Idioms: Brownie Points and Wild Goose Chase
Idiom An idiom is an expression whose meaning is different from the meaning of its constituent words. Knowledge of idioms is an important part of comprehension of the English language. Below is a list of some commonly used idioms in English with their meanings and usage.
Examples:
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF - changing for the better
After Ajit was released from prison, he decided to turn over a new leaf and become an honest man.
PULL UP ONE’S SOCKS - to make an effort to improve
Rajesh scored only forty on his English mid-term exams. He needs to pull up his socks if he wants to do well in his finals.
HIT BELOW THE BELT - to act in an unfair manner
The candidate of the opposition party spread false rumours about the Minister. People felt that he was hitting below the belt.
GIFT OF THE GAB - the ability to speak well
Pooja was able to keep the audiences amused with her stories. She surely has thegift of the gab.
WILD GOOSE CHASE - futile search
Searching for hidden gold in the village field is nothing but a wild goose chase.
HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS - reconsider a decision
Rajiv began to have second thoughts about his decision to study Economics when he realised that he could not even pay attention during the lectures.
TAKE TO TASK - to reprimand someone
Payal was taken to task by her mother when she failed her Mathematics exam.
FACE THE MUSIC - to face the consequences of one’s action
I lost my father’s pen. I will have to face the music when I reach home.
BREAK THE ICE - overcome initial shyness
The teacher asked the students to introduce themselves to each other to break the ice.
MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL - to give great importance to minor things
Manoj stopped talking to Rupa because she did not lend him her notebook. I think he is making a mountain out of a molehill.
AT LOGGERHEADS - to differ strongly
The two brothers can never work together. They are always at loggerheads.
MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES - make the best of a good
Examples:
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF - changing for the better
After Ajit was released from prison, he decided to turn over a new leaf and become an honest man.
PULL UP ONE’S SOCKS - to make an effort to improve
Rajesh scored only forty on his English mid-term exams. He needs to pull up his socks if he wants to do well in his finals.
HIT BELOW THE BELT - to act in an unfair manner
The candidate of the opposition party spread false rumours about the Minister. People felt that he was hitting below the belt.
GIFT OF THE GAB - the ability to speak well
Pooja was able to keep the audiences amused with her stories. She surely has thegift of the gab.
WILD GOOSE CHASE - futile search
Searching for hidden gold in the village field is nothing but a wild goose chase.
HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS - reconsider a decision
Rajiv began to have second thoughts about his decision to study Economics when he realised that he could not even pay attention during the lectures.
TAKE TO TASK - to reprimand someone
Payal was taken to task by her mother when she failed her Mathematics exam.
FACE THE MUSIC - to face the consequences of one’s action
I lost my father’s pen. I will have to face the music when I reach home.
BREAK THE ICE - overcome initial shyness
The teacher asked the students to introduce themselves to each other to break the ice.
MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL - to give great importance to minor things
Manoj stopped talking to Rupa because she did not lend him her notebook. I think he is making a mountain out of a molehill.
AT LOGGERHEADS - to differ strongly
The two brothers can never work together. They are always at loggerheads.
MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES - make the best of a good