第十章 英语习语 Chapter X ENGLISH IDIOMS.pptVIP

Chapter Ⅹ ENGLISH IDIOMS　　 1. Introductory Remarks2. Sources of English Idioms3. Classification of Idioms4. Syntactic, Structural and Stylistic Analysis of Idioms Guess the meaning up in the air tread on air put on airs Achilles’ heel catch-22 cat’s paw the cat’s pyjamas the cat’s whiskers Fish begins to stink at the head. Guess the meaning up in the air 悬而未决 tread on air 得意洋洋 put on airs 装腔作势 Achilles’ heel 唯一弱点 catch-22 进退两难的处境 cat’s paw 做他人工具的人 the cat’s pyjamas 凤毛麟角，了不起的人 the cat’s whiskers 凤毛麟角，了不起的人 Fish begins to stink at the head. 上梁不正下梁歪。 What is an idiom? Idioms are set expressions which are usually structurally fixed and semantically opaque, and function as a single unit of meaning. Idioms may include set phrases, colloquialisms, catchphrases, slang expressions, short sentences. Sources of English Idioms Idioms come from the life of people engaged in various occupations and activities, the Bible and the works of great writers. Idioms reflect the environment, life, history, and culture of the native speakers, and are closely associated with their innermost spirit and feeling. Characteristics of idioms 1) Semantic unity 语义的统一性 Each idiom is a semantic unity. Its meaning is very often not the total sum of the meanings of the constituent words. E.g. the salt of the earth a person of great kindness, reliability, or honesty. [with biblical allusion to Matt 5:13.] 社会中坚, 非常正派、诚实可信的人 Characteristics of idioms 2) Structural stability 结构的固定性 The structure of an idiom usually remains unchangeable. E.g. Diamond cut diamond. 棋逢对手。 Like cures like. 以毒攻毒。 Classification of idioms 1) Idioms norminal in nature:? ?? white elephant 无用而又累赘的东西 brain(s) trust 智囊团，专家顾问团 He is a Jack of all trades and master of nones. 2) Idioms adjectival in nature wide of the mark– a long way from an intended target 远离目标；离谱 That comparison isn’t as wide of the mark as it seems. He told reporters