Amiel Pined posted an article entitled Filipino Idioms and Expressions with Examples, In this article he mentioned the definition of “Filipino idioms are expressions in the Filipino/Tagalog language that have meanings beyond the literal definitions of the words. Known as “sawikain” in Filipino, idioms play a significant role in the Philippine language and culture.”
Filipino idioms are not a part of speech. It is an expression characteristic which give a hidden and deep meaning to reflect some Filipino people behavior and actions. Idioms are also a topic or lesson teaches in language subjects in school. But it is also used for everyday conversation for some people who wants to give their opinions which their main goal is to avoid to hurts the feelings of person they refer.
Examples:
| IDIOMS | ENGLISH TRANSLATION | MEANING |
| 1.kutong Lupa | soil house | Used to describe noisy or annoying children. |
| 2. matabil ang dila | sharp tongue | Describing someone outspoken and sometimes tactless. |
| 3.Isang kahig, isang tuka | one scratch, one pack | Representing those living hand -to-mouth. |
| 4.magsunog ng kilay | burn eyebrows | Used to emphasize the need to study hard. |
| 5.gintong kutsara | golden spoon | Someone born into wealth. |
Practice Activity:
I. Complete each phrases of idioms by choosing a correct Tagalog . Use the picture as guide.
- Itaga mo sa ________.
- _________ sa dibdib.
- Mababaw ang ______.
- Namamangka sa _______ ilog.
- balat _______.
II. From the given examples of idioms with their meaning. Construct a Tagalog sentences using the given idioms.
| IDIOMS | ENGLISH TRANSLATION | MEANING |
| 1.butas ang bulsa | hole in the pocket | Got no money. |
| 2.dilang anghel | angel tongue | wishing that something that was said would come true. |
| 3.pagputi ng uwak | once the crow turns into white | to say something most likely won’t happen or come true. |
| 4.labas sa ilong 5.kuwentong barbero | out of the nose barber story | what was being said isn’t true, or the person didn’t mean what he/she said. hearsay, gossip, or a story that isn’t true |
