Idioms

Idioms may be defined as expressions peculiar to a language. They play an important role part in all languages. Many verbs, when followed by the various prepositions or adverbs, acquire an idiomatic sense; eg. He backed up (supported) his friend’s claim (they are similar to phrasal verbs). Metaphors also enter in to idiomatic phraseology e.g., to eat your word  (retract your statement).

1. In spite of all the brag he had to eat humble pie (to apologize humbly, to yield under humiliating circumstances).
2. Take care what you say! You will have to eat you your word (to retract our statements, to take back what you have said).
3. He is not worth his salt (quite worthless) if he fails at this juncture.
4. The cost of living has increased so much that he finds it difficult to make both ends meet (to live within his income).
5. The belief in witchcraft is losing ground (becoming less powerful or acceptable).