English is a very interesting language, and as you learn it, you will learn about its various marvels every day! The most amazing aspect of English is that you can convey one single message in many ways and make it sound amusing with the usage of idioms!

What are idioms?

It is an expression that does not have a literal meaning, rather it is figurative phrase. There are amusing stories behind each idiom and how it came to be coined. However, amusing story or not, idioms are fun to learn and equally amazing to use, provided you use them in the right context.

For someone new to idioms, it is natural to wonder about the whole fuss around idioms. The reason why idioms are so appreciated is because you can sound satirical, funny, serious, mysterious, and well-read by using them. In addition, using the right idiom at the right time speaks a lot about your command over the English language.

So now that you know what idioms are, you cannot help but be hooked to our series on various idioms, their meaning and their usage. In this first part of the series, let us start with a few idioms that are more commonplace than their peers are.

• Curiosity killed the cat: Chances are you have heard this idiom. And you must have heard when you were in one of your over-inquisitive modes, for that it is when this idiom is used. Curiosity killed the cat translates to 'over inquisitiveness can land you in dangerous/ harmful situations'. While being wary and inquisitive is a good trait, it is best practiced in moderation.



• Act like an ape: What do you call an extremely naughty child, the one who bangs with the furniture because he has been running wild, the one who drops food all over the floor and the one who screams at the top of his voice the moment you try to reprimand him? Naughty is too light a word for such a brat! This is when the idiom 'act like an ape' applies well. The idiom implies to a person who behaves badly and is difficult to control.



• A chip on your shoulder: Are you still worrying about your not so good score in the school-level exams? Are you still nursing a broken heart? Then, in that case, you have a chip on your shoulder, which means that you are still upset over something that happened in the past.

• A slap on the wrist: If you think that your teacher is biased, then there is no surer way of proving it than when the teacher leaves her favorite student with nothing more than a 'slap on the wrist'. This idiom translates to 'giving a mild or an insignificant punishment'. Can you think of other situations where you can use this idiom?

An English speaking course from eAgeTutor will not only improve your spoken English but also train you on the flawless usage of idioms. If you wish to improve English effectively, then it is prudent for you to enroll with one of the online spoken English classes.