Why Do We Say That?

Studio Classroom

September 2007

Week 1

Unit 4

Structure

I. Introduction to…

II. Stories1) Let the cat out of the bag2) Can’t hold a candle to…

English idioms

OriginMeaning

I. Introduction

Main idea?(1) English is evolving.

BUT(2) Some parts haven’t changed.

evolve=…

change

II (1) Let the cat out of the bag

Background-when-where-who-what

Meaning

-medieval times-European Markets-dishonest traders-pig cat (trick)

-reveal the trick/secret

II (1) Let the cat out of the bag

its root goes back to… deceive businessman show buy have…inside buyer what to do

be traced back to… trick merchant / trader display purchase contain customer instruction

II (2) Can’t hold a candle to…

Background-when-where-who-what

Meaning

-before was invented-at work-2 workers (at night)-one does the actual work the other holds the light-A is not as good as B

II (2) Can’t hold a candle to… make a new type of thing give regular small job capable say what s.t. is like mean (v)

not as good

invent candle provide chore/task competent describe refer to inferior