English idioms of communication

[hatuna]

Hi, I'm a new member and I have a question to ask. I need to do some work related to english idioms of communication(e.g. go tell it to the Marines, to cry uncle, to read between the lines), and negative polarity idioms(e.g. I
couldn't get a word edgewise) and I'm not sure what to do. Where could I find definitions reletad to these topics and examples of idioms of this kind.

[Anglika]

For a start, try this site: Idioms and phrases

[hatuna]

Well, I've tried it but it's not quite what I need. I need something to distinguish between communicational idioms and other which are similar to them. I need that to make comparison to equivalent idioms in my mother tongue(Bosnian). Thanks anyway.

[Tdol]

In all likelihood, you're going to have to compile your own list. However, our database and others are searchable by keyword (use the 'include definition' option to widen the scope). That way, you should be able to make a list fairly easily. I don't know of an existing one, but you might be able to find a paper dealing with the topic.

[hatuna]

Ok. I'll try to do that. I also think that as idioms of communication are considered those idioms which contain a verb of communication.

[BobK]

Ok. I'll try to do that. I also think that as idioms of communication are considered those idioms which contain a verb of communication.

... up to a point. They usually do. But some don't contain a verb at all: some examples -

• 'telephone tag' [when A telephones B who is out, and leaves a message; then B calls back, but this time A is out; and so it goes on. This is called 'playing telephone tag', and playing wouldn't be caught in your net.]
  
• And speaking of nets, 'a web/tissue of lies'.
  
• 'A Chinese wall' [an agreement not to communicate, when there are two conflicting interests recognized by separate workers within the same department]
  
• 'A handshake' [exchange of standard signals to initiate communications between two systems (two computers, a mobile phone and its network...)]

b

[hatuna]

Ok, but would it be more acceptable to use idioms which actually contain verb used to describe some kind of communication like: ''Speak of the devil'', or ''Call the shots'' or even ''Preaching to the choir''. These idioms actually contain verbs used for describing communication. What do you think about that.

[Tdol]

They're all about communication IMO.

[BobK]

Ok, but would it be more acceptable to use idioms which actually contain verb used to describe some kind of communication like: ''Speak of the devil'', or ''Call the shots'' or even ''Preaching to the choir''. These idioms actually contain verbs used for describing communication. What do you think about that.

It's a question of how widely you want to cast your [research] net. You must decide whether you're interested in idioms that use words connected with communication (like 'Speak of the devil') or idioms to do with communication (like 'Get one's wires crossed'). The first uses a verb that is obviously about communication - 'speak'; but the verb 'get', without that context, isn't.

If you stick only to the ones that have communication-related verbs, you should have plenty to go on!

b

[tmdth]

Hi, I'm a new member and I have a question to ask. I need to do some work related to english idioms of communication(e.g. go tell it to the Marines, to cry uncle, to read between the lines), and negative polarity idioms(e.g. I
couldn't get a word edgewise) and I'm not sure what to do. Where could I find definitions reletad to these topics and examples of idioms of this kind.

well, you can take a look at Conversation - Learn good phrases from daily conversation
In my opinion, it is a good site of using idioms in communication including examples and how to use as well :).

My spoken english is not good much and that site teachs me partially at least to improve my speaking skill, I hope it helps.