Structure: Idioms

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