The Farce about Proverbs and Idioms


During the first English Department meeting, my Ketua Bidang told us to carry out 'A Word A Day' and 'A Proverb A Day' in our respective classes. Feeling that idioms were important too, I asked if she wanted to consider adding 'An Idiom A day' to the programme but it brought a look of incredulity and annoyance to  her face. Looking at me over the rim of her glasses, she said, 'Are you out of your mind? Proverbs and idioms are the same!'

"No, they are not the same,' I gasped. 'Proverbs are wise sayings while idioms are sentences with metaphorical meaning.'

Silence ruled around the table, not a teacher dared to agree with me.

'Everyone,' said the Ketua Bidang, rolling her eyes. 'Let's move on to the next agenda.'

'Madam,' I persisted. 'I'm trying to reason with you. Idioms should not be confused with proverbs.'

The Ketua Bidang went on talking in total disregard for me, her face exuding a look of disdain.

I took out my Ipad and searched for the information on the difference between proverbs and idioms online. When I found the website, I showed it to my Panatia who was sitting next to me. He glanced tentatively at it, frowned and turned his face away, as if avoiding seeing something filthy.

Hurt and aggrieved, I kept my mouth shut for the most part of the meeting.

I left the conference room a few minutes before the meeting came to an end. The next day, I brought up the subject to another colleague, and showed her the website.

'Online information may be wrong,' said the teacher.

'But the article was written by a renowned academic,' I said. 'Proverbs and idioms are poles apart from one another, that's a fact!'

'I'm not sure,' said the teacher, looking blank. 'Madam Then is the most experienced English teacher at our school. She is the most trusted authority in English.'

I almost blurted out this: What kind of authority? She scored a B2 in Cambridge Placement Test, and I a C2! 
The Ketua Bidang should not have ridden roughshod over me.


Comments

suituapui said…
"A phrase a day" would have covered both, no?
January 20, 2015 at 2:17 PM
Jarod Yong said…
You're right about the difference between proverbs & idioms.
It's interesting that someone as experienced as your colleague hasn't discovered the distinction.
I guess nobody is infallible.
February 3, 2015 at 6:11 AM
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