Definition of idiomatic Expressions- a poetic device An idiomatic expression is common phrases or sayings whose meanings cannot be understood by the

individual words or elements. Examples of these idioms are "Baker's Dozen", "Funny Farm" and "Cold War". Idiomatic expressions are also non-standard speech, slang or dialect that are natural to native speakers of a language. Examples of these idioms are "Apples and Pears" for stairs and "Ruby Murray' for curry. Sayings that are commonly used but their meanings cannot be determined by the individual words in the saying itself.

Back To Square One - To start again Ball and chain: To be burdened with a task that that cannot be left or abandoned Beat a dead horse: To engage in pointless and repetitive discussion. Between the Devil and the deep blue sea. - In a very difficult situation when any resolution will be unpleasant. Bushed - Tired, completely exhausted Caught With Your Pants Down - Found out! Can't see your nose in front of your face: Being oblivious to something obvious, in clear view. Crash: To go to sleep Don't look a Gift Horse in the Mouth - To reject something that has been freely given Elbow Grease - A great deal of effort Flea Market - An open-air market Get out of hand - A situation which has resulted in chaos Hit the hay: To go to bed In your face - An aggressive manner Junk Mail - Unsolicited communications Kick the bucket: To die Let sleeping dogs lie - Not to interfere Mum's the word - To keep a secret New kid on the block - A newcomer Over the hill: To be past your prime Prick up your ears - To listen intently Rub someone up the wrong way - To annoy someone Spinning a yarn: To lie or exaggerate Tie the knot - To get married Under the weather - Feeling ill " Between a rock and a hard place " Meaning - In a very difficult situation when any resolution will be unpleasant " Blow your top " Meaning - To lose your temper " Break a leg " Meaning - Used to wish good luck to stage performers before an opening " By the skin of your teeth " Meaning - Complete a task at the very last minute " Drop someone a line " Meaning - To write to someone " Excuse my French " Meaning - An apology for swearing " Fire someone " Meaning - To end someone's your employment " Get your wires crossed " Meaning - A misunderstanding " Have an axe to grind " Meaning - To have an ulterior motive or a long term grudge against someone " Hit the sack " Meaning - To go to bed " Keep an eye out for " Meaning - To look after another