ROLE OF IDIOMS, MAXIMS AND PROVERBS

ROLE OF IDIOMS, MAXIMS AND PROVERBS

Use of idioms, maxims and proverbs helps in embellishing style of communication. However, we have to learn to use them judiciously and with deep understanding;

(1) Idiom

It is an accepted phrase, construction or expression in a language. However, it may be contrary to the usual pattern of a language and has meanings that are different from the literal ones. It can often be a peculiar phraseology, a dialect or a language.

(2) Maxim

It is a concisely expressed principle or rule of conduct and is a statement of general truth or precept.

(3) Proverb

It is a short saying in common use that strikingly expresses a maxim. It is an enigmatically saying in which a profound truth is cloaked or hidden.
.Idioms, maxims and proverbs are specimens of language in its crystalline form. These are often compared to the glittering diamonds in a gold necklace.
These are used to express feelings, thoughts and ideas in a succinct, effective and attractive way. Normally a matter that requires several sentences or a whole paragraph may be expressed in 2 or 3 words. The combination of these words has meanings that are far removed from its literal meanings. For example, when it is said, „In a nutshell‟, it means saying in a few words. When someone feels that the Government machinery moves at „a snail‟s pace‟, he means that there are usual bureaucratic delays that send people „from pillar to post‟. One can „cut the long story short‟ and simply say „red tape‟.
If a person can build up a good repertory of idioms, maxims, proverbs and quotations and then recollect them to suit the occasion, he is already well on his way to becoming a good writer and / or a good speaker.
Words contained in these idioms etc may not convey any sense by themselves but, with reference to the context, they lend themselves much meanings and thoughts. These also add a touch of beauty and style to ones‟ communication.
For instance, consider the words, „eating one‟s own words‟. On the face of it, these words sound absurd for how can one eat one‟s words. Using these words suitably as an idiom in a sentence, it can be said that the new manager was „talking tall‟, threatening to pull up the employees who have failed to turn up for a cultural event on a holiday. However, when union leaders accosted him, he had „to eat his own words‟.