Idioms and Phrases | English Grammar for Class 6 PDF Download

What are Idioms?

• An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words. 
• Idioms are commonly used in everyday language to express ideas or emotions in a more creative or colorful way.
• For example: “It’s raining cats and dogs” means it’s raining very heavily. It doesn’t mean that animals are falling from the sky!
• Idioms help make our language more interesting and fun to use. 
• They are often specific to a language or culture, so their meaning might not be understood just by looking at the words themselves.

What are Phrases?

• A phrase is a small group of words that work together to form a part of a sentence. 
• Unlike idioms, phrases usually have a literal meaning, and they don't form complete sentences on their own.
• For example: "Under the table" means physically beneath a table. This phrase describes the position of something in a straightforward way.

Difference Between Idioms and Phrases

• Idioms: The meaning of the words together is different from the individual meanings.
  Example: "Break the ice" – to start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable.
• Phrases: The meaning is usually literal and can be understood by looking at the words.
  Example: "On the chair" – a straightforward way to say something is physically on the chair.

Examples of Idioms and Phrases 

Examples of Common Idioms

1. A piece of cake

   • Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
   • Example: Solving that math problem was a piece of cake!

2. Hit the nail on the head

   • Meaning: To be exactly right about something.
   • Example: When you said the party was too loud, you hit the nail on the head.

3. Bite off more than you can chew

   • Meaning: To take on more work than you can handle.
   • Example: He tried to finish two projects at once, but he bit off more than he could chew.

4. Spill the beans

   • Meaning: To reveal a secret.
   • Example: She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.

5. Under the weather

   • Meaning: Feeling sick or unwell.
   • Example: I didn’t go to school today because I was feeling under the weather.

6. Break the ice

   • Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel relaxed.
   • Example: The teacher told a joke to break the ice on the first day of school.

7. Let the cat out of the bag

   • Meaning: To reveal a secret unintentionally.
   • Example: She let the cat out of the bag when she told her brother about his surprise gift.

8. Cost an arm and a leg

   • Meaning: Something very expensive.
   • Example: That new phone cost an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it!

9. The ball is in your court

   • Meaning: It’s now your turn to take action or make a decision.
   • Example: I’ve given you all the information, so now the ball is in your court.

10. Burn the midnight oil

    • Meaning: To stay up late working or studying.
    • Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her project on time.

Examples of Common Phrases

1. At the park

   • Meaning: Refers to the location of something at the park.
   • Example: We are going to meet at the park this evening.

2. In the car

   • Meaning: Describes someone being inside the car.
   • Example: He left his phone in the car.

3. On the table

   • Meaning: Indicates something placed on the table.
   • Example: Your book is on the table.

4. Next to the door

   • Meaning: Refers to something that is beside the door.
   • Example: The chair is next to the door.

Idioms and phrases add flavour to our language. While idioms are more creative with hidden meanings, phrases are simple and easy to understand. With practice, you can learn to use both effectively to make your language skills stronger!