An idiom is a group of words with a special meaning which is different from the meanings of the individual words. For example “ spill the beans” has nothing to do with beans or spilling them, but it means “tell a secret, news or other piece of information before one should.

An idiom most of the time is introduced by a noun, a verb or a preposition.

Examples:

get to the bottom of: find the cause of or solution to a puzzling situation, problem

at a premium: having a special value or importance

loose talk : careless statements, gossip about people or affairs

it cost an arm and a leg: very expensive

cut loose: cut someone’s relationship with due to bad influence or bad effect

a double minded: someone who is having a hard time to decide

a vicious cycle: a situation in which as effect leads back to the original cause and makes the whole process continue

Let’s Practice!

Instruction: Study the meanings of the idioms below and then complete the following sentences with these idioms.

keep up with the times : adapt one’s way of life to be modern, not old-fashioned

put on airs : behave in a way which makes seems better or more important than other people

put on hold: delay doing or starting something

upset the apple cart : do something that spoils carefully made plans

take the rap : accept the blame and / or punishment for a mistake, crime

take at face value: treat or consider something as it seems to be from the outward appearance

take issue with: disagree with

skate on thin ice : be in a difficult, risky or uncertain situation

keep up appearances: continue to present an unchanged appearance in public

pull strings: manipulate other people to obtain an advantage

bide one’s time : wait for a good opportunity or suitable occasion to do something

bite off more than one can chew : try to agree to do more than a person is able to

burn one’s fingers : suffer harm or financial loss through being too rash, trusting or optimistic

curry favour : try to win someone’s approval so that one may gain some advantage for oneself

cut no ice : not impress or influence a particular person or group

1. Being a man of principle, Mr. Benson does not believe in _________ to get things done.
2. Save your breath. Whatever you say will __________ with him.
3. When Jimmy agreed to take on the task all by himself, little did he realize that he had ________.
4. For the moment James is lying low, _______ to take revenge on his enemy.
5. He tried to get into his boss’ good books by _____________.
6. A lot of people ___________ when they speculated in the stock market shortly before the financial crisis.
7. It is not easy for an elderly person to _________, especially when he or she is illiterate.
8. The mega project will be ___________ until the financial crisis is over.
9. Since his return from overseas, Roland has been _________ to impress his friends and neighbors.
10. The new manager __________ when he abolished many of the time- honored practices of the company.
11. One would be wise not to _______ the crafty politician’s promises.
12. Whenever the corrupt minister made a mistake, some of his subordinates would ______ for him.
13. You would be _______ if you question him too closely about the source of his wealth.
14. Some members of the committee _______ the chairman for increasing membership fees.
15. David and Nora’s marriage was breaking up, but they were able to _________ in front of friends and relatives.

Check your answers here: