Exploring Idioms: Why English is a Hard Language to Learn
Learning English isn’t easy. Even native speakers sometimes scratch their heads at spelling, pronunciation, and strange turns of phrase. For learners, one of the biggest challenges comes from idioms—expressions that don’t mean what they literally say.
Idioms are colorful, confusing, and deeply rooted in culture. They’re part of what makes English fascinating, but they’re also one of the reasons it’s considered one of the hardest languages to learn.
For a student just starting out, phrases like “quit cold turkey” or “hit the hay” don’t make any sense at all. What does poultry have to do with breaking habits? Why would anyone punch hay before going to bed?
That’s where programs like Nardagani come in. By simplifying the hardest part of English—decoding the written words—learners can build the foundation to then explore and enjoy idioms without feeling lost.
Why Idioms Are So Tricky
Idioms are everywhere. We use them in casual conversations, movies, songs, business meetings, and even advertising. For fluent speakers, idioms roll off the tongue naturally. But for learners, idioms can feel like a code inside a code.
Here’s why they’re tricky:
They don’t translate literally. If you translate “it’s raining cats and dogs” word-for-word into another language, it makes no sense.
They’re cultural. Idioms are born from history, traditions, and even local humor. Without knowing the background, it’s easy to misunderstand.
They’re unpredictable. Unlike grammar rules or vocabulary, idioms don’t follow consistent logic. You just have to learn them.
For a learner who’s already struggling to sound out words, idioms can feel overwhelming. That’s why building confidence in reading first is so important.
How Nardagani Helps Learners Approach Idioms
The Nardagani Reading Program was created to remove the guesswork from reading English. Instead of memorizing endless sight words or stumbling through silent letters, students use 12 simple symbols placed under letters. These symbols act as guides, showing exactly which sound to make.
Here’s how it works:
Symbols first. Students start by learning a few of the 12 symbols at a time.
Practice through games. Fun exercises and memory activities make the symbols stick.
Read coded books. With symbols added under letters, words suddenly become clear and sound predictable.
Grow sight words naturally. As decoding becomes automatic, students remember whole words too.
Confidence builds. Soon, learners don’t need the symbols anymore—they’re reading independently.
Once students can decode words with confidence, idioms become less intimidating. Instead of being puzzled by how to read the words, they can focus on what the phrases mean.
Five Common English Idioms and Their Origins
Let’s explore five classic idioms—what they mean, where they come from, and why they confuse learners.
1. “Pardon my French”
At first glance, this seems like someone apologizing for speaking another language. But in English, it’s a tongue-in-cheek way to excuse swearing.
Modern meaning: “Sorry for using bad language.”
Origin: In the early 1800s, English speakers sprinkled French phrases into conversation. Because not everyone understood French, they would apologize. Over time, the phrase shifted into a humorous excuse for rude words.
For learners, this idiom is a perfect example of how language changes over time.
2. “Turn over a new leaf”
No, this isn’t about autumn trees. In this case, the “leaf” refers to a page of a book.
Modern meaning: To start fresh or change behavior for the better.
Origin: In the 1500s, books were called “leaves.” Turning to a new page meant starting something new.
For a child learning to read, this idiom can be powerful—it links reading itself to new beginnings.
3. “Quit cold turkey”
This phrase is often used when someone stops smoking or drinking immediately, without tapering off.
Modern meaning: To quit suddenly and completely.
Origin: Still debated. Some believe it comes from the physical chills and goosebumps (like cold turkey skin) people experience when withdrawing from addictive substances. Others say it comes from plain, simple meals served to recovering addicts in the early 1900s.
Either way, it has nothing to do with dinner!
4. “Close, but no cigar”
If you grew up in the mid-20th century, carnival games often gave cigars as prizes.
Modern meaning: You almost succeeded, but not quite.
Origin: Barkers at fairs would say “close, but no cigar” when someone came close to winning but missed. Today, we might say “nice try” or “so close.”
For students, it’s a fun idiom because it captures the universal feeling of being almost right.
5. “Hit the hay”
To learners, this sounds violent. Why would anyone punch hay?
Modern meaning: To go to bed or go to sleep.
Origin: In the late 1800s and early 1900s, mattresses were often stuffed with hay. “Hitting the hay” literally meant lying down for the night.
Today, it’s just a cozy way to say you’re tired.
Teaching Idioms Through Stories
Idioms make the most sense when tied to stories. Imagine this:
A student decodes the words “hit the hay” thanks to Nardagani symbols.
The teacher explains the history of hay-filled mattresses.
Suddenly, the phrase clicks—not just in language, but in life.
When students see idioms as small stories, they stick. They also make English more fun, colorful, and memorable.
Why Idioms Matter
Some learners might ask: Why should I bother with idioms if I can communicate without them?
Here’s why idioms matter:
They build fluency. Native speakers use idioms constantly. Understanding them helps learners follow conversations, movies, and books.
They reveal culture. Idioms are windows into history, humor, and shared experiences.
They boost confidence. When learners use idioms correctly, they sound more natural and connected.
They show progress. Mastering idioms is a sign that a learner has moved beyond the basics and into deeper cultural understanding.
How Nardagani Fits Into the Journey
Idioms don’t have to be intimidating. With Nardagani, learners start with the foundation: decoding. Once reading feels natural, idioms become playful challenges instead of scary mysteries.
The program doesn’t just teach reading—it helps unlock cultural doors. Learners gain access to jokes, stories, conversations, and traditions that make English come alive.
Final Thoughts: Cracking the Code of English
English is full of quirks—silent letters, shifting sounds, and yes, idioms that make no literal sense. But those quirks don’t have to hold learners back.
With the Nardagani Reading Program, students build the confidence to decode words, understand meanings, and eventually enjoy the richness of idioms. What once seemed strange becomes an invitation to play with language.
So the next time you hear someone say they’re going to “hit the hay” or they came “close, but no cigar,” you won’t be confused. You’ll smile—because you’ve cracked the code.
👉 Click here to learn more about the Nardagani Reading Program and watch Narda’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English.”
