UNDERSTANDING IDIOMS FOR REAL MEANINGS

An idiom 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 individual elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, a hidden meaning. The meaning of these expressions is different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which they are made. Their meaning is however used figuratively.  Examples of frequently used idioms are:

“it’s raining cats and dogs” means it is raining very hard. The phrase has nothing to do with either cats or dogs. 

"Spill the beans” means telling people secret information. No real beans.

"Kick the bucket" means to die.

Every day language is often confronted with the use of idioms. What are idioms? Idioms appear in every language, and English has about 2,000 of them.  they are confusing because the meaning of the whole group of words taken together has little, often nothing to do with the meaning of the words taken one by one. The Center for Lifelong Learning will present Lillian Snyder to discuss AMERICAN IDIOMS  FOR PEOPLE WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS NOT ENGLISH. The classes will take place Mondays, October 4th through October 25 at at 9:00 AM in Clubhouse 1. For more details, contact the Center’s website at   https://www.cllmd.com.  Register to attend with E&R in Clubhouse 1.