The word “idiom” traces its roots back to the Greek word idiōma, which means something special or unique. It comes from idiousthai, meaning “to make something your own,” which itself is derived from idios, meaning “private” or “personal.” Over time, the term made its way into Latin as idioma and later into French before settling into English in the 16th century. The Hindi equivalent of idioms is muhavara. Today, we use “idiom” to describe phrases where the meaning goes beyond the literal words—adding a dash of creativity to language!
Using pictorial depictions of idioms in teaching helps children grasp abstract concepts more effectively by linking visual cues to language. This method enhances comprehension, encourages critical thinking, and aids long-term retention. It also sparks curiosity and creativity, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, visual learning supports diverse learning styles, ensuring that even visual learners benefit from the lesson.
This article can serve as a valuable resource for teachers and parents, offering them a creative and interactive way to introduce idioms to their wards in class 5th or 6th. It promotes language enrichment by encouraging children to use idiomatic expressions in their everyday conversations, improving their vocabulary and communication skills. Additionally, it can foster a deeper cultural understanding, as many idioms reflect the history and values of a language.
Idiom: All that glitters is not gold.
Meaning: Everything that seems to be attractive or desirable may not actually be good. We should not be deceived by mere appearances and look for the deeper meaning.
Idiom: The ball is in my court.
Meaning: It is my turn to take action or make a decision.
Idiom: Breaking the ice
Meaning: Starting a conversation to ease tension or awkwardness.
Idiom: Burning the midnight oil
Meaning: Working late into the night, usually to complete a task.
Idiom: Digging one’s own grave
Meaning: Doing something that will cause your own failure or downfall.
Idiom: Finding the needle in the haystack
Meaning: Trying to find something very difficult or nearly impossible.
Idiom: Going along with the flow
Meaning: Accepting things as they happen and not resisting change.
Idiom: Hitting the nail on the head
Meaning: Saying or doing something exactly right.
Idiom: I am all ears
Meaning: I’m listening carefully and giving you my full attention.
Idiom: In deep sea
Meaning: Being in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Idiom: In hot water
Meaning: Being in trouble or a difficult situation.
Idiom: Keep your head above the water
Meaning: To manage a difficult situation and avoid failure.
Idiom: Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die.
Idiom: Letting the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To let out a secret unintentionally
Idiom: Living under the rock
Meaning: To be outdated
Idiom: Crying over spilt milk
Meaning: Regretting about something that cannot be changed
Idiom: A piece of cake
Meaning: An easy task
Idiom: It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It is raining very heavily
Idiom: Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There’s something good in every difficult situation.
Idiom: spilling the beans
Meaning: Revealing a secret
Idiom: Being under the weather
Meaning: Feeling slightly sick or unwell
Idiom: Biting the bullet
Meaning: Enduring a painful or difficult situation with courage.
Idiom: Hitting the sack
Meaning: To go to bed or sleep
Idiom: Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or admit defeat
Idiom: Hold your horses
Meaning: To wait or be patient.
Idiom: Cost an arm and leg
Meaning: Being very expensive.
Idiom: Walking on eggshells
Meaning: To act carefully to avoid making someone upset.
Idiom: Don’t put all your eggs in the same basket
Meaning: Not to rely on a single plan or option because if it fails, everything could be lost.
So, there you have it! Idioms may seem tricky at first, but with a little help from pictures and some fun explanations, they’re easier to crack! This will especially hone the imagination of the children and make learning a fun-filled process. Happy learning!
By Richa Verma
Richa is an online English teacher, independent blogger, voracious reader, movie buff who is smitten with wanderlust, and a homemaker. She can be contacted through her email address richavermamh@gmail.com
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