Idiom of the Day

 

Let's start using idioms or idiomatic expressions when we write. When idioms are used, it adds color and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up. An idiom can be very colorful and make a 'picture' in our minds. It also shows the writer's familiarity with English. When you want to make your writing sound more conversational, including idioms can give your writing a more relaxed tone.

Idioms allow us to say a lot with few words. Idioms amplify your messages in a way that draws your readers in and helps awaken their senses. It adds dynamism and character to otherwise stale writing. They make your writing less monotonous, making your readers think you are smart and knowledgeable. All the while ... you only clothe your writing with elaborate idioms to create an impact... saying too much with less. 

To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone's leg. So the idiom of the day is:

IDIOM: Let the cat out of the bag.

MEANING: Revealing a secret carelessly or by mistake.  It also means revealing facts that were previously hidden

ORIGIN: The phrase originates from a situation in medieval times where pigs and fowls were bagged before they are sold. It so happens that some merchants want to have a fast buck by placing a cat instead of the animals advertised. When the unsuspecting buyers arrive home they realized the whole travesty and the next time they buy livestock they said: "let the cat out of the bag ... before I purchase this."

USING IT IN A SENTENCE: Janice outed her friend Diana ... when she accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

Idioms in Tagalog

One of my friends asked:  "Are there idiom equivalents also  in the Tagalog language?" Of course, there are.  Katulad ng idioms sa English, ginagamit ito para tumingkad ang paglalarawan ng mga bagaybagay at para mapaigting  at matalinhaga ang takbo ng usapin o pagsusulat.

And just like in English ... ang kahulugan ng mga "sawikain or idioms" ay magkaiba sa literal meaning ng mga salita. Sa madaling salita ang mga sawikain don't mean exactly what the individual words in it say. Tandaan natin ... ang figurative meaning ng mga sawikain ... is different from its literal meaning.

Kung sasabihan ka ng teacher mo na "magsunog ka ng kilay" don't take the literal meaning ng idiom ... at basta ka na lang pupunta sa kitchen at susunugin mo ang kilay mo.  Ang ibig sabihin niya ay "mag-aral ka pa more ... at lalo mong pagbutihin ang pagaaral mo."

If somebody tells you na "balat sibuyas" ka, it doesn't mean na para kang indian na amoy sibuyas o bawang. Huwag kang magalit ... dahil ang nagagalit ay pikon. Ang gusto lang niyang sabihin ay sensitive ka lang ... na totoo naman. Balat sibuyas literally mean onion skin. At ikaw yon.

Kung sa sabihan ka naman na "may bulaklak sa dila" huwag kang maghanap ng orchids at sampaguita sa dila mo. Tonta! Ang ibig niyang sabihin at sweet talker ka ... or you are a smooth operator. Ang dila indeed ay mapaglinlang at mapag-kunyari.

If somebody says "dugong bughaw" huwag masyadong magpahalata na wala kang kamuwangmuwang dahil ang dugo ay pula at hindi asul.  He just meant somebody belongs to some kind of royalty ... isang buena familia ... for instance dugong Araneta at Zobel de Ayala.