Idioms and phrasal verbs - SS3 English Lesson Note
Idioms are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words in the phrase. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket" means to die, even though the literal meaning of the phrase is to kick a bucket.
Phrasal verbs are verbs that are combined with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning. For example, the phrasal verb "take off" can mean to leave or to become successful.
phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions:
- Take up can mean to start doing something or to occupy space.
- Take off can mean to leave or to become successful.
- Take after can mean to resemble someone.
- Take in can mean to understand or to deceive.
I hope these notes help in understanding the difference between idioms, phrasal verbs, and regular verbs.
Here are some additional examples of idioms and phrasal verbs:
Idioms
- A piece of cake (something easy to do)
- Barking up the wrong tree (looking for something in the wrong place)
- Bite the bullet (face a difficult situation)
- Burn the midnight oil (work late into the night)
- Can't hold a candle to (not as good as)
Phrasal verbs
- Call off (cancel)
- Come across (find)
- Get away with (do something wrong without being punished)
- Look up to (admire)
- Run out of (no longer have)