americans using figures of spech and idiomatic expressions
By joevanosa
@joevanosa (303)
Philippines
July 1, 2012 2:57am CST
i have a lot of friends from abroad. filipinos, fil-am and even Americans who are using too many figures of speech and idiomatic expressions which sometimes I hardly understand them . i might get the other stupid meaning. sometimes, i just shut up or ask them..but sometimes, it is so stupid to ask.
can you give me some of the figures of speech and idiomatic expressions Americans usually use?! i really wan to learn
1 person likes this
2 responses
@jkct02 (2874)
• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
1 Jul 12
I hope you won't feel stupid to ask when you don't understand what is said in English. English is not your first language. You are learning it and there will surely be some words or sentences that you don't understand. Just ask or tell the speaker that you are not sure of what he has just said. They should understand if they know you are a learner of the language.
Here is a good site on English idiomatic expressions :
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/
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@joevanosa (303)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
indeed. i surely needs some confidence to ask for its meaning. I should really be learning it because it is not my first language.
thanks for sharing the site.
I should be reading and memorizing some!
Thanks!
God bless
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@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
2 Jul 12
Hello joevanosa
I don't think it at all stupid or inappropriate to ask people to please explain their figures of speech or slang. I often do this, especially here on myLot. I find these sorts of things fascinating, and what better place to ask than here?
@joevanosa (303)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
hehe..but some get that "rolling eyes" when you do ask but still i would ask my friends, closer friends so i won't be shy. can you share some slang words you usually use?!
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@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
2 Jul 12
I was going to respond that I can't think of any off the top of my head, then it occurred to me that, 'off the top of my head' might qualify. This simply means, "I can't think of anything right now."
I have recently moved to a new area of my country, 1,700 miles from my ancestral lands. I meet many new people and new expressions nearly every day, and if I don't understand an expression, I simply ask. People are usually delighted to share with me when I ask. I encourage you to ask away! If they roll their eyes, that is their problem, friend.
@joevanosa (303)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
yes, you are right.
i am sorry for making you think for what figures of speech or idiomatic expressions you could probably share. i didn't mean to bother you thinking. but thanks though. i never thought of that.
great to know that I am not alone trying to understand slang words. hehe. I'm happy too that people in your new place are entertaining you when you ask them words you don't understand.
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