To Explore the Cultural Connotation of English Idioms 1. Introduction and the definition and features of idiom 1. Introduction and the definition and features of idiom 1 Introduction 1 The definition and features of idiom 2 2. The sources of English idioms and their cultural background 3 from living environment 4 Idioms from climate 4 Idioms from navigation 5 Originating from historical developments 6 Idioms from history 6 Idioms from wars 8 from religion 9 Originating from mythologies and allegories 10 Idioms from Greek and Roman mythology 11 Idioms from The Fables of Aesop 11 Originating from literary works 13 Idioms from William Shakespeare’s works 13 Idioms from other famous writers’ works 14 Originating from folk life 15 Idioms from food 16 Idioms from names 17 Idioms from Horse Racing 18 Idioms from playing cards 19 Idioms from other folk practice and customs 19 3. Conclusion 20 References 21 Introduction English idioms are usually widely monly used all over the world. They contain brief structures and profound meanings, which are also a group of words with the meaning different from the literal one. Thanks to them, language is more colorful and more alive. It is believed that as a mirror of culture, language is strongly influenced and shaped by culture, and reflects culture. As an essential part of the language, undoubtedly idioms relate closely to their own culture and convey different cultural features and attitudes and messages of their own nation. English idioms tell people to praise justice, to fight against the bully, and guide people to get along well with each other. For example, ‘Better die with honor than live with shame’; ‘Don’t have cloak to make when it begins to rain’. Moreover, English idioms summarize people’s knowledge in their daily life and they tell people what to do and how to
