The trick is to understand the culture behind an idiom to truly comprehend it. We’ve put together a new series, “Idioms A-Z: Explained,” to expand your grasp of idioms. Join us as we examine the meanings and historical information of popular idioms.
An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom’s individual elements. In other words, idioms don’t mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning.
For your IELTS Speaking test, idiomatic language can be important because, it is one of the elements in this component of the test the examiner looks for.
An armchair critic
Meaning
A person who knows about a subject only by reading or hearing about it and criticises without active experience or first-hand knowledge.
Origin
Armchair critic is first recorded in 1896 but the concept was around at least a decade earlier when Joseph Chamberlain sneered at opponents as ‘arm-chair politicians’ (1886). Another common variant is armchair traveller, meaning ‘someone who travels in imagination only’.
In a sentence
Ignore the armchair critics and get professional advice from the experts before you start your business.
Throw the baby out (or away) with the bathwater
Meaning
Discard something valuable along with other things that are inessential or undesirable.
Origin
Based on a German saying recorded from early 16th century by Thomas Carlyle who identifies it as German and gives it in the form, “You must empty out the bathing-tub, but not the baby along with it.”
In a sentence
Parts of this strategy are brilliant, so let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water and abandon the entire project.
By (or through) the back door
Meaning
Using indirect or dishonest means to achieve an objective.
Origin
The proverb – a postern (back) door makes a thief, recorded in English since the mid-15th century.
In a sentence
Susan has influential friends, so she secured a high-ranking position in the company by the back door.