Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Writing - Idioms

Have you ever heard of the term "idiom" before? You might not have, but I'm sure you've heard phrases such as "a drop in the bucket," "a leopard can't change his spots," or "dog days of summer." Those phrases are called "idioms." According to Wikipedia.com, an idiom is a term or phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions and the arrangement of its parts, but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use.

Visit the website shown below to see a very comprehensive list of idioms that are organized alphabetically. Be sure to scroll through it, as there are tons of good ones there!

http://www.idiomsite.com/

Pick one or two idioms that are new to you and post the idiom and its meaning.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

A DOUBTING THOMAS :

A skeptic that has to have physical or personal evidence to believe in something.

A BAKER'S DOZEN :

Thirteen.

Michele T.

Anonymous said...

Finding your feet:

To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing.

Fuddy-Duddy:
An old-fashioned and foolish type of person.

Sheila W.

Anonymous said...

Elvis has left the building-The show has come to an end.It is all over.

Dark horse-One who has been previously unknown and is now prominant.

Anonymous said...

"A Chip On Your Shoulder"
Being upset for something that happened in the past.

"A Leopard Can't Change His Spots"
You cannot change who you are.

Tais M.

Anonymous said...

Cock and Bull Story:
An unbelivable story.


Doozy:
Something outstanding.

Sueeto C.

Anonymous said...

1 Queer the pitch:
Destroy or ruin a plan.

2 Down To The Wire:
Something that ends at the last minute or last few seconds.

Anonymous said...

Keep body and soul together:
To earn a sufficient amount of money in order to keep yourself alive .

Long in the Tooth:
Old people (or horses).

Anonymous said...

You can teach an old dog, new tricks.

Maria Rodriguez-Trelles

Anonymous said...

Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth:

Means when someone give you a gift, don't be ungrateful.

Chow down:

Means to eat.

Deidra

Anonymous said...

"New York minute" - A minute that seems to go by quickly, especially in a fast-pased environment.

Deidra W

Anonymous said...

"Loose Cannon" - Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check.

Deidra W.

Anonymous said...

Two idoms that were new to me.

1. A toss up - a result that is still unclear and can go either way.

2. Can't cut the mustard - someone who isnt adequate enough to complete or participate.

Karla Banton

Anonymous said...

A dime a dozen - anything that is common and easy to get.

A slap on the wrist - A very mild punishment.

Allison

Anonymous said...

High on the Hog:

Living in luxury.

Knee Jerk Reaction:

A quick and automatic response.

Deidra W