Idioms (Lesson 5)

What is an idiom?

• A word that has multiple meanings

• A sentence that is always true

• A phrase with a unique meaning not deducible from the individual words

• A phrase that means exactly what it says

Why can't idioms be translated word for word into another language?

• Because they are too long

• Because they are always about animals

• Because they have a unique meaning understood only by speakers of that language

• Because they are not real words

In the example, why is the little sister described as 'a thorn in my side'?

• Because she is annoying and causes emotional discomfort

• Because she is always happy

• Because she is very helpful

• Because she is physically painful

What is the first step in understanding an idiom?

• Imagine the exact words in detail, even if it seems silly

• Ask someone else for the meaning

• Ignore the idiom completely

• Translate it into another language

What can help clarify the meaning of an idiom?

• Reading the idiom backwards

• Using context clues and drawing a picture

• Ignoring the context

• Asking a friend to guess