Idioms

Idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deducted from the meanings of the individual words when standing alone. Idiom is composed of two or more words which have shed off their denotative meaning and have united to give a new and profound meaning.

It is in this lucid manner that this book will teach you idioms.

It clearly explains the steps in learning more idioms. This being so, you should strive to learn idioms by studying how they are used in the dictionaries. The dictionaries will help you to use idioms correctly.

It advises you to learn as many English idioms as possible. This being so, you are expected to learn idioms in context. You should often read well-written essays interlaced with idiomatic expressions.

It analyzes the four major types of idiom. The first type of idiom is an expression with meaning different from its dictionary or denotative meaning.

It appraises the second type of idiom. The second type is a conventional expression with standard meanings.

It evaluates the third type of idiom. The third type is an expression that includes names used to refer to historical events of importance.

It identifies the fourth type of idiom. The fourth type is an expression that involves a combination of verbs and prepositions.

It outlines select idioms and their meanings: 'To flog a dead horse' means 'to waste someone’s time or efforts'. 'A hard and fast rule' means 'a rule that cannot be easily modified'. 'To be at or reach a dead end' means 'to come to a stage of no further progress'.

And it contains many crucial questions designed to enable you to learn more idioms and their current usage.