IDIOMS

206. Idioms may be defined as expressions peculiar to a language.           Continue next page

They play an important part in all languages.

207. Many verbs, when followed by various prepositions, or ad

verbs, acquire an idiomatic sense; as,

He backed up (supported) his friend's claim.

The present disturbances will soon blow over (pass off)

The police produced evidence to bear out (substantiate) the charge of murder.

You must not build your hopes upon (rely upon) his promises.

The matter has been cleared up (explained).

I readily closed with (accepted) his offer.

He is ready to dispose off (sell) his car for Rs. 1,20,000.

Rust has eaten away (corroded) the plate.

They fixed upon (chose) him to do the work.

My good behaviour so far gained on (won the favour of) the emperor that I began to

conceive hopes of liberty.

The habit of chewing tobacco has been growing upon (is having stronger and stronger

hold over) him.

Please hear me out (i.e., hear me to the end).

I have hit upon (found) a good plan to get rid of him.

About an hour ago I saw a fellow hanging about (loitering about) our bungalow.

These events led up to (culminated in) the establishment of a republic.

During excavations one of the workmen lighted upon (chanced to find, discovered) a gold

idol.

During her long illness she often longed for (desired) death.

I could not pervail on (persuade, induce) him to attend the meeting.

For years I could not shake off (get rid of) my malaria.

I threatened to show him up (expose him).

All eyes turned to him because he was the only person who could stave off (prevent,

avert) the impending war.

He is sticking out for (persists in demanding) better terms.

I must think the matter over (i.e., consider it.)

Train up (educate) a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart

from it.

That fellow trumped up (concocted, fabricated) a story.

He seems to be well off (in comfortable circumstances).