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An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below).
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Meaning: Something you already have is more valuable than something you might get in the future. Example: John already has a job offer, but he is considering waiting for a better one.
- A blessing in disguise. Meaning: Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good. Example: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to start my own business.
- A dime a dozen. Meaning: Something that is very common and easy to find. Example: People who claim to be professional photographers are a dime a dozen these days.
- A piece of cake. Meaning: Something that is very easy. Example: This math problem is a piece of cake. I can solve it in no time.
Apr 26, 2024 · The meaning of FREE OF CHARGE is without charge : at no cost. How to use free of charge in a sentence.
Idioms that rely on cultural knowledge usually don't translate well into other languages. 4. Language Evolution. Cultural shifts, changes in technology, and other factors can shape idiomatic expressions (and language as a whole) over time. New idioms can be created to reflect modern phenomena, while old idioms may lose relevance.
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What are some common English idioms?
- As Free as A Bird
- Clip Someone’S Wings
- Spread Your Wings
- Born Free
- Elbow Room
- Freedom of Speech
- Free Spirit / Free-Spirited
- There’S No Such Thing as A Free Lunch
- Freeloader
- Free Rein
Many freedom idioms have a similar meaning to this one, which is also a simile. Someone who is as free as a bird has no worries, commitments, or problems. It’s interesting to see how different idioms about birdsdraw on different aspects of their nature.
Birds are free to go where they please, but if you clip their wings, they can’t fly anymore. So when you figuratively clip someone’s wings, you are limiting their freedom or restricting their ability to perform a task. There are plenty of idioms associated with animalsin English. Why not take a look?
The complete opposite of having your wings clipped, to spread your wings (and soar/fly) is to make the most of the freedom you have to do something or go somewhere. It often refers to a new season of life, whether it’s moving to a new place, starting a new job, taking up a new hobby, or simply traveling.
Officially, to be born free means you were born after the end of the Apartheid era in South Africa. It can also describe, more literally, someone not born into slavery. As an idiom about freedom, though, it describes someone who is free to make their own choices. We have more idioms about travelon a separate page for you to explore.
Can you imagine being in a space so tight that you cannot move your elbows around? That would feel like the opposite of freedom! Elbow room is the space or freedom to do something. Although this expression can be used in terms of physical space, you can also use it figuratively to refer to the leeway to do something or say something.
Freedom idioms are used around the world, but you may hear this particular one used more as an American idiom, or in reference to the USA. Freedom of speech is the right to say what you want without fear. But do you really have the right to say whatever you want wheneveryou want to?
When you act in an uninhabited way, do your own thing, and never worry about normal social rules or constraints, you could be called free-spirited. Another way to explain it would be ‘nonconformist’.
This is an example of a ‘free’ idiom about money. When someone comments that there is no such thing as a free lunch, they are suggesting that even if something is offered for free, there is usually a hidden cost or consequence. Another way to express this is: ‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Sadly, not all free idioms are positive ones. A freeloader is someone who doesn’t pay their own way, or share a financial burden. They take advantage of other people’s kindness and generosity.
When you are given free rein, you are given permission to do something your own way. You’re asked to complete a task but not limited in the way you do it. This is a good example of a work idiomas it often applies in business settings.
Jun 26, 2023 · Run like the wind. Meaning: to be very fast. Example: The sprinter took off and ran like the wind as soon as the race started. Eat like a horse. Meaning: to eat a large amount of food. Example: Patrick always eats like a horse at the buffet. Take a rain check. Meaning: postponing and rescheduling something.
May 7, 2024 · Sounding Authentic: 22 Business English Phrases and Idioms for All Occasions. 1. Get a business off the ground. The business has been registered with its own name, the employees are hired and the product or service is ready to be offered to the public. In other words, the owner got his or her business off the ground.
