Understanding Idioms: Decoding the Meaning of 'Water Under the Bridge

This video tutorial explains the concept of idioms, which are phrases with meanings different from their literal words. It uses the idiom 'water under the bridge' to illustrate how idioms can be understood through context clues. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of not taking idioms literally and suggests visualizing them to grasp their meanings. It provides a step-by-step approach to decoding idioms by imagining the idiom, looking for context clues, and drawing a picture to aid understanding.

What is an idiom?

• A phrase that means exactly what it says

• A phrase with a unique meaning not deducible from the individual words

• A sentence that can be translated word for word into any language

• A type of metaphor

Why is it important to use context clues when interpreting idioms?

• Because context clues help clarify the unique meaning of idioms

• Because idioms are the same in every language

• Because idioms are always literal

• Because context clues are not necessary for understanding idioms

In the example given, what does 'water under the bridge' signify?

• A current problem that needs attention

• A past issue that is no longer significant

• A literal stream of water under a bridge

• A future concern that might arise

What is the first step in understanding an idiom?

• Ignore the context

• Ask someone else for the meaning

• Translate it word for word

• Visualize the idiom in detail

Which of the following is NOT a step in understanding idioms?

• Visualizing the idiom

• Using context clues

• Drawing a picture

• Ignoring the surrounding text