Idiomatic expressions
49 flashcards covering Idiomatic expressions for the ACT English & Reading section.
Idiomatic expressions are common phrases in English that don't mean exactly what their words suggest when taken literally. For example, saying "it's raining cats and dogs" doesn't imply animals are falling from the sky; it just means it's raining heavily. These expressions are deeply rooted in everyday language and culture, making them essential for clear communication. On the ACT, understanding idioms helps you grasp nuances in reading passages and write effectively, as they test your ability to interpret and use language naturally rather than just vocabulary.
In the ACT English and Reading sections, idiomatic expressions often appear in questions about sentence structure, word choice, or comprehension. You might need to identify the correct idiom in a sentence or understand its role in a passage, with common traps including confusing literal meanings or selecting overly formal alternatives. Focus on recognizing frequently used idioms and practicing how they fit into context to avoid errors. A good tip: Keep a list of common idioms and quiz yourself regularly.
Terms (49)
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Idiom
An idiom is a fixed expression in a language that has a figurative meaning different from its literal interpretation, such as 'kick the bucket' meaning to die rather than actually interacting with a pail.
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Kick the bucket
This idiom means to die, often used in a casual or humorous context to avoid directly stating death.
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Break the ice
This idiom means to initiate conversation in a social setting to relieve tension or awkwardness, commonly used at the start of meetings or parties.
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Bite the bullet
This idiom means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation with courage, originating from soldiers biting on bullets during surgery without anesthesia.
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Burn the midnight oil
This idiom means to work late into the night, especially on a task requiring intense effort, like studying for an exam.
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Call it a day
This idiom means to stop working on something for the rest of the day, often when progress is sufficient or fatigue sets in.
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Cut corners
This idiom means to take shortcuts or do something in the easiest way possible, which might compromise quality or safety.
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Hit the nail on the head
This idiom means to describe exactly the main point or solve a problem accurately, as if striking a nail perfectly with a hammer.
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Piece of cake
This idiom means something is very easy to do, like completing a simple task without any real challenge.
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Spill the beans
This idiom means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential.
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The ball is in your court
This idiom means it is now someone else's turn to take action or make a decision in a situation.
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Break a leg
This idiom means good luck, especially before a performance, though it ironically suggests injury; it's used to ward off bad luck.
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Cost an arm and a leg
This idiom means something is extremely expensive, implying it requires giving up something valuable to afford it.
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Let the cat out of the bag
This idiom means to accidentally reveal a secret, similar to releasing a hidden truth that can't be contained.
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Once in a blue moon
This idiom means something happens very rarely, referring to the rare occurrence of a second full moon in the same month.
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Under the weather
This idiom means feeling ill or unwell, often used to describe mild sickness without specifying symptoms.
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Common trap with idioms
A common error is interpreting idioms literally instead of figuratively, which can lead to misunderstandings in reading passages.
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Idioms in context
Idioms must be understood based on the surrounding text, as their meaning can vary by situation, helping to grasp the author's intent in ACT reading.
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Over the moon
This idiom means extremely happy or delighted, as in being ecstatic about good news.
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Barking up the wrong tree
This idiom means pursuing a mistaken line of thought or action, like accusing the wrong person of a mistake.
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Idiomatic prepositions
Certain verbs require specific prepositions for correct idiomatic usage, such as 'agree with' a person but 'agree to' a plan, which is often tested in sentence corrections.
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A penny for your thoughts
This idiom means asking someone to share what they are thinking, offering a small value to encourage disclosure.
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In the nick of time
This idiom means arriving or happening at the very last possible moment, just before it's too late.
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Strategy for idioms on ACT
When encountering idioms, read the full sentence to determine the intended meaning, as substituting literal interpretations can lead to incorrect answers.
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Throw in the towel
This idiom means to give up or admit defeat, originally from boxing where a towel signals surrender.
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Misuse of idioms
A frequent mistake is altering an idiom's wording, like saying 'kick the bucket list' instead of 'bucket list,' which changes the meaning entirely.
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Example of idiom evolution
Idioms can evolve over time, but on the ACT, standard modern usages are tested, so familiarity with common phrases is key.
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On the fence
This idiom means being undecided about an issue, as if physically sitting on a fence between two sides.
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Idioms from literature
Some idioms derive from classic literature, like 'wild goose chase,' and recognizing them aids in understanding reading passages.
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Kill two birds with one stone
This idiom means accomplishing two tasks with a single action, emphasizing efficiency.
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Common idiomatic pairs
Phrases like 'by and large' mean generally or overall, and using them correctly avoids errors in formal writing sections.
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Beat around the bush
This idiom means to avoid getting to the point, often by speaking indirectly, which can waste time in discussions.
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Advanced idiom identification
In complex sentences, idioms may be embedded, requiring analysis of tone and context to distinguish them from literal language.
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A drop in the bucket
This idiom means a very small amount compared to what is needed, like a tiny contribution to a large problem.
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Idioms and cultural context
Idioms often reflect cultural origins, so on the ACT, understanding American English idioms helps with comprehension questions.
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Pull someone's leg
This idiom means to tease or joke with someone by telling an untrue story.
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Trap: Overgeneralizing idioms
Students might assume all phrases are idioms, but not every expression is figurative, so context is crucial to avoid misidentification.
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In hot water
This idiom means being in trouble or a difficult situation, like facing consequences for an error.
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Idiomatic expressions in rhetoric
Idioms can enhance rhetorical style in writing, but overuse might confuse readers, a point sometimes tested in ACT English.
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See eye to eye
This idiom means to agree with someone completely, as if sharing the same viewpoint.
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Working example of idiom use
In a sentence, 'She broke the ice at the party,' the idiom means she started the conversation, not that she damaged frozen water.
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Out of the blue
This idiom means something happens suddenly and unexpectedly, like a surprise event.
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Idioms versus slang
While idioms are fixed phrases with figurative meanings, slang is more informal and regional, and tests may distinguish between them.
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Jump on the bandwagon
This idiom means to join an activity or trend that is already popular, often for social reasons.
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Common test trap: Word substitution
In idiom questions, swapping words like using 'in the bag' instead of 'in the black' can create errors, as each has a distinct meaning.
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Cross that bridge when we come to it
This idiom means to deal with a problem only when it actually occurs, rather than worrying about it in advance.
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Advanced: Layered idioms
Some texts use idioms within idioms, requiring careful parsing to understand the full meaning in ACT reading comprehension.
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Steal someone's thunder
This idiom means to take credit for someone else's idea or achievement, diminishing their recognition.
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Idioms in persuasive writing
Idioms can add flavor to persuasive passages, but must be used appropriately to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity on tests.