IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSION (NOSEC PAGES177&178).

Idiomatic Expressions are clauses or Expressions with hidden meaning i.e they do not posses a direct meaning. These expressions are not to be treated in isolation hence the interpretation of such idiom(s) would become faulty. English idioms are illogical, only a few follow the rules of grammar, unlike other formations, the usage matters a lot. The words and phrases in idioms do appear in a metaphorical or imaginative way thus making the meaning of each word different from the basic thought. Without following the idea of contextualization, there is over an average percent tendency that the correct meaning would be given to the expression. Some scholars find it difficult to cope with the idioms because they felt they are very difficult to comprehend due to the convention and carriage of symbols and objects which they are attached to despite that they bear little or no direct relationship with such.For example, Tunde must not be told to lead this morning, he is like a bear with a sore head. -Tunde is human name. – Bear is a wild animal from cat’s family. Does it mean that Tunde’s head got injured in an attempt to turn to a bear? or what? This is far from the solution. The correct interpretation is that Tunde is aggressive or bad tempered so he must not be told to lead. Other examples include: (1) A cock and bull story- An incredible or unbelievable story. (2) A chicken hearted person- A coward. (3) A herculean task- A very difficult and almost impossible task. (4) A dead letter- An unfulfilled promise. (5) Apple-pie order- A neat arrangement. (6) To be bone idle- To be very lazy . (7)To call a spade a spade – To speak plainly (8) To cast pearls before swine – To labour in vain. (9)Fishy – To be suspicious or dubious. (10) A blue-eyed boy – A favourite. ASSIGNMENT- Vocabulary Development Expression Page 177 to 178 (No 1-5)