70 likes | 102 Views
Explore the origins, meanings, and structures of two common English idioms: "Let the cat out of the bag" and "Can't hold a candle to." Discover the fascinating history behind these expressions and how they have evolved over time. From medieval trickery to modern-day comparisons, delve into the intriguing world of language evolution and idiomatic expressions.
E N D
Why Do We Say That? Studio Classroom September 2007 Week 1 Unit 4
I. Introduction to… II. Stories 1) Let the cat out of the bag 2) Can’t hold a candle to… English idioms Origin Meaning Structure
Main idea? (1) English is evolving. BUT (2) Some parts haven’t changed. evolve=… change I. Introduction
Background -when -where -who -what Meaning -medieval times -European Markets -dishonest traders -pig cat (trick) -reveal the trick/secret II (1) Let the cat out of the bag
its root goes back to… deceive businessman show buy have…inside buyer what to do be traced back to… trick merchant / trader display purchase contain customer instruction II (1) Let the cat out of the bag
Background -when -where -who -what Meaning -before was invented -at work -2 workers (at night) -one does the actual work the other holds the light -A is not as good as B II (2) Can’t hold a candle to…
make a new type of thing give regular small job capable say what s.t. is like mean (v) not as good invent candle provide chore/task competent describe refer to inferior II (2) Can’t hold a candle to…