English Class 9 - Idioms Notes

Idioms

Welcome to the chapter on Idioms for Class 9. 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 understand and use common idioms in your writing and speech!

Introduction

Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings are different from the literal meanings of the words. They add color and depth to language and are often used in everyday conversation.

Common Idioms and Their Meanings

• Break the ice: To start a conversation in a social setting.
• Piece of cake: Something very easy to do.
• Hit the nail on the head: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
• Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret.
• Under the weather: Feeling sick or unwell.
• Once in a blue moon: Something that happens very rarely.
• Spill the beans: To reveal secret information.
• 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 feeling under the weather and stayed home.
• He burned the midnight oil to finish his project.
• Don’t let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party!

Why Use Idioms?

• Idioms make your language more natural and expressive.
• They help you understand native speakers better.
• Idioms can make your writing and speech more interesting.

Fun Activity: Idiom Match!

Match each idiom to its meaning. Try using three idioms in your own sentences.

Summary

• Idioms are phrases with meanings different from their literal words.
• They are commonly used in spoken and written English.
• Learning idioms helps you communicate better.

Practice Questions

1. What does "piece of cake" mean?
2. Use "break the ice" in a sentence.
3. What is the meaning of "kick the bucket"?
4. Write a sentence using "spill the beans".
5. Explain "once in a blue moon" with an example.

Challenge Yourself

• Find five more idioms and write their meanings.
• Write a short story using at least three idioms from this chapter.

Did You Know?

• Idioms exist in every language and often reflect culture and history.
• Some idioms are hundreds of years old!

Glossary

• Idiom: A phrase with a meaning different from its literal words.
• Literal: The exact meaning of words.
• Expression: A group of words used together to mean something.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. Something very easy to do.
2. We played a game to break the ice at the party.
3. To die (informal).
4. She spilled the beans about the secret plan.
5. It means something that happens very rarely. Example: We go out for ice cream once in a blue moon.

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Use idioms to make your English lively and fun!