Idiomatic Expressions

Why are common expressions often

lost in translation?

Works Cited
January 12, 2012
http://www.whitesmoke.com/idioms-overview
 Idiom
⦿ an expression whose meaning is not easily
understood based on its words alone

⦿ an expression peculiar to a particular

language that means something different
from the literal meaning of each word.
 Two Layers of Meaning
⦿ Idioms have two layers of meaning. To
decipher an idiom, you must recognize and
understand the meaning of both layers.

• Literal Meaning

• Idiomatic Meaning (figurative)

 Two Layers of Meanings
⦿ Literal Meaning:
• The initial, basic meaning of the idiom, based on the
words used, and what they mean in a literal sense.

⦿ Idiomatic Meaning (figurative):

• The underlying message, lesson or advice offered by
the idiom; the meaning of the overall expression, in a
broader sense.
 Sample Idiom
⦿ “Hang out to dry.”
⦿ Literal Meaning:
This expression alludes to hanging wet laundry on a
clothesline.
⦿ Idiomatic Meaning
The figurative meaning of this expression is to abandon
someone to danger.
For example: The squadron withdrew and just let us hang out to
dry.
 Sample Idiom
⦿ “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”
⦿ Literal Meaning:
This idiom implies that a picture is the same as a thousand words;
however, a thousand words may be considered a hyperbole in this
case.
⦿ Idiomatic Meaning
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words. A picture is
better than a written description.
After looking at the photo of the cruise ship on the web page, a friend
said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.
 Sample Idiom in Context
⦿ After looking at the photo of the cruise ship on the web page, a
friend said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.

⦿ The ship’s captain “hung them (the passengers) out to dry.”

 Sample Idiom
⦿ “Adding fuel to the fire”
⦿ Literal Meaning:
This idiom implies that a fuel is being added to
a fire that is already burning.
⦿ Idiomatic Meaning
A person is making a situation worse.
 Sample Idiom
“Put the cart before the horse.”
⦿ Literal Meaning:
At first glance, this idiom might not even register as anything
out of the ordinary. Yet, the advice given actually makes little
sense – horses should be placed before carts, not the other way
around. The idiom suggests the reverse of how things should be.
⦿ Idiomatic Meaning
Reverse the natural order of things. Try something new. Be
innovative.
 Now you try!
⦿ “We’re All In The Same Boat”
⦿ Literal Meaning:
What are the actual meaning of the words?

⦿ Idiomatic Meaning
What is the underlying message?
 Lost in Translation
⦿ Idioms, like expressions, often don’t translate into
other languages.
⦿ Of course it’s possible to have a literal translation of
the words in an idiom, but the meaning is often
warped or lost once the idiom is removed from its
original language. That is because the meaning or
messages offered by idioms are often tied to a
specific culture (or, a specific language). Of course, it's
possible to learn a language without learning
idiomatic expressions. So . . .
 So. . . . What’s the point?
⦿ Learning about English idiomatic expressions will not
only expose you to these "life lessons", but it will enrich
your command of the English language. This
command of the English language will be shown in
your ability to write, speak and comprehend English
more effectively.

⦿ The more familiar with idiomatic expressions you

become, the more likely you can incorporate them into
your own English writing and/or speech - should you
find an appealing situation in which to use one. They
are often impressive, and enjoyable to share!
 So. . . . What’s the point?
⦿ Idioms require a moment of hesitation, to ponder their
meaning. Once the underlying message behind an
idiom emerges, it causes one to pause and consider the
truth behind the saying.

⦿ Often, idioms offer advice or suggestions on better

ways in which to live or interact with others. They can
be considered "deep" or "life lessons." For this reason,
the cryptic nature of idioms contributes to their depth,
and significance. Telling someone to simply "think
innovatively" might not be as effective as rehearsing the
idiom "Put the cart before the horse."
 Idiom Dictionaries Online
⦿ There are many online dictionaries that will
provide examples and translations of idioms.

⦿ They are a great place to play and test your

knowledge.

⦿ Example Website:
http://idioms.yourdictionary.com/index/at--ba
l.html#B
 OMM Idioms Chapter 2
⦿ “ ‘ Bus driver gave us a bum steer’ ” ( 21).

⦿ “ ‘Curley’s pretty handy’ ” (28).

⦿ “ ‘Well – She’s (Curley’s wife) got the eye’”

(28).

⦿ “ ‘ If he tangles with you, we’re gonna get the

can’” (29).