Over my dead body.
Easier said than done.
All of the following are examples of expressions commonly mentioned in English conversations. If we define expressions as metaphors, idioms, aphorisms, ambiguous phrases, and other related material; the English language would be credited with millions of existing expressions throughout our history with new expressions being mixed and created all the time. But why do we make expressions?
A more purposeful way to classify expressions is shown in the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs by physics graduate Michael Barton. His book is meant to explain to those with autism what common expressions actually mean, since those on the autism spectrum often have trouble working with expressions. Barton claims the expressions are organized “…according to the reason why the expressions cause difficulty.” Yet—looking at the table on contents—it looks more like it is categorized based on what the expression is. The categories were as followed; “classic idioms”, “shortened expressions”, “everyday expressions and sayings”, “double meanings”, “metaphors”, and “instructions and statements”. These categories seem to work for Barton fairly well considering the purpose of the book, but will not work so well for our purpose of answering the question “why do we make expressions?”.
If I am to answer the previously stated question, then my best possible categories are probably the reasons why we make expressions. So, I created 3 categories to help explain why we create expressions. The categories are named the following; “assist expressions”, “wise monk expressions”, and “silky smooth expressions”. Already, some of you reading this will wonder why the categories have such weird names. It is simply because it makes it short and easy to remember.
Assist Expressions
A good example of an assist expression would be the phrase “no strings attached”. When using this expression, you are expressing that an offer is free from limitations, conditions, obstacles, and any hidden meanings. This phrase is also used with relationships often to express a physical relationship with no emotional ties between the lovers. I can only imagine someone thought up this phrase while thinking of the dollar-on-a-fishing-pole prank.
Wise Monk Expressions
Wise monk expressions usually are made from aphorisms (which are pretty much statements based on observations), so the Poor Richard’s Almanack written by Benjamin Franklin contains many wise monk phrases. Ranging from “No man ever was glorious who was not laborious” to “You can’t pluck roses without fear of thorns, nor enjoy a fair wife without danger of horns”, the book has wise phrases for any topic you may need it for! My personal favorite is “He who lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas”.
Silky Smooth Expressions
There is another side to the silky smooth expressions. They can also be a type of code-name. An example would be the name “wet blanket” which is given to someone who discourages others from enjoying themselves. It is a lot easier and quicker to say “Quit being a wet blanket!” than it is to say something like “Quit trying to ruin all of our fun!”. A little difference apparently does go a long way.
What do you think?
Aphorisms Galore!: A website filled with user-entered aphorisms.
Learn English Feel Good: A website filled with idioms and their meanings.
Poor Richard's Almanack: A wikipedia page filled with all the sayings found inside the book!