15 English Idioms and their meanings; a must for every writer, students of knowledge
Posted by Ahmed Iyanda | 3 years ago | 1,562 times
Being a well known and prolific writer requires not just to write but the ability to wave words with artistic flavors. Writers don’t just write with the aim of writing but how best to communicate effectively to the readers.
Readers are tired of reading articles, stories that have no iota of artistic flavors. Writers should be conversant with English idioms to keep them going in the writing industry. Many companies, especially media stations, don't employ writers who are not creative in their writing. You don’t need to study English, Mass Communication or other related courses before you could be employed. It takes a great writer to be able to weave words through idioms and other artistic gadgets.
Alas! This article has got you covered in learning and adding more to your knowledge on idioms and the meanings.
Below are 15 English idioms every writer, students of knowledge must know:
Back to the drawing board:
When one fails an attempt, it is expected of such a person,another opportunity to start over. Whenever we fail an attempt, that does not mean the end of failure. It’s an avenue to start all over.
Example: After i had failed my last exam, it’s time to go back to drawing board
A penny of your thoughts:
This is a way of asking someone what he/she is thinking. You ask the person indirectly to disclose what that person is thinking.
Barking up the wrong tree:
This simply means putting your mind in the wrong direction. Where you think is the right direction but unfortunately you are looking in the wrong place. It’s also a way of accusing someone wrongly.
Best of both words:
In a simple way, it means “all the advantages.” When one is considering all the advantages of something/someone as the case may be.
Blessing in disguise:
Something good that isn’t recognized at first. Something might be a blessing to you which you hardly identify initially,but in the long run, it emanates as a blessing for you.
Cry over split milk:
This is when you complain about the loss in the past. It’s just a means of recalling a thing called ‘loss’ that has happened in the past.
Far cry come:
When something is different from others. When someone has a different attitude than others, you compare them by saying “Far cry come”.
Give the benefit of the doubt:
Remember not “Give the benefit FOR the doubt”. This is when you trust/believe someone without asking for proof.
In the heat of the moment:
Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
Caught between two stools:
When someone finds it difficult to choose between alternatives. When someone finds it difficult to make a decision from alternatives.
Best thing since sliced bread:
This simply means a good idea or plan especially when one is innovative and creative about something.
Cost an arm and a leg:
This idiom is used when something is very expensive or not affordable to buy.
Example: The Limousine cost an arm and a leg
Cut the mustard:
To perform to an expectation. When one is adequately enough to compete or participate in an activity.
Don’t count your chickens before the eggs:
This expression is used to advice someone not to make plans for something that might not happen.
Don’t give up the day job:
When one is not professional at something , he shouldn’t bother taking the task. When you are not good at something, you could adequately not do it professionally.
Don’t put all your legs in one basket:
Do not put all your resources in one possibility.
