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Idioms
 
American English idioms introduction

Learn the idioms used in American movies, television, and popular music.
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Idioms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
American English idioms introduction video
American English Idioms letters A - M

American English Idioms - letter A
American English Idioms - letter B
American English Idioms - letter C
American English Idioms - letter D
American English Idioms - letter E
American English Idioms - letter F
American English Idioms - letter G
American English Idioms - letter H
American English Idioms - letter I
American English Idioms - letter J
American English Idioms - letter K
American English Idioms - letter L
American English Idioms - letter M
American English Idioms letters N - Z

American English Idioms - letter N
American English Idioms - letter O
American English Idioms - letter P
American English Idioms - letter Q
American English Idioms - letter R
American English Idioms - letter S
American English Idioms - letter T
American English Idioms - letter U
American English Idioms - letter V
American English Idioms - letter W
American English Idioms - letter X
American English Idioms - letter Y
American English Idioms - letter Z
Idiom cartoon video
 
American English Idiom Definition

An idiom is an expression whose meaning does not seem to follow logically from the combination of the meaning of its parts and the "rules of language."

Idioms are often classified as figures of speech.

Idioms are used extensively in American TV, movies, music, literature, and in conversations among native English speakers.
 
American English Idiom Example

"hang in there"

She plans to "hang in there" even though she is taking eight classes this semester.

The meaning of this idiom is to "continue despite difficulties."

The words "hang in there" have completely different meanings when separated.

hang - To fasten from above with no support from below.

in - Within the limits, bounds, or area of.

there - At or in that place.
 
An Alternative English Idiom Definition
Idiom: a group of words that means something different than the individual words it contains.

As with any language, American English is full of idioms, especially when spoken. Idioms add color and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up. Idioms are culturally bound, providing insight into the history, culture, and outlook of their users. This is because most idioms have developed over time from practices, beliefs, and other aspects of different cultures. As a culture changes, the words used to describe it also change: some idioms fall out of use and others develop to replace them. With idioms in particular, the beliefs or practices leading to their use may disappear while the idiom itself continues to be used. Idioms can be so overused that they become clichés; or they can become slang or jargon, expressions used mainly by specific groups or professions.

Idioms can be complimentary or insulting. They can express a wide range of emotions from excitement to depression, love to hate, heroism to cowardice, and anything in between. Idioms are also used to express a sense of time, place, or size. The range of uses for idioms is complex and widespread.

The complexity of idioms is what makes them so difficult for non-native speakers to learn. However, this complexity is also what can make idioms so interesting to study and learn; they are rarely boring. Learning about idioms, in this case those used in the United States, provides a way to learn not only the language, but a little about the people who use it.
 
 
 
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I added this cool music player from VOA playing the top hits and world news. Learn idioms listening to music and news. Music player opens in a small popup window.
 
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