English language is a dynamic language. Teachers of English need to be able to try to be proficient, fluent, and as much as possible, eloquent. This involves the four macro-skills of the language with speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
One way of being a good English speaker and writer is to be able to use some idiomatic expressions as much as possible. Here are some sample idiomatic expressions that can be useful to teachers:
1. Build castles in the air – to have plans, hopes which are unlikely to become a reality.Example : They talked about moving to Australia, but they knew they were only building castles in the air
2. Crocodile tears – an insincere show of sadnessExample: They never visited her when she was ill, but they came to her funeral and wept a few crocodile tears.
3. Doubting Thomas – skeptical or in doubt about a situation or a thing (from the Biblical apostle of Jesus, Thomas)Example: He acted as a Doubting Thomas when he was not able to see any proof about the truth.
4. A dark horse – a person who hides his or her feelings, plans, activities and talentsExample: You’re a dark horse, I had no idea you could play the piano so well in the dark.
5. Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds – to support two competing sides in an argument.Example: You’ve got to decide where you stand on this issue. You cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.
6. Be as flat as a pancake – to be very flatExample: My cake hasn’t risen. It’s as flat as a pancake
7. Fit as a fiddle – in a very good healthExample: You may feel sick now, but after a few days of rest and plenty of liquids, you will be fit as a fiddle.
Why not look for other idiomatic expressions and use it whenever you write or speak in front of an audience and feel the impact of a dynamic language.
By: Mrs. Sisa H. Parrera T-III | DEPED Samal, Bataan
