Idioms

Learning Objectives

Apply listening behaviors to improve comprehension of spoken English

Summarize content of spoken English conversations and speeches

Two men at a cafeIdioms are phrases that have a meaning established by usage rather than by literal definition of the words in the phrase. They are expressions that take on a figurative meaning different from the literal definition of the individual words. Idioms are closely connected to culture, and understanding idioms promotes oral and reading comprehension.  Using idioms in speech is an excellent way to build fluency.

 

 

 

Key vocabulary

            Establish              Expression              Figurative          Intend           Literal

                   Message              Promote                  Routine              Usage          Worthwhile

→Vocabulary Activities

Video and Audio Content

Clip art of headphones

Listen to Sasheer Zamata and Caitlin McGee translate idioms from around the world. (NPR)

Idioms from Around the World

Clip art of headphones

Listen to Julia Furland and Andee Tagle explain how to dedicate yourself to active listening. (NPR)

Dictionary of American Idioms

Examples of idioms

She’s pulling my leg.     She’s kidding.

Keep an eye out for…   Be watching for…

Keep your head above water.  Don’t let something be too much for you.

Raining cats and dogs   Raining really hard

Feeling blue      Feeling sad

It’s not rocket science.   This is not very hard.