understand the language; they are also useful in writing and speaking. Idioms can help make writing more natural and can add colour to both writing and speech. Choose your idioms carefully. If you are not sure what they mean, use a dictionary.

Idioms Exercises

A. Match the idioms in Column A with their meanings in Column B. Create sentences that include the idioms.

B. Rewrite each sentence. Replace the underlined idioms with words that would have clearer meanings.

1. The secretary took down notes at the meeting. _______________________________________________________________________________

2. But he didn’t take into account the speaker’s fast speech. _______________________________________________________________________________

3. “Please take it easy,” the secretary asked the speaker. _______________________________________________________________________________

4. The secretary was thinking that he should take up shorthand. _______________________________________________________________________________

5. Suddenly the speaker took off in a shower of words. _______________________________________________________________________________

6. The secretary then stood up, handed the speaker his pencil and paper, and said, “Here, you take over!” _______________________________________________________________________________

C. Write a sentence for each idiom. The meanings of the idioms are in parentheses.

1. right under your nose (obvious) _______________________________________________________________________________

2. nose around (snoop) _______________________________________________________________________________

3. be all ears (listen closely) _______________________________________________________________________________

4. lend an ear (listen) _______________________________________________________________________________

5. drag your feet (be reluctant, hesitate) _______________________________________________________________________________

6. stand on your own two feet (be independent) _______________________________________________________________________________

7. on the other hand (from another point of view) _______________________________________________________________________________

8. have your hands full (be very busy) _______________________________________________________________________________

9. lose your head (lose self-control) _______________________________________________________________________________

10. over your head (too difficult to understand) _______________________________________________________________________________

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