Here is a table with the meaning and usage of the top 20 idioms used for a Primary 4 English student:
| Idiom | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| A penny for your thoughts | Asking someone what they are thinking about | “You look deep in thought, a penny for your thoughts?” |
| Back to the drawing board | Start again because the previous attempt failed | “We failed the first time, let’s go back to the drawing board.” |
| Bite off more than you can chew | Attempt to do something that is too difficult or challenging | “I know you want to do it all, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.” |
| Break a leg | Good luck | “Break a leg on your performance tonight!” |
| Cut to the chase | Get to the point | “Don’t beat around the bush, cut to the chase.” |
| Don’t put all your eggs in one basket | Don’t rely on one thing or person for success | “Spread your investments out, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” |
| Hit the nail on the head | Correctly identify or solve a problem | “You hit the nail on the head, that was the issue all along.” |
| In hot water | In trouble | “He’s in hot water for breaking the vase.” |
| It’s raining cats and dogs | Heavy rain | “Bring an umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs outside.” |
| Jump the gun | Start too soon or do something prematurely | “Don’t jump the gun and make a decision without all the facts.” |
| Kill two birds with one stone | Accomplish two things at once | “I can drop off the package and pick up groceries, killing two birds with one stone.” |
| Let the cat out of the bag | Reveal a secret | “Don’t let the cat out of the bag, it’s supposed to be a surprise.” |
| Piece of cake | Very easy | “This math problem is a piece of cake, I solved it in seconds.” |
| Pull someone’s leg | Joke or tease someone | “I was just pulling your leg, I didn’t really mean it.” |
| See eye to eye | Agree on something | “We finally see eye to eye on the project.” |
| Steal someone’s thunder | Take credit for someone else’s work or idea | “Don’t steal my thunder, I worked hard on this project.” |
| The ball is in your court | It’s your turn to make a decision or take action | “The ball is in your court, you have to decide what to do next.” |
| Time flies | Time passes quickly | “I can’t believe it’s already time to go home, time flies when you’re having fun.” |
| When pigs fly | Something that will never happen | “I’ll finish all my homework when pigs fly.” |
| You can’t judge a book by its cover | You can’t judge someone or something by its appearance | “I thought he was rude, but he turned out to be really kind. You can’t judge a book by its cover.” |
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Idioms are a crucial part of any language, and learning them can be an effective way to improve a child’s English language skills. A 10-year-old child in Primary 4 is at a crucial stage in their language development, and it is essential to provide them with a strong foundation in idioms to enable them to communicate effectively and confidently.
The top 20 idioms chosen for a Primary 4 English student are common expressions that children are likely to encounter in their daily lives. These idioms are simple, easy to understand, and have a practical application in daily conversations. By learning and using these idioms, children can improve their language comprehension, vocabulary, and overall communication skills.
One of the primary reasons why these idioms were chosen for a 10-year-old child is that they are age-appropriate. Children at this age are beginning to develop their sense of humor and are starting to understand and appreciate puns and wordplay. Idioms provide an excellent opportunity to introduce humor into language learning and make it more enjoyable for children.
Furthermore, these idioms are commonly used in various settings, including school, home, and social gatherings. By learning and using these idioms, children can improve their communication skills and build confidence in their ability to express themselves. Using idioms correctly also helps children to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which can improve their social interactions and reduce the likelihood of conflict.
Another reason why these idioms were chosen is that they help children to understand the nuances of the English language. Idioms often use figurative language, which can be challenging for non-native speakers to understand. By learning these idioms, children can develop their ability to understand and interpret figurative language, which is a valuable skill for effective communication.
Additionally, idioms are an excellent way to introduce cultural references and concepts to children. Many idioms have a cultural or historical background, and learning about the origins of these idioms can be a fun and engaging way to expand a child’s knowledge and curiosity about the world. This can also help children to develop an appreciation for different cultures and traditions, promoting cultural awareness and diversity.
In conclusion, the top 20 idioms chosen for a Primary 4 English student are age-appropriate, commonly used, practical, and culturally relevant. By learning and using these idioms, children can improve their language comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills, while also developing an appreciation for language, culture, and diversity. It is crucial to expose children to a variety of idioms and expressions to help them develop a broad and nuanced understanding of the English language.
For the latest in SEAB PSLE English Syllabus, here.
