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Why can a plan be “up in the air” without leaving the ground?

An idiom carries a conventional meaning at the phrase level. Its individual words can suggest a literal scene while the whole expression communicates something else, depending on context and familiarity.

2–3 min

Questions you could explore

  • What clues tell a listener to choose the idiomatic meaning?
  • What might make the phrase harder for someone learning the language?

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  • Merriam-WebsterIdiom

    Merriam-Webster defines idiom and gives phrase-level examples; familiarity varies across speakers and audiences.

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

Why can a plan be “up in the air” without leaving the ground? | Speech Topic | speaking.app