Abstract

An idiom is a phrase which you cannot understand by putting together the meanings of the words in it. For example, pull your socks up has nothing to do with socks or pulling them up, but means "try your best". There are more than 5500 common idioms suitable for intermediate learners, yet the total number of English idioms is far greater. Idioms (McCaig and Manser, 1986) are a very important part of the English language: you may be told that if you want to go far you should pull your socks up and use your gray matter. The present article employs an analytic metalinguistic approach to treating the issue of idioms, their problematic areas, the appropriacy and correctness of their use in communicative situations, and the like while sticking to the fundamentals of idioms metalinguistically; that is, the author makes use of an idiomatic language and diction to describe and explain the idioms themselves. The author has made an attempt to present his ideas and concepts under the titles below: Introduction، Do Idioms Really Call the Shot? Are Idioms Teachable? Where and When to Use Idioms?

Key words: Idiom, literal meaning, whole meaning, teaching, metalinguistic, idiomatic expression.