Idioms are turns of phrase or groups of words we use to represent something other than the literal meaning of the words. Sometimes there is a logical history to the phrase which helps us understand its use.
Native speakers will hear idioms used in everyday conversation. Idioms tend to be used in colloquial language rather than in formal contexts. It is critical that second-language learners take the time to understand common idioms in their second language - otherwise, they will miss important information in listening and speaking comprehension. Children whose parents have English as a second language often don't hear as many idioms in conversation, and therefore it can be highly beneficial to teach the meanings of idioms to these students.
All students will benefit from explicit teaching of idioms, because there will be some they haven't heard. Feeling confident in understanding and using idioms can help all students improve their comprehension and writing skills.
I am slowly working through my idiom dictionary and picking out the most common idioms.
An idiom sort can be found in my resource store here. It contains 100 English idioms - enough to test yourself!
I am also taking a more in-depth look at these idioms through a video series where I explain the background of each idiom and use them in context to help students grasp the idioms more deeply. The first of these videos is linked below, covering these idioms:
Bed of roses
Brave the elements
True colours
Head start
Time of one's life
Couch potato
Rare animal
Stone's throw
Your guess is as good as mine
Blessing in disguise
Keep an eye out for more throughout 2023!