Skip to main content

Tips for making it easier to learn idioms

 


What are idioms?

Definition

An idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning generally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom's individual elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say and generally defy the rules of grammar. They have, however, hidden meaning.

Examples

  • "Kick the bucket"
  • "Spill the beans"

The meaning of these expressions is different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which they are made. Their meaning is however used figuratively. They mean respectively:

  • "to die "
  • "to tell people secret information"

How can I learn idioms and phrases in English?

When it comes to learning some idioms and phrases in the English language, a simple, yet effective approach everyone can try on a daily basis is:

  1. Hear it - First, you need to hear or read a new expression or come into contact with it in any other way. In order to spice your vocabulary up with idioms and phrases, you first have to constantly be on the prowl for them.
  2. Write it - Next up is writing the new phrases or idioms down, lest you forget them. Yes, it’s a bit traditional, but some traditions are the best approach and are here to stay. If you write it down, it’s not going anywhere, which can’t be said for our forgetful memories. 
  3. Use it - Finally, you have to use an expression in order for it to become part of your everyday vocabulary. If it remains a bunch of letters on a piece of paper, it’s of no use to anyone, least of all you. So, try using it, either in writing or when speaking to a mate, and you will remember it, don’t worry!

How do you memorize idioms and phrases easily?

Even though it would seem that some phrases and idioms are quite tricky to memorize, it doesn’t always have to be so. There are some tricks that can help you learn them quickly and easily and here are the best of them:

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

  Due to the complexities of English, nobody, native or second language learner can honestly brag about having a proficient level of the language without a solid knowledge of Idioms.  Every day, in almost every conversation, native speakers will use idioms more than someone who is new to the language, simply because they are more familiar with them and know the context in which they should be used. Therefore, this means that when you, the second language learner uses an idiom in the correct context, that you have a more proficient level of English and therefore you sound more like a native speaker. Below is a list of 50 of the most important general idioms necessary for traveling the B2 to C2 language learning journey. With these idioms, you will be able to listen and speak more like a native speaker, therefore, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. Study tips for how to learn idioms. The 60 most important phrasal verbs for achieving a B2 to C2 level of English. I...

11 Strategies For Achieving and Maintaining a B2 to C2 Level of English

  As an Advanced Level English Teacher, one of the most common questions that I am asked by students is how to maintain, and/or improve their level of proficiency in the language. Today, more than at any other period in history, a single language has solidified itself into a position of undeniable relevance in our ever-changing globalized world. Be it for matters relating to government, commerce, education, or for the resolution of global issues, English has taken the lead in almost every facet of life and international affairs. This phenomenon, which has developed progressively over many years, has been responsible for a transformation in the way that English as a second language is now perceived in most parts of the world. Governments have found the necessity to embrace English on all levels, schools have attached new importance to its teaching, new institutes continue to spring up on almost a daily basis and universities are now making it a mandatory part of a student's graduati...

The 100 Essential Metaphoric Expressions To Know.

  What is a Metaphor? Metaphor (Etymology: ‘ Metaphora ’ in Greek meaning “to transfer”) is an interesting way to emphasize and map certain descriptive qualities of two terms. They come under the branch of figures of speech in literature and poetry. Metaphors create a beautiful blend between concepts, to form comparisons between a particular behavior, concept or a feeling with something impractical or unrelated to it. The evolution of language has witnessed many metaphorical descriptions turn into a conventional language used today. However, metaphors can be used in abstract forms also. The best examples of abstract metaphors are seen in movies like the Oscar-winner Parasite where the characters are attributed to the quality of leaching off wealth. ADVANED ENGLISH: The Essentail Similies For Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English Types of Metaphors Here are a few common types of metaphors: Implied  Metaphor An implied metaphor compares two things without naming one of the thing...