Exploring Idioms: Why English is a Hard Language to Learn

Every language contains idioms. Idioms aren’t meant to be taken literally and are often culturally specific, which can be extra tricky when trying to learn English. Nardagani can help you learn how to read and begin to uncover the meaning behind idioms.

The Nardagani Reading Program is designed to eliminate the guesswork involved in reading. The program is comprised of 12 simple symbols, used below letters, that allow the reader to know which sound to make. Students learn a few symbols at a time. They memorize the symbols through exercises, games, and reading books coded with the symbols. Once students learn the first few symbols, they work on sounding out words, and increase their list of sight words. 

Here are five common English idioms:

1: Pardon my French

What could French possibly have to do with English idioms? The expression “Pardon my French” is used as an apology for swearing. However, when the phrase was first used in 1800s, it most likely had a more literal meaning and was an actual apology to those who did not understand French.

2:  Turn over a new leaf

This idiom is not about the changing of fall leaves, but rather pages of a book. To “turn over a new leaf” literally means to turn to a new page or begin something new. Often this phrase refers to someone’s change of attitude or outlook on life to become a better person.

3: Quit cold turkey

Quitting something “cold turkey” means to stop doing something immediately. This idiom is often used in the context of stopping a habit or even a relationship. The origin of this idiom is debated and overall unknown.

4: Close, but no cigar

The phrase likely originated in the mid-20th century, when carnival games often gave out cigars as prizes. So, this idiom literally means you were close to winning or achieving but did not succeed. 

5: Hit the hay

When first reading this idiom, it might seem like the person saying it wants to punch some hay. But it really just means that they’re really tired and are ready to go to sleep. Hit the hay has origins in the late 1800s to early 1900s in America, when mattresses were actually made from hay.

Click here to learn more about the Nardagani Reading Program and watch Narda’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English.”