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EXPRESSION
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Expression is a word or group of words used in a particular situation or by particular people. |
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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. |
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a. Over the moon which means to be very pleased.
For example:
- She was over the moon about her new bike.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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!
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Simile is an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the words "as" or "like" |
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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.
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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.
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c. Fight like cats and dogs which means to have angry arguments all the time.
For example:
- They fought like cats and dogs.
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d. As different as night and day which means totally unlike / different.
For example:
- They are as different as night and day.
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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.
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Proverb means a short statement, usually known by many people for a long time, that gives advice or expresses some common truth. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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?
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c. Have heart of stone means to be unkind or cruel.
For example:
- His heart of stone surprised me.
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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!
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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.
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