Idioms 1 3 Reading Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Idioms 1. 3: Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. A. Identify and apply knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to demonstrate an understanding Of a literary selection.

What is an idiom? • refers to a phrase or expression that cannot be understood by knowing what the individual words in the phrase mean. • words are put together to make a clever phrase that means something other than what the individual words mean

Huh? For example: Barking up the wrong tree When taken literally it means: a dog barking at the base of tree. Actually it means: To misunderstand a situation and complain to a wrong person or blame a wrong thing.

Another example… I’m as cool as a cucumber. When taken literally it means: cucumbers can be cool to touch. Actually it means: being very calm and relaxed even in a difficult situation.

More Examples… Great minds think alike. • This is a humorous expression that is used when you find out someone else was thinking the same thing as you were.

More Examples… A couch potato. • It’s usually someone laying around a lot!!!

More Examples… Putting your foot in your mouth. • It means that you said something you shouldn’t have.

More Examples… Cat’s got your tongue. • It means that you don’t know what to say.

More Examples… On the ball. • It means that you are keeping up with the work at hand.

More Examples… A dog’s life. • It means that you have an easy life.

More Examples… Holy Cow! • It is an expression said when you are shocked about something.

More Examples… Proud peacock. • It means that you are telling people about something you did well. You are proud of yourself.

More Examples… It’s raining cats and dogs. • It means that it is raining very hard outside.

More Examples… I’ve got a frog in my throat. • It means that your voice is almost gone or sounds funny.

More Examples… I can smell a rat. • It means that you believe that there is someone betraying you.

More Examples… Needle in a haystack. • It means that something or someone will really be hard to find.

More Examples… Dressing to the nines. • It means that you are dressing up and looking good.

More Examples… Stick your neck out. • It means to say or do something bold or a bit dangerous.

More Examples… To break the ice. • It means that you are the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will follow.

More Examples… Shake a leg! • It means that you need to move faster.

More Examples… Selling like hotcakes. • It means that something is selling very quickly.

More Examples… Going bananas. • It means that you are going crazy!

More Examples… Feel like a fish out of water. • It means that you feel out of place and uncomfortable.

More Examples… Hang on. • It means that you are asking someone to wait for something. • It can also mean that someone needs to persevere.