A ‣ Learning and remembering multi-word expressions

Fixed expressions, also known as idioms, often have meanings that are not clear or obvious. For example, the expression to feel under the weather, which means 'to feel unwell', is typical. The words do not tell us what it means, but the context usually helps.

Think of multi-word expressions as units, just like single words; always record the whole expression in your notebook, along with information on grammar and collocation, e.g. This tin opener has seen better days. [it is rather old and broken down; usually of things, always perfect tense form]

Multi-word expressions of this type are often rather informal and include a personal comment on the situation. They are sometimes humorous or ironic. As with any informal words, be careful how you use them. Never use them just to sound 'fluent' or 'good at English'. In a formal situation with a person you do not know, don't say:

'How do you do, Mrs Watson? Do take the weight off your feet.' [sit down]

Instead say: 'Do sit down' or 'Have a seat.'

B ‣ Organising multi-word expressions

Multi-word expressions can be grouped in a variety of ways. It is probably best to use whichever way you find most useful to help you remember them.

Grouping by grammar
get (hold of) the wrong end of the stick [misunderstand] (verb + object )
pull a fast one [trick/deceive somebody] (verb + object )
poke your nose in(to) [interfere] (verb + object )
be over the moon [extremely happy/elated] (verb + prepositional phrase)
feel down in the dumps [depressed/low] (verb + prepositional phrase)
be in the red [have a negative bank balance] (verb + prepositional phrase)

Grouping by meaning, e.g. expressions describing people's character/intellect
He’s as daft as a brush. [very stupid/silly]
She takes the biscuit. /ˈbɪskɪt/ [is the extreme / the wors to fall]
They’re a pain in the neck. [a nuisance / a difficult person]
Little Sam’s as good as gold. [behaves very well - usually used about children]

Grouping by a verb or other key word, e.g. expressions with make
Why do you have to make a meal out of everything? [exaggerate the importance of everything]
I think we should make a move. It's gone ten o'clock. [go/leave]
Most politicians are on the make. I don't trust any of them. [ wanting money/power for oneself]
I'm afraid I'm making heavy weather of my essay. [making slow and difficult progress]

C ‣ Grammar of multi-word expressions

It is important when using these expressions to know just how flexible their grammar is. Some are more fixed than others. For instance, barking up the wrong tree [be mistaken] is always used in continuous, not simple form, e.g. I think you're barking up the wrong tree. (NOT I think you bark up the wrong tree.)

A good dictionary may help, but it is best to observe the grammar in real examples.
Note how Units 89-94 group expressions in different ways.

For more information on multi-word expressions, see English Idioms in Use by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O'Dell.