Common Idioms

Introduction to Idioms Idioms - expressions that have hidden meanings. You can’t tell what idiomatic expressions mean by taking the words within them literally. You have to understand something about the people or community in which idioms are used to really understand them.

In the Doghouse Keith was really in the doghouse when he forgot to bring home his social studies book. In the doghouse means in lots of trouble. It may even mean someone may get punished.

Follow Your Nose When I asked my teacher the way to the library, she said, “Follow your nose!” Follow your nose means go straight ahead.

Hang In There I was thinking about quitting when I heard my coach shout, “Hang in there! You can do it!” Hang in there means to not give up trying.

Add Fuel to the Fire When Kate talked back to the principal, he said, “Now, Kate, don’t add fuel to the fire.” Add fuel to the fire means to make things worse.

be over the hill come over to our side go along for the ride have cabin fever be under the wire be a live wire be down to the wire don’t rock the boat put my finger on it right on the nose works like a dream up to speed bring the house down be on pins and needles hold your horses be in hot water go to the dogs put the cart before the horse take five see eye-to-eye saved by the bell make waves pull the rug out from under you waste your breath let sleeping dogs lie run in the family jump from the frying pan to the fire keep an ear to the ground

walking on eggshells when pigs fly time flies jump the gun walking on sunshine tip of my tongue break a leg cut me some slack shake a leg skeletons in your closet walking on thin ice digging yourself a hole bury the hatchet out like a light kick the bucket butterflies in my stomach hit harder than a sack of potatoes two peas in a pod on cloud nine in 7 th heaven a drop in the bucket when hell freezes over lend me your ears break the ice chip on your shoulder apple doesn’t fall far from the tree pulling your leg in a pickle right under my nose don’t count your eggs until they’re hatched it’s raining cats & dogs

More Idioms Knock yourself out Take a hike You’re on fire On the ball Piece of cake Pushing up daisies Tie the knot Has a lead foot Has cold feet Joined at the hip Don’t bite the hand that feeds you Cats got your tongue Have a green thumb 3 sheets to the wind Don’t beat a dead horse

Idiom Poster Create poster for an idiom. It must include: –idiom –meaning of idiom –a color picture illustrating the meaning –example sentence using the idiom *see the example on the next slide

In the Dog House Keith was really in the doghouse when he forgot to bring home his social studies book. Meaning: Keith’s in big trouble & will likely get punished.