An idiom is a phrase or group of words whose meaning cannot be deduced from the individual meanings of the words in the phrase. The following are few examples of idiomatic expressions.
- To play the ostrich – avoiding reality or danger
- To play God – to act like you all-powerful
- To leave no stone unturned – to do everything possible
- To be an edge – to be hot tempered
- Icing on the cake – sample of the real thing
- To keep the flag flying – maintain a good impression
- To lead a dog’s life – to live in misery
- To keep body and soul together – to survive
- To cook the books – to falsify accounts
- In the red – in debt, going bankrupt
- A fair weather friend – an unfaithful friend
- Chicken hearted/ liver-hearted – cowardly
- Feather brain – foolish
- Eagle-eyed – very good sight/very observant.
EVALUATION
Write our five more idiomatic expressions with their meanings.
- Vocabulary Development: Words Associated with Politics and Government, pg
- Manifesto – programme of action, policy of a party.
- Ballot-box – box into which voters put their ballot papers.
- Suffrage – right to vote in a national election.
- Primaries – first stages of party election to select a candidate.
- Nomination – act of naming a candidate for a poster office
- Aspirant – someone who desires to hold a political office.
- Rigging – manipulating the votes to favour one candidate.
- Votes – opportunities to indicate a choice of leader.
- Election – choosing by vote
- Ballot – voting, votes
- Sovereign – self-governing, independent
- Party – association of people with political aim.
EVALUATION
Use five of the words above in sentences
- Essay Writing: Descriptive Essay: A festival I like.
Outline
- Identify the festival
- Mention when and where it is celebrated
- Explain why it is celebrated
- Discuss the preparation for this festival
- Describe the costumes (if any) used for it.
- Explain the processes/events logically.
- Highlight its significance/special features
- Mention what you like about it and why
- Conclude with a captivating remark.
EVALUATION
Write a descriptive essay on the outlined topic above.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Define idioms giving copious examples for them.
- Write out five other words peculiar to government and politics.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A
Write out the meanings of the following idioms.
- The teacher was talking over the student’s head.
- I couldn’t make a head or tail of what he was saying.
- Davies burnt his fingers in the business deal.
- Don’t take me for a ride.
- You should set your teeth for this cause
See also
Vocabulary Development: Hotel & Catering
Speech Sounds /I/ and /I:/ contrasted
Vocabulary Development: Words Associated with Films and TV
Structure: Adjectival Clause