Understanding Idioms: Being in Over Your Head

This lesson explains the idiom 'to be in over one's head' using context clues. It begins with a review of idioms, highlighting that they don't mean exactly what the words say. The lesson uses examples, such as 'it rained cats and dogs' and a chef building a chocolate fountain, to illustrate how idioms can be understood through context. The lesson emphasizes visualizing idioms and using context clues to grasp their meanings. It concludes with steps to understand idioms: visualize, use context, and draw.

What is an idiom?

• A phrase that means exactly what the words say

• A sentence that can be translated word for word into any language

• A type of metaphor that uses animals

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

Why is it important to use context clues when understanding idioms?

• Because idioms are always about animals

• Because idioms are always about food

• Because idioms have meanings that are not literal

• Because idioms are only used in poetry

In the example of the chef and the chocolate fountain, what does 'in over his head' imply?

• The chef is enjoying the chocolate fountain

• The chef is overwhelmed by the complexity of the task

• The chef is swimming in a pool

• The chef is literally drowning in chocolate

What is the first step in understanding an idiom?

• Translate it word for word

• Imagine the idiom in detail, even if it seems strange

• Ask someone else for the meaning

• Ignore the idiom completely

In the competitive eating contest example, why is Brennan 'in over his head'?

• He is winning the contest

• He is enjoying the eclairs

• He is not participating in the contest

• He is eating more than he can handle