Idiomatic expressions
59 flashcards covering Idiomatic expressions for the SAT Reading & Writing section.
Idiomatic expressions are phrases in English that carry meanings beyond their literal words, often rooted in cultural or historical usage. For instance, saying "break a leg" doesn't mean to injure someone; it means good luck, especially in performances. These expressions add color and efficiency to language, allowing speakers to convey complex ideas quickly, and they're a key part of mastering English communication.
On the SAT Reading & Writing section, idiomatic expressions appear in questions that test your ability to identify correct usage in sentences or passages, such as choosing the right idiom in context or spotting errors in word choice. Common traps include confusing literal interpretations with intended meanings or selecting idioms that don't fit the situation, which can lead to mistakes in editing tasks. Focus on understanding context clues and practicing with varied examples to recognize when an idiom is appropriate.
A helpful tip: Read widely to encounter idioms in real contexts.
Terms (59)
- 01
Idiomatic expression
An idiomatic expression is a group of words in a language that has a meaning not deducible from the literal definition of the individual words, often used in standard English writing and tested for correct usage on exams.
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Idiomatic preposition
An idiomatic preposition is a word like 'to', 'with', or 'from' that must be used in specific combinations with other words to sound natural in English, such as 'agree with' instead of 'agree to' in certain contexts.
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Phrasal verb
A phrasal verb combines a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning, like 'give up' meaning to stop trying, and exams may test whether it's used correctly in sentences.
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Correct use of 'between'
The word 'between' is used idiomatically for two items or parties, as in 'between you and me', and is often contrasted with 'among' for more than two.
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Correct use of 'among'
The word 'among' is used idiomatically when referring to more than two items or people, such as 'among the group', and exams might require distinguishing it from 'between'.
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Idiom with 'make'
Expressions like 'make a decision' use 'make' idiomatically, as opposed to 'do a decision', and tests may check for proper verb choice in context.
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Idiom with 'do'
Idioms like 'do homework' pair 'do' with certain activities, unlike 'make homework', and identifying the correct verb is a common exam point.
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Figurative idiom
A figurative idiom, such as 'kick the bucket' meaning to die, uses words non-literally and may appear in reading passages where understanding context is key.
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Literal vs. idiomatic meaning
In exams, distinguishing literal meanings from idiomatic ones, like 'break a leg' literally meaning injury versus encouraging someone, ensures accurate comprehension.
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Common trap: 'different than'
A common error is using 'different than' instead of the more idiomatic 'different from' in formal writing, which tests may identify as incorrect.
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Idiom with 'on'
Prepositions like 'on' in phrases such as 'on time' are idiomatic and must be used precisely, as 'in time' has a slightly different meaning.
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Idiom with 'in'
Expressions like 'in love' use 'in' idiomatically, and exams often test alternatives like 'on love' to see if students recognize standard usage.
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Idiomatic adverbial phrases
Phrases like 'in the meantime' function as idiomatic adverbs in writing, providing transitions that must align with sentence flow on tests.
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Correct use of 'as'
The word 'as' is used idiomatically in comparisons, like 'as tall as', and misuse such as 'like tall as' is a frequent error spotted in exams.
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Correct use of 'like'
Idiomatically, 'like' is used for similarities in informal contexts, but exams may require 'as' in formal comparisons, such as 'he runs like a cheetah' versus proper usage.
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Idiom in proverbs
Proverbs like 'a bird in the hand' are idiomatic expressions conveying wisdom, and reading sections might test interpretation of their meanings.
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Trap: 'consist of' vs. 'consist in'
The idiom 'consist of' means made up of parts, while 'consist in' means to be found in, and confusing them is a common test pitfall.
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Idiomatic expressions in arguments
In writing, idioms like 'on the other hand' signal contrasts and must be placed correctly to maintain logical flow, as checked in exams.
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Verb-preposition idioms
Combinations like 'depend on' are standard verb-preposition idioms, and tests often verify if students choose the right preposition for the verb.
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Adjective-preposition idioms
Phrases like 'interested in' link adjectives with prepositions idiomatically, and incorrect pairings like 'interested at' may be flagged on exams.
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Idioms with numbers
Expressions like 'at the eleventh hour' use numbers idiomatically to mean very late, and understanding this aids in reading comprehension questions.
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Trap: 'raise' vs. 'rise'
Idiomatically, 'raise' takes an object as in 'raise a question', while 'rise' does not, and mixing them is a grammar error tested on exams.
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Idiomatic time expressions
Phrases like 'once in a while' are idiomatic ways to express frequency, and exams may require precise use in sentence correction.
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Correct use of 'affect' and 'effect'
Idiomatically, 'affect' is a verb meaning to influence, and 'effect' is a noun meaning result, with tests often checking this distinction.
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Idioms in metaphors
Metaphors like 'time flies' are idiomatic and require inferring non-literal meanings, which is essential for advanced reading questions.
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Trap: 'lay' vs. 'lie'
The idiom requires 'lay' to mean to place something and 'lie' to mean to recline, and confusing them is a standard exam error.
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Idiomatic business expressions
Terms like 'cut corners' in professional contexts are idioms that might appear in passages, testing vocabulary in use.
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Correct use of 'amount' and 'number'
Idiomatically, 'amount' is for uncountable nouns and 'number' for countable ones, like 'amount of water' versus 'number of books', as tested.
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Idioms with colors
Expressions like 'green with envy' use colors idiomatically, and exams may ask for interpretation in literary contexts.
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Trap: 'who' vs. 'whom'
Idiomatically, 'who' is for subjects and 'whom' for objects, and misuse in complex sentences is a common test item.
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Idiomatic sports expressions
Phrases like 'ball is in your court' from sports are idioms meaning it's your turn, potentially in reading passages on exams.
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Correct use of 'fewer' and 'less'
Idiomatically, 'fewer' is for countable items and 'less' for uncountable, like 'fewer apples' versus 'less water', often tested in writing.
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Idioms in everyday language
Common idioms like 'piece of cake' meaning easy are used in texts, and exams test whether students grasp their contextual meanings.
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Trap: 'its' vs. 'it's'
Idiomatically, 'it's' means 'it is' and 'its' shows possession, with confusion being a frequent error in exam writing sections.
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Idiomatic weather expressions
Phrases like 'under the weather' meaning ill are idioms that enhance descriptive writing, as seen in reading comprehension.
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Correct use of 'bring' and 'take'
Idiomatically, 'bring' implies toward the speaker and 'take' away, and tests may check for appropriate verb choice.
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Idioms with animals
Expressions like 'let the cat out of the bag' meaning reveal a secret are idiomatic and may require inference in exam passages.
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Trap: 'good' vs. 'well'
Idiomatically, 'good' is an adjective and 'well' an adverb, so 'he did well' is correct, and misuse is tested in grammar questions.
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Idiomatic food expressions
Phrases like 'spill the beans' use food idiomatically to mean reveal information, appearing in varied reading contexts.
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Correct use of 'imply' and 'infer'
Idiomatically, a speaker 'implies' and a listener 'infers', and distinguishing them is key in analytical reading on exams.
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Idioms in emotions
Expressions like 'over the moon' for extreme happiness are idiomatic and help in understanding character feelings in texts.
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Trap: 'could of' vs. 'could have'
The correct idiom is 'could have', not 'could of', and this common misspelling is often corrected in writing tests.
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Idiomatic travel expressions
Phrases like 'hit the road' meaning to leave are idioms that might contextualize narratives in reading sections.
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Correct use of 'accept' and 'except'
Idiomatically, 'accept' means to receive and 'except' means excluding, with tests checking for word choice errors.
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Idioms with body parts
Expressions like 'lend an ear' meaning to listen are idiomatic and enhance vivid language in examined texts.
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Trap: 'there' vs. 'their'
Idiomatically, 'their' shows possession and 'there' indicates place, with confusion being a standard exam mistake.
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Idiomatic nature expressions
Phrases like 'tip of the iceberg' meaning a small part of a larger issue are idioms used in descriptive writing on tests.
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Correct use of 'advice' and 'advise'
Idiomatically, 'advice' is a noun and 'advise' a verb, and mixing them is a common error in exam writing.
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Idioms in technology
Modern idioms like 'go viral' meaning to spread quickly online may appear in contemporary passages on exams.
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Trap: 'your' vs. 'you're'
Idiomatically, 'you're' means 'you are' and 'your' shows possession, with this distinction frequently tested.
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Idiomatic family expressions
Phrases like 'black sheep' meaning an odd family member are idioms that add depth to character descriptions in reading.
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Correct use of 'capital' and 'capitol'
Idiomatically, 'capital' refers to a city or money, while 'capitol' means a building, and exams test this nuance.
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Idioms with money
Expressions like 'break the bank' meaning to spend too much are idiomatic and may contextualize economic topics.
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Trap: 'to' vs. 'too'
Idiomatically, 'to' indicates direction and 'too' means also or excessive, with misuse often appearing in writing questions.
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Idiomatic historical expressions
Phrases like 'rule of thumb' from history are idioms that might enrich passages, requiring contextual understanding.
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Correct use of 'principal' and 'principle'
Idiomatically, 'principal' means main or a person in charge, while 'principle' means a rule, and tests check for accuracy.
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Idioms in music
Expressions like 'face the music' meaning to confront a situation are idiomatic and could appear in artistic contexts on exams.
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Trap: 'then' vs. 'than'
Idiomatically, 'then' refers to time and 'than' to comparisons, with this error commonly identified in sentence structure.
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Idiomatic expressions in poetry
Idioms in poems, like 'heart of gold', require interpreting figurative language, which is a focus in advanced reading analysis.