Basically, an idiom is a combination of words that express a thought or feeling, but the words used do not equate to the meaning of the expression. Idioms are figurative, and not to be taken literally.
"Up in the air"
Not: This idiom has nothing to do with air, the sky or an upward direction.
Meaning: As yet to be determined, unknown, or undecided.
Example: "Whether or not I get a job offer is up in the air".
"A leg up"
Not: Upward extended legs? Nope.
Meaning: To have a distinct advantage over others.
Example: Because Sally is the hiring manager's niece, she has a leg up on the competition for this job."
"Step up"
Not: This is not a reference to an exercise class at the gym, nor are stairs involved.
Meaning: To increase performance, production, rate, or speed. Also can be directed toward a person.
Example: "If we give the employees free coffee, they will work faster and step up production at the diaper factory." Or, "Jim really needs to step up and start paying his child support payments on time."
!
Not: Nothing is being broken or cracked, nor is it occurring at a high elevation.
Meaning: (Can be used either as a verb statement or as a noun.) To cause laughter or otherwise cause one to lose their stoic composure in response to humor.
Examples: "I crack up every time I watch Jim try to eat soup with chopsticks." Or, "Jim is a complete crack-up in staff meetings because he always mumbles the last word of each sentence."
Not: Yes, this one can include actual coughing--or not.
Meaning: (Can be used either literally or figuratively.) To eject from the mouth via the throat. Or, to reluctantly provide something.
Examples: "I stood in horror watching my cat cough up a hairball on my guest's handbag." Or, "You lost the bet you made with me, so cough up the money you owe!".
As you can see, many English phrases used by Americans can be very confusing if taken literally. Once you understand the intent behind the phrases, you will understand and use them with comfort and ease.
Have you heard or read any idiomatic phrases that are confusing to you? If so, please note them in the comments and I will include them in a future post
...until then, Steem On!
All images courtesy of Pixabay.
