Learning Object # 10
Topic: Idiomatic Expression
Identifying the meaning of idiomatic expression.
Target Learners: Fourth year HS
Introduction:
After learning how to give the denotation and connotation of a word or phrase and after learning how to take note context clues, you are now ready to give the meaning of a given idiomatic expression.
Discussion:An idiom is a group of whose meaning is different from the combined
meanings of the words expressed.
Example: 1.Do not let her clean the valuable vase because she is all thumbs.
It doesn’t mean that her fingers are all thumbs, but it shows carelessness or being clumsy.
Using Context clues in explaining the meaning of idiomatic expressions
will be easier if you are familiar with the structure on how idioms are formed.
1. Noun + noun; crocodile tears means pretended sorrow.
2. Noun + verb; French leave means leaving without notice of one’s departure.
3. Adjective + noun; white lie means a harmless untruth.
4. Noun + Adjective; code red means emergency or critical status.
Idioms can be understood through the following techniques:
1. through context clues or words that surround the expression
Example: Criminals like him ought to be put behind bars.
Criminal is the clue to identify the meaning of the idiomatic expression behind bars
2. through illustrations
3. through its use in the sentence.
Summary:Idioms are better understood with the help of the denotative and connotative
meanings of words as well as the contexts or the words surrounding it.
Assessment:
Give the meaning of the following idiomatic expression.
1. We can’t play lawn tennis today. It has been raining cats and dogs since this morning.
2. He is an ex-convict but we can see that he’s turning over a new leaf for the sake of his family.
3. The policemen caught a big fish that the people identified as a drug lord.
4. I’ve heard of your wedding but it’s only now that I’ve seen your behalf.
5. That man is so unpredictable. Lord knows what he’ll do next.
