Practical strategies:
Understanding idioms
An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements (from
<http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/idiom> accessed 15 October 2010). The following Australian idioms have been
identified by university staff as being commonly used within the Curtin community:
Idiom
Meaning
Above board
It has been done in a legal and honest way
All hours
Working on something for an extended period of time (e.g.
“I was working all hours on that assignment”)
Beyond (me)
Completely missing or surpassing my understanding
Bring a plate
Bring a plate of food
Catch up
Meet with/speak with someone
Don’t overdo it
Do not do, use or stress in excess
Figure out
To conclude, believe or predict. Devise a solution
Get carried away
Become distracted
Get on with
Start working on a given task (e.g. “Let’s get on with it”)
Give (someone) a buzz
Contact the person in question
Give you the heads up
Let you know what is coming
Good onya
Well done
How’s it going?
How are you?
In the same boat
Experiencing the same situation
Jump on your computer
Use your computer
Keep an eye on
Carefully watch
Keep your chin up
To remain joyful/optimistic in a tough situation
No dramas/no hassles/no worries
Expression of forgiveness or reassurance
Not make head nor tail of
Cannot make sense of it
On the go
Moving, busy
On the same page
When multiple people all agree on the same thing
Spot on
Correct
Start from scratch
Start from the beginning
Tall poppy syndrome
Tendency to criticise successful people
The ball is in your court
It is your decision this time
Tongue in cheek
Humour, not to be taken seriously
What are you after?
How can I help you?
Work out
Same as ‘Figure out’
Your guess is as good as mine
I have no idea
Cultural diversity and inclusive practice