Муниципальное автономное учреждение «Бардымская СОШ №2»
«Secretsof English idioms”
Автор работы:
Абдалова АлесяРаисовна ,
ученица 10 «а» класса
МБОУ «Бардымская средняяшкола №2
Руководитель работы:
Вавилова Гульназ Наилевна ,
учитель иностранных языков
Барда,2022
Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………..
1.Whatare idioms? What science studies them?………………
1.1Phraseology………………………………………………..
1.2Idioms………………………………………………………
2.TheHistory of Idioms………………………………………
3.Categoriesof idioms…………………………………….
4.Thepractical part………………………………………………….
4.1Learningunderstanding of English idioms by students.
4.2Theresults of research.
5.Frequencyof using idioms in speech.
Conclusion………………………………………………………….
Bibliography……………………………………………………..
Intoduction
Actualityof the theme: Idioms are the main part of English. English nativespeakers use them in everyday speech. Learners can hear idioms in TV shows,films, musics. Also they can look in newspapers and magazines. Besides, idiomsmake your speech and language more native and colourful. Your speaking soundsmore confident and you can communicate with people lightly. So, I think thistheme is actual todays.
Theaim of the project is: the level of understanding of themeanings of English idioms and of their use in speech
Theobjectives of the project are:
1. Tostudy theoretical material on the studing theme
2. Tointroduce the history of idioms
3. Toclassificiate idioms in groups
4. Tomake a research
Objectof research: English idioms
Subjectof research: the history of idioms and categories
Theoreticalsignificance: you can use this project in English lessons fordeveloing your language
1.Whatare idioms? What science studies them?
1.1Phraseology
Phraseology (from Greek — phrasis,«way of speaking» and — logia «study of») is a scholarly approach to languagewhich was developed in twentieth century. It took its start when CharlesBally’s notion of locutions praseologiques entered Russian lexicology andlexicography in the 1930s and 1940s.
But Merriam Webster’s dictionarystates that the term phraseology came from new Latin Phraseologia and meansa manner of organizing words and phrases into longer elements: style andchoice of words. Macmillan Dictionary also defines phraseologya particular way of putting words together to express something. Besides,this dictionary explains phraseology as terminology as it denotes the words andphrases used in a particular profession.
In Oxford English Dictionary the termphraseology is explained as uncountable and formal noun that means theparticular way in which words and phrases are arranged when saying or writingsomething.
In linguistics, phraseology means a science of systems on types of fixedexpressions like idioms phrases, phrasal verbs and other kinds of multi-wordlexical segments of a language. The components of a phrase are connected toeach other in order to make one meaning in a sentence. Nevertheless, theycannot give that meaning when they are used independently.
1.2Idioms
Idioms(from Greek — «peculiarity, peculiar phraseology») is a set expression ora phrase comprising two or more words. Aninteresting fact regarding the device is that the expression is not interpretedliterally. The phrase is understood to mean something quite different from whatindividual words of the phrase would imply. Alternatively, it can be said thatthe phrase is interpreted in a figurative sense. Further, idioms vary indifferent cultures and countries.
Sinceidioms are born out of popular usage, they aren’t always logical, and theydon’t always follow traditional grammar patterns.
This is because the phrase itself carries themeaning of the idiom, and not the individual words in the phrase, regardless ofeach word’s grammatical function. For example, this is a life-and-deathsituation. Something that is life-and-death is extremely important,but that phrase itself is illogical. A situation can’t be life and death.
2.TheHistory of Idioms
Most idioms have an extensive historyof being used over an extended period of time. Many have origins in the Bibleand even more are derived from Old English or Latin phrases and words.Well-known authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and many others have used or aresolely responsible for the creation of some idioms in their works of poetry,drama, plays, and more. These well-known authors used idioms to prevent theirwriting from sounding bland, mundane, and repetitive by using the same oldboring comparisons using both relative and literal terms. In fact, most of thepopular idioms that we still use to this very day have stood the ultimate testof time having originated thousands of years ago.
Every idiom has your orogin story.For example, «Wolf in sheep’s clothing»
Meaning: someone who looks harmlessbut may actually be very dangerous
Origin: In a story by Aesop, thefamous Greek storyteller, a hungry wolf killed a sheep and wore its skin to getto the flock of sheep and kill some more. The sheep all thought that the wolfwas also one of them and this dangerous animal hid under the sheep’s skin, andmanaged to fool the flock!
Or «apple of your eye»
Meaning: A thing, which is very preciousto you.
Origin: 1. In the past people used tocall the black round portion of our eyes that we call the pupil, the appleofthe eye. This was due to its shape, which is like an apple. And can we seeanything without our pupils? Since the pupil is such an important part of theeye, anything that is very dear to us is called the apple ofour eye.
2. Oftendaughters or sons are referred to as the apple of their parentseye. This phrase originates from King David, who wrote in Psalm 17 to ask Godto remember and love David as His child: Keep me as the apple of Youreye, hide me in the shadow of Your wings.
3.Categoriesof idioms
Each idiom consists in a specificgroups from they come. In addition, idioms have the same meanings in differentgroups.
Health idioms:
My grandfather was as pale asa ghost (extremely pale) when he entered the hospital.
The sales manager was atdeath’s door (very near death) after his heart attack.
My mother is back on her feet (healthyagain) after being sick for two weeks.
I have been feeling on top ofthe world (feel very healthy) since I quit my job.
My uncle is very sick and hasone foot in the grave (near death).
Clothes idioms:
A few years ago Uggs were allthe rage (very fashionable), but now you don’t see them so much.
Jacob is unpredictable. He won’tleave the office for weeks, but then he’ll take off for New York at thedrop of a hat (suddenly).
Wait until you try the new Yamahascooters. They’ll knock your socks off! (amaze you)
The carmaker’s sales declined becausemany consumers found their designs old hat (old-fashioned).
Its a feather in your cap (asymbol of achivement) if you knock off the defending national champion.
Sport idioms:
A ballpark figure (arough estimate) for the cost of the new stadium would be $150,000,000.
Francesca hit it out of thepark (succeed brilliantly) with her speech today. It wasfabulous.
Madrid won most of our matches duringthe season, but we kicked ass (defeat badly) in theplayoffs.
I’ll call you back in an hour. Thespeaker is almost finished, and I’m on deck (next).
I thought I was totally exhaustedafter mile nine of the race. But then I got my second wind (renewedenergy).
Music idioms:
Can you guys please be quiet?Your chin music (meaningless talk) is distracting me frommy work.
News of the new president was musicto my ears (good to hear) – she’s terrific.
You may say you’re in love with yourboyfriend, but you’ll be singing a different tune (change youropinion) when you find out what he’s been up to.
If you think you can get a ticket forunder $200 at Christmastime, you’re whistling Dixie (unrealisticallyoptimistic).
The children broke the window panewhile playing and had to face the music (accept unpleasantconsequences of your actions) when their parents returned home.
Time idioms:
The restaurant is open aroundthe clock (at all times).
Blackberry phones used to beextremely popular, but now many people think they’re behind thetimes (old-fashioned).
The boxer is ready to calltime (end) on his long career.
You all look tired. Let’s callit a day (stop working).
Teamwork and training will carrythe day (successful).
Number idioms:
I have a million andone (many) ideas.
He got home from the party allin one piece (safely).
The project failed, we’re backto square one (back to the start).
I’ve been in seventh heaven (extremelyhappy) ever since I got engaged!
Never in a million years (absolutelynever) did I think that I would actually win the lottery!
Travel and Transport idioms:
I’m not really part of your group. IfI come to the party I’ll just be a fifth wheel (a superfluousperson).
We better hit the road (leave) beforetraffic get seven worse.
New Year’s Eve is just aroundthe corner (occurring soon). Have you made party plans yet?
My brother just spent a lot of moneyon really questionable stocks. I think he’s off his trolley (insane).
I’ll eat dinner on the fly (whiletraveling) and meet you at 8.
Weather idioms:
It’ll be a cold day in July (neverhappen) when our team wins the championship. We’re terrible.
If you think I’m going to climb thatrickety ladder, you’re all wet! (completely mistaken!)
I stayed up all night studying forthat exam, and then it turned out to be a breeze! (very easy!)
Come hell or highwater (no matter what happens), we will bein New York for the meeting tomorrow morning.
I listen to the music everyday, come rain or shine (do regularly).
Love idioms:
I didn’t know Chris and Sue werean item (having a romantic relationship). They didn’t even look ateach other at dinner.
Have you heard? Sophia andJoseph have split up (end a relationship).
I think I’m falling inlove (start feeling love) with my best friend. What should Ido?
Don’t be angry! Yes, I was talking tothat other girl, but you know you’re my main squeeze!( committedromantic partner).
An old flame (aformer boyfriend or girlfriend) has come back into my life. I’m seeing hertomorrow night.
Food idioms:
The problem of how to motivateemployees can be a tough nut to crack (a difficultproblem) sometimes.
Fred had egg on his face (embarrassed) afterclaiming he could climb the tree but then having to give up.
James will tell you all about hisadventures in Africa, but take it with a grain of salt (beskeptical).
My new girlfriend is veryintelligent. That she’s beautiful is just icing on the cake! (abonus).
I can’t help you with yourpresentation right now. I have bigger fish to fry (have moreimportant things to do).
Animal idioms:
Talk to Jon. He’s the bigfish (important person) in the organization. He can help you getthings done.
Picking out this item or that forcriticism seems unsportsmanlike, like shooting fish in a barrel (veryeasy).
That’s just a fish story (abig lie). Don’t try to fool me.
This game will be the quarterback’s swansong (a final appearance) – he’s retiring after this season.
I was sick as aparrot (very disappointed) after Man United lost last night.
Body idioms:
You shouldn’t buy a new car untilyou’ve paid off the debt from your student loan. Use your head!(think).
It’s too bad you didn’t get the job,but keep your chin up (cheer up) – another one will comealong.
OK, I’ll tell you the secret aboutCynthia, but zip your lip about it! (be quiet).
The presentation will begin at 8 onthe nose (precisely). Don’t miss it.
The team was all eyes andears (attentive) as the coach explained the challenges ahead.
Business idioms:
At first I wasn’t ready to acceptyour offer for the house. But you drive a hard bargain (negotiateeffectively).
Jennifer’s presentation was onpoint (well done) – concise, relevant, and accurate.
The election is up for grabs (available). Everythingis still very chancy.
The salary increase is still upin the air (not yet decided) – the boss favors it, but she hasn’tgotten approval from her superiors.
Sophia is in hot water (introuble) with her department manager after she blew that sales presentation.
4.The practical part
4.1 Learning understanding of English idioms bystudents
We conducted a surveyamong students of 8, 10 forms, in quantity 36, the level of understanding of themeanings of English idioms and of their use in speech.
Numberof students of survey by grade
|
Grade |
Number |
|
10 |
18 |
|
8 |
18 |
|
total |
36 |
We offered students 10 English idioms and asked themto translate into the Russian language, write the meaning of idiom and findRussian equivalent:
1. aspale as a ghost — бледный, как полотно
2. at death’s door— на волосок от смерти
3. back on her feet— встать на ноги, обрести почву под ногами
4. feelingon top of the world — чувствовать себяхорошо
5. hasone foot in the grave — стоятьоднойногойвмогиле
6. fifth wheel— пятая спица в колеснице
7. justaround the corner — не загорами
8. on the fly— на ходу, на лету
9. keepone’s fingers cross — скрестить пальцы
10. looklike a million dollars — выглядетьнавсесто
4.2 The results of research
Theresults of research showed in table form.
|
Idioms |
Answers of students |
||||||||
|
Translated |
Wrote the meaning |
Found Russian equivalent |
Don’t answer |
||||||
|
English |
Russian |
quantity |
% |
quantity |
% |
quantity |
% |
quantity |
% |
|
1.as pale as a ghost |
бледный, как полотно |
32 |
89% |
25 |
69% |
6 |
17% |
2 |
6% |
|
2.at death’s door |
на волосок от смерти |
32 |
89% |
23 |
64% |
3 |
8% |
3 |
8% |
|
3.back on her feet |
обрести почву под ногами |
30 |
83% |
7 |
19% |
2 |
6% |
6 |
17% |
|
4.feeling on top of the world |
чувствовать себя хорошо
|
29 |
81% |
4 |
11% |
4 |
11% |
7 |
19% |
|
5.has one foot in the grave |
стоять одной ногой в могиле
|
29 |
81% |
18 |
50% |
13 |
36% |
7 |
19% |
|
6.fifth wheel |
пятая спица в колеснице
|
26 |
72% |
10 |
28% |
3 |
8% |
8 |
22% |
|
7.just around the corner |
не за горами |
25 |
69% |
2 |
6% |
2 |
6% |
11 |
31% |
|
8.on the fly |
на ходу |
26 |
72% |
9 |
25% |
9 |
25% |
10 |
28% |
|
9.keep one’s fingers cross |
скрестить пальцы |
28 |
78% |
13 |
36% |
7 |
19% |
9 |
25% |
|
10.look like a million dollars |
выглядеть на все сто |
30 |
83% |
15 |
42% |
9 |
25% |
6 |
17% |
|
Total |
|
|
797% |
|
350% |
|
161% |
|
192% |
The results of a survey showed us,that students could translate offered idioms to Russian, because they knewwords, what consist in idioms, but a little quality of students know naturemeaning of these idioms.
As for Russian equivalents, we seethat students don’t use idioms on their speech, because of don’t uderstandEnglish idioms.
5. Freguency of using idioms in speech
After the theoretical part and the results of oursurvey, we decided to make a presentation with often using idioms. Thatstudents remember easily we made funny pictures to idioms, also added themeaning of idioms.
Conclusion
Idiomsplay an active role in English. They let to learn about history a lot. We canfind out something interesting about culture, literature and peoples. But usedwith care is an important because speech overloaded with idioms loses itsfreshness and originality. Anyway, if learners use idioms to add some raisin,their speech will attractive.
Bythe way, we understood, that students don’t use idioms often, despite of theyknow translating in these expressions.
Bibliography
1.https://moluch.ru/archive/107/25673/
2.https://7esl.com/english-idioms/#Idiom_Examples-2
3.https://www.etymonline.com/word/idiom
4.https://literarydevices.net/idiom/
5.https://writingexplained.org/grammar-dictionary/idiom
6. C. D. Narasimhaiah«The human idioms (three lectures on Jawaharlal Nehru)»
