Cohesive Devices - Exercise

 

Idioms are a vital part of any language, offering color and depth to communication. However, some idioms can become overused and feel cliché. In these cases, using a half idiom can keep your speech lively and engaging. Half Idioms or Clipped Idioms are simply shortened versions of full idioms, often used in informal conversation. They convey the same meaning but in a more succinct and casual way. Here, we’ll explore some common idioms, their shortened forms, and examples of how to use them effectively.

Full Idiom: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Half Idiom: When in Rome...
Example: You've just arrived in Tokyo with a friend who's never been to Japan before.  They see a sushi restaurant and wrinkle their nose. You can say:  "Feeling adventurous with trying new food? When in Rome..."

Full Idiom: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Half Idiom: A bird in the hand...
Example:You're helping a friend decide whether to sell their car now or wait for a better offer. They're worried the price might go down.You can say:  "It's a good price, and you need a car. Remember, a bird in the hand..."

Full Idiom: Actions speak louder than words. Half Idiom: Actions speak louder...
Example: You're talking to a roommate who keeps saying they'll clean the kitchen but never does.
You can say:  "Look, I appreciate you saying you'll help, but actions speak louder..."

Full Idiom: The early bird catches the worm. Half Idiom: The early bird...
Example: It's Saturday morning, and your friend is surprised to see you up so early.They can say:  "Wow, you're up bright and early! The early bird..."

Full Idiom: Better safe than sorry. Half Idiom: Better safe...
Example: You're going out with a friend, and the weather looks unpredictable.You can say:  "Looks like rain later. Better safe..."

Full Idiom: Curiosity killed the cat. Half Idiom: Curiosity killed...
Example: You're at the library studying with a friend, and they keep glancing over at someone else's paper. You can say:  "Hey, everything alright? Curiosity killed..."

Full Idiom: Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Half Idiom: Don't count your chickens...
Example: Your friend just got shortlisted for their dream job, and they're already planning a celebratory vacation.You can say (gently):  "Hold on, the interview isn't over yet. Don't count your chickens..."

Full Idiom: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Half Idiom: Don't put all your eggs...
Example: You're talking to a friend who's considering investing all their savings in one company. You can say:  "That company looks promising, but diversification is important. Don't put all your eggs..."

Full Idiom: Don't judge a book by its cover. Half Idiom: Don't judge a book...
Example: "She seems quiet; do you think she'll be a good team leader?"
"Don't judge a book..."

Full Idiom: Don't cry over spilled milk. Half Idiom: Don't cry over spilled...
Example: "I accidentally deleted the document I was working on."
"Don't cry over spilled..."

Full Idiom: Every cloud has a silver lining. Half Idiom: Every cloud has...
Example: "I didn't get the job, but I learned a lot from the interview process."
"Every cloud has..."

Full Idiom: It takes two to tango. Half Idiom: It takes two...
Example: "They were arguing again at the meeting."
"It takes two..."

Full Idiom: A penny for your thoughts. Half Idiom: A penny for...
Example: "You've been quiet. A penny for..."

Full Idiom: Practice makes perfect. Half Idiom: Practice makes...
Example: "I'm still struggling with this piece of music."
"Practice makes..."

Full Idiom: Rome wasn't built in a day. Half Idiom: Rome wasn't built...
Example: "I'm frustrated with how long this project is taking."
"Rome wasn't built..."

Full Idiom: The grass is always greener on the other side. Half Idiom: The grass is always greener...
Example: "Sometimes I think I'd be happier with a different job."
"The grass is always greener..."

Full Idiom: The best of both worlds. Half Idiom: The best of both...
Example: "Working from home lets me balance work and personal life."
"It's the best of both..."

Full Idiom: Two heads are better than one. Half Idiom: Two heads are...
Example: "I'm stuck on this problem. Can you help?"
"Two heads are..."

Full Idiom: What goes around, comes around. Half Idiom: What goes around...
Example: "He wasn't very nice to his coworkers, and now he's struggling to get support."
"What goes around..."

Full Idiom: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Half Idiom: When the going gets tough...
Example: "This project is really challenging."
"Well, when the going gets tough..."

Full Idiom: Great minds think alike. Half Idiom: Great minds.
Example: "We both reached for the red backpack at the same time.  'Great minds!' David laughed, stepping back and letting me grab it."

Full Idiom: The devil may care, but I do not. Half Idiom: Devil may care.
Example: "Sarah was already halfway out the door with her swimsuit on when I caught up. 'Beach day?' I asked. She winked. 'Devil may care, work can wait today!'"

Full Idiom: Speak of the devil and he doth appear. Half Idiom: Speak of the devil.
Example: "Just as we were talking about him, Michael walked in with a bag full of vegetables. 'Speak of the devil,' I said, surprised. 'Perfect timing!'"

Full Idiom: The straw that broke the camel's back. Half Idiom: The last/final straw.
Example: "The internet going out again during my presentation was definitely the last straw. I decided to switch to a paper copy from then on."