Oct. 14, 2022
Hi Everyone,
One of my English as a Second Language students asked today, “What is an idiot—I mean idiom?”
Yes, by all means, smile, giggle and laugh.
Many of us want to call idioms idiots; it just seems right somehow.
Idiom Defined
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning different from the words making up the group.
Examples of an idiom are:
- It’s raining cats and dogs
- To figure it out
- It’s a long shot
These examples show why some call idiom’s idiots.
Idiot Defined
According to Google, idiots are people of low intelligence. The word “idiot” is seldom used in these modern times.
Other examples of idioms:
- On the same page
- Piece of cake
- Hold your horses
Practice
Practice listening for and using idioms in your everyday speaking. Notice them in your reading.
Idioms add interest to our speech. They shorten our speaking because they are usually made up of only three or four words. Idioms give us a quick way to clearly explain what is going on.
Here’s sending you confidence in speaking English,
Teacher Barb
Barbara Lucas teaches 