Idioms and phrases :
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the meaning of the individual words.
Look at this example ; feather in one's cap = achievement
*** A phrase is a small group of words standing together as a unit.
*** See this example; look into = examine carefully.
~ Understanding the meaning of idioms and phrases is important learners. The use of idioms in sentences makes languages lively. Idioms and phrases add meaning, beauty and clarity to one's writing.
Observe the following example:
Stamp out (phr) = get rid of ( remove / eliminate ) something bad by using force.
Study the following sentences:
*** Are we ensuring the curiosity of our children.....is not stamped out?
**** How best are we trying to stamp out corruption from our society?
Give up ( phr ) = stop doing something because of finding it difficult to complete.
Look at the sentences;
*** A child will fearlessly try before giving up.
*** He gave up the idea of going aboard for higher studies.
Exercise:
Use the following idioms and phrases in your own sentences.
1) give and take ( idiom ) = be willing to accept what somebody wants and to give up some of what you want / mutual concessions
2) give in ( phr.v. ) = to admit defeat
3) dance to another's (sb) tune (idiom) = do what someone wants or forces one to do
4) come rain (n) or sunshine (idiom) = whatever happens/be it rain or sun
5) raining (v) cats and dogs (idioms) = raining heavily
6) rained out = cancelled because of rain
7) child's play (idiom) = very easy to do
8) a labour of love ( idiom) = a hard task we do because we want to, not because it is necessary
9) learn your lesson ( idiom ) = learn what to do not to do in future after having a bad experience in the past
10) spill the beans ( idiom ) = let out a secret
Source : intermediate second year english text book
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