Expression

     
 

EXPRESSION

 
     
  Expression is a word or group of words used in a particular situation or by particular people.  
     
     
     
 
1.1    IDIOM
 
     
  Idiom means a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own.  
     
 

a. Over the moon which means to be very pleased.

For example:

- She was over the moon about her new bike.

 
     
 

b. See the light which means to understand something you did not understand before.

For example:

- It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I saw the light and started to work hard.

 
     
 

c. Break a leg which means wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.

For example:

- Danny's family told him to “break a leg” right before he went up on stage.

 
     
 

d. Better late than never which means it is better for someone to arrive or do something late than not to arrive or do it at all.

For example:

- "Alia finally paid me the money she owed me." "Well, better late than never."

 
     
 

e.  Beating around the bush which means avoid talking about what is important.

For example:

- Don't beat around the bush and get to the point!

 
     
     
     
 
1.2    SIMILE
 
     
  Simile is an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the words "as" or "like"  
     
 

a. As brave as a lion which means very brave.

For example: 

- He may be small and not very strong , but he’s as brave as a lion.

 
     
 

b. As busy as a bee which means very busy.

For example:

- She’s as busy as a bee, quite often attending meetings and organizing events. 

 
     
 

c. Fight like cats and dogs which means to have angry arguments all the time.

For example:

- They fought like cats and dogs.

 
     
 

d. As different as night and day which means totally unlike / different.

For example:

- They are as different as night and day.

 
     
 

e. Fits like a glove which means to be the perfect size and shape for someone.

For example:

- This dress is perfect because it fits like a glove.

 
     
     
     
 
1.3    PROVERB
 
     
  Proverb means a short statement, usually known by many people for a long time, that gives advice or expresses some common truth.  
     
 

a. A bad workman always blames his tools is used when someone blames the quality of their equipment or other external factors when they perform a task poorly. 

For example:

Akim: The cake is undercooked well because the oven is not functioning well.

Atiqah: Well, it’s the case of a bad workman blaming his tools.

 
     
 

b. A cat has nine lives is used because cat is known to be the animal that can survive seemingly fatal events.

For example:

- I haven’t seen her for several weeks, but I wouldn’t really worry about her. Everyone knows a cat has nine lives.

 
     
 

c. Actions speak louder than words which means actions are a better reflection of one’s character because it’s easy to say things, but difficult to act on them and follow through.

For example:

- Hanis always says she’ll donate to the school, and she never does, so I doubt she will this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

 
     
 

d. All good things come to an end which means good experiences eventually come to an end.

For example:

- I was so sad to graduate from college and separate from my friends, but I’ve to realize that all good things come to an end.

 
     
 

e. Barking dogs seldom bite is when people who appear threatening rarely do harm.

For example:

Amir: I’m really scared to report delay in the project to the boss. His temper is so over the top.

Majid: I don’t think you should worry too much about it as barking dogs seldom bite.

 
     
 

REMEMBER!

► An idiom is defined as a phrase that contains its own meaning but cannot be understood in layman's language.

► A proverb is defined as a well-known sentence that is used to give advice to the other person.

 
     
     
     
 
1.4    METAPHOR
 
     
  Metaphor means an expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics to that person or object.  
     
 

a. Late bloomer means someone who becomes good at something after people usually become good at it.

For example:

- She is just a late bloomer.

 
     
 

b. Black sheep means a person who has done something bad that brings embarrassment or shame to his or her family.

For example:

- Is there a black sheep in your family?

 
     
 

c. Have heart of stone means to be unkind or cruel.

For example:

- His heart of stone surprised me.

 
     
 

d. Smell a rat means to recognize that something is not as it appears to be or that something dishonest is happening.

For example:

- He's been working late with her every night this week - I smell a rat!

 
     
 

e. Weight off your mind means a worry that you had but that is now gone.

For example:

- It was a weight off my mind, knowing she arrived home safe.