EPISODE · Dec 10, 2021 · 5 MIN

S03 E50 Never Argue With An Idiom

from An Ounce - For Your Consideration · host Jim Fugate

Idioms – defined as a phrase or group of words the represent a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase -or- an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be understood as a whole.American English idioms can be a nightmare for those learning to speak English. And, also cause a lot of confusion for those who just haven’t heard the expression before. But they are fun and add color to the conversation.Some examples of common idioms include “Give Up” meaning – surrender – or – the ball is in your court, meaning it’s now your responsibility. Or, a more current idiom, ‘google it’ which means looking it up on the internet using the google search engine.Idioms can come and go quickly – and sometimes hang around confusingly past their ‘sell by’ date.Idioms and other expressions that are absolutely clear to us can be absolutely unclear to others.Even in plain English – or even worse, in legal terms – people misunderstand and may even end up in court.