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→Examples of Idiomatic Expressions
An '''idiom''' is an expression or phrase whose meaning cannot be understood based on a literal definition of the words. Instead, it refers to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. In [[linguistic|linguistics]], idioms are widely assumed to be [[figures of speech]].
An '''idiom''' is an expression or phrase whose meaning cannot be understood based on a literal definition of the words. Instead, it refers to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. In [[linguistic]]s, idioms are widely assumed to be [[figures of speech]].
==Examples of Idiomatic Expressions==
==Examples of Idiomatic Expressions==
*'''"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."''' (Matthew 5:45).<br>This familiar quote from Our Lord is understood in most of the world ''exactly '''backwards!'''''<br>In the time and the place, (first century [[Palestine]]), it was the '''rain''' that would have been considered the "blessing", as the desert climate of the area already has plenty of sunshine. More sun than the usual amount was considered a "curse".
*'''"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."''' (Matthew 5:45).<br>This familiar quote from Our Lord is understood in most of the world ''exactly '''backwards!'''''<br>In the time and the place, (first century [[Palestine]]), it was the '''rain''' that would have been considered the "blessing", as the desert climate of the area already has plenty of sunshine. More sun than the usual amount was considered a "curse".
*To '''''Bite the bullet''''' is to adjust to unpleasant circumstances: "The extreme drought is forcing everyone to '''bite the bullet''' and use less water." Historically, before [[anesthesia]], surgeons operating on the wounded gave them a bullet to bite to help withstand the pain. Thus, idiomatically, when one '''bites the bullet''' they are preparing themselves to courageously suffer.
*To '''''[[Bite the bullet]]''''' is to adjust to unpleasant circumstances: "The extreme drought is forcing everyone to '''bite the bullet''' and use less water." Historically, before [[anesthesia]], surgeons operating on the wounded gave them a bullet to bite to help withstand the pain. Thus, idiomatically, when one '''bites the bullet''' they are preparing themselves to courageously suffer.
*'''Death and taxes''' in the [[United States]], is cultural shorthand for two certainties in life. The phrase is "In this world nothing is certain by death and taxes." The saying comes from [[Benjamin Franklin]].
*'''Death and taxes''' in the [[United States]], is cultural shorthand for two certainties in life. The phrase is "In this world nothing is certain by [[Death and Taxes|death and taxes]]." The saying comes from [[Benjamin Franklin]].
*'''Handbags at 5 yards''' is an expression to mean a small amount of pushing and shoving that does not amount to much. It is used particularly in relation to sport, especially rugby union.
*'''Handbags at 5 yards''' is an expression to mean a small amount of pushing and shoving that does not amount to much. It is used particularly in relation to sport, especially rugby union.
*'''Kick the bucket''' simply means "to die". Though the origin is obscure [http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/218800.html some] think [[William Shakespeare| the bard]] may have hefted this idiom into immortality.<br>Other "to die" euphemisms include: '''Bought the farm''', '''Deep sixed''' (graves are traditionally six feet deep).
*'''Kick the bucket''' simply means "to die". Though the origin is obscure [http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/218800.html some] think [[William Shakespeare|the bard]] may have hefted this idiom into immortality.<br>Other "to die" euphemisms include: '''Bought the farm''', '''Deep sixed''' (graves are traditionally six feet deep).
[[Category:Idioms]]
*'''[[All hat and no cattle]]'''
*'''[[Does not know come here from sic them]]'''
*'''Dissident.''' In [[Soviet]] times, the [[MSM|Western media]] routinely referred to domestic opponents of the Soviet regime as "dissident". However, these opponents rejected the term. The term in [[Russia]], which [[historical]]ly has no [[separation of church and state]], has a [[religious]] connotation of opposition to the [[Russian Orthodox Church]]. In the Russian language and idiom, the entire Soviet regime and system was "dissident". When translated, the term implied these opponents were actually sympathetic to the Soviet regime.
[[Category:Idioms| ]]