Session 9: Using Idioms & Proverbs

Session 9: Using Idioms & Proverbs Public Speaking: 1552107 2 February 2009 idioms & proverbs

Idiomห • An idiom is a group of words which have a different meaning when used together from the one they would have if you took the meaning of each word individually.* • Popular expressions that don’t always mean what one would expect. *Sources:COLLINS COBUILD (1996). Collins Cobuild Learner's Dictionary. London, Harper /collins Publishers. p.547 idioms & proverbs

Proverbs • A proverb is a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice or tells you something about life.* • Popular expressions that express advice or wisdom Sources:COLLINS COBUILD (1996). Collins Cobuild Learner's Dictionary. London, Harper /collins Publishers. p.877 idioms & proverbs

Idioms with body parts • Pull someone’s leg: to joke about something or exaggerate • Are you pulling my leg Tell me about the truth. • Not having a leg to stand on: to not have proof or support for an idea or a decision • Without a witness, you don’t have a leg to stand on. • Put one’s foot in one’s mouth: to say something embarrassing • Think before you speak so you don’t put your foot in your mouth. • Lose one’s head: to lose control • After I got a small raise, I lost my head and bought an expensive car. idioms & proverbs

Idioms with foods • As easy as pie: very easy to do • A child could do it; it’s as easy as pie. • A piece of cake: very easy to do • I can fix your car in ten minutes. It’s a piece of cake! • Spill the beans: to tell a secret • Pierre spilled the beans and told me about the surprise party. idioms & proverbs

4. Like sardines (in a can): very crowded • In Tokyo, people pack into the subway like sardines. 5. Cry over spilled milk: to worry about something that has already happened • You lost your ring a year ago. Don’t cry over spilled milk. idioms & proverbs

Idioms with colors • Green with envy: very jealous • When I won the prize, all my friends were green with envy. • Blue: sad • He is felling blue because his dog died. • In the red: in debt • His company’s sales are down, and he’s in the red. idioms & proverbs

4. In black and white: in a very simple way • The teacher explained the rules in black and white. 5. White lie: a lie that is not serious • The woman told a white lie. She said her hair was naturally blonde. idioms & proverbs

Practice • Do exercises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. idioms & proverbs

Final oral speaking (10 points) • Choose an idiom or a proverb • Prepare note for a presentation about the idiom or proverb. Include the following components: • An attention –getting opener • A clear statement of the idiom or expression • An explanation of the idiom’s or expression’s meaning • A graceful conclusion • Give a 2- to 3 minute speech about the idiom or proverb. idioms & proverbs

Final written paper (20 points) Analyzing Obama’ inauguration address delivered on 20 January 2009 during the swearing for Presidency of the United States O America. idioms & proverbs

Session 9: Using Idioms & Proverbs