Introducing English Idioms
By Maureen Guevara García
Content
- What are idioms?
- How can you use them?
- Examples
- Practice
What are idioms?
Definition
An idiom is a phrase or expression that contains a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. This means that you need a context in order to get its meaning! These phrases are also unique to their language of origin, so Spanish Idioms are not the same as in English or French!
How can you use them?
Let´s implement them!
Express Complex Ideas in a Simple Way
Establish a point of view
Sound more natural
Add humor!
Common Idioms
Read the following dialogue:
A: Oh, I'm glad it's Friday.
B: Me too. I just want to go home and hit the sack. A: Yes, but right now it is raining cats and dogs! So, we need to wait. B: Sure, there is a cafeteria downstairs, and I would love a hot chocolate. You know, I have a sweet tooth. A: Yes, I know! Let´s go. B: Perfect!!
"Sweet tooth"
I know you have a sweet tooth, so I have a box of chocolates for you.
"Out of the blue"
Example: I recieved a phone call, and out of the blue! I win a price.
"It is raining cats and dogs"
Example: I need an umbrella and a raincoat! It is raining cats and dogs in Heredia.
"Feel blue"
Example: I feel blue...I am sad.
"Red tape"
Example: Every time you want to get a new passport, you have to go
through a lot of red tape. It's not easy and it takes a lot of time.
"Fishy"
He offers some money in exchange of some candies...that seems fishy for me.
"Costs an arm and a leg"
I just got the new Samsumg Note 20, it costs an arm and a leg!!! It is around 1200 dolars!
"Piece of cake"
The English test was a piece of cake. Very easy for me.
"Couch potato"
Ana is such a couch potato...she only watches TV all day long.
Game time
Start!
"Nosey"
Every time I go out, I notice my nosey neighbors watching me.
They must know everything about me.
"Safe and sound"
I was in a car accident, but I feel good. Everyone was safe and sound.
"On the house"
At our local restaurant, customers get dessert on the house if
they order a meal
"Take it easy"
Take it easy. You don't have to drive so fast. We'll get there on
time.
"By the book"
Rules are not to be broken - Barb does everything by the book.
"Call the shots"
Example: Who calls the shots when the boss is out of town?
"Win-win situation"
Example: Who calls the shots when the boss is out of town?
"Hang in there"
Example: I know it is difficult, but hang in there! Don´t give up!! You can do it!!
"Hit the sack"
Example: It is 10:00 p.m. I am going to hit the sack.
"So far so good"
Example: A: "Do you like being a lawyer?" B:"It's a lot of work but so far, so good."
Guess the idioms with emojis
Practice
Are these sentences correct? 1. My supervisor is very strict. She always does everything by the book. 2. I wake up at 5:00 a.m, so I hit the sack early. 3. I love hamburguers. I have a sweet tooth. 4. Today is my birthday! So, the drinks are on the house.
Practice
Are these sentences correct? 1. Ana is so nice. She is so nosey. 2. My sister had an accident, but she is safe and sound. 3. I get a car, and my brother gets a banana. It is win-win situation.
Thank you!
Introducing English Idioms
Mauren Guevara
Created on February 14, 2021
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Transcript
Introducing English Idioms
By Maureen Guevara García
Content
What are idioms?
Definition
An idiom is a phrase or expression that contains a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. This means that you need a context in order to get its meaning! These phrases are also unique to their language of origin, so Spanish Idioms are not the same as in English or French!
How can you use them?
Let´s implement them!
Express Complex Ideas in a Simple Way
Establish a point of view
Sound more natural
Add humor!
Common Idioms
Read the following dialogue:
A: Oh, I'm glad it's Friday. B: Me too. I just want to go home and hit the sack. A: Yes, but right now it is raining cats and dogs! So, we need to wait. B: Sure, there is a cafeteria downstairs, and I would love a hot chocolate. You know, I have a sweet tooth. A: Yes, I know! Let´s go. B: Perfect!!
"Sweet tooth"
I know you have a sweet tooth, so I have a box of chocolates for you.
"Out of the blue"
Example: I recieved a phone call, and out of the blue! I win a price.
"It is raining cats and dogs"
Example: I need an umbrella and a raincoat! It is raining cats and dogs in Heredia.
"Feel blue"
Example: I feel blue...I am sad.
"Red tape"
Example: Every time you want to get a new passport, you have to go through a lot of red tape. It's not easy and it takes a lot of time.
"Fishy"
He offers some money in exchange of some candies...that seems fishy for me.
"Costs an arm and a leg"
I just got the new Samsumg Note 20, it costs an arm and a leg!!! It is around 1200 dolars!
"Piece of cake"
The English test was a piece of cake. Very easy for me.
"Couch potato"
Ana is such a couch potato...she only watches TV all day long.
Game time
Start!
"Nosey"
Every time I go out, I notice my nosey neighbors watching me. They must know everything about me.
"Safe and sound"
I was in a car accident, but I feel good. Everyone was safe and sound.
"On the house"
At our local restaurant, customers get dessert on the house if they order a meal
"Take it easy"
Take it easy. You don't have to drive so fast. We'll get there on time.
"By the book"
Rules are not to be broken - Barb does everything by the book.
"Call the shots"
Example: Who calls the shots when the boss is out of town?
"Win-win situation"
Example: Who calls the shots when the boss is out of town?
"Hang in there"
Example: I know it is difficult, but hang in there! Don´t give up!! You can do it!!
"Hit the sack"
Example: It is 10:00 p.m. I am going to hit the sack.
"So far so good"
Example: A: "Do you like being a lawyer?" B:"It's a lot of work but so far, so good."
Guess the idioms with emojis
Practice
Are these sentences correct? 1. My supervisor is very strict. She always does everything by the book. 2. I wake up at 5:00 a.m, so I hit the sack early. 3. I love hamburguers. I have a sweet tooth. 4. Today is my birthday! So, the drinks are on the house.
Practice
Are these sentences correct? 1. Ana is so nice. She is so nosey. 2. My sister had an accident, but she is safe and sound. 3. I get a car, and my brother gets a banana. It is win-win situation.
Thank you!