What are the idioms in English? Idioms in English
We recommend getting acquainted with English idioms from the very beginning level, since in the process of learning English you can not only learn the vocabulary of a wide variety of topics along the way, but also better understand the way of thinking of the English, their habits and traditions. After all, behind each idiom there is a whole story, by becoming familiar with which you can learn the English idiom itself much faster and more effectively, and, most importantly, begin to use it in speech.
All idioms of the English language can be divided into two groups. The first is those that are identical in meaning in the Russian language, that is, such idioms, the literal translation of which coincides with a similar idiom in Russian. For example, the English idiom “to take the bull by the horns” is understandable to anyone who knows every single word of this idiom - “to take”, “the bull”, “by the horns”. Together we can “take the bull by the horns,” that is, get straight to the point. The meaning of this English idiom is clear to us, since the same one exists in the Russian language.
The second group is those English idioms whose meaning you simply need to learn or, having understood the history of the emergence of the English idiom itself, remember, relying on associations. For example, the English idiom, "donkey work" means unpleasant, boring work. However, the translation of each individual word “donkey” (donkey) and “work” (work) does not lead us to such a conclusion, to such a translation. But, imagining a donkey and its daily physical labor associated with carrying a load, the meaning of this English idiom becomes clear.
By studying idioms of the first group, that is, those that have a direct meaning, the literal translation of which is understandable to a Russian-speaking student, you can very quickly expand your vocabulary and learn many simple, but at the same time, words necessary for communication. The process of memorizing words from English idioms will be simplified by instant understanding and recognition of a phrase that you have heard repeatedly or used in your native speech.
It is the second group of idioms that creates the greatest difficulty for students of all levels studying English; it is misleading in exams, when talking with foreigners, when watching programs and films in English, listening to English podcasts and songs. Only practice will help here:
- systematically study 2-3 idioms a day, written down by yourself in a notebook or notebook
- try in each situation to remember at least one English idiom on the topic and use it in the topic
- re-read notes of English idioms in order to refresh your memory, while saying the idiom out loud, loudly and clearly
- draw those idioms that you can’t remember - the illustrations depicted in person will force you to repeatedly think about the meaning of the idiom, repeat its pronunciation to yourself or out loud, think about the meaning of each individual word
- be observant - when communicating in English, do not just listen to the interlocutor, but hear him - catch idioms in his speech, try to paraphrase what was said or heard using an English idiom
English idioms about animals, food, sports, travel, love, flowers, business, etc. will be an excellent help in conversations with English-speaking interlocutors, examiners and native speakers. You will become more confident in understanding English speech, and also express your point of view at ease and closer to the speech of the British and Americans, which will cause surprise and admiration for your level of language.
Idioms are the highlight of learning any language. Here you can learn great things about their culture. So let's quickly find out what wonderful idioms of the English language exist.
What are idioms?
A set expression (also called a phraseological unit or idiom) is a characteristic of a given language, the meaning of which does not follow from the meanings of its constituent components.
This is why idioms are almost never translated literally, but only by meaning. Many people have known the expression “it’s raining cats and dogs” since school, and in Russian we say “it’s raining like buckets.” If a phraseological unit manages to find a literal analogue, as a rule, this means that in both languages it arose from the same source. Such, for example, is the expression “Sword of Damocles” - “sword of Damocles”, which came from Greek legend. Or “to be green with envy.” Again, the Greeks believed that jealousy and envy caused a person to secrete bile, causing him to “turn green.”
So many idioms are based on expressions that once actually had a literal meaning. For example, “to let your hair down” - act at ease, relax. It comes from those centuries when women wore elaborate updos. It took a lot of effort to create and maintain this hairstyle throughout the day. In the evening, before going to bed, you could finally let your hair down and relax.
Another expression associated with ancient realities: “to give someone a cold shoulder” - to give a cold welcome, to be indifferent. “Shoulder” in English means not only the shoulder of a person, but also the shoulder of a meat carcass (and shoulder of lamb has always been a popular English dish). The British served hot, fresh food to their welcome guests. If the guest appeared at the wrong time and inappropriately, he had to be content with a cold shoulder blade, that is, “cold shoulder”.
Idioms related to the sea
Maritime culture has long been developed in Britain, so it is no coincidence that many idioms in the English language are of maritime origin. Here are some of them:
Loose cannon - unpredictable, unreliable person
In the 17th-19th centuries, the main weapons of ships were cannons. To avoid strong recoil, the guns were firmly secured and tied with ropes. If the fastenings were weakened during a battle or storm, the heavy gun would roll uncontrollably across the deck, posing a great danger to the lives of the crew. And loose cannon literally means “unattached cannon.”
Give a wide berth - keep a distance, “go around a mile away”
Nowadays “berth” means a pier, a place where a ship is moored, but in the 17th century it also meant space for a ship to maneuver. Thus, to give something a “wide berth” meant to literally pass at a sufficient distance from it.
By and large - in general
To get to the heart of this English idiom, you need to understand a few nautical terms. “Large wind” is a tailwind, or “full” wind, blowing at the stern of the ship; it is easiest for a sailing ship to sail with it. In turn, “by the wind” means heading towards the wind (close-hauled). Not every ship (and not every crew) was able to cope with it. Initially, “by and large” meant the ability to control a ship in any wind. In the modern sense - to consider the issue from both sides.
English idioms with biblical roots
Many set expressions came into English from the Bible. Many of them also exist in Russian.
A drop in the bucket(and a later version - a drop in the ocean) - a drop in the ocean
To cast pearls before swine- throwing pearls before swine
A voice crying in the wilderness- the voice of one crying in the wilderness
A wolf in sheep's clothing- a wolf in sheep's clothing
Beat swords into ploughshares- beat swords into plowshares
Flash and blood— flesh and blood (about children or loved ones — “They are my flesh and blood”)
Forbidden fruit- forbidden fruit
Like a lamb to the slaughter- like a lamb to the slaughter (submit without complaint)
Promised land- promised land
Keep as the apple of one's eye- cherish as the apple of your eye (in English “the apple of my eye” is more often used as an address to a dear person - “the light of my eyes”).
Shakespearean idioms
Another rich source of English idioms and catchphrases is the works of Shakespeare.
Pound of flesh(lit. “pound of flesh”) - a legal but exorbitant demand; a fee mercilessly exacted from a debtor.
A plague on both your houses- “a plague on both your houses.”
The green-eyed monster(lit. “green-eyed monster”) - jealousy.
To wear one's heart upon one's sleeve(lit. “wear your heart on your sleeve”) - do not hold back your emotions, do not hide your feelings. Perhaps this expression is associated with the traditions of knightly tournaments, when knights, as a sign of devotion to their lady of the heart, tied a scarf given by her to their hand. However, the first use of this phrase in a figurative sense was recorded in Shakespeare.
Applaud to the echo- applaud loudly and enthusiastically.
At one fell swoop- in one blow, in one fell swoop.
Vanish into thin air- melt like smoke, disappear without a trace.
Fair play- fair game. Shakespeare was also the first to use this quite modern-sounding expression and used it in several of his works. For example, in the play “The Tempest”: “Yes, for a score of kingdoms you should wrangle, and I would call it, fair play.”
Modern phraseological units
As you can see from the examples above, the vast majority of English idioms are of ancient origin. And this is natural - for an expression to become figurative, its basic meaning must be erased, and this requires time. However, even in our time new idioms are emerging. Here are a few phraseological units that appeared already in the 20th century:
Cut to the chase- get to the point. Old movies weren't very action-packed, and often the most exciting part of the movie was the chase. Remember how in the film “The Man from the Boulevard des Capucines” the main character explained what montage is? The same thing is meant here - cut out unnecessary discussions and move on to the most interesting.
Fly by the seat of one's pants- act without a plan, navigate on the go. This rather curious phrase has a very serious backstory. It is associated with early aviation, when airplanes had almost no instruments, and pilots had to listen to the behavior of the aircraft and rely on their feelings. And the place where the pilot has the greatest contact with the aircraft is, of course, the seat in which he sits.
Backseat driver- uninvited advisor; a person who criticizes but does nothing. Those who drive a car may be familiar with this type of passenger - who likes to constantly give advice and believes that they know better than the driver how to steer. This idiom of the English language arose precisely thanks to them.
Honestly, the more I study English, the more I realize how diverse it is. Afterwards, my gaze turned to idioms. What are idioms in English and what does it mean in general?
Idioms are a kind of set expressions that are interpreted with a figurative meaning. Well, as in Russian “In seventh heaven” or “When the cancer whistles on the mountain.” By the way, very often the meaning of the idiom is similar to English, German, and Russian. The list goes on. That is, the interweaving of meanings is observed among many peoples. Still, the world is one.
- 1. When pigs fly. Verbatim - when pigs fly. In Russian - “When the cancer on the mountain whistles”. That means almost never!
Annie sniffed. ‘The day pigs fly. That will be the day.’-When the crayfish whistles. That’s when it happens,” Anne snorted.
- 2.Piece of cake. Literally - A piece of cake. In fact, this translates as a trivial matter, as simple as shelling pears, simpler than a steamed turnip
No problem, piece of cake! - Easily! Not even a question.
- 3. Cost an arm and leg. Literally - “ Cost an arm and a leg". Looks like it's very expensive.
Are you crazy? It costs an arm and leg! Are you crazy? It costs a fortune!
- 4 . Let the cat out the bag . Literally - “ Let the cat out of the bag". Well... It's giving away all the secrets or telling an important secret!
I`m hurt. You`ve let the cat out of the bag about our relationship.
I'm in pain. You gave away all the secrets of our relationship.
- 5 . Bite off more than one can chew. Literally - “ bite off more than you can chew".
This is beyond your reach and strength. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. - Cut the tree on your own.
I sometimes want to disagree with this idiom. After all, human possibilities are limitless. Although at a certain point you have to cut down the tree on your own.
- 6. Speak of the devil. Literally: “Speak of the Devil.” In Russian - “Remember the city and here it is. Or a more cultural one - “Easy in sight”.
- 7. To have Van Gog`s ear for music. Literally - “ Have Van Gogh's ear for music" It means to have poor hearing.
Poor boy. He has got Van Gog`s ear for music.
Poor boy. He has no ear for music at all .
- 8 . Drink like a lord. Or Drink like a fish .
A phrase that means getting drunk until you're blue in the face.
Dude, you'd better stop. You drink like a fish today! Brother, you better stop, you're drinking like a cobbler today!
- 9.Useyourloaf . Literally - "Use your loaf". Use your head. Guess how to do it. Use your loaf. Figure out how to do it. Think with your head!
- 10. Fingers licking good."You'll lick your fingers."
Is it tasty? Yes, very tasty! Fingers licking good. Is it delicious? Yes, very much! You'll lick your fingers!
- 11. To put a sock in it. Literally - "Put your sock in there". In fact - Just shut your mouth. Keep your mouth shut.
Please, no more words! Put a sock in it. Say no more, hold your tongue!
- 12. Lights are on, but nobody`s home. Literally - "The lights are on, but no one is home". In fact. Hello Garage. We speak when a person is here, but in prostration.
Look at him. What`s happened? Lights are on but nobody`s home. Look at him. What's happened? He doesn’t understand anything at all, doesn’t react.
- 13.to be head over heels in love . Verbatim- "Upside Down in Love". Be madly in love!
I can`t speak with her now. She`s head over heels with love. I can't talk to her now. She's head over heels in love!
- 14. wolf in sheep`s clothing. Literally - “ Wolf in sheep's clothing". Still waters run deep. He is not who he says he is.
I don`t trust him. I think he`s wolf in a sheep`s clothing. I don't trust him. I think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- 15. As comfortable as an old shoe. Literally - “ As comfortable as an old boot". Very cozy
My old house may seem small to you, but I think it’s cozy. It’s as comfortable as an old shoe.
My old house may seem small to you, but I think it is very cozy.
There are idioms in the languages of the world. For the Russian language, the word “phraseologism” is more familiar.
An idiom is a combination of several words that conveys one common meaning. These words lose their meaning individually.
You can't understand the meaning if you don't know the meaning of the idiom. In addition, phraseological units give color to our statements. Therefore, they need to be remembered and used in speech.
This article will be presented with translation. And their equivalents in Russian. So.
English idioms. Weather
In Great Britain they don’t talk about politics, religion, or family. Especially with strangers. The only suitable topic for conversation is the weather. Therefore, many English idioms are on this topic.
Rain cats and dogs - it's raining. In Russian - it’s pouring like a bucket.
This English idiom originated in the 18th century. It was introduced by the British writer J. Swift. In those days there was poor protection for sewer pipes. Even heavy rains broke through them. All the contents poured out, including the corpses of domestic animals: cats and dogs.
Steal one's thunder - steal someone's idea.
This English idiom came from theaters in the 18th century. There was no sound equipment then, and to create the sound of thunder, lead balls were shaken in a bowl. Playwright J. Dennis used metal ones in his play. The play was rejected, but the idea of metal balls was stolen from Dennis.
Then he shouted a phrase that developed into an English idiom: “They”ve stolen my thunder!” - They stole my thunder.
Break the ice - break the ice. Russian version - melt the ice (about relationships); get closer.
The first icebreakers appeared in the 19th century. To get to their destination, they had to cope with a thick crust of ice. This is where the English idiom comes from. “Breaking the ice” - that is, making efforts to improve relationships.
Get wind of smth - find out something ahead of time. In Russian you can express it this way: “to sniff out”, to find out, to scout out.
This phrase is a comparison to how animals receive information through their sense of smell. Our smaller brothers “sniff out” their relatives and enemies.
Take a rain check. Verbatim : get a rain ticket. In Russian, this phraseological unit means “to postpone until better times”
The expression came from America in the 19th century. If a baseball game was canceled due to rain, fans were given "rain checks" that allowed them to attend any event they wanted.
Calm before the storm - quiet before the storm. The Russian language has a well-established expression “the calm before the storm.”
It happens when, out of the blue, some problem pops up on your head. And the person doesn’t even know about it.
The meaning of the idiom is completely similar to what happens at sea. Usually before a strong storm there is a calm.
Food
Couch potato. "Couch" is "sofa", "potato" is "potato". This is such a “sofa potato” person, that is, a lazy person and a couch potato.
Egghead - smart guy. In our country they are called botanists, and in the USA - eggheads.
Chew the fat - to slander, Literally: to chew fat.
Animals
When pigs fly - when pigs fly. Russians say this: That is, not soon.
Eager beaver. Literally - a tense beaver. In Russian - “hard worker”, a business person.
Black sheep - literally, a black sheep, but in meaning - a white crow. Denotes a person who is not like the rest.
Be as busy as a bee - to be as busy as a bee. In Russian, it means working with your sleeves rolled up.
Money
A piece of a pie - "piece of the pie", that is, a share.
Be flushed with money - throw money away.
Make ends meet - to survive from bread to kvass, to be in need.
Bring home the bacon - provide, bring home a penny.
How to successfully work with idioms in English.
Let's look at some of the popular expressions that we all often use in our Russian speech, which means that sooner or later we will want to know them in English.
After all, quite often it is necessary not only to translate, but to find an equivalent of our Russian thought in English. All languages have all our “apples and apple trees” paired with “buried dogs”. You just need to know exactly how a foreigner will say it.
Russian set phrase | English equivalent |
---|---|
Fight like a fish on ice | To pull the devil by the tail |
Be in seventh heaven | To tread on air or To be in the seventh heaven |
Play the fool | Act the fool Play the fool |
Written on the water with a pitchfork | It's still all up in the air It is a castle in the air It is waiting for dead men's shoes |
To lead someone by the nose (to rub someone's glasses in) | To draw the wool over someone's eyes |
Hungry like a wolf | As hungry as a hunter (as hungry as a wolf) |
Making mountains out of molehills | To make a mountain out of a molehill |
Money is not a thing for money (to drown in luxury, swim in gold) | Rolling in money |
The soul sank to its feet | One’s heart sank into one’s boots or Mu heart was in my mouth |
Hack on the nose | Put that in one's pipe and smoke it |
There aren't enough stars in the sky | He (she) would not set the Thames on fire |
What kind of fly bit you? | What's bitten him? |
Like two and two are four | As plain as the nose on your face or As sure as eggs is eggs |
Buy a pig in a poke | To buy a pig in a poke |
It's pouring out like a bucket | It rains cats and dogs |
It's a small world | It's a small world |
Calling a spade a spade | To call a spade a spade |
Pour from empty to empty | Mill the wind or Fish in the air |
Then soup with a cat | Later-alligator (lit.: “Later - alligator”, a rhyming response to the word “later”) |
Similar as two peas in a pod | As like as two peas |
Kill two birds with one stone | To kill two birds with one stone |
Beat around the bush | To beat about the bush |
Drop in the ocean | A drop in the bucket or A drop in the ocean |
Drunk as hell | As drunk as a lord |
It's better not to joke with him | He is not a man to be trifled with |
Get out of bed on the wrong side | To get out of bed on the wrong side |
Like peas hitting a wall | You might as well talk to a brick wall |
As if taken off by hand | It has vanished as if by magic |
Knock out a wedge with a wedge | Fight fire with fire |
After the rain on Thursday | When hell freezes over |
When the cancer on the mountain whistles | Once in a blue moon |
Dumb like a fish | One keeps mum as fish |
Neither to the village nor to the city | Neither here nor there |
Promise mountains of gold | To promise the moon |
Shot Sparrow | A knowing old bird |
Advice on how to work with this list: if you decide to memorize all this in joy, saying that it will be useful in the future, then in the future it will most likely simply be forgotten.
Solution: Over the next days, listen to yourself, to your Russian speech, what and how you say during the day. And, most likely, you will use some of these expressions. So, your task will not just be to “insert” the English equivalent into your Russian sentence, but to construct this equivalent correctly, according to tenses and persons, if the design requires it. Roughly speaking, there is no need to close the left column and cram the right one, and vice versa. All this needs to be immediately sewn specifically into your style, into your proposals, into your reality.
However, there are also phraseological units that are translated from Russian into English almost word for word, which means that it will be much easier to remember them. Let's look at them!
Russian version | English version |
---|---|
Play with fire | To play with fire |
Burn one's boats | To burn bridges |
No smoke without fire | There is no smoke without fire |
Hardworking like a bee | Be as busy as a bee |
Lead a cat and dog life | To lead a cat and dog life to fight like cat and dog |
A matter of honor | Point of honor |
The cream of society | The cream of society |
The game is worth the candle | The game is worth the candle |
The other side of the coin | The reverse (side) of the medal |
Daily bread | Daily bread |
Poverty is not a vice | Poverty is no sin |
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth | Don't look a gift horse in the mouth |
Storm in a teacup | A storm in a teacup |