Learn about using idioms in your writing.
What is an Idiom?
An Idiom is defined as an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself, either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements (such as up in the air for “undecided”) or in its grammatically atypical use of words (such as give way). In other words, an idiom is a phrase that means something completely different from what the individual words actually say.
Why do we use Idioms?
They are a common form of figurative language used to add creativity, vividness, and cultural flavor to speech and writing. Still, they require context to be understood and can be difficult to translate across languages. Writers use idioms to more effectively convey complex ideas or emotions concisely and to create a sense of familiarity and connection with their audience. Idioms are the products of a complex relationship between language, culture, and shared understanding. Structure-wise, idioms often follow standard grammar rules, but they twist meaning in the most unexpected ways. The twist is the essence of these grammar devices. Idioms rely less on logic and more on shared experience, and sometimes, they can be unique to particular cultures and regions
Use of Idioms in writing.
Idioms are a shortcut to communicate ideas that may be challenging to express directly. They serve as a linguistic bridge, enabling us to convey nuanced meanings in a concise and impactful manner. Such transition sentences enhance our ability to convey complex thoughts effortlessly.
Idioms can add color and creativity to language, making it more engaging and enjoyable. Due to their unusual or imaginative approach, they can captivate readers. When Idioms are shared, it creates an understanding of expressions with a sense of connection and mutual understanding. When an Idiom is humorous or used in a lighthearted manner, it can lighten the mood in your writing.
Here are a few examples of Idioms:
- Break a leg: Meaning ‘Good luck’ used especially before a performance in the theater.
- Kick the bucket or pop your clogs: Meaning ‘to die’ in a more colorful way of putting it.
- Bite the bullet: means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
- Back and forth: means to move in a backward and forward motion.
- Under the weather: means to be feeling unwell or sick.
Try incorporating Idioms into your writing. You’ll see how they enhance your stories.
Here is my attempt to write a story that incorporates idioms. Can you spot the Idioms? (Hint -There are at least four in the story.)
A Ride With My Dog
“Woof, Woof!” My dog stared at me as she sat impatiently in the shotgun seat of my car. She is anxious to get going. Her eyes say, Why am I in this car if not to go for a ride?
I was stuck in the drive-through lane after giving my order to the speaker. The car in front of me has not moved for at least five minutes. I turned to her and said, “Mini, we need to be patient. Rome was not built in a day.” Then I laughed at the look in her golden-brown eyes. She had no idea what I could be saying. I was barking up the wrong tree to think she could get the nuance of that saying.
We sat there in the car for what seemed like another five minutes. Periodically, Mini barked at me – urging me to move the car by first looking at me and then to the steering wheel as if she was saying, Mom, put your hands on the wheel and make this car move!”
She obviously thought that when my hands were on the wheel, the car would move magically. I thought to myself, Oh, that if this could be true!
As we crept closer to the drive-through window, I was aware of her excitement building. She knew that the people in the window gave us packages, and in those packages was food. If she could just make a wish, she would love to have some of the yummy treats that I would give to her.
She started to bark at me again. In response, I reached for the treat bag I kept on the dash and gave her a small milkbone. I was hoping that would appease her until we resumed our ride. Mini loved to ride in the car. In fact, those words ‘car’ and ‘ride’ were her most favorite words even above the word ‘treat.’
Mini was a rescue dog that I had acquired ten months before. The first time I took her on a ride, I was surprised that she jumped confidently into the front seat and waited patiently while I snapped her car harness into place. She must have done this with her former owner. There were many things she understood; the most surprising was the command, “Come.” Out of all the dogs I have owned in my life, she was the only one who responded consistently to the command ‘Come!” Recently, I discovered that she also understood the command “Sit!” Amazing!
Someone had taken a great deal of time with this dog in her previous life. It was hard for me to imagine why they would have turned her into the pound to be adopted, but I had fallen in love with her the second I saw her picture on their website. I was ecstatic when I realized, upon visiting the pound, that she was still there and I could adopt her. That had been a fabulous decision.
We had finally reached the take-out window. Mini was sitting up at attention, watching every movement of the lady in the window. Her ears were pricked upward, and she panted a little harder. When the package was handed to me, she automatically sniffed it as I set it on the floor in front of her.
Now was when the magic happened! My hands were on the wheel, and the car began to move. I put down the window on her side, and it was like the curtain on a stage opening. Mini knew the show was about to begin. Break a leg, Mini! I thought. She stood up with her feet on the window, taking in all the sights on our drive home. She sniffed the air, enjoying the many wonderful scents that wafted by us as I drove. The longer I made the ride, the happier she was.
When we pulled into the garage, I looked over at her. She had a sloppy smile on her face. She had enjoyed the ride, but was glad to be home where she could run about and chase her toys. A dog’s life was pretty good, indeed.
Have fun writing!
Marie
Chasing The Tale 