Idioms are a fascinating part of language that add colour and depth to everyday conversations. However, many of us use idiomatic expressions without fully understanding their true meanings. Have you ever “bit the bullet” and thought it had something to do with actual bullets? Or assumed “burning the midnight oil” involved literal fire? These common misunderstandings can lead to humorous or even embarrassing moments.
Figurative language, particularly idioms, helps us communicate complex ideas with just a few words. But when used incorrectly, they can confuse the listener instead of clarifying the message. In this article, we’ll explore ten mind-blowing idiomatic expressions that people often misinterpret or misuse. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to understand their correct meanings and impress others with your precise usage.
So, let’s dive into the world of figurative language and unravel the truth behind these commonly misused idioms!
What are Idioms in Figurative Language?
According to the Study, idioms are considered a kind of figurative language that is used both in daily speech and in literature. These phrases are not meant to be taken literally; they just have a widely understood meaning in a given culture or language. In literature, idioms can be used to make unusual and interesting uses of language.
Some common examples of everyday idioms in figurative language that a large number of the public uses are the following:
- Sam is under the weather. (Sam is sick).
- It’s a piece of cake. (It is very easy.)
- I am just pulling your leg. (I am just joking).
- Pass the buck. (Passing one’s responsibilities to someone else.)
Academic assignment writing usually calls for the use of error-free phrases and idioms. Since academic papers are meant to be written in a formal manner, students have to be extra careful with the use of figurative language in the papers. They can ask for help from a professional assignment writing service to craft to-the-point and meaningful papers.
A List of 10 Popular Idiomatic Expressions You’re Probably Using Wrong
Do you have a saying, phrase or expression that you often use casually in a conversation? Or, do you notice your peers using funny idiomatic phrases that are always a natural part of everyday conversations? It’s quite easy to become a culprit of everyday language slip-ups. In fact, you will be surprised to know the number of idiomatic expressions that we use in the wrong way every day.
Here is a list of the top 10 wrongly used phrases that students and people use in the wrong form:
- Nip it in the butt
Correct Version: Nip it in the bud
This idiom does not refer to some sort of sexual assault. Instead, it means that you are stopping something in the early stages of its development. You have to use the analogy to make readers understand about a plant that has yet to bloom.
- Deep-Seeded
Correct Version: Deep-seated
This is not some plant analogy – it’s not about a seed, but a seat. Right when you are about to discuss a plant’s seed, you should stop for a while and get it in your head that it is about a seat. It is difficult to get out of the seat that sinks deep into the ground.
- A blessing in disguise
Correct Version: A blessing in disguise
It is understandable that blessings are thought to come from the heavens, but this idiom is not about that. In fact, it talks about the blessings that may not appear to be blessings at first. Usually, this idiom is used to describe circumstances that did not seem favourable at first but later turned out to be good.
- One and the same
Correct Version: One and the same
The wrong and correct idiomatic phrases sound very similar in this case. However, you should not be caught miswriting this one when finishing an assignment writing project. To say that two things are one and the same means that they are indistinguishable.
- Could care less
Correct Version: Couldn’t care less
It is quite vague to say that you could care less. It implies that you have the tendency to care more about something. If you want to show that you care really less about something, you have to say that you cannot care less about any given situation.
- Getting off scotch-free
Correct Version: Getting off scot-free
When you describe someone escaping without any repercussions or punishments, you should ensure that you do not refer to them as being free from whiskey or anything. It is scot; not scotch, to be used in this context.
- Complete 360-degree change
Correct Version: Complete 180-degree change
This is used to describe the situation when there is a complete change about something and you probably do not want to end up where you started. Instead, you will need to face the opposite direction, just 180 degrees away from your starting point.
- For all intensive purposes
Correct Version: For all intents and purposes
Regardless of how intense your purposes may be, you will want to be sure about the purposes and intents when you are trying to describe something practical. Don’t say ‘intensive purposes’, you have to mention ‘all intents and purposes.’
- Shoe-in
Correct Version: Shoo-in
When you are discussing something which is sure to be guaranteed, you will say shoo-in. Don’t make the mistake of looking at their shoes and pointing at things. By shooing in, you almost push a person towards a goal that they are sure to get accomplished.
- Doggy-dog world
Correct Version: Dog-eat-dog world
When describing the brutal nature of this world, you should not refer to it as some world which is dominated by dogs. Unless you are Snoop Dogg and you keep making dog puns, you will want to use the right version of this idiom to save yourself from embarrassment.
What Are The 10 Examples Of Idiomatic Expression?
We have taken some examples from EF Education First to give you an idea about some popular idiomatic expressions that are used on a daily basis in our lives. You may hear them in everyday life, in movies and TV shows and use them to make your language sound more like that of native speakers.
- A blessing in disguise (a good thing that didn’t seem good at first)
- Better late than never (it is better to come at some place late than never coming at all)
- Cutting corners (doing something poorly so that one can save some money)
- Break a leg (saying good luck)
- Call it a day (stop working on something)
- Get something out of your system (accomplishing something that you wanted to do so that you can move on with it)
- Going back to the drawing board (starting over when working on something)
- Not rocket science (something not being a complicated or big deal)
- Making a long story short (cutting the details and telling something briefly)
- Speak of the devil (said when the human you were talking about just shows up)
What Is It Called When You Say An Idiom Wrong?
When you incorrectly use an idiom or phrase, it is known as Malapropism. As per Merriam-Webster, it is usually considered an unintentional or humorous distortion or misuse of a phrase or word. It might be done unintentionally or to give it a comedic effect. The term comes from a 1775 play by a character named ‘Mrs. Malaprop’ was known for her frequent misuse of words. Similarly, when two clichés or idioms are blended unintentionally, the result is known as a malaphor.
What Is The Idiom For Doing Something Wrong?
According to Learn English Today, some of the mind-blowing idioms that show when something is being done wrong are the following:
- Backing the wrong horse
- Back up the wrong tree
- Make a botch of something
- Eating one’s words
- Eating a humble pie
Conclusion
Amazing idioms bring richness and creativity to language, but they can also be tricky when taken too literally or used incorrectly. As we’ve seen, phrases like “cutting corners” or “breaking a leg” don’t mean what they appear to be on the surface. Understanding the origins and proper usage of these expressions can greatly enhance your communication skills and prevent awkward misunderstandings.
Expanding your knowledge of figurative language not only makes you a better speaker and writer but also deepens your appreciation for the quirks of language. Mastering the use of idioms is also super important for students, who usually get help from custom assignment writing firms in the UK to edit and refine their papers and root out all the mistakes.
Whether you’re engaging in casual conversation or crafting compelling content, having a deep understanding of idiomatic expressions will make your words more effective and engaging. So, go ahead and use these idioms confidently!
Author Bio
Mathew Ellen is a passionate assignment writer and language enthusiast with a keen interest in idioms, figurative language, and effective communication. With years of experience in content creation, Mathew loves to uncover the hidden meanings behind everyday expressions and loves to help readers enhance their language skills. When not writing, he can be found reading classic literature, experimenting with creative storytelling, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the power of words.
