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Truong Thi Thanh Thuy
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
A STUDY ON IDIOMATIC PAIRS IN ENGLISH Abstract
Idiomatic pairs in English are just one of the many elements that make up the rich treasure trove of English idioms. These pairs can be used as nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs independently within a sentence. The advantage of these pairs lies not only in their unique structure, often employing sound repetition to create a positive effect on the listener, but also in their overall meaning, which is often witty, humorous, or sometimes satirical or exaggerated. Like other idiomatic expressions, these pairs are widely used in various common forms of writing, such as journalism, films, speeches, and everyday conversational language.
Key words:
Idiomatic pairs, sound repetition, witty, humorous, exaggerated.
1. Introduction
In any language, besides the usual words, there is also a treasure trove of idioms consisting of special phrases with high rhetorical value, vivid imagery, and rich symbolism, which convey information quickly and express thoughts and feelings in an artistic, skillful, and effective manner. English is no exception. The Longman Idioms Dictionary (1998) has catalogued and explained over 6000 English idiomatic phrases, not to mention thousands of idiomatic verbs and phrasal verbs. Therefore, being able to correctly understand and use idiomatic phrases appropriately in each context is a significant challenge for English learners. This is because an idiom is a set of words that, when combined, have a different meaning from the individual words themselves. Idioms are fixed phrases whose meanings are often not immediately clear. The individual words do not help us determine the meaning of the idiom, but context usually provides considerable assistance. Idioms can be grouped in various ways according to grammatical structure, meaning, and keywords. In the group of idioms based on grammatical structure, we can encounter idioms with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions, idioms using comparative structures, idiomatic phrasal verbs, and idiomatic pairs. Within the scope of this article, the author only introduces English idiomatic pairs, as these structures are not overly complex in terms of grammar or meaning, yet they are quite interesting and easy to remember. They are suitable for students studying at the A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFA).
2. Content
Idiomatic pairs are understood as idiomatic phrases consisting of two words connected by a conjunction. The order of the words is usually fixed. According to Jennifer Seidl (1989), idiomatic pairs are divided into four types: noun pairs, verb pairs, adjective pairs, and adverb pairs. Below, the author presents a classification of commonly occurring idiomatic pairs, along with illustrative examples.
2.1. Classification of idiomatic pairs
2.1.1. Idiomatic pairs functioning as a noun
Through our research, we found that most idiomatic pairs functioning as nouns are constructed from two nouns connected by the conjunction "and." Additionally, there is a smaller number of those pairs composed of other word types, such as two verbs, two adjectives, two prepositions, or even two auxiliary verbs.
2.1.1.1. Pairs composed of two nouns
English idiomatic pairs composed of two nouns connected by the conjunction "and" function as a single
independent noun in a sentence. The meaning of the pair is not simply the combination of the individual words, but rather a figurative meaning commonly used in context. Below are some frequently encountered pairs following the noun+and+noun pattern:
Bed and breakfast: A type of lodging that includes a room for the night and breakfast the next morning. Example: You have to pay $15 a night for bed and breakfast. Body and soul: Wholeheartedly, with complete dedication.
Example: Matthew threw his body and soul into the preparations for the wedding.
Bread and butter: One's main source of income or livelihood.
Example: Take care of your bread and butter!
Black and white: Clear and simple, without ambiguity.
Example: Children see things in black and white, and so the stories in comics are about good people and bad people.
Chalk and cheese: Completely different, like night and day.
Example: Although their personalities were chalk and cheese, they formed a successful alliance as politicians.
Head and shoulders: Far superior, much better.
Example: She got 100 percent on the exam and the other students were below 70 percent. She's head and shoulders above the rest.
Life and limb: In a very dangerous situation, risking severe injury or death.
Example: You'll risk life and limb if you decide to go white-water rafting after such heavy rainfall.
Leaps and bounds: Rapid progress, significant improvement.
Example: His English is progressing in leaps and bounds.
Peace and quiet: A calm and peaceful environment.
Example: It's impossible to get any peace and quiet in this house with you two arguing all the time. Part and parcel: An essential or integral part. Example: Tears are part and parcel of growing up. Rack and ruin: Complete destruction or decay.
Example: They've got a lovely big garden, but they are letting it go to rack and ruin. 2.1.1.2. Pairs composed of two verbs, two adjectives, two prepositions, or two auxiliary verbs In English, some idiomatic pairs function as nouns that are composed of two verbs, two adjectives, two prepositions, or two auxiliary verbs connected by the conjunction "and." These constructions can be challenging for users due to the mismatch between the form and function of the pair. However, these structures are not very common and are primarily used in colloquial speech, demonstrating flexibility in part-of-speech conversion. Here are some illustrative examples: Give and take: Mutual concessions, compromise. Example: In all successful marriages, there's give and take. Hit and miss: Random, sometimes successful, sometimes not.
Example: I don't know how to operate this machine, it's just a matter of hit and miss for me. Nearest and dearest: Family, loved ones.
Example: It comes as a shock only when the nearest and dearest are involved. Thick and thin: Through good times and bad; adversity. Example: We learn a lot from those who have gone through thick and thin. Ups and downs: Highs and lows; fluctuations.
Example: Mick and Jerry have had plenty of ups and downs in their 15 years together. Ins and outs: Intricacies; detailed workings.
Example: The coach is explaining some of the ins and outs of football.
Dos and don'ts: Rules and regulations.
Example: There are plenty of dos and don'ts in this contract.
2.1.2. Idiomatic pairs functioning as a verb
Verb pairs are constructed from two verbs connected by the conjunction "and" or "or." The structure of this type of pair is as follows: Verb + and/or + Verb.
Below are examples of verb pairs following this model: Bow and scrape: To be excessively polite, to fawn or grovel.
Example: You can't spend your whole life bowing and scraping, and saying nothing but "yes, sir". Chop and change: To change frequently or unpredictably.
Example: In the old days, you went into a job at twenty and you stayed there for life - you didn't chop and change like they do these days.
Give and take: To compromise or make mutual concessions.
Example: You must be prepared to give and take in any relationship.
Grin and bear: To endure something unpleasant with good humor.
Example: I've always been in the minority, so I'm used to grinning and bearing it.
Live and learn: To learn from experience or a mistake.
Example: You trusted her and she deceived you. You live and learn, so don't get fooled again. Pick and choose: To select freely or be choosy.
Example: We are having a clearance sale, so you can pick and choose anything you like.
Rant and rave: To shout and complain angrily and loudly.
Example: The boss was ranting and raving at us.
Sink or swim: To succeed or fail by one's own efforts.
Example: When you start a new business, it's often a case of sink or swim.
Wait and see: To wait patiently to find out what will happen.
Example: We don't know if the management will be able to put his plans into practice. We have to wait and see.
Wine and dine: To entertain someone with food and drink.
Example: The management spent days wining and dining advertisers in an attempt to save the magazine.
2.1.3. Idiomatic pairs functioning as an adjective
Adjective pairs are mostly constructed from two adjectives connected by the conjunction "and." However, in some cases, they may consist of two nouns, two verbs, two past participles, or two prepositions. Here are specific illustrations of these types of pairs. 2.1.3.1. Pairs composed of two adjectives
These adjective pairs mainly consist of two adjectives with equivalent meanings, and their overall meaning can often be inferred relatively accurately from the context. The model of this pair type is as follows: Adjective + and + Adjective. Here are illustrative examples:
Cut and dried: Clear and unambiguous, straightforward. Example: The company's policy on annual leave is cut and dried. Safe and sound: Free from danger or injury; intact. Example: The company's policy on annual leave is cut and dried. Sick and tired: Fed up or annoyed.
Example: I'm sick and tired of hearing you complain about your job. Black and blue: Bruised and beaten.
Example: After the fight, he was black and blue all over.
High and dry: Left in a difficult or abandoned situation.
Example: When the company closed, many employees were left high and dry.
Neat and tidy: Clean and organized.
Example: She always keeps her desk neat and tidy.
2.1.3.2. Pairs composed of two nouns, two verbs, two past participles, two prepositions Unlike the adjective pairs mentioned in section 2.1.3.1, the meaning of the pairs introduced in this section is often difficult to predict because the idiomatic meaning is very different from the literal meaning of the individual words. This is illustrated in the following examples: Pepper and salt: refers to hair that is graying. Example: His hair is getting pepper and salt these days. Touch and go: precarious, critical, dangerous.
Example: It has been touch and go ever since my mother's operation. Cut and dried: unchanging, clear.
Example: My parents prefer to have everything cut and dried. Changes upset them. Up and about: healthy and active again.
Example: After the accident, he recovered very well, he's now up and about.
Up and down: inconsistent, unstable.
Example: Mum's all right, but she's a bit up and down.
Down and out: unemployed, homeless.
Example: Wright's spent a lot of his own money setting up a program to help those who are down and
out.
2.1.4. Idiomatic pairs functioning as an adverb
These pairs usually consist of two adverbs connected by conjunctions such as "and," "or," or "but." Additionally, there are pairs formed by two numerals or two prepositions, which may be connected by "in" or "by." The adverbial pairs can consist of two synonyms, two antonyms, or repeated words. Here are illustrative examples:
First and foremost: primarily, most importantly
Example: "Why don't you get a job that pays more?" "First and foremost, because I really enjoy the job I'm doing."
Here and there: in various places. Example: There are bars here and there. Now and then, now and again: occasionally. Example: I like to go to the cinema now and then. Slowly but surely: gradually.
Example: Slowly but surely, I realized the boat was sinking. Sooner or later: eventually
Example: Sooner or later, you will learn your lesson. Again and again: repeatedly.
Example: I've told you again and again to stop swearing in front of the children, but you take no notice. All in all: overall
Example: All in all, it was a successful holiday in spite of some scary moments. Little by little: gradually
Example: Little by little, his health improved and he was able to walk further each day. On and off: intermittently
Example: It rained on and off all day.
On and on: continuously
Example: He kept moaning on and on.
2.2. General remarks on idiomatic pairs and implications for teaching and learning these pairs
Based on the examples and analyses presented above, we offer the following basic observations:
Phonetic Repetition: Most idiomatic pairs exhibit phenomena such as alliteration, consonance, rhyme, or complete word repetition. This phonetic repetition enhances the sound quality of the utterance, making it more interesting and livelier. For example, instead of simply using "entertain," people tend to use "wine and dine" in more intimate, open situations.
Meaning Similarity or Contrast: In cases where phonetic repetition does not occur, the two words in the pair are either similar in meaning or completely opposite. In the first case, the pair impresses the listener or reader by emphasizing and supplementing each other's meanings. In the second case, it creates a contrasting opposition, such as in "leaps and bounds" or "give and take."
Fixed Position: The positions of the words in idiomatic pairs are fixed and cannot be reversed. For instance, it is incorrect for a Vietnamese speaker influenced by their native language to begin their English speech with "gentlemen and ladies." Additionally, reversing "pepper and salt" to "salt and pepper" nullifies the idiomatic meaning, reverting to the literal meaning of the individual words. There are many such pairs in English used with literal meanings, like "fish and chips" and "hot and cold."
Contextual Meaning: The meanings of most idiomatic pairs can often be inferred from their structure and the meaning of one of the components. However, it is essential to firmly associate the phrase with its usage context to accurately and appropriately infer the overall meaning.
Spoken Language: Given their characteristic structure suited to spoken language, learners should emphasize the wit and interest of idiomatic pairs. Reading these pairs aloud while learning can aid in memorization.
Visual Imagery: Learners can also associate the vivid images conjured by these pairs to facilitate easier memorization.
Cultural Context: Importantly, learners need to be aware that native speakers frequently use idioms in general and idiomatic pairs in particular in daily intimate conversations, movies, newspapers, and even in TOEFL preparation materials. As non-native English speakers, it is crucial to understand these common communications. However, when actively using these phrases, learners should exercise utmost caution.
3. Conclusion
Idioms, as their name implies, contain many elements that are difficult to explain. Idiomatic pairs, though somewhat simple in structure and meaning, are no exception to this rule. The author of this article does not aim to present a deeply academic study on this issue but rather to explore a small part of the rich treasure of English idioms. It is hoped that these insights will be somewhat useful to colleagues, students, and language enthusiasts in general, helping them understand and use the language more vividly, flexibly, and effectively. Idiomatic pairs add richness and color to the language, allowing speakers and writers to convey meanings more subtly and accurately. Understanding and using idiomatic pairs not only enhances one's English proficiency but also helps learners integrate into native speakers' culture more naturally. In conclusion, it is hoped that through this article, learners will be further motivated to explore idioms and idiomatic pairs, thereby contributing to their effective and enjoyable learning and use of English. References
1. Bui Phung. (1997). Vietnamese-English Dictionary of Idioms and Proverbs with Explanations. Hanoi: Culture Publishing House.
2. Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary. (1988). London: Collins Publishers.
3. Longman Idioms Dictionary. (1998). London: Addison Wesley Longman Limited.
4. McCarthy, M. (1995). English Vocabulary in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
5. Pham Van Binh. (1999). English Proverbs and Idioms with Vivid Imagery. Haiphong: Hai Phong Publishing House.
6. Phillip, D. (2011). Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test. Hanoi: Encyclopedia Publishing House.
7. Seidl, J. (1989). English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
8. Soars, J. & L. (1990). New Headway. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
©Truong Thi Thanh Thuy, 2024
УДК 37.378
Назарова Махлиё
Ошский государственный университет г. Ош Кыргызстан Нишанова Жибек Ошский государственный университет г. Ош Кыргызстан
СТРАТЕГИИ РАЗВИТИЯ СЛОВАРНОГО ЗАПАСА У СТУДЕНТОВ ОШСКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА, ИЗУЧАЮЩИХ АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК
Аннотация
Целью данного исследования было изучение стратегий развития словарного запаса студентами Ошского государственного университета, изучающие английский язык. В исследовании приняли участие 100 студентов, которые показали, что наиболее часто используемыми стратегиями были механическое запоминание, интервальное повторение и контекстное обучение. Исследование также показало, что студенты, которые использовали различные стратегии, были более успешны в развитии словарного запаса, чем те, кто использовал только одну или две стратегии.
Ключевые слова
запоминание, словарный запас, английский язык, студенты, стратегия.
Nazarova Makhliyo
Osh State University Osh city Kyrgyzstan Nishanova Zhibek,
Osh State University Osh, Kyrgyzstan
STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING VOCABULARY BY OSH STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STUDYING ENGLISH
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the vocabulary memorization strategies used by Osh University students studying English. The study involved a survey of 100 students, which revealed that the
