English Class 10 - Idioms Notes

Idioms

Welcome to the chapter on Idioms for Class 10. In this chapter, you will learn what idioms are, how to use them in sentences, and why they make your English more expressive and interesting. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to recognize and use common idioms in your writing and speech!

Introduction

Idioms are special phrases whose meanings are different from the meanings of the individual words. They add color and creativity to language and are often used in everyday conversation.

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a group of words with a meaning that is not obvious from the individual words. For example, "It's raining cats and dogs" means "It's raining very heavily," not that animals are falling from the sky!

Common Idioms and Their Meanings

• Break the ice: To start a conversation in a social setting.
• Piece of cake: Something very easy.
• Once in a blue moon: Something that happens very rarely.
• Under the weather: Feeling sick or unwell.
• Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
• Hit the books: To study hard.
• Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret by mistake.
• Cost an arm and a leg: Very expensive.
• Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night.
• Kick the bucket: To die (informal).

Using Idioms in Sentences

• The test was a piece of cake for me.
• She was under the weather and couldn't come to school.
• We broke the ice by playing a fun game.
• He burned the midnight oil to finish his project.

Fun Activity: Match the Idiom!

Match the idiom to its meaning. Try using each idiom in your own sentence.

Summary

• Idioms are phrases with special meanings.
• They make language more interesting and expressive.
• Learning idioms helps you understand native speakers better.

Practice Questions

1. What does "break the ice" mean?
2. Use "piece of cake" in a sentence.
3. What does "burn the midnight oil" mean?
4. Give the meaning of "let the cat out of the bag".
5. Write a sentence using "under the weather".

Challenge Yourself

• Find five more idioms and write their meanings.
• Use three idioms in a short paragraph about your day.

Did You Know?

• Idioms are different in every language and culture!
• Some idioms have been used for hundreds of years.

Glossary

• Idiom: A phrase with a special meaning different from the words used.
• Literal: The usual or basic meaning of a word or phrase.
• Figurative: Not literal; using words in a creative way.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. To start a conversation in a social setting.
2. Example: "The homework was a piece of cake."
3. To work late into the night.
4. To reveal a secret by mistake.
5. Example: "I am feeling under the weather today."

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Use idioms to make your English sound natural and impressive!