DETERMINING THE

MEANING OF
IDIOMATIC
EXPRESSIONS BY
NOTING CONTEXT,
CLUES, AND
COLLOCATION

English 8 Quarter 1 Lesson 7

 An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is
an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative
meaning conventionally understood by native
speakers. This meaning is different from the literal
meaning of the idiom's elements. In other words,
idioms don't mean exactly what the words say.
 Context clues are hints found within a sentence,
paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to
understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.
Only by being sensitive to the circumstances in
which a word is used can the reader decide upon an
appropriate definition to fit the context.
Example:
1. It’s hard to agree with people when you don't see eye to eye.
The phrase 'see eye to eye' is used when you view something in
the same way as others do, or that you agree with someone about
a thing.
2. I did my household chores in a flash so that I could watch as
much TV as possible.
The phrase ‘in a flash’ simply means quickly or immediately.
3. When I forget my wallet, I am in a real pickle.

The phrase ‘in a real pickle’ is used if you are in a difficult

position or have a problem to which no easy answer can be
found.
 Collocations are words that usually go together. But, not all
words can be combined. Native English speakers will never say
'big traffic' to say that there are lots of cars on the road. Though it
is grammatically correct, it just doesn’t sound right. The correct
phrase used is ‘heavy traffic’.
Questions:
What are words that usually go together?
What are words that are put together to form a new meaning?
Example:
1. As a token of appreciation, we have given Jack a set of golf
clubs for his years of loyal service.
What do you think 'a token of appreciation' means?

Usually when giving or receiving a ‘token of appreciation’, it

means that you receive/give a small gift for an action you have
done or appreciated.
2. Italy's' pizza is the best. I love eating there. For me, it is
second to none.

What do you think 'second to none' means?

If you say that something is ‘second to none’, you are

emphasizing that it is very good indeed or the best that there is.
3. Relax, in a few weeks, you will find your feet and do your
job well.

What does 'find your feet' mean?

If you say that someone is finding their feet in a new situation,

you mean that they are starting to feel confident and to deal
with things successfully.
4. I am so sleepy. Can't this wait till tomorrow? Let’s hit
the sack.

What do you think 'hit the sack' means?

The phrase 'hit the sack' simply means to go to bed; go to

sleep.
 Collocations and idiomatic expressions are
similar in a way that they are composed of two or
more words put together. However, when they do
differ, the first retains its literal meaning and the
second loses it.
GUIDED PRACTICE
Analyze the sentence and identify the idiom in each sentence below.

1) When I tried to get into a good

school, the process involved a lot
of red tapes.
The phrase ‘a lot of red tapes’ is the
idiom in the sentence, and it means official
rules and processes that seem unnecessary.
2) Shanelle had butterflies in her stomach
before the championship game.

The phrase ‘butterflies in her

stomach’ is the idiom in the sentence and
it means you are feeling nervous usually
because of something you are going to do.
3) My dad blew his stack when he
saw my poor grades on my report
card.
The phrase ‘blew his stack’ is the
idiom in the sentence and it means
to lose one's temper or become
uncontrollably angry, especially to
display one's fury, as by shouting.
4) If you loved him, you would have
stuck by him through thick and thin.

The phrase used ‘through thick

and thin’ means despite problems or
difficulties you will always support or
stay with the person you love.
5) I had a quick meal before attending
the meeting at school today.

The phrase used ‘quick meal’

means a food that is very easy to
prepare and doesn’t consume much
time to eat.
ACTIVITY A1-L7

Choose one which expresses the meaning of the

idiom/phrase out of the four alternatives given for
idioms/phrases underlined in the following sentences.
Encircle the letter of the answer.
1. Her arrogant behavior with others has left her high and
dry.
a) to be penniless
b) to be very sick
c) to be very famous
d) isolated
2. A fair-weather friend always tries to fish in the
troubled waters of his friends and benefactors.
a) to borrow money
b) to steal belongings of someone else
c) to get benefits in a bad situation
d) to extend a helping hand.
3. The chairman pulled a long face when the house did
not accept the suggestions put forth by him.
a) to look disappointed
b) to get annoyed
c) to be agitated
d) to make a quarrel
4. All the residents of the colony painted the town red on
the eve of the festival.
a) whitewash buildings
b) to renovate buildings
c) to celebrate noisily in public places
d) to create nuisances
5. The fair and square policy of the chairman of the
committee has made him very popular among the residents
of the town.
a) clever and deceitful
b) honest
c) ambiguous
d) relevant and practical
ASSIGNMENT (20 POINTS)

Create your own 1 paragraph story using idiomatic

expressions that you are familiar with. You may use your
own experience during the pandemic and do not forget to
make your reflection paragraph about it.
WRAP-UP
To wrap everything up that we have talked about in this lesson, let us
always remember that idioms (also called idiomatic expressions) are
expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally
understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal
meaning of the idiom's elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly
what the words say. Context clues are hints found within a sentence,
paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new
or unfamiliar words. And collocations are words that usually go together; but,
not all words can be combined.
WRAP-UP
Also, remember that idioms are phrases where the
words together have a meaning that is different from the
dictionary definitions of the individual words; this can
make idioms hard to understand. However, learning
idioms can be fun and rewarding since their meanings
are often surprising.
VALUING
Using idioms, write three sentences about being prepared and resilient
in times of disaster or an emergency.
Example:
The typhoon warning made John be on his toes.
1.
2.
3.
POSTTEST

Directions: Complete the following sentences by

filling in the appropriate idioms.