When idioms bloom into blunders

English idioms, called the ‘flowers of language’ beautify the language when used correctly in both spoken and written forms. Language enriched with idioms is often referred to as “flowery English,” distinguished by its distinctive charm. However, handling idioms is not an easy task, and non-native speakers often find themselves in awkward situations when using them. 

In the early years of my teaching career, enamoured by the “flowery English,”  I frequently peppered my lessons and speeches with idioms. Little did I realise that my fascination would one day land me in an embarrassing situation.

During one of my classes, as was my habit, I used an idiom that created an explosive situation. I was deeply engrossed in teaching Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, when I noticed two boys whispering incessantly at the back of the classroom. I asked them to be quiet, but despite my repeated warnings, they continued their murmurings. Losing my patience, I finally snapped, “You, black sheep! Why are you disturbing the class? Get  out!” The two boys, heads bowed, rushed out.

That evening, after classes had ended, I was summoned by the principal. I entered his chamber, where he looked at me and said, “My  dear young fellow, there’s a complaint against you from those two boys in your class.” Standing before the principal, the same two boys kept their heads lowered.  Baffled, I asked, “What’s the complaint about, sir?”

The principal replied, “They claim you deliberately humiliated them by calling them ‘black sheep’.” I looked at the boys carefully, and realised they took the idiom quite literally, unaware of its actual meaning. I felt a wave of embarrassment. In an apologetic tone, I said, “I am sorry, sir. I didn’t mean  to humiliate them. They repeatedly disturbed my class despite several warnings, so I used the idiom ‘black sheep’. I wasn’t referring to their complexion at all.” Hearing my explanation, the principal burst into laughter and advised me to be more cautious when using idioms.  

A few years later, I found myself in another amusing situation, this time not because of my own words but those of an elderly gentleman-- a retired government official with a love for the English language. A neighbour, he often visited our house in the evenings  and engaged in lively conversations over steaming cups of tea, frequently seasoning his speech with idioms. 

One evening, while discussing his family matters, he expressed concern about his youngest son, who was in college. “I’m worried about my youngest son. He is quite careless with money. You know money burns a hole in his pocket.” 

My sister-in-law, who was listening to our conversation, was visibly puzzled. “Uncle, how can money burn a hole in someone’s pocket? Is money fire?” she asked incredulously. “Isn’t it funny and ridiculous?”

The elderly gentleman, taken aback by the barrage of questions, stood speechless. Sensing the awkwardness, I quickly intervened and explained, ”No, no. It’s just an idiom. Uncle means that his his son is a spendthrift and spends money carelessly and extravagantly”.

Relieved my sister in law smiles. And I sighed, glad to have saved the gentleman from an awkward moment.