Idioms And Proverbs

Idioms and Proverbs

If you say, “The cat's out of the bag” instead of “The secret is given away,” you're using an idiom. The meaning of an idiom is different from the actual meaning of the words used. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a proverb. Proverbs are old but familiar sayings that usually give advice. Both idioms and proverbs are part of our daily speech. Many are very old and have interesting histories. See how many of these sayings you know.

An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning of its own that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words. 

Here are some examples of idioms:

·        to be fed up with means to be tired and annoyed with something that has been happening for too long

·        to rub someone the wrong way means to irritate someone

·        by the skin of your teeth means that something was successful, but only just barely. “She passed the test by the skin of her teeth” means she almost didn’t pass.

A proverb is a short popular saying that gives advice about how people should behave or that expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true. Here are some examples:

·        Don’t cry over spilled milk. 

·        Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. 

·        A stitch in time saves nine. 

Like idioms, proverbs often have a meaning that is greater than the meaning of the individual words put together, but in a different way than idioms. The literal meaning of an idiom usually doesn’t make sense, and idioms can be almost impossible to understand unless you have learned or heard them before. 

A proverb is usually a sentence that evokes a sense of wisdom. While most of the time it can refer to a certain sense of wisdom, proverbs are mere expressions of truth based on common sense or practicality.

Ex Once bitten, twice shy.

Carpe diem!

When the cat is away, the mouse will play.

An idiom is a string of words that when taken together has a meaning different to its literal interpretation. The meaning should be taken figuratively.

Example

To keep one's head above the water= to manage a situation