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.

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

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

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

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 ONES SOCKS

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

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

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

MEANING
Futile search

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

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

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 ones action

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

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

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

MEANING
To differ strongly

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

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

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

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

To accept defeat

I am unable to solve this question. I am ready to throw in the towel.

IDIOM
NO STONE UNTURNED

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 ONES
MOUTH

MEANING
To be born in a very rich family

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

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.