词汇学第9章复习1.docVIP

Chapter 9, English Idioms 英语习语 Part 1 The definition of idioms: 1) Idioms consist of set phrases and short sentences which are peculiar to the language in question and loaded with the native cultures and ideas. 2) Strickly speaking, idioms are expressions that are not readily understandable from their literal meaning of individual elements. e.g. fly off the handle put up with 3) In a broader sense, idioms may include colloquialisms, catchphrases, slang expressions, and proverbs. 9.1 Characteristics of Idioms： Semantic unity Structural stability 9.1.1 Semantic Unity 语义的整体性 1) Idioms each consist of more than one word2) In the idiom words have lost their individual identity. 3) Quite often the idiom functions as one word. e.g. “till the cows come home”, means “forever” as an adverb. keep in mind- remember, take off- imitate, to no avail- useless, like a breeze- easily * illogical relationship between the literal meaning of each word and the meaning of the idiom how do you do：greeting wear one’s heart upon one’s sleeve: rain cats and dogs: 9.1.2 Structural Stability 结构的稳定性 The structure of an idiom is to a large extent unchangeable. 结构固定不变，表现在以下3方面： 1) First, the constituents of idioms cannot be replaced. e.g. “in a brown study” (deep in thought) 思考：能用同义词替换吗？ “lip service”( support only in words, not in fact ) *mouth service “kick the bucket” ( die) *kick the pail *strike the bucket “bury the hatchet” ( come to friendly or peaceful terms) *bury the ax 2) Secondly, the word order cannot be inverted or changed. e.g. twos and threes; tit for tat; the lion’s share 3) Thirdly, the constituents of an idiom cannot be deleted or added to, not even an article. e.g. out of the question means “ impossible” out of question: “no question” in question : being considered in the question: 4) Finally , many idioms are grammatically unanalysable. e.g. diamond cut diamond ( two parties are equally matched ) cut+s like cures like like（pl）