ENGLISH -11
SOME
IDIOMS
Idioms:
An idiom is a group of words placed in a definite sequence; all of them
together mean something while the constituent words have their own meanings..
Consequently, translating an idiom into another language is difficult and
disastrous as well. They are metaphorical AND FIGURATIVE in meaning. Thus a
certain level of culture reflection is part of idioms. Idioms are metaphorical
and the culture element is indicated therein. A metaphor refers to two things that are not related.
“The ball is in your court”
It
is fairly clear as to what it suggests. A ball in your court invites your play.
So, it suggests that you decide ’quickly’ as to how to play
Under
the weather
The
expression relates to one’s state of health. The person is feeling ill and not
physically fit.
Spill
the beans
The
expressions refers to the act of letting out something held as a secret .
Sat
on the fence
This
is another ‘all-too-plain’ expression. Something on a fence can fall inside or
outside with equal felicity. So one may decide ‘this way ‘ or ‘that way ‘ is
implied.
Take
it with a pinch of salt
This
is an expression that doubts the veracity of a statement and cannot be
swallowed comfortably. To make something ‘easy to swallow’ salt helps. So , the
expression implies that the statement cannot be taken seriously.
Come
rain or shine
An
expression that is quite plain and emphatic; indicates a committed stand by
saying ‘irrespective of the state of weather’, I stand by my commitment.
Go
down in flames
It
makes it plain that the effort failed and that the effort did not match the
requirement and the attempt failed.
See
eye to eye
It
reads simple and plain; the spirit of the expression is indicative of being in
total agreement with someone’s viewpoint
Jump on the bandwagon
Another powerful expression which
pinpoints on persons who simply tow a popular notion, though they personally
understand very little of it.
Miss the boat
A simple expression to indicate someone’s
“losing or missing an opportunity’. Thinking that the dead line is still far
away I failed to apply. Now, I cannot apply, having missed the boat. Same
effect is driven home by “Miss the bus”.
In a fog
It suggests a confused state of mind due to fatigue or by too
many details to understand. Indirectly it means “UNABLE TO ARRIVE AT RIGHT
DECISION”
Prof. K. Raman
Phrases and idioms are what make the language interesting
ReplyDeleteI very often use the following idioms in my letters
ReplyDeleteTurn a blind eye
Through thick and thin
By hook or crook
During my degree course I had some pen friends and to whom I write letters and use idioms.
Nowadays this culture of having pen friends is no more.
KVenkataraman
Sir, these are days devoid of writing [in any form or forum] punctuated by an impoverished style rich in flaws . No wonder pen pals look 'bygone' for the neo youth delighted to be ill equipped. They survive on ill-advised spell check , NOT KNOWING the original, for, they have seldom visited their text books. Your lamentation is well-placed-hapless though.
ReplyDeleteK.Raman