June 22, 2023
When learning English, it can be as complex as composing a symphony or as soothing as a simple melody. One such vibrant aspect of the language are the 'music idioms'. For the uninitiated, idioms are expressions that possess a figurative meaning different from the literal interpretation. Music idioms, as the name suggests, incorporate musical terminology or ideas. Let's uncover some of these charming phrases, their meanings, and how they can be used.
Meaning: When information you receive is pleasurable or exactly what you wanted to hear.
Example: "When Sarah heard that she'd won the lottery, it was music to her ears."
Meaning: To confront the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.
Example: "After spending his savings recklessly, he had to face the music when he couldn't pay his bills."
Meaning: To boast or brag about one's own abilities.
Example: "He never misses an opportunity to blow his own trumpet about his successful business."
Meaning: To do things in your own unique way, regardless of societal expectations or norms.
Example: "My brother has always marched to the beat of his own drum, choosing to travel the world instead of going to university."
Meaning: To change your opinion or attitude about something.
Example: "She really changed her tune about online education once she saw its benefits."
Meaning: To elicit an emotional response; to remind someone of something.
Example: "The movie struck a chord with me because it reminded me of my childhood."
Meaning: To be considered less important than someone else.
Example: "I'm tired of playing second fiddle. I deserve to be recognized for my contributions!"
Meaning: Being in agreement with, or having a good understanding of something or someone.
Example: "She is very in tune with her children's needs."
The beauty of idioms is their ability to convey ideas in an engaging, colloquial manner. Using them appropriately can enhance your conversational English, making it more colourful and idiomatic. However, remember to use idioms judiciously as overuse can make your language sound contrived or clichéd.
Q: Are these idioms commonly used in everyday conversation?
A: Yes, they are. You will hear these idioms in films, music, books, and everyday speech.
Q: Can I use these idioms in formal writing?
A: It depends on the context. While idioms can enrich language, they are typically more suited for conversational or informal writing. In academic or formal writing, it is often preferable to be direct and unambiguous.
Music idioms have made their way into the words of some of the world's most famous people, including celebrities and thought leaders. Here are a couple of examples:
"You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note." - Doug Floyd
"You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail." - Charlie Parker
Idioms add spice to a language, making it more vivid and expressive. Music idioms, with their inherent rhythm and harmony, mirror the universal language of music, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Next time you converse in English, don't forget to add a dash of these melodic phrases. The rhythm of language is waiting to be explored, so march to the beat of your own drum and let your linguistic symphony play!
In the grand orchestra of English, these music idioms are but a small selection of the numerous idioms that exist. Keep learning, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep enjoying the beautiful music of English idioms.