Idiom 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.

Ang sawikain natin ngayon ay daga sa dibdib which has a literal translation "a mouse in the chest".

Pambihira naman ang dagang yan at nakipagpatintiro pa sa dibdib of all places. Ang dami namang lugar ... bakit doon pa? But don't get fooled because ang figurative meaning ng idiom ay natatakot yong tao ... or he is worried and petrified about something.

Idiom Of The Day

Let's start using idioms or idiomatic expressions when we write. When idioms are used, it add 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 and your readers will think that 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: It takes two to tango 

MEANING: It takes two to tango means a task or a situation is not created by one person alone .... it has to be two people. The situation involves two parties and both therefore are to be blamed ... and are responsible for it. If a couple plans for a divorce or separation ... both parties are instrumental in making it happen.

ORIGIN:  In order to dance tango it requires a duo ... or two dance partners to perform it. Tango is a dance in South America and the idiom originated in a 1952 song Takes Two to Tango by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning and gained popularity subsequently as an expression. 

USING IT IN A SENTENCE: If you want to play the divorce game, you need a partner who will play with you. It takes two to tango.

Choice Cut

(Some Pinoy programs on TV barely make a glitch on our radar screen, but there were lines uttered that invaded our collective consciousness so much so that we find ourselves echoing its most famous lines in our everyday conversations. Some lines manage to put a smile on our faces making us happy and contented.

Whether intentional or accidental, the classic lines resonate with us, because we can relate to the scene and see our lives being lived out onscreen.)

 (In the set of It's Your Lucky Day ... the show that temporarily replaced Its Showtime for 2 weeks)

Luis: Kung si Anne Curtis merong ITS SHOWTIME ... kami naman ay mayroong ...

Melai: IT'S SHORT TIME!