Collocations in English Idioms
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Collocations in English Idioms
Learning English can sometimes feel like piecing together a puzzle. One key to sounding more natural is understanding collocations in English. But what exactly are collocations, and how do they relate to idioms?
In this post, I’ll explain collocations in simple terms and show how they play a big role in English idioms. You’ll also learn some common idioms and how to use them in your everyday conversations.
What Are Collocations?
Collocations are two or more words that frequently go together in English.
These word combinations sound natural to native speakers, but they may not always make sense if you translate them directly into another language.
For example, we say “make a decision”, not “do a decision”. The verb “make” collocates naturally with “decision”.
In simple words, collocations are the pairs or groups of words that sound right together. Some collocations are very common, like “fast food” or “strong coffee”, while others are a little more unusual, like “make a mistake” or “take a break”.
Why Are Collocations Important in Idioms?
Idioms are special expressions whose meanings are not always clear from the individual words. They often contain collocations.
For example, “kick the bucket” means “to die”. The verb “kick” and the noun “bucket” come together in this idiom, but their meaning is different from their literal sense.
Understanding collocations in idioms helps you to sound more like a native speaker. Instead of translating idioms word-for-word, you learn how to use them correctly in context.
Common Collocations in English Idioms
Let’s take a closer look at some common English idioms and the collocations they use.
You will notice that the combinations of words in these idioms are what make them sound natural and familiar to native speakers.
1. Make a decision
- Meaning: To choose something after thinking about it.
- Example: I need to make a decision about which job to take.
This is a perfect example of a collocation. We always say “make a decision,” not “do a decision.”
2. Break the news
- Meaning: To tell someone something, especially if it is important or difficult to hear.
- Example: She broke the news to her family that she was moving abroad.
“Break” collocates with “news” in this idiom, but it does not mean to break something physically.
3. Take a break
- Meaning: To stop doing something for a short time to rest.
- Example: Let’s take a break and grab some coffee.
In this case, “take” collocates with “break,” which may seem unusual if you are thinking of it literally.
4. Catch someone’s eye
The verb “catch” naturally collocates with “eye” in this idiomatic expression, although it’s not about physically catching someone’s eye.
5. Pay the price
- Meaning: To suffer the consequences of something.
- Example: He didn’t study for the exam, and now he’s paying the price.
The verb “pay” collocates with “price,” but the meaning of the idiom is about consequences, not money.
6. Lose your temper
In this case, “lose” collocates with “temper” in an idiom, meaning to get angry, even though “lose” normally refers to misplacing something.
7. Throw in the towel
- Meaning: To give up or quit.
- Example: After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.
The verb “throw” and the noun “towel” are a perfect collocation in this idiom, but it’s not about literally throwing a towel.
8. Hit the nail on the head
- Meaning: To say something exactly right or get something exactly right.
- Example: John hit the nail on the head with his suggestion during the meeting.
This idiom uses the collocation “hit the nail” to express being perfectly accurate, but it doesn’t involve a hammer or nail.
9. Keep your fingers crossed
- Meaning: To hope for good luck or a positive outcome.
- Example: I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I get the job.
Here, “keep” and “fingers crossed” form a natural collocation used to express hope, even though it’s not about literally keeping your fingers crossed all the time.
10. Burn the midnight oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night.
- Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project before the deadline.
In this idiom, “burn” collocates with “midnight oil”, referring to staying up late, but it doesn’t mean literally burning oil.
How Collocations Help You Sound More Fluent
When you use collocations correctly, it helps you sound more fluent and natural in English.
You are not just stringing words together; you are using them in a way that native speakers would.
Let’s see how collocations work in other common idiomatic expressions:
1. Make the most of
- Meaning: To take full advantage of something.
- Example: We should make the most of the good weather while it lasts.
In this idiom, “make” and “most of” are collocations that express the idea of using something as best as you can.
2. Keep an eye on
- Meaning: To watch something or someone carefully.
- Example: I’ll keep an eye on the kids while you’re gone.
This is a collocation that means to observe or monitor something.
3. Call it a day
- Meaning: To stop working for the day.
- Example: After six hours of meetings, I think it’s time to call it a day.
The verb “call” collocates naturally with “a day” to express finishing something, even though it’s not about making a phone call.
4. Pull someone’s leg
- Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
- Example: Don’t take him seriously; he’s just pulling your leg.
Here, “pull” collocates with “leg” to mean teasing or joking, which is different from its literal meaning.
Tips for Learning Collocations in Idioms
- Read and Listen to Native Speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms and collocations in conversations, movies, and books. The more you hear, the more natural it will feel to use them yourself.
- Practice Using Idioms: Try using the idioms you learn in your daily conversations. You don’t have to use them perfectly right away, but the more you practice, the easier it will become.
- Use Collocation Dictionaries: There are many dictionaries and online resources that list common collocations. These can be helpful when you’re trying to remember the right combinations of words.
- Be Patient: Collocations can be tricky because they don’t always follow the rules. It’s okay to make mistakes as you learn. The important thing is to keep practicing.
Conclusion
Collocations are essential to sounding natural in English, especially when it comes to idioms.
Understanding how words like “make,” “take,” and “break” form common expressions can help you speak more fluently and confidently.
Remember, the key is practice and exposure.
So, keep learning, keep listening, and soon you’ll be using collocations and idioms like a pro!
Happy learning, and don’t forget to make the most of every opportunity to speak English!
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