I have always loved the use of idioms in communication, especially when they are used artistically.
Idioms explore language by reimagination and reapplication.
Below are ten idiomatic expressions that strike a chord.
1. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar: This simply means that you can attract more people by being nice than by being hostile. I’ve generally found this to be true.
2. Grasp the nettle: To bravely and thoroughly face a challenge. If you touch a nettle gently, it’ll hurt but if you grasp, it won’t as much.
3. Grist to your mill: When you can use something that is otherwise useless and maybe even unpleasant to your advantage, then you say it is grist to your mill.
4. Fine feathers make fine birds: This is a proverb. It simply means that an impressive facade made possible by beautiful clothes or a unique fashion sense may exaggerate the quality of the person enclosed therein.
5. Make a song and dance: Do you wonder how to describe excessive fuss over an inconsequential issue? It’s called making a song and a dance.
6. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: Simply put, prevention is better than cure.
7. Over egg the pudding: When someone says it’s raining cat and dogs when it’s simply drizzling, they are overegging the pudding.
8. Picking holes and taking a dig: The act of criticizing and constantly finding faults.
9. Feather in your cap: An achievement that one is proud of.
10. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree: Applies to children who behave similarly to their parents or protégés who behave like their mentors.
Do you know other idioms that strike a chord? Discuss them to the comment section!
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