Idioms in Essay

IDIOMS IN ESSAY Can I Use Idioms In My Essay...?  Students are encouraged to use idioms in PT3 and UEC examinations. Using relevant and suitable idioms in an essay will help students to get a better mark for their essay.  Don't simply use idioms just for the sake of getting better grades for your essay paper, this will backfire if the idioms you use are irrelevant or out of place. 

You can use idioms in the beginning paragraph or in the body paragraph or in the closing paragraph. It all depends on the topic and suitability of the idioms used.

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Be careful not to over do it. You might be impressed but it does not necessarily mean the examiner would be.

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Do not use idioms when writing formal letters or business letters.

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So, for a better grade use at least three idioms. If you can't write three at least write one idiom in the closing paragraph. IDIOM TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

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MEANING Changing for the better

After Jai was released from prison, he decided to turn over a new leaf and become an honest man. IDIOM PULL UP ONE’S SOCKS

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MEANING To make an effort to improve

Rancho scored only forty on his English mid-term exams. He needs to pull up his socks if he wants to do well in his finals. IDIOM HIT BELOW THE BELT

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MEANING To act in an unfair matter

The candidate of the opposition party spread false rumours about the Minister. People felt that he was hitting below the belt. IDIOM GIFT OF THE GAB

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MEANING The ability to speak well

Rahim was able to keep the audiences amused with her stories. She surely has the gift of the gab. IDIOM WILD GOOSE CHASE

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MEANING Futile search

Searching for hidden gold in the village field is nothing but a wild goose chase. IDIOM HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS

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MEANING Reconsider a decision

Farhan began to have second thoughts about his decision to study Economics when he realised that he could not even pay attention during the lectures. IDIOM TAKE TO TASK

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MEANING To reprimand someone

Wali was taken to task by her mother when she failed her Mathematics exam.

IDIOM FACE THE MUSIC 

MEANING To face the consequences of one’s action

I lost my father’s pen. I will have to face the music when I reach home. IDIOM BREAK THE ICE

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MEANING Overcome initial shyness

The teacher asked the students to introduce themselves to each other to break the ice. IDIOM MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL

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MEANING To give great importance to minor things

Atiq stopped talking to Sahrul because she did not lend him her notebook. I think he is making a mountain out of a molehill. IDIOM AT LOGGERHEADS

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MEANING To differ strongly

The two brothers can never work together. They are always at loggerheads. IDIOM MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES

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MEANING Make the best of a good situation while it lasts

Mr. Akmal got the big contract to supply machine parts to a big Japanese company. He should make hay while the sun shines. IDIOM LET BYGONES BE BYGONES

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MEANING Ignore the bad things of the past

We have not spoken to each others since the time we had our fight few months back. We should let bygones be bygones and become friends again. IDIOM HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

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MEANING Be exact or accurate

Bella is a genius. He hit the nail on the head when he said that the car was overheating because of a leaking radiator. IDIOM THROW IN THE TOWEL

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To accept defeat

I am unable to solve this question. I am ready to throw in the towel. IDIOM NO STONE UNTURNED

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MEANING

MEANING Make all possible efforts

Rozaimi has joined two coaching classes. He is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to get into an engineering college. IDIOM BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON IN ONE’S MOUTH

MEANING To be born in a very rich family

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Piya was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her father gave her an expensive car on her eighteenth birthday. IDIOM KEEP ONE’S FINGERS CROSSED

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MEANING Hope for a positive outcome

My results come out day after tomorrow. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Sample Sentences With Idioms... 1. The suffering Adam went through in life was actually a blessing in disguise,for it has taught him to be prudent and thrifty with his finances. 2. Many obese Malaysians are actually couch potatoes.They just like to sit and eat on a couch all day long watching movies without moving an inch. 3.

Students who like to drag their feet will not be able to finish their school project on time.

4.

Students need to widen their horizons in order to face the challenges of globalisation.

5.

People who like to be mules for drug traffickers must learn to face the music if caught by the authorities.

6.

Sam has a gut feeling that something bad is going to happen today.

7.

Parents need to have a heart to heart talk with their teenage children often.This will help them to understand the emotional turmoil their teenage children are going through better.

8.

Reading helps a person to be knowledgeable about his surroundings and not be in the dark.

9.

Parents need to keep an eye on their children's after school activities.

10. We packed our things and headed to the remote village in Manjala. The journey was quite challenging and dangerous but we managed to steer clear of danger and reached the village safe and sound. 1.

My father and mother are always at loggerheads, they never once agreed on anything, always pointing fingers at one another over silly matters.

2.

Sandy was on cloud nine as she got through her UEC examination with flying colours.

3.

After waiting for six long years, Pat and Mandy finally tied the knot. Their parents gave them an out of this world wedding reception as a wedding gift.

4.

Henry is quite wrapped up with his construction work. He just can't afford to take a break or put up his feet even for a second.

5.

Miranda has put on weight after giving birth to her baby girl. She plans to work out more to shed the extra pounds.

6.

Starting from 2013, every student must pass their History paper. Students are worried that they might not be able to sail through it because History is all Greek to them.

7.

The old house opposite my house has a ghostly presence, it gives me goose bumps just looking at it.

8.

The bank was robbed in broad daylight. The police are not leaving any stones unturned, they are working out a game plan to catch the mastermind.

9.

People around the world must have an attitude of give and take in order to enjoy continuous peace. Insensitive words or religious undertones will only create ripples which can turn into a vicious cycle of unnecessary violence.

10. The two opposing political parties are hoping for a landslide victory this coming election. Working committes from both parties have rolled up their sleeves for some serious campaining.