Idioms and Phrases
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the words taken separately, and a phrase in this topic means a fixed expression used in a particular way. When we say that a task is a piece of cake, we do not mean food at all; we mean that the task is very easy. This is exactly why idioms are tested in the ADRE Grade IV General English paper, because the candidate must know the special meaning and cannot simply add up the words. The method followed in the Master Book approach is to learn each idiom together with its meaning and one example sentence, and to group the idioms by the situation in which they are used, because idioms of the same theme are remembered together. A candidate who builds a small stock of common idioms in this way finds that the same expressions return in almost every paper.
Basic Terms
- Idiom: a group of words with a special meaning of its own.
- Phrase: a small group of words used together as one unit.
- Literal meaning: the meaning of the words taken one by one.
- Figurative meaning: the special or non-literal meaning of the whole group.
- Proverb: a short well-known saying that gives advice.
- Collocation: words that habitually go together.
In an idiom the whole is more than the sum of its parts, and the figurative meaning is the one that matters. Guessing from the separate words is exactly what the examination tries to catch.
Idioms about Everyday Situations
Many idioms come from daily life: to be in hot water means to be in trouble, to let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret, and to break the ice means to start a conversation. These idioms are common in speech and therefore common in tests, and each should be learned with the situation that calls it up.
Idioms from Body and Nature
A large group comes from the body and from nature: to keep an eye on means to watch carefully, to turn a deaf ear means to refuse to listen, to be under the weather means to feel unwell, and a bolt from the blue means a sudden shock. Grouping idioms by their source image makes the meanings easier to recall.
Idioms from Animals and Food
Another group comes from animals and food: to let sleeping dogs lie means to avoid stirring up old trouble, a dark horse means an unexpected winner, and to cry over spilt milk means to regret something that cannot be undone. Again, the picture behind the idiom often hints at the meaning.
Idioms of Praise, Blame and Effort
Some idioms carry praise, such as a feather in one's cap, meaning an achievement to be proud of. Others carry blame, such as to blow one's own trumpet, meaning to praise oneself too much. Still others speak of effort, such as to burn the midnight oil, meaning to work late into the night. Knowing whether an idiom is positive or negative helps in choosing the correct meaning.
Phrasal Verbs as Idioms
Many phrasal verbs behave like idioms because their meaning cannot be read from the parts: to put up with means to tolerate, to give in means to surrender, and to call off means to cancel. These must be learned as whole units, just like idioms, and they are frequently tested along with them.
How This Topic Appears in the Examination
In ADRE Grade IV, APSC and Assam Police English papers an idiom is usually given in a sentence and the candidate must choose its correct meaning from four options, or an idiom is given with its meaning and the candidate must pick the sentence in which it is correctly used. The tested idioms are drawn from the common stock, so a candidate who has learned the frequent ones has a clear advantage.
Shortcut Methods for Quick Answers
If the idiom sounds familiar, recall the sentence in which you first met it. Picture the image behind the idiom, because the image often suggests the meaning. Use elimination against the options that take the words literally, since the wrong choices are usually the literal meanings. Note whether the idiom is positive or negative to remove unsuitable options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading an idiom literally instead of using its special meaning.
- Confusing two idioms that look similar.
- Learning the meaning without an example sentence, which makes recall slow.
- Using an idiom in the wrong situation or tone.
- Treating a phrasal verb as its separate words.
How to Prepare This Topic
- Learn each idiom with its meaning and one example sentence.
- Group idioms by theme: situations, body, nature, animals, food.
- Note whether each idiom is positive or negative.
- Practise choosing the correct meaning from options every day.
- Revise the list weekly and use new idioms in your own sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can we not work out an idiom word by word?
Because an idiom has a special meaning that is different from the meanings of its separate words. A piece of cake has nothing to do with food; it means something very easy.
What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?
An idiom is a group of words with a special meaning used within a sentence. A proverb is a complete short saying that gives advice, such as honesty is the best policy.
How do I remember idioms quickly?
Learn each idiom with its meaning and an example sentence, and group them by theme. The picture behind the idiom often hints at the meaning and makes it easier to recall.
Are phrasal verbs also idioms?
They behave like idioms, because their meaning cannot be read from the separate words. To put up with means to tolerate, and to call off means to cancel, so both must be learned as whole units.
How do I choose the right meaning in the exam?
Eliminate the options that take the words literally, because the wrong choices are usually the literal meanings. Then use the tone of the sentence, positive or negative, to pick the correct one.