a characteristic mode of expression in art and music of

Many idiomatic expressions were meant literally in their original use, but sometimes the attribution of the literal meaning changed and the phrase itself grew away from its original roots—typically leading to a folk etymology. For instance, the phrase "spill the beans" (meaning to reveal a secret) is first attested in 1919, but has been said to originate from an ancient method of voting by depositing beans in jars, which could be spilled, prematurely revealing the results.[3]

Other idioms are deliberately figurative. For example, "break a leg" is an ironic expression to wish a person good luck just prior to their giving a performance or presentation, which apparently wishes injury on them. It may have arisen from the superstition that one ought not utter the words "good luck" to an actor because it is believed that doing so will cause the opposite result.[4]

1. The idiom will show here. Read the idiom, discuss
with the class, then click "enter" to see the definition.
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

2. Having something that is certain is much
better than taking a risk for more, because
chances are you might lose everything.
A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

3. Something good that isn't
recognized at first.
A Blessing In Disguise:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

4. Being upset for something that
happened in the past.
A Chip On Your Shoulder:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

5. Anything that is common and
easy to get.
A Dime A Dozen:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

6. A skeptic who needs physical or personal
evidence in order to believe something
A Doubting Thomas:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

7. A very small part of something big
or whole.
A Drop in the Bucket:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

8. It's easy for a foolish person to lose
his/her money.
A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

9. Everyone involved must unify and function
together or it will not work out.
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?

10. You cannot change who you
are.
A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
Idioms: What Does This Mean?