The Idiomgraphic

language centres lalschools presents IDIOMGRAPHIC The definitive guide to idioms in the English language. A Definition: A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. raining cats and dogs) A form of expression natural to language, person, or group of people: "he had a feeling for phrase and idiom". Which Languages Use Idioms? Idioms are numerous and they occur frequently in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language Calculating the Average IPM (ldioms per minute) A group of researchers at the University of Tennessee analysed 200,000 words from a range of university texts. They calculated an average rate of 4.08 idioms per minute. 4.08 Thomas Cooper from the University of Georgia, Athens, watched and transcribed 3 hrs of TV programmes. He reported that idioms were used in this context at a rate of about 3 per minute. He also concluded that idioms were part of important dialogue in the show plots The 10 Most Common Idioms in the English Language A penny for your thoughts This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about. Add insult to injury 2 When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse. A hot potato A controversial issue or situation which is difficult to deal with and which is passed on quickly from person to person. Once in a blue moon This is used when something happens very rarely. Sit on the fence When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. See eye to eye This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something. Hear it on the grapevine 7 This means 'to hear a rumour' about something or someone. Miss the boat 8 This idiom is used to say that someone has missed his or her chance at something. Kill two birds with one stone This means 'to do two things at the same time'. On the ball 10 When somone understands the situation well. Colloquialisms Universal idioms commonly have regional origins, despite now often being used internationally. Less popular idioms exist that are used more exclusively in certain areas of English-speaking countries. Scottish Idiom: Speak of the devil Meaning: Speaking about another person as they arrive in the same location. London (Or cockney more specifically): Up the apples and pears Meaning: Up the stairs Sources en wikipedia.org/wiki/idiom www.englishforums.com/content/lessons/20-most-common-idioms-in-english-and-what-they-mean.htm www.amideast.org/blogs/toeic4success/2011/07/idioms-how-often-do-they-pop lal language centres www.lalschools.com *......**