September 19, 2008

English Idioms

Idiom may be defined as expression peculiar to a language. It plays an important part in all languages. Many verbs, when followed by various prepositions, or by adverbs, acquire an idiomatic sense.

Example:
He backed up his friends’ claim.

In this sentence, the verb back has been paired with the preposition up and is giving the meaningsupporting.Whereas the verb back means another meaning.

He supported his friends’ claim.
This kind of expression is called Idiomatic expression.

Examples:
In few of the following these sentences the idioms are colored blue and their meanings are given in the bracket.

• The present disturbances will soon blow over . (Pass off)
• The police produced the evidences to bear out the charge of murder. (Substantiate)
• You must not build your hopes upon his promises. (Rely upon)
• The matter has been cleared up . (Explained)
• I readily closed with his offer. (Accepted)
• He is ready to dispose off his car. (Sell)
• Rust has eaten away the plate. (Corroded)
• They fixed upon him to do the work. (Chose)
• My good behavior so far gained on my father. (Won the favor of)
• Please hear me out . (Hear me to the end)

Bear - Break - Bring - Call - Carry - Cast - Come - Cry - Cut - Do - Fall - Get - Give - Go - Hold - Keep - Knock - Lay - Let - Look - Make - Pass - Pick - Pull - Put - Run - See - Set - Speak - Stand - Strike - Take - Talk - Put - Run - See - Set - Speak - Stand - Strike - Take - Talk

The idioms have been listed alphabetically below. Take the particular link to the page of corresponding list of idioms.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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