Hi Everyone!

In this month’s English Newsletter we’re going to learn about different kinds of phrases¹. We’ll try to understand the differences between idioms, euphemisms and proverbs and more importantly we’ll learn some useful phrases for everyday use. So let’s get started!

Phrases, Idioms, Euphemisms and Proverbs

What is a phrase?

Basically, a phrase is a group of two or more words that express² an idea. Usually phrases are part of sentences, but they can also stand alone.

Let’s look at a couple examples:

1. In a sentence: Dan didn’t pay attention³ to the instructions and now he doesn’t know what to do.
2. Sand alone: Good morning!

Actually, phrases constitute⁴ a very general⁵ category of expressions and in that general category we can find many sub-categories⁶ that are more narrowly⁷ defined and have specific characteristics⁸. Today we’ll look at three types of phrases: Idioms, euphemisms and proverbs.

What are idioms?

Idioms are phrases that do justice⁹ to the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. In other words, the meaning of an idiom is not necessarily directly derived¹⁰from the separate words that it is made up of.

Here are some examples of idioms:

1. Piece of cake (=very easy)
2. A rip off (=too expensive)
3. See eye to eye (=to agree)
4. Break a leg (=to succeed)
5. Cut to the chase (=get to the point)
6. Dry run (=rehearsal¹¹)
7. Nest egg (=savings for the future)
8. Under the weather (=feeling sick)
9. Devil’s advocate¹² (=to present the argument of the opposing¹³ side)
10.  Sit on the fence (=not choosing a side/not supporting anyone/not making a decision)
11. asy going (=relaxed)
12. Give me a hand (=help me)
13. It rings a bell (=reminds me of something)
14. No strings attached (=no commitment¹⁴)

What are euphemisms?

Euphemisms are pleasant or clean phrases used to express unpleasant, offensive or inappropriate¹⁵ ideas.

For example, instead of using the word “die”, we can say passed away; when talking about sex, we can use the phrase “to make love”; and why go the toilet, when instead, you can go to the bathroom or restroom.

Another strange euphemism is “put to sleep”. Read the following sentence and try to guess what it means:

Our dog was very sick, so we had no choice but to put him to sleep.

What are proverbs?

Proverbs are popular sayings that express philosophical or religious opinions and general suggestions regarding how people should live their lives.

Let’s look at some examples:

1. Too many cooks spoil¹⁶ the broth (=it’s difficult to work in a crowded space)
2. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (=don’t risk what you have for something else)
3. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you (=The Golden Rule/treat others with respect)
4. To cross your T’s and dot your I’s (=to make sure you don’t make any mistakes)
5. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch (=don’t celebrate before you’re sure there’s something to celebrate about)
6. Just because we have the best hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail (=the fact that you’re physically strong doesn’t mean that all your problems can be solved with force)

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

Choose a suitable phrase for the following situations:

1. I need help, can you ___________________.
2. You’ve already won a lot of money at the casino. I think this is a good time to go home. I know you want to keep playing, but you know what they say…______________________________________
3. He’s a really friendly and ____________person.
4. Although I don’t remember exactly who he is, his name certainly _________________.
5. I’m sorry, but apparently we don’t ________________ on this matter.
6. I hate to be the one who has to tell you this, but Mr. Kerry ____________ a few years ago. He was very ill.

Exercise 2

Reading Comprehension

Look at the following phrases and decide which one is an idiom, which one is a proverb and which one is a euphemism:

1. Every cloud has a silver lining (=things that seem negative can bring about positive things)
2. Black out (=to momentarily forget everything)
3. Special needs (=disabilities or disorders)

Exercise 3

Common Mistakes in English

Find the mistakes in the following sentences and rewrite the sentences:

1. I’m leaving on 13:00.
2. I’m in work.
3. The meeting is in the 13th of July.
4. I’m traveling abroad on March.

ANSWER SHEET

Exercise 1

1. Give me a hand
2. Better a bird in the hand than two in the bush
3. Easy going
4. Rings a bell
5. See eye to eye
6. Passed away

Exercise 2

1. Every cloud has a silver lining – proverb
2. Black out – idiom
3. Special needs – euphemism

Exercise 3

1. I’m leaving at 13:00.
2. I’m at work.
3. The meeting is on the 13th of July.
4. I’m traveling abroad in March.