Figurative Language and Idiomatic

Presented By : Heu Wai Yee : Lee Hooi Sun : Lim Koh Kheng : Lisa Wong Siao Ching

Figurative Language
Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal language, he or she is simply stating the facts as they are. Figurative language, in comparison, uses exaggerations or alterations to make a particular linguistic point. Figurative language is very common in poetry, but is also used in prose and nonfiction writing as well.

There are many different types of figurative language. For example :

Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Hyperbole Onomatopoeia Idiom Clich Symbolism

 Simile : A simile is a comparison that often uses the words like or as. One example of a simile would be to say, Jamie runs as fast as the wind. Metaphor : A metaphor is a comparison made between things which are essentially not alike. It is similar to a simile, but does not use like or as. One example of a metaphor would be to say, Nobody invites Edward to parties because he is a wet blanket.

 Alliteration : The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Alliteration includes tongue twisters. Example: She sells seashells by the seashore. Personification : When something that is not human is given human-like qualities, this is known as personification. An example of personification would be to say, The leaves danced in the wind on the cold October afternoon.

 Hyperbole : Exaggerating, often in a humorous way, to make a particular point is known as hyperbole. One of example of hyperbole would be to say, My eyes widened at the sight of the mile-high ice cream cones we were having for dessert.
Onomatopoeia : When you name an action by imitating the sound associated with it, this is known as onomatopoeia. One example of onomatopoeia would be to say, The bees buzz angrily when their hive is disturbed.

 Idiom : An idiom is an expression used by a particular group of people with a meaning that is only known through common use. One example of an idiom would be to say, Im just waiting for him to kick the bucket. Many idioms that are frequently used are also considered clichs. Clichs : A clich is an expression that has been used so often that it has become trite and sometimes boring. Example: Many hands make light work.

 Symbolism : Symbolism occurs when a noun which has meaning in itself is used to represent something entirely different. One example of symbolism would be to use an image of the American flag to represent patriotism and a love for ones country.

Idiomatic

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words, which can make idioms hard for learners to understand.

LISTS OF IDIOMS BY THEME

Actions Behaviour Animals - Birds Fish Beauty Appearance Business Work Communication Colours Descriptions of people Descriptions places- things Enthusiasm Motivation Employment Jobs Feelings Emotions Frankness Sincerity Happiness Sadness Health - Fitness Intelligence-Understanding Lifestyle - Way of life Luck Opportunity Memory Remembering Mistakes Errors Negotiations Number Plants - Flowers Trees Problems Difficulties Relationships Secrets Discretion Sports Thoughts Ideas Time Violence Weather

Beauty Appearance A Fat Cat

-To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that you disapprove of the way they use their money or power. - The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts.
Like A Cat On Hot Bricks

- A person who is like a cat on hot bricks is very nervous or restless. - The week before the results were published, she was like a cat on the hot bricks.

Actions - Behaviour All Ears

-To say that you are all ears means that you are listening very attentively. - Of course I want to know Im all ears!
Do A Good Turn - If you do someone a good turn, you act in a helpful way. - Mike is a great guy always ready to do a good turn.

Communication Drop Someone A Line - If you drop someone a line, you write a letter to them. - I always drop her a line to wish her a Merry Christmas. Descriptions Of People Bad Egg - To refer to someone as a bad egg means that they cannot be trusted. - I dont want my son to be friends with Bobby Smith. Bobbys a bad egg.

Employment - Jobs

Paid Peanuts - If you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary. - Jenny has a very interesting job, but shes paid peanuts. Feelings - Emotions
Fish Out Of Water - If you feel like a fish out of water, you feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. - As a non golfer, I felt like a fishout of water at the club house. Health - Fitness

In Bad Shape - A person who is in bad shape is in poor physical condition. - I really am in bad shape. I must do more exercise.

Intelligence - Understanding Hammer Something Home - If you hammer home a point or an argument, you repeat it often to make sure that it is fully understood. - The police hammered home the dangers of drinking and driving. Lifestyle Way Of Life Racked With Pain - When someone is suffering from severe pain, they are racked with pain. - The soldier was so badly injured that he was racked with pain. Memory - Remembering Bear In Mind - If a person asks you to bear something in mind, they are asking you to remember it because it is important. - You must bear in mind that the cost of living is higher in New York.

Number

All Told - All told means the final number, when everything has been counted. - The number of visitors to the exhibition, all told, was 2543.
Problems - Difficulties Back To The Wall - If you have your back to the wall, you are in serious difficulty. - With his back to the wall, the supplier had to accept the deal.

Relationships Birds Of A Feather Flock Together - If two people are birds of a feather, they are very similar in many ways, so they naturally spend time together. - No wonder they get on well. Theyre birds of a feather! Sports Balls Is In Your Court - If the ball is in your court, it is your turn to speak or act next. - We gave the manager a list of complains, so the ball is in his court now.

Thoughts - Ideas Bee In Ones Bonnet - Someone who has bee in their bonnet has an idea which constantly occupies their thoughts. - Shes got a bee in her bonnet about moving to New York. Time

In The Long Run - This term refers to something that will have effect over or after a long period of time. - Learning Chinese is going to be difficult, but itll be worth it in the long run because it will help me to get a better job.

Violence Safe Hands - If something is in safe hands, it is being looked after by a reeliable person or organization, and is therefore at no risk. - Ill look after Jamie while you go shopping. Dont worry hell be in safe hands. Weather Reach For The Moon - If you reach for the moon, you are very ambitious and try to achieve something even if it is difficult. - His parents were hardworking people who encouraged their children to reach for the moon.

Thank You For Lending Me Your Ears