The Idiom Connection

Idiom of the day from Nataliia Fominykh

An idiom is a combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the meanings of the individual words themselves. It can have a literal meaning in one situation and a different idiomatic meaning in another situation. It is a phrase which does not always follow the normal rules of meaning and grammar.

To sit on the fence can literally mean that one is sitting on a fence.

I sat on the fence and watched the game.

However, the idiomatic meaning of to sit on the fence is to not clearly choose a side regarding some issue.

The politician sat on the fence and would not clearly state his opinion about the tax issue.

Many English idioms are similar to expressions in other languages and can be easy for a learner to understand. Other idioms come from older phrases which have changed over time.

To hold one's horses means to stop and wait patiently for someone or something. It comes from a time when people rode horses and would have to hold their horses while waiting for someone or something.

"Hold your horses," the man said when his friend started to leave the store.

Other idioms come from such things as sports and may require some special cultural knowledge to understand them.

To cover all of one's bases means to thoroughly prepare for or deal with a situation. It comes from the American game of baseball where you must cover or protect the bases.

I tried to cover all of my bases as I prepared for the job interview.

via The Idiom Connection.