习语(idiom)是固定的词组,在语义上是个不可分割的统一体,其整体的意义往往不能从组成习语的各个词汇的表面意思上揣测出来。英语习语有两个特征:一是语义的统一性(semantic unity),一是结构的固定性(structuralst ability)。习语是语言文化的结晶,生动形象,言简意赅。了解和掌握英语中的习语,不仅能提高语言运用能力,而且能增加文化内涵。英语习语大部分来自民间,就必然反映出丰富多彩的民间生活,它们鲜活生动、耐人寻味。 Idiom is a fixed phrase, semantically an indivisible unity, and its overall meaning often can not be speculated from the superficial meaning of the various words that make up an idiom. There are two characteristics of English idioms: one is the semantic unity and the other is the structural stability. Idioms is the crystallization of language and culture, a vivid image, concise. Understanding and mastering idioms in English can not only improve the ability of language use, but also increase the cultural connotation. Most of the English idioms come from the folk, they inevitably reflect the rich and colorful folk life, they lively and thought-provoking.