Learning Idioms Using the Word 'God'

The English Language is full of idioms. Learning and understanding idioms is an important part of the curriculum for ESL students. Knowledge of idioms shows fluency and a command over the language. Native speakers of a language use idioms and phrases very often at times even without realizing. An idiom is a group of words that does not mean what it literally says. It has an underlying meaning attached to it. For example, If a person says It is raining cats and dogs, it does not actually mean that it is raining cats and dogs. It means that a heavy downpour is being experienced. At times, one can easily guess the meaning of the idioms. At other times, the meaning is not quite as obvious. The best way is to decipher the meaning of the idiom from the context.

Learning idioms may not be an endearing task as the phrase is not meant to convey its literal meaning. It can get a little confusing. Just like vocabulary, usage and repetition is the best method to learn idioms. Using flashcards, picking idioms on specific topics or words, and listing idioms that have a similar meaning are some of the suggested activities that can help an ESL student to learn and understand idioms. Idioms on colors have already been dealt with and can be read about at Idioms Using Names of Colors.

In this article, we look at the meanings and usage of the below listed idioms that use the word ’God’:

1. a tin God: The idiom ‘a tin God’ refers to a self-important person, a person who likes to show how important they are. It can be used in a sentence as: Every time Reena acts like a tin God I feel irritated.

2. God’s gift: A god’s gift refers to a person who feels that he is God’s gift to mankind. It is used to express sarcasm. An example would be: Reena behaves as if she is God’s gift to men.

3. God willing: It is a very commonly used idiom. It is used to refer to something that is desired but may only happen with the help of God. It can be used in a sentence like: The announcement has been made; the train is approaching the platform on time, God willing.

4. consecrate someone or something to God: It simply means to offer something to God. For example: She has decided to consecrate her property in the name of God.

5. God knows: It means that there are some answers which only God can give beforehand. Using it in a sentence: God knows who will win the election.

6. think someone is God's own cousin: Well, it would actually be the height of arrogance to think that one is God’s own cousin. It means to think that one is perfect. The idiom 'to think they hung the moon and stars' also means the same but is used more positively that 'to think someone is God's own cousin'. Using it in a sentence: Joe is not ready to reflect on why he has no friends; he thinks he is God’s own cousin.

7. harder than the back of God’s head: An old fashioned idiom: I cannot even make a guess about how this idiom was formulated. It means that something is very hard. An example would be: Because of the drought the soil is harder than the back of God’s head.

8. thank God for small favors: This is for the optimistic. To see good even in the worst of situations is where this idiom is used. The saying 'there is a silver lining inside every cloud' and the phrase 'light after darkness' also mean the same. Using the idiom; Michael: It as started to pour! Chris: Thank god for small favors; we have an umbrella in the car.

9. sure as God made little green apples: The idiom means something that is absolutely certain or for sure. An example would be: I’m as sure as God made little green apples that he is responsible for the accident.

10. play God: It means to behave in a manner which shows that a person dictates important decisions for others, even if they don't ask for the help. An example would be a dominating wife deciding what her husband would like to eat for dinner at a restaurant. Using it in a sentence: Politicians should stop playing God and respond to the common man’s needs.

11. ain’t got the brains God gave a squirrel: Another old fashioned idiom: The idiom is used for a person who is very foolish. An example would be: He fought with his boss in this period of economic crisis. He ain’t got the brains God gave a squirrel.

12. honest to God: It gives emphasis to the truth of a statement or an intention. Using the idiom in a sentence: Honest to God! I have no idea how the information leaked out.

Let us write a small conversation between Rena, Michael, and Ram using the some idioms defined above:

• Rena: I’m as sure as God made little green apples that Ram will be late for the movie.
• Michael: For him to be on time is as hard as the back of God’s head.
• Ram: Thank God for small favors. In spite of the traffic jam, I’m in time.
• Michael: Only God knows whether you started late from home or you were late because of the traffic jam.
• Ram: Honest to God, there was a traffic jam.
• Rena: Difficult to believe.
• Ram: Stop behaving like God’s own cousin. Anyone can get stuck in a traffic jam.

Some more idioms using the word God are:

• a God given right
• a man of God
• be in the lap of the gods
• for God’s sake
• God forbid
• put the fear of God in
• Thank God
• from God
• play God

Classroom Activity: ‘Practice makes perfect’. Draft a paragraph using any of the ten idioms mentioned in the article.

Reference: High School English Grammar-Wrenn & Martin, http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com