The Fun World of Idioms - I - eAge Tutor

1 of 2

http://english.eagetutor.com/spoken-english/the-fun-world-of-idioms-i

Home
Q&A
Blog

The Fun World of Idioms - I

Created: Friday, 26 April 2013 12:29 | Published: Friday, 26 April 2013 12:23 | Written by Super User | Print |

English is a very interesting language, and as you learn it, you will learn about its various marvels every day! The most amazing aspect of English is that you can convey one single message in many ways and make it sound
amusing with the usage of idioms!
What are idioms?
It is an expression that does not have a literal meaning, rather it is figurative phrase. There are amusing stories behind each idiom and how it came to be coined. However, amusing story or not, idioms are fun to learn and
equally amazing to use, provided you use them in the right context.
For someone new to idioms, it is natural to wonder about the whole fuss around idioms. The reason why idioms are so appreciated is because you can sound satirical, funny, serious, mysterious, and well-read by using them.
In addition, using the right idiom at the right time speaks a lot about your command over the English language.
So now that you know what idioms are, you cannot help but be hooked to our series on various idioms, their meaning and their usage. In this first part of the series, let us start with a few idioms that are more commonplace
than their peers are.
Curiosity killed the cat: Chances are you have heard this idiom. And you must have heard when you were in one of your over-inquisitive modes, for that it is when this idiom is used. Curiosity killed the cat translates to
'over inquisitiveness can land you in dangerous/ harmful situations'. While being wary and inquisitive is a good trait, it is best practiced in moderation.

Act like an ape: What do you call an extremely naughty child, the one who bangs with the furniture because he has been running wild, the one who drops food all over the floor and the one who screams at the top of his
voice the moment you try to reprimand him? Naughty is too light a word for such a brat! This is when the idiom 'act like an ape' applies well. The idiom implies to a person who behaves badly and is difficult to control.

A chip on your shoulder: Are you still worrying about your not so good score in the school-level exams? Are you still nursing a broken heart? Then, in that case, you have a chip on your shoulder, which means that you
are still upset over something that happened in the past.
A slap on the wrist: If you think that your teacher is biased, then there is no surer way of proving it than when the teacher leaves her favorite student with nothing more than a 'slap on the wrist'. This idiom translates to
'giving a mild or an insignificant punishment'. Can you think of other situations where you can use this idiom?
An English speaking course from eAgeTutor will not only improve your spoken English but also train you on the flawless usage of idioms. If you wish to improve English effectively, then it is prudent for you to enroll with
one of the online spoken English classes.
Category: Spoken English / Idioms and Phrases
Joomla SEF URLs by Artio

Archives
2015 (36)
2014 (199)
2013 (199)
2012 (50)
2011 (406)
2006 (10)

Blog Subscription

Most Viewed Topics

How to create a promotion letter in a professional format setting?
How to Write a Formal Email Regarding a Leave/ Off?
How to Describe Your Family?
How to Greet your Boss/ People in Office?
Tips for an extempore speech in English
How to ask your boss for a promotion in fluent English?
How to write a relieving letter?
How to Write a Formal Letter Regarding Leave?
How to apologize in a business environment?
What are vowels and Consonants ?

Latest Articles
Simple guide to punctuation
Slang Words Youve Got to Know
The difference between listen and hear
Simple guide to capitalization
How to use STILL, YET, and ALREADY?
How to talk on phone with a foreign client?
5 Things you must not say at a business meeting
5 Fun and Effective Ways to Learn English Vocabulary
How to talk about a viral video you saw recently?
How to overcome common obstacles while learning English

26/04/2015 16:25

The Fun World of Idioms - I - eAge Tutor

2 of 2

http://english.eagetutor.com/spoken-english/the-fun-world-of-idioms-i

Copyright @ 2008-2012 eAgetutor.com. All rights reserved.

Home | About Us | Write to us | Press Room | Job Opportunities | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Invite Friend | Contact Us

26/04/2015 16:25