121 replies to this topic

[denterprise]

I was helping my girl prepare a lesson on idiomatic expressions for her students. It would be very helpful for the ladies here if we all gave an example and explained it's meaning. This will help the ladies in understanding us and other Americans when they get here. I will start of with a definition and a complete explanation of the idiomatic expression.

Idioms - are phrases and sentences that do not mean exactly what they say. Even if you know the meaning of every word you may not understand the idiom because you don't understand the culture behind it.

For Example: in America, we use the idiom, A bad apple. We know that if you leave a rotten or bad apple in a barrel it will spoil the good apples. So when you relate it to a person you get this.

Meaning:
A morally bad person who makes a whole group bad.

A bad apple is someone who has a bad effect on a whole group or system.

People also say, "One bad or rotten apple spoils the whole bushel or barrel."

Example:
The corruption in the government started with a bad apple, a high official two years ago. Now the whole system is corrupt.

[LadyJustice]

Call a spade a spade

Meaning: to say clearly and plainly what one means.

Example: Never be afraid to call a spade a spade.

[beautymagz]

at the eleventh hour: at the last minute; almost too late.

"Yes, I got the work done in time. I finished it at the eleventh hour, but I wasn't late.

[LadyJustice]

copy cat

Meaning: One who imitates another.

"You're nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copy-cat"

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: Apple of one's eye

Meaning: Someone who is very dear to another person.

Example: My Herb is the apple of my eyes (smile).

[LadyJustice]

Never say die.

Meaning: Don't quit.

I am very persistent. I never say die.

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: 24/7

Meaning: From 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week.

Example: The blue-collared worker works 24/7.

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: Armed to the teeth

Meaning: Possessing many weapons.

Example: My Herb is armed to the teeth.

[LadyGrismer]

Tighten one's belt

meaning-economize, use and spend less

example- i tighten my belt whenever i have no enough budget/money

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: Over the moon

Meaning: Very happy

Example: My Herb was over the moon yesterday.

[LadyGrismer]

Bring home the bacon

meaning-earn the family's income

example-i hope i could help my hubby to bring home the bacon

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: The cats mother

Meaning: anonymous or incognito

Example: Why he or she has to play the cats mother in the WOF forum?

[denterprise]

Idiomatic Expression: The cats mother

Meaning: anonymous or incognito

Example: Why he or she has to play the cats mother in the WOF forum?

Wow Mrs_Tee, I have not heard of that one before. Is that an expression used in PI, or one here?

[LadyGrismer]

Out of the blue- enexpectedly, by surprise, from nowhere
on a shoestring- with a very little money

ex.- Out of the blue, he opened up a business on a shoe string

[denterprise]

Out of the blue- enexpectedly, by surprise, from nowhere
on a shoestring- with a very little money

ex.- Out of the blue, he opened up a business on a shoe string

That was very good! A two for one deal.

[LadyGrismer]

That was very good! A two for one deal.

thanks

[LornaDoone]

gate crasher= uninvited person

barking at the moon= wishing for possible

redhanded= stealing something

and many many more but i forgot...

[Coastie]

I'm gonna give one that not that popular, but still used by some. I'll also give some history behind it.

Don't Give Up the Ship Means Do not stop, Keep going. Do not give up, there is hope..

History of this saying.

During WWII, a Navy Destroyer was badly damaged. The Crew fought hard to save the Ship. When some were ready to give up it was said Do not give up the Ship. By the Crew not giving up and continue to fight, they saved the ship and many more lives than if they had abondon the ship. This action was seen again prior to the Desert Storm onboard the USS Stark, when Iraq had shot 2 Missiles into her, and another Navy Ship when she hit a Mine.

[Mrs_Tee]

Hi Dave: I learned this partcular idiom from my American Jesuit professor while in college (smile). Regards, Marites

Wow Mrs_Tee, I have not heard of that one before. Is that an expression used in PI, or one here?

[Mrs_Tee]

Idiomatic Expression: A dime a dozen

Meaning: Easy to get

Example: She's a dime a dozen.