Idioms

Carol Wolff

What is an idiom?

An idiom is an expression that has a meaning apart from the meanings of its individual words.

An idiom has no fixed form.

it is on the cardsLiteral meaning We interpret it to mean that

• possible or likely to happen.

beat around the bushLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.

in my bookLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• in my opinion. According to me…

no smoke without fireLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• something that you say which means that if people are saying that someone has done something bad but no one knows whether it is true, it probably is true.

up in the airLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• undecided about someone or something; uncertain about someone or something.

time fliesLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• time passes very quickly.

naked truthLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• the complete, factual truth.

not for all the worldLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• Not at any price.

set the world on fireLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to do exciting things that bring fame and glory.

cook the booksLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to record false information in the accounts of an organization, especially in order to steal money.

best of both worldsLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

a situation wherein one can enjoy two different opportunities

to be in a world of ones ownLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• In deep thought or concentration.

read between the lineLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to try to understand what is meant by something that is not written explicitly or openly.

making a mountain out of a mole hill

Literal meaning We interpret it to mean that

• to exaggerate the importance of something.

miss the markLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• To fail to reach the result that was intended.

too big for your bootsLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• Someone behaves as if they are more important or more clever than they really are.

head over heels

Literal meaning We interpret it to mean that

• to demonstrate one's excitement. Normally used when you are madly in love.

to stick to your gunsLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to remain firm in one's belief; to stand up for one's rights.

name droppingLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• To mention casually the names of famous people in order to imply that one is on familiar terms with them, intended as a means of self-promotion.

to get wind ofLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to learn of something; to hear about something.

to jump the gunLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.

give your best shotLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to do something as well as you possibly can.

to see which way the wind blowsLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• To understand what is happening in changing circumstances and to be able to anticipate the future.

from the bottom of my heartLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• with sincere feeling.

read someone like a bookLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• know exactly what they are feeling or thinking without having to ask.

in someone’s good booksLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• they are pleased with you

by the bookLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• Correctly; according to the rules.

change your mindLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to have a different opinion or intention than you had before.

change your tuneLiteral meaning

We interpret it to mean that

• to change your opinion completely, especially because you know it will bring you an advantage .