Idiomatic Creativity – Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of spf-idioms
In this appendix, the conceptual motivation and the tokens of lexicogrammatical variation found for some SPF-idioms are presented. The following comments must be made concerning the layout of this corpus.
- To illustrate the correlation between idiom-transparency type, underlying conceptual bases and lexicogrammatical behaviour, I used templates (see below).
- Under IDIOM, each template lists the idiom’s citation form and meaning as provided by the Collins Cobuild Dictionary of Idioms.
- Further, under DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE, it mentions its type of transparency and the underlying conceptual and image-schematic correspondences as discussed in chapter 5.
- In the USAGE-section this information is related to the idiom’s lexicogrammatical behaviour. The variational tokens are ordered according to the lexicogrammatical alterations outlined in chapter 7. When no variations for a certain lexicogrammatical pattern were found, this section was left out.
- In the column labeled ‘characterisation’ each specific process of variation is explained, while in the third column ‘supported by’ the conceptual correspondences that motivate this variant are mentioned. For this purpose, the numbering from the
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES-section is used.
- In the characterisation-column the meaning of variants is paraphrased wherever this is useful for illustrating the variational pattern. (The paraphrase is printed in italics and introduced by a solid arrow: →). Note that for conceptualising idioms such as walk a tightrope, skate on thin ice, be on course for, etc., the paraphrase often sounds clumsy. This is so because the respective empirically-abstract target domains do not provide a rich set of lexical items on the basis of which the conceptual mappings could be ‘translated.’ The problem of finding an adequate paraphrase illustrates the conceptualising power of these constructions.
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
- All idioms listed are further classified according to the idiom-transparency classes discussed in chapter 4.6. The boundaries between these classes are not always fully clear-cut. This problem becomes most obvious with those idioms that I have called motivated idioms with a latent isomorphic structure or latently isomorphic idioms (see chapter 7). Here, these constructions are classified as motivated idioms, because they are conventionally used as non-isomorphic phrases. The latently- isomorphic structure, however, becomes obvious with some tokens of lexicogrammatical variation.
- Within the idiom-transparency-classes I further order the idioms according to the metaphorical models that they are motivated by. This ordering, however, just serves reader orientation; it does not claim full systematicity. Moreover, this subclassification might give the impression that some models are better represented with a given transparency-type. This impression, however, is the mere result of my own arbitrary choice of idioms for illustration.
- The corpus also contains a few idioms, e.g. spill the beans, that are discussed in the
analytical part but do not belong to the set of SPF-idioms. This is particularly true
for the set of opaque idioms for which constructions belonging to other word fields
were added.
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Isomorphic and constituental motivation – Quality of base-form: (Literal) compositionality, (global) motivation, constituental motivation, figurative-literal isomorphism
a. CONSUMPTION-models
1. IDIOM: swallow the bitter pill; a bitter pill to swallow ‘accept the unpleasant fact’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic; lexicalised figurative senses of swallow = accept, and bitter pill = unpleasant issue, fact, experience
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) CONSUMPTION ---> DEALING WITH AN ISSUE SWALLOW ---> ACCEPT 2) CONSUMED GOOD ---> ISSUE isomorphism QUALITY OF GOOD ---> QUALITY OF ISSUE BITTER PILL ---> UNPLEASANT FACT isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Mr Major - salary £76,234 - hopes that with Ministers taking a lead in the bid to keep down wages the nation can be persuaded to swallow the bitter pill. (CEN: 5900)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners The traditionalist camp has had to swallow some bitter pills. (A1V: use of indefinite 2 1025). determiner some: → the traditionalist camp has had to accept some unpleasant issues The Frenchman's release was going to be a bitter pill to swallow if use of indefinite article it was the price to pay for finding Clarion Call. (CEC: 2228). according to be-a-NP-to- V-construction: → was going to be a very unpleasant issue to accept Number The traditionalist camp has had to swallow some bitter pills. (A1V: pluralisation: → the 2 1025). traditionalist camp has had to accept some unpleasant issues Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Modifications Although the irony of this situation at a time of teacher shortages use of premodifying 2 will raise a smile among many teachers and educationalists, the real adjective in superlative prospect of losing their jobs will make this the bitterest pill for form to intensify teachers to swallow. (B23: 853). idiomatic meaning: → will make this the most unpleasant fact for teachers to accept Mike Atherton, too, came quietly back, and Tim Munton got his use of intensifier very; 2 first Test cap, DeFreitas's groin injury forcing him to withdraw topic-indicating from the squad.Lamb and Botham had to swallow the very bitter postmodification by of- pill of being dropped. (CU1: 1325). complement: → Botham had to deal with the very unpleasant experience of being dropped We were in such a state we decided to swallow what seemed the topic-indicating 2 bitter pill of Thatcherism. (AHJ: 249). postmodification by appositive of- complement: → we even decided to accept Thatcherism Many governments, most prominent among which was the former topic-indicating 2 Conservative government of Mrs Margaret Thatcher, accepted the postmodification by logic of the above argument and were thereby persuaded to swallow appositive of- the bitter pill of demand deflation and abnormally high complement: → were unemployment rates in exchange for the boon of a sustained fall in persuaded to accept the rate of inflation. (J0U: 1469). demand deflation and abnormally high unemployment rates Lexical substitutions When things get bad enough, he says, the nation will find a new synonymous noun 1, 2 reformer and swallow his bitter medicine. (CRC: 1901). substitution by hyponym Someone he loved more than he loved her, which was a hard pill to quasi-synonymous 1, 2 swallow. (H85: 1685). adjective substitution, slight modification of literal-scene And a firm's environmental history has emerged as another topic-related quasi- 1, 2 potential poison pill no-one wants to swallow. (HC2: 700) synonymous noun substitution (poison pill alludes to the topic environmental history) THE relegation clouds descended on Darlington last night as Ray literal-scene modifying 2 Hankin was obliged to swallow his first bitter taste of managerial noun substitution in defeat. (K52: 3975). accordance with the QUALITY OF FOOD IS QUALITY OF ISSUE TO BE DEALT WITH-metaphor; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → Hankin was obliged to deal with the unpleasant experience Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
of managerial defeat It's no use my telling you what it is - she might not agree, and then topic-indicating noun 2 it would only be a waste of time. ‘Claudia swallowed bitter substitution through disappointment; Roman didn't even care enough about her to blending: pill ⇒ confide in her, even when his plan concerned her sister. (H8J: disappointment: → 2347) Claudia exeperienced bitter disappointment Passivisation A presidential spokesman described these moves as' bitter pills' passivisation and internal 2 which would need to be swallowed to satisfy IMF conditions. (HL3: relativisation: → 1501). described these moves as very unpleasant fact which would need to be dealt with
b. PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT IN SPACE
2. IDIOM: make great strides ‘make progress’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, lexicalised figurative meaning, stride = an advance or development
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS 2) STRIDE ---> ‘STEP’ OF PROGRESS isomorphism MAKES STRIDES ---> PROGRESS
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Finally, the discovery of replacement therapy with hormones and vitamins and the introduction of the antibiotics allowed orthodox medical treatment itself to begin to make great strides. (C9V: 581) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number A great stride forward was made after 1931 by J.N.L. Myres who singularisation: → a great 2 began the systematic investigation of early Anglo-Saxon pottery advance was made (Myres 1969, pp. 1-5), yet there was no clear statement concerning the methods used to establish the chronology of the vessels under review, despite quite specific dates being ascribed. (CFK: 163) Modifications For Congregationalists the percentage with a college training use of adjective in 2 remained, surprisingly, the same.Primitive Methodists made the superlative form: → Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
greatest strides of all: the number of their ministers without any Methodists made most college training fell by 60 per cent while the number with, rose by progress of all 59 per cent. (AE6: 332). And although, you know, we can begin to make strides in equal clipping of premodifying 1, 2 opportunities for women this kind of thing erm knocks them right qualifier: → begin to back. (KRL: 5199). make progress Lexical substitutions She has reintroduced a Dutch Open, and has made impressive adjective substitution (use 2 strides in terms of organising the first European-based Solheim of evaluator), great ---> Cup, the women's equivalent of the Ryder Cup. (AL3: 1353). impressive quasi- synonymous: → has made impressive progress Although this region was the nation's first to identify the cause of adjective substitution: 2 smog and to make pioneering strides towards curbing air pollution, great ---> pioneering: → population growth keeps overwhelming its efforts. (HSF: 1023). to make pioneering progress ‘I think this government... in terms of industrial support policies, intensifying adjective 2 has made gigantic strides.Take education: it has made gigantic substitution, great ---> strides against bitter opposition to reform the system, to raise gigantic: → has made standards, to monitor the results and to draw industry closer to the enormous progress academic and the educational world.’ (A44: 331). against Even non-silicon zeolites have been made by researchers at Union adjective substitution (use 2 Carbide in the US.Zeolite chemistry has made remarkable strides of evaluator), great ---> forward in the past few years. (B77: 1690). remarkable quasi- synonymous: → has made remarkable progress Passivisation As far as mental health is concerned, Mr surely must be living in passivisation: → terrific 2 another age.Terrific strides have been made in mental health in this progress was made county erm lots of it under voluntary and it is very much to be commended. (J43: 141). The majority had no wish to stop work, particularly after the great passivisation and internal 2 strides which had been made in recent months, but they weren't relativisation: → the great going to be sat on either. (AC2: 1061). progress which had been made
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
3. IDIOM: make headway ‘make progress’ shows identical syntactic behaviour as make progress
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: isomorphism due to constituental (headway = progress), motivation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT COVER PATH ---> PROGRESS ON BASIS OF DEV. MAKE HEADWAY ---> PROGRESS/GAIN ADVANTAGE motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Achieving a standstill is vital for Heron if it is to make headway in rescheduling its debt. (AHJ: 4) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications On the other hand, the party made substantial headway on both topic-related internal 2 1986 and 1988 in a large number of boroughs. (APE: 899). premodification by adjective of extent: → the party made substantial progress Popular committees were established in villages, refugee camps, internal premodification 2 suburbs, streets, in fact in every community. Some headway was by indefinite quantifier: made in expanding self-sufficiency, whether through utilising more → some progress was land for agriculture, developing home economies, or encouraging made local manufacturers and products. (A9J: 11). A National Film Studio, combining the small companies into one topic-related internal 2 strong conglomerate, had been proposed, but this idea made no premodification by more headway than a proposal to negotiate a reciprocity deal with quantifier: → this idea the Americans, whereby they would take a certain number of made no more progress British films into national distribution in return for free access to British screens. (A7L: 394). Questor Column: Ocean making slow headway (AJH: 435). topic-related internal 2, premodification by adjective of quality: → making slow progress Education Bill’ the Society was unable to make any real headway. topic-related internal 2 (AE6: 1006). premodification by adjective of factual status: → to make any real progress But in the short term there is no reason to suppose profits are about topic-related internal 2 Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
to start making strong headway. (AJ2: 538). premodification by adjective of quality: → to start making strong progress Passivisation Some headway was made as a result. (A66: 1748). passivisation: → some 2 progress was made In the industrial area, good headway is being made with backing passivisation: → good 2 fabrics for abrasive cloth and printers' blankets, while nonwoven progress is being made uses include floppy disk liners and pads for medical and hygiene products. (K9B: 78).
4. IDIOM: weather/ride out the storm ‘withstand/overcome a difficult situation without any harm’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic; constituental motivation: storm = problem
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS 2) COUNTERFORCE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY motivation STORM ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY/CRISIS isomorphism WEATHER/RIDE OUT THE STORM ---> WITHSTAND/OVERCOME A DIFFICULT SITUATION / PROBLEM
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Bull's reply prompted a hurricane finish by the Second Division side after a period in which Villa looked to have weathered the storm. (A2S: 625).
This also had the advantage of giving a signal to the money markets.Staying in Blackpool to ride out the storm might have been unduly bullish, while retreating to London could have prompted undue alarm bells. (A4R:38). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Such reliance upon Baldwin and the dependability of the anaphoric use of 2 Conservatives did not work, and produced within the Conservative demonstrative determiner: Party internal divisions which saw Neville Chamberlain being → but Baldwin survived suggested as a possible alternative to Baldwin and the emergence of these political crises the Empire Party, led by Lord Beaverbrook and the press barons, as a challenge to Baldwin's leadership.But Baldwin weathered these Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
political storms with some adroitness and found that the economic policies he favoured emerged, almost naturally, out of the collapse of the second Labour government in August 1931. (ACH: 941). But important as all this might once have been it did not concern anaphoric use of 2 her now.Hugo had weathered that particular storm with Kurt's help demonstrative determiner: and backing. (BMW: 1021). → Hugo had overcome that particular crisis Number What remains a mystery is how Virgin would have fared had its pluralisation: → 2 directors decided to weather the storms in the stock market. (A1S: overcome the problems in 315). the stock market Reduced congregations exactly parallel reduced pluralisation: → both 2 readership.However, both have weathered storms before and are have experienced used to surviving in adverse times. (ARX: 501). difficulties before ... Overall, use of search is now widespread enough to enable search pluralisation: → 2 firms to ride out storms in specific sectors. (CM0: 1366). overcome problems in specific sectors This week, however, when you find yourself all at sea, you may pluralisation; anaphora: 2 wonder whether you've chosen well.If there are storms, weather → if there are problems them. (G36: 2176). solve them Modifications The company announced the scheme in August, and has had to topic-indicating and 2 weather a storm of objections from shareholders and managers. quantifying (A55:492). postmodification by of- complement: → withstand many objections THE Government last night signalled its determination to ride out internal premodification 2 the political storm surrounding its compulsory repatriation of by adjective of aspect: → Vietnamese refugees and said it would deport as many as necessary withstand the political to convince thousands more would-be boat people not to seek crisis refuge in Hong Kong next spring. (A9W: 404). No doubt disposals of that kind will continue over the years, but in premodification by 2 an organised way.They have weathered every kind of financial restrictive adjective (every storm over the centuries and have skills which the public sector is kind of); topic-indicating only just beginning to learn. (ARX: 305). internal premodification by adjective of aspect: → withstand every kind of financial crisis Yet although the hardening of lines seems ominous in retrospect topic-indicating 2 and the thin tie of Reinsurance could hardly have linked Russia and postmodification by Germany for long, it could be argued that in 1888 Bismarck's partitive of-complement: system was still successful.It had weathered the storms of the withstand the problems Bulgarian crisis. (CM6: 1650). caused by/involved in the Bulgarian crisis Skates is confident that, whatever its prospects seem to outsiders, topic-indicating internal 2 the fast-shrinking Westborough, Massachusetts-based hardware premodification by manufacturer will weather the economic storm, while competitors adjective of aspect: → that haven't been as prudent will suffer greatly. (CTH:285). withstand the economic crisis Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
After three weeks most peace went mad, but very quietly, and topic-related internal 2 without an argument, but the strong minded continued to stand fast premodification by and weather the quiet and unargumentative storm. (HPG: 519). adjective of quality: → withstand the quiet and unargumentative criticism Howard Hughes had bought Selznick's half of Mitchum's topic-indicating 2 contract.He was the first star to weather the storm of a dope postmodification by scandal, emerging unscathed and proving the Indianapolis Star appositive of- wrong when it prophesied that ‘The public never did - never will - complement: → survive laugh off a dope scandal involving a screen favourite performer. the dope scandal (CDG:889). Lexical substitutions Certain it is, in stormy weather, from any point of the compass you elaboration of literal- 1 - 2 will have a blow on Stormy Hill, and it does further seem as if it scene, extension of the were tenanted by those who in the voyage of life have weathered idiom and topic storms quite as real, - long sickness, pinching poverty, and mayhap, specification in some cases, that very terrible malady when it becomes chronic, a disinclination to regular work; and their present lot is one of storms, - few comforts and short allowance even of the needs of life within doors, and the wintry blasts without; and failing health and increasing age give small prospect of much more of the sunshine or fewer of the blasts on this side of the dark River Jordan. (B1N: 1145).
5. IDIOM: jump on the bandwagon ‘join a fashionable movement / activity to become successful’ highly variable due to the autonomous figurative meaning of bandwagon.
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, lexicalised figurative sense of bandwagon = group, movement that attracts support or followers because of its quick success UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT BANDWAGON ---> BASIS / SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) BANDWAGON ---> SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL ACTIVITY/MOVEMENT isomorphism (= lexicalised figurative meaning) JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON ---> JOIN A MOVEMENT / GROUP OF PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS Metonymic 4) VEHICLE ---> TRAVELLERS motivation BANDWAGON ---> SOCIAL GROUP / MOVEMENT / ACTIVITY
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM CHANNEL 4's Saturday night series TV Heaven which dishes up gems from the archives has been so successful that the BBC have jumped on the bandwagon. (C88: 2045).
The more people jumped on to the bandwagon, the more others wanted to join them. (ABE: 2293).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners These developments have inevitably set in motion yet another of cataphoric use of 2, 3 those educational bandwagons which most teachers have by now demonstrative determiner; learned to view with extreme caution. (EV4: 1476). postmodification by restrictive relative clause: → has started yet another of those educational movements which most teachers ... Ever since Mr Gorbachev attended our G7 meeting last year and Mr anaphoric use of 2, 3 Lamont went to inspect the Russian chaos, Britain has effectively demonstrative determiner: adopted the Soviets and we will be pressing hardest to help - even → George Bush is now George Bush is now jumping on this bandwagon. (AL2: 215) following this activity That urgency, she added, was even greater in the party's Scottish use of indefinite article 2, 3 heartland, where Labour knows that anything but a convincing due to absence of unique election challenge could allow the Scottish National Party rapidly figurative referent: → to mobilise a bandwagon of anti-Conservative protest. (A3G: 419). mobilise a movement of anti-... Number These developments have inevitably set in motion yet another of pluralisation: → another 2, 3 those educational bandwagons which most teachers have by now of those movements learned to view with extreme caution. (EV4: 1476). Temptress Melanie Williams and partner in crime Eric Gooden pluralisation: → to join 2, 3 refuse to ‘Jump on to any bandwagons, even with new technology’ any movements and got their deal with Virgin's Ten label the hard way. (CAD: 1998). Modifications But, unfortunately, there are also restaurants cashing in on the topic-indicating internal 2, 3 brasserie bandwagon by serving cheap, cheerful and desperately premodification by noun: trendy bistro food in designer surroundings - and charging the earth → cashing in on the for it. (A0C: 1177). brasserie trend Jumping on the Expo 92 bandwagon doesn't come cheap. (AKS: topic-indicating 2, 3 244). premodification by appositive noun: → joining the Expo 92 Gas works. for coating and they've jumped on the wagon. (KBB: clipping 1 - 4 889). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
One of the reasons being put forward is that they are jumping on a topic-related 2, 3 bandwagon which unfortunately is worldwide. (HCU: 73) postmodification by restrictive relative clause: → followed a trend which is worldwide Forget any accusations that here is a group of self-publicists clipping and topic- 1 - 4 jumping on the ‘Band Aid’ wagon; (right now, the role closest to indicating premodification these women's hearts is that of motherhood. (ARJ: 297). by appositve noun; punning on the basis of quasi-identical word forms Band Aid wagon vs. bandwagon: following the ‘Band Aid’ movement The public silence was broken early in 1987 by Marxism Today , internal relativization 2, 3 who can seldom resist a bandwagon, even if they often fall under topicalization of the wheels in the process; and the particular bandwagon they joined bandwagon: → the on this occasion was the one about what the Tories had labelled particular movement they ‘Loony Left’ councils. (C9S: 648). joined THE Pru is jumping on the green bandwagon and as one of topic-indicating internal 2, 3 Britain's major motor insurers is encouraging car owners to convert premodification by their vehicles to unleaded petrol. (A5S: 184). adjective of aspect: → following the green movement Lexical substitutions The final salvo was that of jumping on the bandwagon, a wagon we literal-scene extension 1 - 4 were informed which was already jam-packed with Black and Jewish women: women whose political history among white gentile English women, in some ways, paralleled our own. (CF4:698). With the consumer industry and media boffins jamming up behind alternative formulation 1 - 4 one another to support the unquestionably fine ideals of and extension of literal conservation, one can only wish that they would ask themselves as scene by perspectival verb they prepare to board one more rolling bandwagon whether they substitution: jump on ⇒ really have anything to add to what has already been said. (A4M: board, increases level of 39). formality; literal-scene specifying internal premodification by present participle (rolling): → they prepare to follow one more well- established movement When great ex-players join the media bandwagon of knocking topic-related verb 2, 3 successful teams one can't help feeling there may be a tinge of substitution, jump on ⇒ jealousy in their comments. (CHV: 110). join; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: they join the media’s knocking successful teams The media and politicians joined the bandwagon and lumped topic-related verb 2, 3 hippies, Hell's Angels, dope-takers and black militants together in a substitution, join ⇒ crescendo of reaction. (AP0: 732). jump on: → they joined in on this trend and lumped Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The incident has angered senior party officials who are fighting to perspectival verb 1 - 4 retain Conservative-held seats in Scotland at a time when the substitution; modification Scottish Nationalist bandwagon is gathering pace. (AHN: 134). of literal-scene in accordance with PROGRESS IS (FAST) FORWARD MOVEMENT: → the Scottish Nationalist movement is becoming stronger The bandwagon of economic optimism was back on the road. perspectivisation of 1 - 4 (AN9:1523). literal-scene in accordance with the metaphtonymy BEING IN A STATE OF PROGRESSING/ DEVELOPMENT IS BEING ON THE ROAD; topic- indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → economic optimism was developing/growing again Adverse contextualizing comments on television news did not set perspectivisation of literal 1 - 4 an anti-Conservative bandwagon rolling in the electorate, despite level-scene by verb the fears of Conservative strategists. (A62: 359). substitution: jump on ⇒ set rolling in accordance with the metaphtonymy: START DEVELOPMENT OF CONFIGURATION IS SET VEHICLE IN MOTION; topic-indicating premodification by adjective of aspect: → they did not start n anti- Conservative movement
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
6. IDIOM: in the doldrums ‘not progressing, not being successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: (potentially) motivated by conceptual and image-schematic correspondences, isomorphic due to lexicalised figurative-sense of doldrums = crisis
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS NOT MOVE ---> STAGNATE/FAIL 2) FAVOURABLE FORCE/ENERGY ---> ADVANTAGE motivation WIND ---> ADVANTAGE/SUPPORTING FORCE DOLDRUMS ---> DIFFICULTIES/CRISIS isomorphism 3) CONTAINER ---> STATE/SITUATION motivation IN THE DOLDRUMS ---> IN A STATE OF STAGNATION/IN DIFFICULTIES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The Petroleum sub-sector began the decade in the doldrums, having lost much of its traffic due to reduced demand and surrendered further flows to long-distance pipelines. (A11: 1209).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications HOPES that the United States will lead the world out of the topic-indicating internal 2, 3 economic doldrums were dealt a blow yesterday when the country's premodification by central bank admitted that the incipient recovery is in danger of adjective of aspect: → out petering out. (AJP:215). of the economic difficulties/crisis Scotland has been in the doldrums of international competition for topic-indicating 2 years, only able to raise its game in occasional moments of glorious postmodification by defeat as in the last European Championship. (CEP: 1973). partitive of-complement: → has been in the difficult area of international competition Andy Spearpoint and those FAD bastards break out of the external premodification 2 Manchester doldrums to storm the Palace (CHB: 2179). by locative noun: → break out of the difficulties in Manchester If your students need to break out of the intermediate doldrums... internal premodification 2 (CLL: 832). by adjective of extent: → to escape the intermediate difficulties Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Recent economic doldrums have hurt the rural west. (CRA: 917). topic-related 2 premodification by temporal adverb and adjective of aspect: → recent economic difficulties Lexical substitutions That's why sports cars went through such doldrums for so many perspectivisation of 1, 2, 3 years too, and shy we think of the sudden plethora of ‘traditional’ literal-scene in small sports cars as a sports car ‘revival’. (A6W: 1187). accordance with the STATES ARE LOCATIONS- metaphor; premodifier, such, points to semantic autonomy of doldrums: → sports cars went through such a crisis ... Traditional Irish combativeness was nowhere to be seen as they perspectivisation of 1 - 3 allowed Robert Jones and his back row to steer Wales out of the literal-scene by verb doldrums. (CB2: 698). substitution: be in ---> steer out in accordance with the STATES ARE LOCATIONS-metaphor: → to help Wales get out of the crisis Far below London in size came the provincial capitals, the cities of topic-related verb 2 Norwich, Bristol, York, Exeter, Newcastle upon Tyne and perhaps substitution: be in ⇒ Salisbury and Coventry, each of which began to recover from the steer out; doldrums used doldrums of the late-medieval recession during the middle years of as an autonomous word in Elizabeth's reign. (HWD:738). the sense of ‘difficulties’. reads: → recover from the difficulties ‘But Tate's pictures seem to have avoided the doldrums; his prices topic-related verb 1 - 3 have much more than kept pace with inflation.’ (HWP: 2234). substitution: be in ⇒ avoid; doldrums used as an autonomous word in the sense of ‘difficulties’. reads: → have avoided the difficulties There was a feeling that Mill House might just be coming out of the perspectival verb 2, 3 doldrums: he had won his last race, beating his solitary rival at substitution to create Sandown Park for the princely sum of £426, and appeared to be antonym: be in ⇒ come coming back to his old self. (AD7: 94). out: → coming out of the difficulties Firstly it belongs to John Major himself, for taking to the hustings, perspectival verb 2, 3 and restoring, a cutting edge to the party dialogue - and thus taking substitution to create the Central Office by the scruff of the neck and lifting it out of the antonym: be in ⇒ lift doldrums into which it had sunk. (B03: 1136). out of in accordance with the DEGREE OF INVOLVEMENT IN A STATE IS DEPTH OF POSITION IN CONTAINER-metaphor: → helping it out of the difficulties Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
7. IDIOM: catch the wave ‘seize an opportunity’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences, lexicalized-figurative meaning of wave = strong activity, type of behaviour; (social) movement’ UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation SURFING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT WAVE ---> BASIS / SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) SUPPORTING PHYSICAL FORCE ---> ADVANTAGE WAVE ---> OPPORTUNITY / ADVANTAGE isomorphism 4) WAVE ---> STRONG SOCIAL ACTIVITY/BEHAVIOUR = isomorphism MOVEMENT (= lexicalized figurative meaning) WAVE ---> TREND THAT SUPPORTS ONE’S SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT CATCH THE WAVE ---> TAKE A CHANCE / OPPORTUNITY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM No usage according to base form in BNC!
All uses of the neutral form catch the wave, refer to literal surfing scenes. VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners And ethical investors in the City have taken up the SAS cause - anaphoric use of 3, 4 some actually turning up to the SAS summer ball and joining in the demonstrative determiner, dancing to Dezzman Devan's reggae band and London funksters reads: → take this Push.The Badlands spirit is swelling - catch this wave now, but opportunity (the Badlands don't think about doing it in a Fat Willys T-shirt. (CD6:996). spirit) Modifications Oddly, the think-tank that seems closest to catching the next topic-indicating internal 3, 4 intellectual wave is the one whose collapse seemed most logical a premodification by year ago. (ABG(2830)). adjective of aspect: → joining the next intellectual trend But a sequential approach runs the risk of entering some markets topic-indicating 3, 4 too late to catch the wave of fashion or of meeting already postmodification by entrenched opposition from the more fleet of foot. (EEF:793). appositive of- complement: follow the fashion trend Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
8. IDIOM: be on the crest of a wave ‘be very successful with something one is doing’ ride the crest of a wave
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences, isomorphism due to lexicalised figurative sense of wave: strong activity, type of behaviour; movement’
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation SURFING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT WAVE ---> BASIS / SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) SUPPORTING PHYSICAL FORCE ---> ADVANTAGE WAVE ---> OPPORTUNITY / ADVANTAGE isomorphism 4) WAVE ---> STRONG SOCIAL ACTIVITY/BEHAVIOUR = isomorphism MOVEMENT (= lexicalised figurative meaning) WAVE ---> TREND THAT SUPPORTS ONE’S SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT 5) UP ---> GOOD motivation RIDE THE CREST OF A WAVE ---> BE IN A VERY GOOD POSITION RELATIVE TO MEANS, ADVANTAGE OR TREND THAT SUPPORTS ONE’S SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT = BE VERY SUCCESSFUL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Dismore's zero scoring ride was matched by fellow ‘Tiger Cub’ rider Adrian Matthews of Newbury and by another Berkshireman, John Ainsworth, who was best in the over-40s class, in which Farnham's Jim Scott was third. Another rider on the crest of a wave is Wayne Holdsworth. (BM4: 2203). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Finding her feet, she immersed herself in her role as a Soap Sud anaphoric use 3, 4, 5 with all the ease of a small screen veteran.Still riding the crest of demonstrative determiner: that foaming wave, she took up a microphone one day and sang an → on top of that strong old classic, which caught the ear of a sharp record producer who momentum would very soon launch her as a pop star. (ADR: 18). They're selling the work of artists who are on the crest of the wave definitive article due to 2, 3, 4 in the market; every indication is that they're selling to raise capital. postmodifying PP in the (A5R: 175). market: → are in a good position with regard to the trend in the market Modifications Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
In quick succession, Sandy Lyle, Faldo twice and then, last year, literal-scene specifying/ 2, 3, 4, 5 Ian Woosnam came riding in on the crest of a British tidal wave. intensifying (AJJ: 816). premodification: tidal wave = very strong momentum; topic-related internal premodification by adjective of range: → was taking advantage of the British tidal wave = the very strong British momentum Money and loyalty alone counted, usually in that order.Spitalfields topic-indicating 2, 3, 4, 5 emerged on the crest of a style wave in which everything Georgian premodification by noun: became fashionable. (G2E: 91). → Spitalfields took advantage of its favourable position in the style trend This was immediately prior to the Nicholson ‘star’ era; the wave of pseudo-cleft construction, 2, 3, 4, 5 which he rode the crest was beginning to build and it is interesting topicalisation of wave: → to chronicle for a moment some of the events leading up to his the trend which he took ‘discovery’ as a major Hollywood personality - a hero of the age advantage of and one who, as we have seen, was much influenced by the existentialist prophecies of Kerouac, which were now, finally, coming home to roost in middle-class America and elsewhere. (AP0: 656). At a party conference in May last year, Kadar was replaced by topic-indicating internal 2, 3, 4, 5 Karoly Grosz and Mr Pozsgay was swept into the Politburo on the premodification by crest of the reformist wave. (A3A: 110). adjective; literal-scene specifying verb substitution: ride on ⇒ be swept in: → he came into the Politburo by the help of the strong reformist movement Finding her feet, she immersed herself in her role as a Soap Sud literal-scene specifying 2, 3, 4 with all the ease of a small screen veteran.Still riding the crest of premodification by that foaming wave, she took up a microphone one day and sang an present participle = topic- old classic, which caught the ear of a sharp record producer who related elaboration of would very soon launch her as a pop star. (ADR: 18). literal-scene ( foaming alludes to the figurative referent Soap Sud); foaming wave = strong momentum: → still taking advantage of the strong momentum Lexical substitutions Most MPs still reckon he has been a fine foreign secretary since his topic-related verb 2, 3, 4, 5 switch from the Home Office in 1989. He arrived on the crest of a substitution: ride ---> wave. (CR9: 1714). arrive: → arrived when he was in a strong position Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
He says that he managed to stay on the crest of the wave. (K21: perspectival variant by 2, 3, 4, 5 136). verb substitution: ride --> stay on:→ remain in a strong position
9. IDIOM: a sinking ship ‘disloyally leave an organization, etc. (to join another abandon a sinking ship one) because it is about to fail’ like a rat leaving a sinking ship
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphorical and emblematic motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences and lexicalized figurative sense of sinking ship = failing organization; lexicalized emblematic meaning: rat = ‘worthless disloyal person’
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY/VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) WATER ---> INSTABILITY / UNCERTAINTY motivation 3) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT SHIP ---> BASIS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT = isomorphism/motivation JOB/ORGANISATION, ETC. 4) GO DOWN ---> FAIL motivation SINKING SHIP ---> FAILING ORGANISATION, ETC. isomorphism LEAVE SINKING SHIP ---> LEAVE FAILING ORGANISATION Metonymic 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation Emblematic 6) RAT ---> WORTHLESS DISLOYAL PERSON
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Lily was silent ‘I see’ Rats leaving a sinking ship; she felt sick. (K8V:2290)
All the same, most people would have been all too glad to get off the sinking ship. (GUU:4009).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners ‘I might've known he'd be the first rat to desert this sinking ship.’ anaphoric use of 4 (FSR:48). demonstrative determiner: → to leave this failing company And he's so desperate to get out he'll take a twenty thousand pound anaphoric use of definite 4 a year pay cut.He's obviously abandoning the sinking ship cos he article: → he’s leaving the Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
knows what's happening to it. (JJD:206). failing company Of course I don't want to abandon ship. I'm not a rat and this ship descriptive use of 4, 6 isn't sinking, by any means.’ (JYE:1146). indefinite article; anaphoric use of demonstrative determiner: → I am not a disloyal person an this company is not failing They're finished.’ ‘And you rats are leaving the ship before it emphatic appositive use 6 sinks,’ hissed Lucie. (HTN:495). of second person plural pronoun: → you disloyal bastards are leaving the organisation before it fails ‘When a ship sinks,’ he said, ‘that's when you see who the rats use of interrogativbe 4, 6 are.What interests me is which rats leave which ship.’ (C86:225). pronoun: → which disloyal persons leave which organisation Number ‘If there is anything wrong then I have no need to be involved in it.’ pluralisation: → 4, 6 Oliver muttered something unkind about rats and sinking ships but something unkind about Maurin missed it. (GV2:3358). disloyal people and failing organisations ‘When a ship sinks,’ he said, ‘that's when you see who the rats pluralisation: → which 6 are.What interests me is which rats leave which ship.’ (C86:225). disloyal persons leave which organisation Modifications ‘I might've known he'd be the first rat to desert this sinking ship.’ premodification by 6 (FSR:48). ordinal quantifier: → he’s be the first person to In appropriately ‘watery’ metaphors, Mr Wallace spoke of the topic-indicating 4 Government's economic strategy in Scotland ‘sinking beneath the postmodification by waves,’ and Mr Mullin expressed concern that ‘Scotland is being appositive of- dragged down by the sinking ship of the UK’. (K5C(2586)). complement: → ruined by the failing UK Lexical substitutions ‘This has hurt Jeffrey a great deal,’ said the close friend. ‘They synonymous verb 6 have fled like rats from a sinking ship. (HAF:869). substitution: leave ⇒ flee from All the same, most people would have been all too glad to get off synonymous verb 6 the sinking ship. (GUU:4009). substitution: leave ⇒ get off They're finished.’ ‘And you rats are leaving the ship before it alternative perspective on 6 sinks,’ hissed Lucie. (HTN:495). literal-level scene He paused, and Juliet felt he was watching her in the darkness. ‘So synonymous verb 6 what made you desert the sinking ship before the party was over? substitution: leave ⇒ (JY0:2657). desert
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
10. IDIOM: (lead to) a dead end ‘(lead to a) where something cannot develop and further’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences, lexicalized figurative sense of dead end = a situation beyond which no development is possible
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS / CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation ENDPOINT OF PATH ---> END OF BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT DEAD END ---> STAGE WHERE FURTHER DEV. IS NOT POSSIBLE / isomorphism FAILURE motivation 3) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT LEAD TO DEAD END ---> LEAD TO STAGE WHERE FURTHER DEV. IS NOT POSSIBLE Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation BE AT END OF PATH ---> BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE JOURNEY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Much as she liked him, much as she would miss his companionship, it seemed to her that the relationship had reached a dead end. (ANY:801) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners The devaluation debate also needs careful examination before use of general ordinal 2 Labour or Livingstone set off down another dead end. (CAK: another: → before they 1023). started to progress to another failure Number Astronomers tend to always think the probability is high because pluralization: → lead to 2 they think there are so many sites on which life could develop, but biological failures the biologists take completely the opposite view, that there are so many evolutionary pathways that lead to biological dead ends, that this outweighs the number of sites on which life could develop. (KRH:4611). While judges can continually work to improve the system, pluralization: → to the 2 legislative intervention will occasionally be necessary, either to failures to which gradual extricate the law from the dead ends to which gradual evolution evolution ... may occasionally lead, or to deal with altogether new problems. (EAJ:428). Modifications In other words, controlling as he did the nominations to all learned topic-related internal 2 appointments in whichever of the areas he was then kazasker, he premodification by Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
would urge young scholars to enter the relative dead end of the adjective of extent: lead career of kasabat kadi and thereby prevent them from passing up to the relative failure of through the ranks of medreses to become candidates for the ... mevleviyets and thus rivals to his own position. (H7S:237). Gesualdo's later madrigals, however fascinating their scent of topic-indicating internal 2 decadence, are an evolutionary dead end; [...] (GUH:613). premodification by adjective of aspect: → are an evolutionary failure... Mr Major warned against the ‘dead end of Socialism’ and spoke of topic-indicating 2 the 10 ‘Tory truths’ paving the way for a golden future - strong postmodification by defences, free market economics, tax cuts, low inflation, curbed appositive of- union power, a flourishing health service, better schools, wider complement: → Major ownership, privatised industry and strong Government. (AJD:47). warned against Socialism, which is a failure, ...
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Isomorphic idioms – Quality of base-form: literal compositionality, (global) motivation, figurative-literal isomorphism
a. COMPETITION-models
1. IDIOM: keep/juggle the balls in the air ‘deal with many issues at the same time’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) BALL GAME ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation 2) BALL ---> ISSUE TO BE DEALT WITH IN ACTIVITY isomorphism 3) AIR ---> INSTABILITY / INSECURITY motivation 4) DOWN ---> FAILURE motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM No usage according to base form in BNC!
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number ‘During the interruptions in recording, he would keep saying across singularisation 1, 2 the desk, ‘Keep the ball in the air, keep it going, keep it up. Modifications You are a sign well able to juggle several balls at once so in many premodification by 1, 2 ways the volatile planetary climate could suit you down to the quantifier: → deal with ground. (CBC: 4565) several issues InfoWorld's hit-or-miss gossip column claims Next is considering premodification by 1, 2 designing its expected twin-processor workstation with a PowerPC comparative quantifier: → instead of 88110 out of concern Motorola won't be able to keep as deal with as many issues many balls in the air as it's got. (CTD: 407). as .... You may not think the end result worth it, but there are an awful lot premodification by 1,2,4 of balls to be kept in the air and some fairly nasty consequences if quantifier, existential any should accidentally hit the ground. (CH8: 62). construction (there is NP to V), literal scene extension (if any should hit the ground): → there are an awful lot of issues to be dealt with The sad truth is to tackle these subjects you have to be more than postmodification by 1,2,4 just willing, you have to be shite-hot. These are balls too big and qualifying relative clause Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
important to juggle carelessly and Hooto (TM), earnest, needy, (balls [that are] too big industrious but essentially an intellectual featherweight, doesn't and important), even manage to lift them off the ground. (CK4: 2303). fronting of balls: → these are issues that are too extensive and important to be dealt with carelessly The machine wafted away from her and attempted to interest a pale Premodification by 1, 2 Miles Engado in a tofu bar. The Doctor had four balls in the air numeral; anaphora (the now, although nobody could see where the extra one had come extra one): → the doctor from. (G1M: 3546). had four issues .... Lexical substitutions At the moment Gorbachev is like a juggler with a lot of balls in the substitution of noun for 1 - 4 air at once. (AN0: 421) verb, nominalisation
b. STRUGGLE-FOR-LIFE-models
2. IDIOM: (get) off the hook ‘(get) out of serious trouble, difficulties’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) HUNT ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation FISHING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) LIFE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation SURVIVE ---> BE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPING ORGANSIM ---> AGENT BE CAUGHT ---> FAIL 3) HOOK ---> DIFFICULTIES/TROUBLE/PROBLEM isomorphism
Metonymic 4) LOCATION ---> STATE EXEPERIENCED AT LOCATION motivation (metaphtonymy) BE ON THE HOOK ---> BE IN DIFFICULTIES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I was grateful to be let off the hook. (HD7: 1438)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners The struggles of radical lawyers to get off this hook are well anaphoric use of 3 documented, most classically perhaps by Lefcourt (1971). demonstrative: Modifications But there was increased speculation on the Conservative Party internal premodification 3 conference fringe in Blackpool that an urgent decision on full and appositive Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
membership of the European Monetary System (EMS) could get postmodification by topic- the Government off the economic and political hook of high interest indicators: → EMS could rates, a falling pound, and massive Bank of England intervention in relieve the Government of the markets. (A4K: 680) the economic and political difficulties of high interest .... What both Mr Roberts and Mr Smith were actually trying to do was topic-indicating internal 3 get Labour off the ‘promotion’ hook. (C9S: 827) premodification by noun:
So it looks as if our coal members are being forced to fund the topic-indicating 3 government subsidy there can't be much nastier behaviour than to postmodification by pay your own money to get the government off the hook of making appositive of- your own members and your colleagues redundant. (HDP: 191). complement: → relieve the government of making your own... It is nonsense to suppose that local authorities should be let off the topic-indicating internal 3 financial hook for flagrant mismanagement of their responsibilities. premodification by (HHW: 3855). adjective: → should be relieved of the financial difficulties The sense of relief that the Danes had ‘let us all painlessly off the topic-indicating internal 3 Maastricht hook’ was immediately replaced by a despondency at premodification by noun: the Government's response. (H91: 1156). → let us escape from the Maastrich problems Lexical substitutions Revelation went sweetly on, thus impaling me on the hook of my perspectival variant and 1- 4 own guilt once more. (CCW: 739) literal-scene extension by substitution of preposition and verb (impale on the hook); postmodification by topic-indicating appositive of- complement: → revelation went sweetly on, thus troubling me with my own guilt once more. I mean I think Mr Maxwell's on the end of a very nasty hook at the perspectival variant by 1 - 4 moment with these houses and he's wriggling off that and he's substitution of offered these houses to us to avoid public embarrassment to his preposition, literal-scene company and also to gain co-operation from us and the City extension by insertion of Council in other areas. (KRT: 5452). locational NPs (the end of) and intensified premodifying adjective of quality (very nasty): → MrMaxwell is in a very difficulty situation at the moment.
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
3. IDIOM: fish in troubled waters ‘act in a difficult situation which could cause problems’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) HUNT ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation FISHING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FISH ---> ACT isomorphism 2) WATER ---> BASIS CONTEXT OF ACTIVITY TROUBLED WATERS ---> DIFFICULT CONTEXT/SITUATION isomorphism 3) WATER ---> INSTABILITY / INSECURITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM No use according to citation-form in the BNC!
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications These are troubled times and you have decided to fish in very literal-scene extending 2, 3 dangerous and deep waters.’ (BMN: 897) internal premodification by adjectives of quality: → act in an extremely difficult and dangerous situation Thus the USSR would be able to fish profitably in the troubled topic-indicating 2 waters of economic chaos. (EFA: 593) postmodification by appositive of- complement: → act profitably in (the diffiulties of) economic chaos Lexical substitutions It seemed that I was being sent to fish in very muddy waters - and adjective substitution: 1 - 3 without knowing what bait to use, or what sort of fish I was to try to troubled ⇒ very muddy; catch. literal-scene extension, wordplay
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
c. PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT IN SPACE
4. IDIOM: get/keep the show on the road ‘put an idea/plan/etc. into action’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation SHOW ON TOUR ---> ACTIVITY 2) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF ACTIVITY motivation BE ON THE ROAD ---> BE IN A STATE OF ACTIVITY 3) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism ROAD ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT 4) MOVER ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION isomorphism SHOW ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION Metonymic 5) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Such are the weaknesses of human nature that initial enthusiasm sometimes overcomes care and prudence in a desire to get the show on the road. (K8Y:2085). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Thanks, Jim.Now let's get this show on the road. (C87: 1152). anaphoric use of 4 demonstrative determiner: → let’s start this It was about sex - not about sexual politics - but another show was use of general ordinal 4 about to go on the road, and Oz had got there first. (HA1: 2142). another: → but another plan was about to be put into action Modifications [...] ‘The nationalisations, medical provision and expansion of topic-indicating 4 education so magnanimously legislated by the Labour Ministry premodification by were largely achieved because the Bank of England kept the appositive noun: → the Sterling Area show on the road.' (A6G: 902). Bank of England maintained the Sterling Area There were quite a few battles before Pearce got British Aerospace postmodification by topic- 3 on the road to privatisation, [...]. (A6L: 1777). indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → Pearce managed to priviatise Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
British Aerospace Car dealers were on a collision course over the Chancellor's drive to postmodification by topic- 3 keep the motoring industry on the road to recovery. (CF8: 455) indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → to keep the motoring industry recovering Lexical substitutions There were quite a few battles before Pearce got British Aerospace topic-indicating lexical 4 on the road to privatisation, [...]. (A6L:1777). substitution: show ⇒ British Aerospace Car dealers were on a collision course over the Chancellor's drive to topic-indicating lexical 4 keep the motoring industry on the road to recovery. (CF8:455) substitution: show ⇒ motoring industry Getting your business on the road. (AYP:1233). topic-indicating lexical 4 substitution: show ⇒ business Election ‘92: Cold comfort keeps the mission on the road. topic-indicating lexical 4 (AJU:216). substitution: show ⇒ mission It was about sex - not about sexual politics - but another show was perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 about to go on the road, and Oz had got there first. (HA1:2142). substitution to create aspect variant Election ‘92: Cold comfort keeps the mission on the road. perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 (AJU:216). substitution to create aspect variant The Peoples' Charter, which comprised the fundamental principles perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 of the movement, was approved by the Conference, the show, as substitution to create they say, was on the road. (GXG:2192). aspect variant Sister Becky might once have shown promise, but she turned out perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 too left-wing. Rainbow gets the show back on the road, and tries to substitution to create give herself a little holiday from auntly interventions by searching aspect variant the radio bands for a local traffic report. (HGN:1695). PREMIER John Major was ambushed by the Germans last night in perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 a move which could force Britain off the road to European unity. substitution to create (CBF:9880). causative variant It's estimated the repair budget needs around two million pounds to perspectival verb 2, 3, 5 take Gloucestershire off the road to ruin. (K1W.84). substitution to create causative variant The Peoples' Charter, which comprised the fundamental principles perspectival verb 2, 3, 4, 5 of the movement, was approved by the Conference, the show, as substitution to create they say, was on the road. (GXG:2192). aspect variant; topicalisation and anaphoric use of the show
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
5. IDIOM: on the right track ‘following the right course, method of action, be successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF ACTIVITY motivation BE ON THE TRACK ---> BE IN A STATE OF ACTIVITY 3) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT TRACK ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism BE ON THE TRACK ---> DEVELOP IN DIRECTION OF 4) PATH ---> MEANS (TO REACH AIM) = lexicalized TRACK ---> MEANS (TO REACH AIM) isomorphism 5) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation TRACK ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT 6) MOVER ---> (ACTIVE/DEVELOPING) CONFIGURATION isomorphism Metonymic 7) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I knew I was on the right track when I felt that thrill of pleasure at placing object, not painting it. (A08:2528). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications For US television, on the other hand, competition for the same postmodification by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 audience within the same time-slot drives producers and planners to restrictive of- look for the new exploitation angle which will differentiate their complementation, product within the market, propelling genres and conventions along appositive reading the track of transformation and mutation. (ARD: 290). possible: → in the direction of transformation and mutation Into this would be built an early warning system to keep the premodification by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 business on the right financial track. (ALC:752) adjective (domain delimiter), both internal and external interpretation possible: → keep the business in the right context for financial development Lexical substitutions Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Any delay in arriving at a solution will be due not to our being on adjective variation to 1, 2, 3, 4 the wrong track but simply to the enormous complexity of the create an antonym: → our problem. (A0T:1238). following a wrong strategy/ our using a wrong means These are all roads where the pedagogical tradition has pointed noun substitution, creation 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 signposts in the wrong direction, making us search for English (the of synonym nature of English conversation, at least) where it is not - and where only a careful analysis of natural conversational data can get us on the right road again. (HGH:219) However, in terms of social arrangements, you are not too far off preposition variation to 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 the track. (AE0:2292). create antonym: → your are not acting in a very wrong way She needed someone to talk to about it all, needed a sharer of noun substitution, creation 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 secrets, an ear to listen to her plans and, above all, someone to of synonym: → she was agree that she was on the right course, that both shopping acting in the right way expedition and holiday were what she stood in urgent need of. (AD1:3235)
6. IDIOM: be on course for sth. ‘likely to achieve sth.’
Note that this idiom is an institutionalized construction including the lexeme course (route taken by a vehicle). The more variable metaphorical usage of this word is not considered here, although it can be directly related to the idiom (which I regard as a special case of this usage). The following example are thus restricted to variations of be on course for only
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism, constructional idiosyncrasy
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> ACTIVITY/DEVELOPMENT 2) ROUTE ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AIM motivation BE ON ROUTE ---> BE DEVELOPING TOWARDS AIM 3) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM As for Hughes' own career, everything seems to be on course for world domination. (CHB: 2455).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Lexical substitutions The postponement of the most painful tax increases - intended to literal-scene modifying 1, 2, 3 raise £6.5 billion extra next year and a further £10.5 billion the year perspectival variant by after - is in order not to knock off course the fragile economic verb substitution: recovery. (K5M: 3024). be on ⇒ knock off to create antonym: → cause the fragile to fail ‘How long does it take a conifer to grow to a size where it can be literal-scene modifying 1, 2, 3 used?’ she asked hastily, since her last remark had threatened to perspectival variant by take the discussion off course. (G0X: 3295). verb substitution to create antonymous perspective: → threatened to hinder the successful continuation of the discussion
7. IDIOM: stay the course ‘finish a difficult task despite having been discouraged’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, constructional idiosyncrasy (stay + NP instead of PP) = terminological
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> ACTIVITY/DEVELOPMENT 2) ROUTE ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AIM motivation BE ON ROUTE ---> BE DEVELOPING TOWARDS AIM 3) COUNTERFORCES ---> PROBLEMS motivation STAY ON ROUTE ---> MAINTAIN DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT DESPITE PROBLEMS 4) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
He was elected Right Hand Man to the Duns Reiver which involves taking part in Border festivals as far afield as Langholm, and Lanark ‘The toughest test is staying the course during our own Duns Summer Festival,’ said John, who's a craft attendant at Torness. (HBK:620). Remember, most dieters fail to stay the course. (C94:657). VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
8. IDIOM: jump/abandon ship ‘leave an organisation, etc. (to join another one) because it is about to fail’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, constructional idiosyncrasy
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY/VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) WATER ---> INSTABILITY / UNCERTAINTY motivation 3) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT SHIP ---> BASIS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT = isomorphism/motivation JOB/ORGANISATION JUMP/ABANDON SHIP ---> LEAVE A JOB ORGANISATION motivation Metonymic 5) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Davies, who has not renewed his contract as ITV's sports presenter, is one of 17 whose names appeared on ITV Sport's credits who have jumped ship this year alone. (A22: 240).
For a start, didn't Mrs Thatcher have some justification for concluding that Mr Lawson had deliberately chosen the Walters row as an excuse for abandoning ship? (A7W:579).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
9. IDIOM: pave the way (for sth.) ‘make everything ready for sth. to become successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation WAY ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism 3) QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation INCREASE THE QUALITY OF PATH ---> IMPROVE BASIS OF DEV. PAVE THE WAY ---> CREATE BASIS FOR SUCCESS Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Priorities will include tax reforms announced in the Budget - and dropped when the election was called; reintroducing the Asylum Bill curbing bogus refugees and asylum seekers; legislation to pave the way for the ‘creeping’ privatisation of British Rail. (AK2:200) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Lexical substitutions In practice it is usual for the new Emperor to be the son and heir of synonymous verb 3 the old Emperor, as the Imperial family will use all its power and substitution influence to prepare the way for its own candidate. (CN1:422) Passivisation The way had been paved, also deliberately, by the disastrous British passivisation, added by- 2, 3 Nationality Act of 1948, which purported to recognise a common periphrasis: → the basis citizenship based not upon common loyalty but upon adding for development had been together the citizenships defined by an ever-increasing number of created by the British independent states. (A69(1340)). Nationality Act Thanks to, among others, John Robinson and the radical passivisation, defocused 2, 3 theologians, however, the way has been paved for humanist agent: → the basis for concerns to become more widely accepted and for the established development had been Church to lose its importance in the areas of both public and private created for humanist ... morality. (CRU(666)).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
10. IDIOM: prepare the ground (for sth.) ‘make everything ready for sth. to become successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences, semi-idiom: prepare = prepare.
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation GROUND ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism 3) QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation INCREASE THE QUALITY OF PATH ---> IMPROVE BASIS OF DEV. PREPARE THE GROUND ---> CREATE BASIS FOR SUCCESS Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM A third preliminary task was to prepare the ground for the recruitment of support workers. (B0W:293) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Guideline 28: Encourage (by example) your teenager to negotiateIt possessive pronoun: → 2 is well to prepare your ground when tackling your discussion: prepare your basis of (B10:1946). activity Furthermore, it became clear that a number of the parties would be possessive pronoun: → 2 arriving some time before the three days set aside for the prepare their basis of conference, thus giving themselves time to prepare their ground and activity gauge the mood of fellow guests, though their exact arrival dates were, again, uncertain. (AR3:986) Modifications Gaston agreed, reluctantly.He also had - ground to prepare. use according to have-NP- 2, 3 (HH8:3863). to-V-construction: topicalization of ground by postposition of prepare as postmodifying infinitive Passivisation In retrospect many Conservatives felt that the ill-fated 1971 passivisation, defocused 2, 3 Industrial Relations Act had been too ambitious and that the ground agent had not been adequately prepared for such a sweeping measure. (A6F:373). With few exceptions, not all of which were as abortive as the partly passivisation, added by- 2, 3 suspended sentence, the ground for legislative change was usually periphrasis prepared by Royal Commissions, Committees of Inquiry or reports from the ACPS or other advisory bodies. (EEC:1568). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
In this respect, too, the ground had been prepared by what Michel passivisation, added by- 2, 3 Foucault has described as a ‘pathologization of sex’ in late periphrasis antiquity: anxiety about sex and the sexual regime began to dominate the thought of medical writers and the advice they offered to clients intent on achieving balanced lives. (ADC:752).
11. IDIOM: blaze a trail ‘be the first in doing sth., show the way in some new activity’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT motivation TRAIL ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism BLAZE TRAIL ---> CREATE NEW DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT 3) PATH ---> MEANS (TO REACH AIM) = lexicalized motivation TRAIL ---> MEANS (TO REACH AIM) isomorphism BLAZE TRAIL ---> FIND NO MEANS FOR DEVELOPMENT 4) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation TRAIL ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism BLAZE TRAIL ---> CREATE NEW BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 5) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM His cottages at Blaize Hamlet blazed a trail for a hundred years. (AB4: 1140).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners This was substituted by a new clause which stated that ‘parties, anaphoric use 3 mass organisations and mass movements are set up under a demonstrative determiner: procedure established by legislation, and function within the → following this framework of the constitution and law’of the republic. Along this developmental direction, trail, blazed by Lithuania, others will also tread. (A96: 574). established by Lithuania, others will also proceed Geoffrey Martel claimed the right to abolish bad customs; William anaphoric use of definite 4 the Conqueror worked towards securing uniformity of custom article: → the basis was across the whole duchy. The trail was blazed for more active established for more princely participation in the following century. (EA7: 93). active Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Number bounce back when things go wrong and find new pathways, blaze pluralisation: → creates 2, 3, 4 new trails. (B2F:633). new bases for development Modifications Thus, while the health, agricultural and voluntary work committees postmodification by 2, 3, 4 remained social rather than political in their programmes, they literal-scene extending blazed a trail that others widened into a national highway. (APD: non-restrictive relative 1318). clause: → the created a basis for future development that others extended further But they had finished with Elise's death, and now Merrill had come external premodification 2 back to the Midlands city where she and Elise had grown up before by adjective of quality: → they went their separate ways.Elise had blazed a talented trail to an being so talented, Elsie art college four years before Merrill took up secretarial training. found her way to an art (HA7: 63). college One poster announced that: ‘It screams - it screeches from the postmodification by of- 2, 3, 4 screen - the shock-packed sensations that blazed a trail of headlines complement: → opened America will never forget - filmed by Warner Bros with all the fire the basis for headlines and fury of G-Men and Fugitive.’ (CLS: 960). That will be ironic, as Yorkshire have not retained Tendulkar only external premodification 2 because of India's planned tour. SHIRE GRIT!YORKSHIRE by adjective of range: cricket is blazing the international trail after always accepting only opening the way for home-grown talent in the past Aussie paceman Craig McDermott international players (above left) was the first overseas star expected to join the county, but the move fell through and Tendulkar came over from India instead. (HAE: 484): As it once showed the way toward democratic success, today it topic-indicating restrictive 2, 4 blazes the trail toward democratic failure.' (J57: 614). postmodification by PP pointing to endpoint of development: → establishes the developmental basis / direction towards democratic failure It sees no problem with adding the Alpha architecture to the MIPS internal relativisation: 2, 3, 4 Computer Systems Inc and Intel Corp-based systems it currently topicalisation of trail: → offers, a trail that DEC is already blazing in any case, but it has to a developmental trend figure out whether and how it will be able to address the window of that DEC is already opportunity it reckons the industry is now creating with the latest establishing round of hardware and software announcements, and of course, how deep it would have to dig into its back pocket. (CTJ:6). Long before shapeless cardigans and outsize feet were making their topic indicating internal 2, 3, 4 fashion comeback, May McFettridge was blazing a style trail in premodification by noun: elastic stockings and corn plasters. (K2R:312). → creating a stylistic basis bounce back when things go wrong and find new pathways, blaze literal and topic-related 2, 3, 4 new trails. (B2F:633). premodification by adjective of quality: → create new directions/ means/bases of development Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Passivisation Those, and there are many, who believe that there is certainly value passivisation and 2, 3, 4 and truth in Christian belief, but are unhappy about what they feel relativisation: → follow to be an arrogant and intolerant insistence on the uniqueness of the line of thinking Jesus Christ, still commonly seek to follow the trail blazed by (intellectual Rousseau. (CL6: 121). development) (that was) offered by Rousseau Geoffrey Martel claimed the right to abolish bad customs; William passivisation, defocused 2, 3, 4 the Conqueror worked towards securing uniformity of custom agent: → the basis was across the whole duchy. The trail was blazed for more active established for more princely participation in the following century. (EA7: 93). active His remarks are devastating for emerging British riders striving to passivisation and 2, 3, 4 follow the golden trail blazed by legends like Colonel Harry relativisation: → follow Llewellyn who won Britain's first equestrian gold with ‘Foxhunter’ the successful direction at Helsinki in l952. (CH5: 311). opened by legends ...
12. IDIOM: the fast track ‘the quickest way of achieving something’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY IS A RACE motivation 3) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT TRACK ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism FAST TRACK ---> DIRECTION FOR FAST DEVELOPMENT 4) PATH ---> MEANS (TO ACHIEVE AIM) isomorphism TRACK ---> MEANS (TO ACHIEVE AIM) FAST TRACK ---> FAST MEANS (TO ACHIEVE AIM) Metonymic 5) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The answer is that it saw the way the wind was blowing and instead of desperately tripping its users up as they tried to move to open systems, it embraced them wholeheartedly, giving users the option of either staying on the slow track with an MPE V operating system that over time would converge with Unix, or taking the fast track and jumping across to the HP 9000. (CSP:64). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners A way of achieving this result might be to require all cases brought descriptive (non-referring) 2, 3, 4 Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
against governmental bodies and all cases concerning the exercise use of indefinite article of public functions to be brought under a revamped Ord. 53 which would provide for two procedural tracks: a fast track for cases which, in the public interest, needed to be dealt with speedily, and a slow track for other cases. (EBM:1255)). I hope that there will be no question of the British being regarded as use of indefinite 2, 3, 4 second-rate Europeans and members of some slow track to determiner some; economic and monetary union. (HHW:877). postmodification by topic- indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → members of some slow development towards economic ... This could lead to a democratic East Germany moving on a ‘fast use of indefinite 2, 3, 4 track’ to a privileged form of associate membership of the determiner; Community ahead of other reforming East European states by postmodification by topic- virtues of its very close economic links with West Germany. indicating PP in (A9N:110). accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → moving in a fast direction to a priviledged ... Modifications The Gatwick express, on the fast track to the private sector. postmodification by topic- 3, 4 (K6A:564). indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor; slight degree of ambiguation (the Gatwick express = train; track = resemanticized as railtrack): → the Gatwick express developing fast towards Timber is to Sarawak what gold was to Klondike: the fast track to postmodification by topic- 3, 4 wealth and prosperity. (G33:2019) indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → the means for fast development to wealth and ... Lexical substitutions
Because of the Government's apparent lack of enthusiasm for all adjective substitution to 1, 2, 3, 4 things European, and their determination to go along a slow track, create antonym will not Scotland lose out again without any chance of the central bank being cited in Glasgow or Edinburgh? (HHV:8634). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
A way of achieving this result might be to require all cases brought adjective substitution to 1, 2, 3, 4 against governmental bodies and all cases concerning the exercise create antonym of public functions to be brought under a revamped Ord. 53 which would provide for two procedural tracks: a fast track for cases which, in the public interest, needed to be dealt with speedily, and a slow track for other cases. (EBM:1255)). I hope that there will be no question of the British being regarded as adjective substitution to 1, 2 second-rate Europeans and members of some slow track to create antonym economic and monetary union. (HHW:877). I was proud of getting accepted, particularly at St Martin's because synonymous noun 1, 2, 5 it was such a good art school, but Fine Art seemed a fast road to substitution in accordance nowhere What kind of job can you get at the end of that? with the metaphtonymic (A6E:1301) motivation BE ON A PATH - --> BE IN A STATE OF PROGRESS TOWARDS GOALS:
13. IDIOM: the fast lane ‘way of life full of excitement and activity, but also involving a lot of pressure’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation CAR JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY RACE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF ACTIVITY) FAST LANE ---> CONTEXT OF FAST AND EXITING ACTIVITY isomorphism FAST LANE ---> CONTEXT OF ACTIVITY UNDER PRESSURE 3) FAST LANE ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism FAST LANE ---> DIRECTION FOR FAST DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 4) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation 5) PATH ---> EMOTIONAL EFFECT OF PATH ON MOVER motivation FAST LANE ---> VELOCITY ---> EXITEMENT FAST LANE ---> VELOCITY ---> PRESSURE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Now at his lowest ebb, Marinello can reflect on life in the fast lane. (B1L:473). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Change tack immediately and take urgent action to get some use of posessive pronoun: 2, 5 talented protégés into your fast lane. (EW5:1033). → get some talented protégés into your field of exiting developments
Modifications But life in fashion's fast lane has taught Tarling a lot. (FBL:3282). premodification by 2, 5 partitive s-genitive: life in the rapidly developing areas of fashion Election 1992: Gillian and Virginia take the fast lane to the top. postmodification by topic- 2, 3, 5 (AKH.450). indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → to develop rapidly to the top (= SUCCESS IS UP) A no vote by the Danes in their referendum, due in May or April, topic-indicating 2 would condemn Britain to remain in the slow lane of a two-speed postmodification by Europe. (CBF:10336). blended partitive of- complement (two-speed Europe): → to remain in the slowly developing areas of Europe Meanwhile, Scotland is expected to remain in the slow lane of topic-indicating 2 economic recovery, according to two surveys published yesterday. postmodification by (K5D:10104). partitive of-complement: → remain in a context of slow economic recovery A love of motor cars has transported Donald Heggie from the rally topic-indicating internal 2, 3, 5 course to the business fast lane of accident repairs. (K5H:3696). premodification by appositive noun; topic- indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → to the rapidly developing business of accident repairs Lexical substitutions As always since the Government came into power, we are in the adjective variation to 2, 3, 5 slow lane. (HHV:9313). create an antonym Meanwhile, Scotland is expected to remain in the slow lane of adjective variation to 2, 3, 5 economic recovery, according to two surveys published yesterday. create an antonym (K5D:10104).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
14. IDIOM: the home straight/stretch ‘be on the last stage of a difficult activity’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation TRACK RACE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) RACE TRACK ---> BASIS / CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation FINISHING LINE ---> AIM HOME STRAIGHT ---> FINAL STAGES OF DEV. BEFORE AIM IS isomorphism ACHIEVED BE ON HOME STRAIGHT ---> BE CLOSE TO ACHIEVING AIMS motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM McCourt said Royal Gait was cruising turning into the home straight, but began to lose his action just before the final flight. (CBG:3965) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications And in fact er we said that at the time the white paper was postmodification by topic- 1, 2 published. It is the home straight to privatization. (K6F:66). indicating PP in accordance with the DEVELOPMENTAL AIMS ARE DESTINATIONS- metaphor: → it the final stage before privatization
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
15. IDIOM: a blind alley ‘a worthless way of working and thinking’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY 2) VISION ---> ORIENTATION motivation BLINDNESS ---> DISORIENTATION 3) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT BLIND ALLEY ---> INADEQUATE BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT 4) PATH ---> MEANS (TO ACHIEVE AIM) motivation BLIND ALLEY ---> INADEQUATE MEANS 5) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT motivation BLIND ALLEY ---> INADEQUATE DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM To many, scepticism has seemed a blind alley and yet, somehow, unavoidable, and much of the literature of the twentieth century has paraded its nihilism as being intellectually justified by the power of the sceptical position. (AE:1856). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners It could be another blind alley.’ (C8D:2150) use of general ordinal: 5 → another inadequate developmental direction Our analysis should clearly indicate the several blind alleys which use of definite article in 5 Frey here explores. (CM8:202) combination with closed- class quantifier: the several inadequate directions of development which Frey Number Progress cannot be made without exploring blind alleys. pluralization: → without 3, 4, 5 (B2Y:658). exploring inadequate unsuccessful means/issues This way of thinking has to be one of the blinder alleys that we pluralization: → one of 1 - 5 have been led up by psychoanalysis. (A6D:158). the more inadequate ways of thinking Modifications This way of thinking has to be one of the blinder alleys that we comparative form of 2, 5 have been led up by psychoanalysis. (A6D:158). adjective: one of the more inadequate directions of development Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The echinoderms may seem, from a human point of view, to be a postmodification by of 5 blind alley of no particular importance. (EFR:583) complement: an inadequate direction of development of no importance They could only lead down a particularly humiliating blind alley premodification by topic- 5 she'd vowed she'd avoid at all costs’ (JY3:1712). related adjective: → leads to a particularly humiliating way of failing
16. IDIOM: gain ground ‘make progress, become more important powerful’
Here, the expressions lose ground and make up lost ground, which are given as separate entries in the CCDI, are treated as perspectival variants of gain ground.
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY 2) RACE/BATTLE/JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation 3) GROUND ---> BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT COVER GROUND ---> PROGRESS ON BASIS OF DEV. motivation GROUND COVERED ---> AMOUNT OF PROGRESS/ADVANTAGE isomorphism GAIN GROUND ---> PROGRESS/GAIN ADVANTAGE Metonymic 4) POSSESSED THING ---> EFFECT OF POSSESSION motivation GROUND (TERRITORY) ---> POWER GAIN GROUND ---> BECOME MORE POWERFUL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Support for the drug among women has been further heightened by the rise in anti-abortion activism in many parts of the world, which is steadily gaining ground and fighting hard to have RU 486 banned. (ARW: 1014). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Even in Scotland, the huge majorities in favour of devolution once cataphoric use of definite 3, 4, recorded steadily diminished in the opinion polls in 1978 as the article: → much of the Scottish economy appeared to recover and Labour regained much of power lost to the the ground lost to the Nationalists. (A66: 197). Nationalists Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
And we'll find out tomorrow if the RAF can make up that lost anaphoric use of 3, 4, ground. (K1T: 638). demonstrative determiner: compensate for that lost advantage Modifications And yet Labour in West Ham lost little ground. (CCR: 1106). premodification by 3, 4 downtoning quantifier: → they lost little power In most Western democracies in the twentieth century, legislatures quantification, reads: a 3, 4 have lost a great deal of ground to executive branches. (EAY: 82). great deal of power It is predicted that such developments will gain common ground in topic-related 3, 4 the elaboration of the GUI concept as it has in the computer-aided premodification: common design world, but will quickly diversify in terms of the actual ground = ground products which emerge. (B1G: 729). belonging to everybody, reads: will convince everybody The opposition's difficulties have enabled Mr Gandhi to retrieve postmodification by past 3, 4 ground lost to the BJP. (A4H: 139). participle clause (abbreviated form of internal relativisation) Exploiting the feebleness of this excuse, Mr Gonzalez has began to postmodification by past 3, 4 regain the ground lost after the televised debate. (CRC: 2029). participle clause (abbreviated form of internal relativisation) Within a year Labour was recapturing some of the political ground topic-indicating internal 3, 4 which it had lost at the local elections in November 1931. premodification by (ACH:808). adjective of aspect; internal relativiSation: → was recapturing some of the political power which it had lost For women of all social classes to be further liberated, both access literal-scene extending/ 3, 4 to those institutions and the content of what is taught there should specifying be increasingly woman-centred in order to gain the ground that postmodification by until now has been very largely occupied by men. (ECB: 1603). restrictive relative clause: → to gain the advantages that until now were largely reserved for men Lexical substitutions And we'll find out tomorrow if the RAF can make up that lost perspectival verb 1 - 4 ground. (K1T: 638). substitution: → can make up that lost power Exploiting the feebleness of this excuse, Mr Gonzalez has began to perspectival verb 1 - 4 regain the ground lost after the televised debate. (CRC:2029). substitution Since the rise in inflation, which had seriously eroded the three- perspectival verb 1 - 4 year funding, was unforeseen, Mr Luce should honour that substitution commitment.To recover ground lost since April 1988 will require a 10 per cent increase, he added. (A50:109). The opposition's difficulties have enabled Mr Gandhi to retrieve perspectival verb 1 - 4 ground lost to the BJP. (A4H: 139). substitution Passivisation Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Anglo-American relations therefore early in the Wilson-Johnson passivisation, defocused 3, 4 era gave little hint of the extent of the decline that was about to take agent + anaphora: if place. If ground had been lost since 1963, it had been lost before power had been lost ..., it Labour took power. (HY8: 1676). had been lost before
17. IDIOM: a hard act to follow ‘be so successful that it is difficult for others to be as good’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: partial motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, follow = full metaphorical motivation = imitate -> isomorphism, act = ?
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY 2) STAGES ON JOURNEY ---> STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation Y IS AHEAD OF X ---> Y HAS DEVELOPED MORE THAN X = IS MORE SUCCESSFUL X TRIES TO FOLLOW Y ---> X TRIES TO BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS Y BE A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW ---> BE VERY SUCCESSFUL, DIFFUCULT TO IMITATE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I took over from John Thynne at the beginning of December.John's is, of course, a hard act to follow. (G2G:35). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications But, in BILL McLAREN's view, the new Scotland scrum-half looks comparative form of 1, 2 as if he's made-to-measure.There hardly could be a harder act to adjective: → it is harder follow than Gary Armstrong, universally rated the outstanding to follow X scrum-half in the world game, but Andrew Nicol of Dundee High School FP made an impressive stab at it when thrown to the English wolves at Murrayfield on January 18. (CB2(498)). PIECE OF CAKE for the laddie from DundeeANDY NICOL comparative form of 1, 2 couldn't have had a harder act to follow than Armstrong. adjective: → it is harder (CB2:496). to follow X ‘Well very much on his mettle, certainly.You're hard to follow.’ reduction, act = person: 1, 2 (K8R:966). Lexical substitutions Tom Maschler said: ‘When Liz Calder left Jonathan Cape in 1986 creation of synonymy by 1, 2 to found Bloomsbury we were in search of a new Literary inserting negated antonym Director.Liz's was no easy act to follow. (FSW:1036). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
I know that she will be a tough act to follow. (HRT:2336). substitution by 1, 2 synonymous adjective Two other Group divisions also embarked on the RoSPA trail this creation of synonymy by 1, 2 year - Engineering Contracting and Oilfield Logistics and Supplies inserting negated antonym - both of which won a merit award for their individual performances and for their individual performances and for their substantial contribution to the overall Group performance. ‘1992 will not be an easy act to follow and attaining further improvement will be a substantial challenge,’ said Ramsay Spence, director for quality, safety and environment.
18. IDIOM: a tough/hard row to hoe ‘be in a difficult situation to deal with’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation GARDENING WORK (HOEING) ---> ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT HARD/TOUGH ROW ---> BAD BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT isomorphism Metonymic 3) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation BAD CONSTITUTION OF PATH ---> BAD DEVELOPMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Governors will also have to deal with grievances and discipline.They have a hard row to hoe. (B23:2063). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications The Russians are certainly trying to bring the two sides together for clipping of restrictive 2 talks and end the fighting, but, so far, they are finding it a hard row. postmodifying infinitive: (HHV:16994). → they are finding it a great difficulty
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
19. IDIOM: skate on thin ice ‘be in a difficult or delicate situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation ICE SKATE ---> ACT isomorphism 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT THIN ICE ---> FRAGILE/DANGEROUS BASIS FOR isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT THIN ICE ---> INSTABLE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL isomorphism/motivation DEVELOPMENT 4) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD motivation FALL THROUGH BROKEN ICE ---> FAIL IN ACTIVITY Metonymic 5) DISINTEGRATION ---> INSTABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM To many Churchill was not so much a buccaneer as a straightforward pirate, a political outcast who skated on thin ice deliberately to keep himself in the public eye, a man who polished brilliant and wounding phrases that tacitly suggested himself as the alternative should his jeremiads turn out true. (HWA:407). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners The book is perhaps especially valuable for the way in which the cataphoric use of definite 2, 3 author is prepared to extend onto the thin ice of speculation and article: → to extend into comparison with other animals, a trait sadly lacking in so many the very unstable agricultural scientists. (B7M: 1571). (argumentative) basis of speculation and comparison Modifications Add to this some very crude graphics (they were poor two-and-a- premodification by 2, 3 half years ago) and sparse sound FX, and you're skating on very intensifier: → on a very thin ice. (EB6: 1181). unstable basis Cumulatively, however, the aura of association with the US was of topic-indicating 2, 3 immense political benefit to those who called themselves a postmodification by of- provisional government but who were still skating on the thin complement: acting on surface of political respectability and had by no means attained a the insecure basis of state of acknowledged legitimacy. (EFA:310). political respectability The book is perhaps especially valuable for the way in which the topic-indicating 2, 3 author is prepared to extend onto the thin ice of speculation and postmodification by Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
comparison with other animals, a trait sadly lacking in so many appositive of- agricultural scientists. (B7M: 1571). complement: → insecure basis of political speculation And that's fairly thin ice on which to skate one's credibility! (C9J: topicalising cleft- 2, 3 29). construction; transitive use of skate: → an that’s a very shaky basis on which one’s risks one’s credibility ‘Do you want,’ Anna said, embarking impulsively on the thinnest intensification of literal- 2, 3 ice, ‘do you want to reconsider everything? (CMJ: 1281). scene by superlative use of adjective: proceeding on the most unstable basis Lexical substitutions Cumulatively, however, the aura of association with the US was of quasi-synonymous noun 2, 3 immense political benefit to those who called themselves a substitution thin ice ⇒ provisional government but who were still skating on the thin thin surface, increased surface of political respectability and had by no means attained a level of formality; topic- state of acknowledged legitimacy. (EFA: 310). indicating postmodification by of- complement: → who very still acting on the unstable presupposition of political respectability There are those who would tell you that BMW's reputation for first- perspectival verb 1, 2, 3 class finish has been on thin ice for some time but, until now, we've substitution, creation of a seen little evidence to substantiate the claim. (A6X:1051). static scene: → has been in difficulities Darling, we are nurses, not doctors.’ I was on thin ice, and I knew perspectival verb 1, 2, 3 it. (CK0:1405). substitution, creation of a static scene: → I was in difficulties [...] although the, the authority, the Highway Department aren't perspectival verb 1, 2, 3 objecting to it and the other one is erm, on local environmental substitution, creation of a issues I think you know that is, is unsuitably, unsuitable static scene: → they are in environmentally to the area well I can only say that I'm grateful to difficulties the planning, to the planning offices for they're going out on a limb if you like because I think they're on thin ice erm and so long as the committee will, will back them up I mean I don't know of what else I could of done as a person (KE2: 286). ‘Do you want,’ Anna said, embarking impulsively on the thinnest topic-related perspectival 1, 2, 3, 4 ice, ‘do you want to reconsider everything? (CMJ: 1281). verb substitution: → starting to argue on dangerous ‘grounds’ She felt as though she were treading on thin ice and any false move literal-scene intensifying 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 might plunge her once more into the dark depths of despair. (JYE: verb substitution and 4440). literal-scene extension (wordplay). The book is perhaps especially valuable for the way in which the topic-related verb 1, 2, 3 author is prepared to extend onto the thin ice of speculation and substitution skate ⇒ comparison with other animals, a trait sadly lacking in so many extend agricultural scientists. (B7M: 1571). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
20. IDIOM: be on a knife-edge/knife’s edge/knife edge ‘be in an uncertain situation in which nobody knows walk a knife-edge/knife’s edge/knife edge what happens next’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation BE ON PATH ---> BE ON A STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT KNIFE-EDGE ---> DANGEROUS BASIS FOR isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT KNIFE-EDGE ---> UNSTABLE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL isomorphism/motivation DEVELOPMENT BE ON KNIFE-EDGE ---> BE IN AN UNCERTAIN SITUATION 4) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD FALL DOWN ---> FAIL IN ACTIVITY Metonymic 5) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM EVERYONE knows the election is on a knife's edge, but consider just how sharp the knife is. (AHX: 301).
Sometimes I feel frightened and sometimes tired from walking on a knife's edge, and also from seeing too many beautiful things. (CA6: 824). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners We met the equivalent of this knife-edge, you will remember, in the anaphoric use of 2, 3, 5 story of the Grudgers and Cheats in Chapter 10. (ARR: 623). demonstrative determiner; use of knife-edge as an autonomous word in accordance with its phrase-induced figurative sense: → we met the equivalent of this difficulty This dualistic position can be detected in the writings of the apostle cataphoric definite article: 2, 3, 5 Paul, a view endorsed by Luther, where the Christian is described → yet acts on an insecure as ‘under law, and yet not under law but grace; he is a sinner, and basis yet righteous, he believes as a doubter; he has assurance of Salvation, yet walks the knife-edge of insecurity. (CCL: 609). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
‘The Chancellor has tried to walk the knife edge. (CF: 418). anaphoric use of definite 2, 3, 5 article: → has tried to deal with the difficult situation Modifications I ought to add, perhaps, that gay men do not regard this film with topic-related 2, 3, 5 nothing but sad, solemn recognition – the characteristically gay postmodification by male urge to mock and undercut what one genuinely and deeply restrictive PP; use of feels, what Dyer brilliantly calls ‘the knife edge between camp and knife-edge as an hurt’, can be evidenced by pointing out that one of London’s most autonomous word in crowded and cruisy gay bars is called ‘Brief Encounter’, though accordance with its one is, alas, unlikely to meet anyone resembling Trevor Howard phrase-induced figurative therein. (ARD: 448). sense: → the uncertain area between camp and hurt It was a knife’s edge of a mood, and by the merest fraction it had use of knife-edge as an 2, 3, 5 tipped the wrong way. (G03: 250). autonomous word in accordance with its phrase-induced figurative sense; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: it was insecure/labile mood She’d never been driven that fast before, never experienced the topic-indicating 2, 3, 5 sheer exhilaration and heart-stopping fear that merged into one as postmodification by the F40 powered on the knife edge of its optimum limits. (G0L: appositive of- 1979). complement: → unstable basis of its optimum limits City: Markets on an election knife-edge (AHJ: 33). external premodification 2, 3, 5 by adjective of aspect: → City Market in an insecure situation due to election There were no prizes for guessing, after tonight, that the Desmond topic-indicating internal 2, 3, 5 Seymour-Stracheys were living on a financial knife-edge, and premodification by would be interested in any sudden accession of wealth, by any adjective of aspect: → means, from any source. (H9D: 3132). live in an uncertain financial basis/situation Lexical substitutions Life has always been on a razor-edge of survival and it is surely literal-scene intensifying 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 important to understand those moments in the past when the noun substitution organic world seemed closer than usual to obliteration. (H7K: 399). Unlike Tit for Tat, Always Defect, though a true ESS, cannot use specification/ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 local clustering to cross the knife-edge. (ARR: 665) perspectivisation of literal-scene, cross = go through difficult situation CRISIS club Barnet’s future was balanced on a knife edge last perspectivisation/ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 night after Football League officials rejected their request for specification of literal- £91,000 withheld in lieu of fine payments and commission costs. scene by verb substitution: be on ⇒ be balanced on: → Barnet’s future was in a very Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
uncertain situation ... In the last waning glow of daylight, she saw Nicolo’s face tauten intensification of literal- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 with fury as he teetered on the knife-edge of control. (JY7: 5755). scene by verb substitution: walk ---> teeter = subtype of move; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → as he struggled to maintain control Their new feature film ‘Dream On’ is a delightful blend of magic specification/refinement 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 fantasy and dream, which treads a knife edge between humour and of scene, tread = subtype tragedy. (KS8: 1102). of walk; postmodification by topic-related PP: → he acted in the uncertain area between humour and tragedy
21. IDIOM: go the distance, go the full distance ‘complete what you are doing, reach your goal’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT DISTANCE OF PATH ---> AMOUNT OF DEVELOPMENT/PROGRESS isomorphism NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE AIM COVER DISTANCE ---> COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT / motivation ACHIEVE AIM
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM It all works, and works well.Physically the Decimax should go the distance, too. (C9K:791). After a low-key opening day, the Aberdeen tournament burst into life on finals night when Alison Bowie beat Emma Donaldson in a five-game women's final, and then Peter Nicol inflicted defeat on Mark Maclean in the men's decider that also went the full distance. (K5A:2041). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Determiners He was the nastiest, really dangerous because he felt he had to go use of demonstrative 2 that extra distance. (HH0:313). determiner due to anaphoric reference: that extra amount of progress The natural tendency is to try harder with the project that has gone quantification, reads: has 2 some distance. (H0E:496). made some progress More than half a dozen British Press awards as ‘Sports Writer of indefinite article due to 2 the Year’, and four Sports Council tributes embracing both ‘Best indefinite quantity Sports Feature Writer’ and ‘Best Overall Sports Writer’ have gone referred to by distance: → to McIlvanney, yet he glumly agrees with my own feeling that we a considerable amount to still have a distance to go before achieving respectability. progress, develop (FBL:565). Modifications IS Scissormen’s first release, a six-track mini-LP that goes some literal-level 1, 2 considerable distance towards explaining their steadily-growing premodification and popularity in the capital. (CK6:2127). postmodification, reads: has progressed considerably towards He was the nastiest, really dangerous because he felt he had to go internal premodification 2 that extra distance. (HH0:313). by adjective, reads: that extra amount of progress But although the students’ efforts compared well with other have-NP-to-V 2 universities and schools, the Bristol team has some distance to go construction, emphasis on before it can match the efforts of the Japanese motor industry entry distance by postposition which achieved 6,142 miles to the gallon. (BNK:36). of infinite verb: → has some(amount of) progress to make Lexical substitutions Preston threw in the towel before it went the whole distance. synonymous substitution: 1, 2 (F9C:714). whole ⇒ full
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
22. IDIOM: cross that bridge when you come to it ‘deal with an issue/problem when it appears rather than to worry about the possibility of it happening’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY 2) STAGES ON JOURNEY ---> STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation LANDMARKS ---> IMPORTANT/CRITICAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT BRIDGE ---> IMPORTANT/CRITICAL STAGE/ISSUE, PROBLEM isomorphism CROSS LANDMARK ---> DEAL WITH AN IMPORTANT/CRITICAL STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT CROSS BRIDGE ---> DEAL WITH AN IMPORTANT/CRITICAL ISSUE motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Not when the kidnap had taken place in broad daylight and the story had already been splashed across the front page of London's evening newspaper.He said: ‘We can cross that bridge when we come to it.’ (CEC:2824).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners ROS: I don't wish to be reminded of it.GUIL: We cross our bridges use of possessive 1, 2 when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to pronoun: → we deal with show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and our problems a presumption that once our eyes watered. (FU6(1314). Number ROS: I don't wish to be reminded of it.GUIL: We cross our bridges pluralisation 1, 2 when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered. (FU6(1314). ‘We'll cross those bridges if we come to them, but in the meantime pluralization, reads: → 1, 2 I hope we can count on your discretion?’ deal with those issues Modifications salt I take it very seriously indeed Iwill cross that bridge. reduced form, clipping 1, 2 (B38:2946)
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
23. IDIOM: walk a tightrope ‘be in a difficult or delicate situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation TIGHTROPE WALKING ---> ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT TIGHTROPE ---> DANGEROUS BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT = DIFFICULT SITUATION isomorphism 3) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT TIGHTROPE ---> UNSTABLE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT = DIFFICULT SITUATION isomorphism 4) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD FALL OFF TIGHTROPE ---> FAIL IN ACTIVITY Metonymic 5) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM North-West Thames regional health authority has several districts with significant overspends, while South-East Thames is facing a potential £5m shortfall with many of its 15 districts ‘walking a tightrope’. (A1J:308). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners For a band who've frequently balanced on that tightrope ‘twixt cataphoric use of 2, 3 credibility and downright incredulity, it's a fittingly bewildering demonstrative determiner: mish-mash of live footage, snippets of interviews, shots of them → act on that difficult recording the ‘Achtung Baby’ album in Berlin and stacks of stuff area between ... from the first leg of the current World Tour. It i it is I appreciate er a difficult er course now to steer between anaphoric use of 2, 3 approaching head-on an objection which is a late objection and demonstrative determiner: dealing by er reference to obliquely perhaps to matters that have → can deal with this been dealt with elsewhere to the question of washing-over, but I'm particular difficult sure that you can steer this particular course or cross this particular situation with success tightrope with success. (FMN: 177). Only the utter ruthlessness of one ravaged, machine-sustained use of possessive 2, 3 tyrant and the overstretched forces of his fierce yet fragile pronoun: → keep the Imperium kept the human race tottering along its fraying tightrope. human race dealing with (CM4: 1293). its very difficult situation Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The Khmer Rouge is aware of the tightrope it has to tread, both cataphoric use of definite 2, 3 with the West and with Vietnam. (A45: 159). article; internal relativisation: → the Khmer Rouge is aware of the difficult situation it has to act in This weekend Mr Gorbachev has walked the finest diplomatic use of definite article due 2, 3 tightrope. (A3T: 259). to superlative form: → Gorbachev has acted in the most difficult diplomatic situation Modifications We live our lives on a human tightrope of infinite desires and yet of topic-related internal 2, 3 physical mortality. (ARG: 1580). premodification by adjective of aspect, postmodification by appositive of- complement: we live our lives on an unstable human basis of ... ‘The market in New York is walking a tightrope between a topic-indicating 2, 3 recovery that is too weak and one that is too strong. (AJP: 93). postmodification by restrictive PP: → The market in New York is in the difficult situation between recovery that is ... Successfully negotiating the tightrope of taste isn't easy, but it topic-indicating 2, 3 certainly has its rewards. (CD5: 1340). postmodification by appositive of- complement: insecure basis of taste The Chancellor had a narrow tightrope to walk and he managed to literal-scene specifying 2, 3 please a variety of people. (CEL: 589). level premodification by adjective of quality; use according to have-a-NP- to-V construction: → have a very difficult basis to act on That sum may seem like a lot of lei (the Romanian currency that topic-indicating internal 2, 3 purchases next to nothing abroad) but it still left the Romanians premodification by treading a financial tightrope. (A9R: 7). adjective of aspect: → acting on an insecure financial basis The Khmer Rouge is aware of the tightrope it has to tread, both internal relativisation: → 2, 3 with the West and with Vietnam. (A45:159). the Khmer Rouge is aware of the difficult situation it has to act in This weekend Mr Gorbachev has walked the finest diplomatic literal-scene intensifying 2, 3 tightrope. (A3T: 259). topic-indicating premodification by adjective of quality (in superlative form) and Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
adjective of aspect: → Gorbachev has acted in the most difficult diplomatic situation Gorbachev on Berlin tightrope: Encouragement for reform in the external premodification East coupled with warning to the West to respect post-war borders by locative noun: → (A3N:55). Gorbatchev in a difficult situation in Berlin You told me the house is in need of attention; move and you can topic-indicating 2, 3 move to a place which is in excellent order and in a more central premodification by position where you'll be able to attract more customers,’ he said, adjective of aspect: → treading a verbal tightrope between head-banging irritation and insecure verbal/ reasoned appeal. (JY9:502). communicative basis The pub has always had to tread a difficult tightrope in reconciling literal-scene specifying 2, 3 its social function, as a ‘house’ for the public, with its commercial premodification by function as a retail shop. (A0B:97). adjective of quality: → had to work in a very difficult context Lexical substitutions The conversation goes well, and we progress confidently along a quasi-synonymous verb 1, 2, 3, 4 tightrope of loose connections, with just the occasional wobble. subsitution: progress ⇒ (ABS: 1489). walk; literal-scene extension (wordplay): → we followed as incohenrent line of argumentation without failing Only the utter ruthlessness of one ravaged, machine-sustained specification/refinement 1, 2, 3, 4 tyrant and the overstretched forces of his fierce yet fragile of literal-scene, totter = Imperium kept the human race tottering along its fraying tightrope. subtype of walk (CM4: 1293). The pub has always had to tread a difficult tightrope in reconciling specification/refinement 1, 2, 3, 4 its social function, as a ‘house’ for the public, with its commercial of scene, tread = subtype function as a retail shop. (A0B: 97). of walk Passivisation That tightrope was walked every weekend when Charles and Diana passivisation: → that 2, 3 took the train with their nanny from Norfolk to Liverpool Street difficult situation was station in London where their mother met them. (ECM: 382). dealt with every weekend
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
24. IDIOM: up the creek/up the creek without a paddle/up shit ‘be in a difficult or delicate situation’ creek
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation CANOEING ---> ACTIVITY 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation BE ON PATH ---> BE IN A SPECIFIC CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT SHIT CREEK ---> BAD BASIS/CONTEXT motivation 3) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT WATER ---> INSTABILITY/INSECURITY isomorphism CREEK ---> UNSTABLE BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT/DIFFICULTIES isomorphism/motivation BE UP CREEK ---> BE IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION 4) TOOLS ---> ADVANTAGE / FAVOURABLE MEANS PADDLE ---> FAVOURABLE MEANS motivation/isomorphism WITHOUT PADDLE ---> WITHOUT ADEQUATE MEANS Metonymic 5) DISBALANCE ---> INSTABILITY motivation Emblematic 6) SHIT ---> VERY BAD motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Right load of old nags.They're all up the creek.’ (AT4:1390). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners transfer save, oh that youyou would be up the creek without your possessive pronoun: → 4 paddle wouldn't you? (KP1: 2237). you would be in difficulties without your supporting means As much as she loved Lizzy, and as much as she wanted to help indefinite article due to 3 her, without her job they would all be up a creek without a paddle. absence of unique referent (FAB: 4193). of creek: → in some difficult situation Number But they're still alive and spitting, and here then is the third album pluralisation: → in more 3 from a band who have found themselves paddle-less up more difficult situations than creeks than they'd care to count and have emerged from their sojourn in the wilderness battered but staunchly defiant and with a record more cohesive and infinitely more glorious than anyone could have hoped. (ED7: 2354). Modifications Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
But they're still alive and spitting, and here then is the third album adjective instead of PP 4 from a band who have found themselves paddle-less up more without a paddle creeks than they'd care to count and have emerged from their sojourn in the wilderness battered but staunchly defiant and with a record more cohesive and infinitely more glorious than anyone could have hoped. (ED7: 2354). My earlier assertion that Hunslet would be leaving at the end of the premodification by 2, 6 season, now appears to have been a figment of my imagination, and emblematic noun: → in a from what i've read over the last couple of days Leeds appear to be very bad situation up ‘shit creek’. (J1C: 2857). They are also thinking too much about what counts and when you literal-scene manipulation 3, 4 do that you are up the creek, and at the moment Gloucester have not explicit highlighting of up got a paddle. (K22: 3934). the creek and have not got a paddle: → you are in a very difficult situation, and Gloucester have not got a remedy
25. IDIOM: bang your head against a brick wall ‘feel frustrated because someone/something is stopping you from making progress’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS STAGNATION ---> FAILURE 2) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation 3) OBSTACLE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY BRICK WALL ---> PROBLEM / DIFFICULTY / OPPONENT isomorphism
Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation BANG YOUR HEAD AGAINST A BRICK WALL ---> STOP MOVING -- metonymic motivation -> NOT PROGRESS
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM But whatever the reason behind it, if there was a reason and it wasn't simply someone shaking up names in a box and picking one out here and there, it was like banging your head against a brick wall to attempt to fight against Movement Orders - here she was and she had to make the best of it. (B3F:483).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners We must confess we didn't even bother calling Intel Corp last issue anaphoric use of 3 so it could confirm or deny our story of severe allocations of demonstrative determiner: Pentiums throughout all of 1993 (UX No 418).We have beaten our → we have faced that head against that brick wall too often. (CST: 248). problem (the non- cooperative Intel Corp) too often Three years and 245 days into our investigation and Sheriff Truman anaphoric use of definite 3 and I are still batting our heads against the same old' brick wall. article; premodification (HWX:2127). by restrictive adjective and evaluator: → we are still struggling with the same old problem Number ‘I've been looking into something like this for about two years and pluralisation: → face 3 come up against brick walls constantly,’ she said. (K54:6493). problems / difficulities ‘Maybe; but they're knocking their heads against brick walls when pluralisation: → they are 3 it comes to Billy Middleton.’ (CK9:877). confronted with great difficuties Lexical substitutions There comes a point in every project, he wrote, when you are tired verb substitution by 1 - 4 of beating your head against the wall. (A08:2984). synonym
There comes a time in every project, he wrote, when it becomes reformulation of literal 1 - 4 clear that a head is no match for a wall. (A08:2985). scene: → it becomes obvious that the difficulities cannot be solved So it seems everybody's got their head against a brick wall at the verb substitution by quasi- 1 - 4 moment because of in fact the whole world seems worse than it's synonym, weaker ever been. (F8R:632). formulation of scene: → everybody was confronted with a problem He says it makes you feel like bashing your head against a brick verb substitution by quasi- 1 - 4 wall. (K26:2917). synonym, intensification of literal-scene: →it makes you feel like being facing a very severe problem As a teacher I try to do what I can, but in a lot of cases you come up verb substitution by quasi- 1 - 4 against a brick wall with a lot of racist graffiti on it! (FAY:1177). synonym, weaker formulation of scene; topic-related literal-scene manipulation (wordplay): → you are confronted with problems that have a lot to do with racism
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
26. IDIOM: have a mountain to climb ‘have difficulties to achieve something one wants to achieve’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS 2) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation 3) OBSTACLE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY motivation MOUNTAIN ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY isomorphism OVERCOME THE OBSTACLE ---> SOLVE THE PROBLEM / DIFFICULTY HAVE A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB ---> HAVE A PROBLEM TO TACKLE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM He said: ‘If we lose we shall have a mountain to climb. (CEP: 6626).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners TWO big musical revivals form the backbone of Newcastle Theatre use of universal 3 Royal's forthcoming season's line-up.Liz Robertson and determiner: → they Christopher Cazenove climb every mountain in the previously- successfully deal with announced season of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of every problem Music from May 26 to June 13. (K4Y:1223). ‘It seemed symbolic for me to say to them you climb your mountain use of possessive pronoun 3 every day and I'm going to climb one that really I shouldn't, and (your mountain) and probably wouldn't be able to.’ (CBX: 575). anaphoric (one): → you deal with your problem/challenge every and I am trying to tackle one (problem) Number When you decide to get married, fix yourself up with someone of pluralisation: → further 3 the old school, not one of those feminist flibbertigibbets of the kind career goals (overcome Jim and I have landed ourselves with - undomesticated, never there, problem = achieve aim) to eyes set on further career mountains to be climbed. (HTG:1167). be reached He said: ‘Robbie is the best midfield player I've seen since Martin pluralisation: → ready to 3 Peters - he ghosts into corners and scores - while Warren is deal with problems to ambitious and ready to climb mountains.’ (CH3: 255). become successful Modifications Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The ‘one-last-pushers’ of the Labour movement need to be topic-indicating internal 3, 1 - 3 reminded of the electoral mountain that remains to be climbed (a premodification by mountain which, thanks to the Boundary Commission, will be some adjective of aspect: → 20 or so Tory seats higher by the time of the next election). (CAG: electoral problem; 110). restrictive postmodification of relative clause, exemplification of mountain by figurative- literal blend: 20 Tory seats + higher There are three main reasons for this extraordinarily depressing topicalised apposition of 3, 1 - 3 decline: the debt crisis; the brutal ‘adjustment’ policies thrust upon the topic, debt, before the poor countries by the international financial institutions of the rich; source-concept, mountain; and the appalling decline in the commodity prices on which Third postmodification by World countries depend. Debt - the mountain above Developing restrictive relative clause countries have been climbing hard throughout the 1980s, only to and elaboration of literal see the summit receding farther up beyond the clouds. (HH3: 8016). level-scene (wordplay) Even if those figures are reduced by the two million each year that literal-scene extending 3, 1 - 3 leaves a very large financial mountain to climb in the years ahead and topic-indicating and I apologise for beginning with that gloomy prognosis but it premodification by does get better, thanks to our proposals. (JWA: 412). adjective of quality, very large, and adjective of aspect, financial: → have an enormous financial problem to tackle They know as well as anyone else that Labour will have an even literal-level 1 - 3 higher mountain to climb come the next general election as a result premodification by of Boundary Commission changes. (K5D:10019). comparative form of adjective: → an even bigger problem to solve Passivisation Still, Phil Danaher, the new Irish captain, knows the mountain that passivisation and internal 3 will have to be climbed. (CKA: 537). relativization: → the problem that will have to be solved
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
27. IDIOM: rock the boat ‘upset, trouble a stable configuration, situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY/VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY MOVER ---> ACTIVE/DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT BOAT ---> BASIS / SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / isomorphism DEVELOPMENT = ORGANISATION, ETC. 3) WATER ---> INSTABILITY / UNCERTAINTY motivation 4) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE motivation DEVELOPMENT ROCK (THE BOAT) ---> TROUBLE A STABLE CONFIGURATION / isomorphism DEVELOPMENTAL SITUATION Metonymic 5) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The likeliest explanation of his defeat in the executive's constituency section vote is that party activists wanted to rebuke him for publicly rocking the boat during the passage of the policy review. (A1Y:282). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications Three Shadow Cabinet members gave TV interviews which topic-indicating 1, 2, 4 repudiated economic policies they had agreed just five days premodification by earlier.Backbenchers desperate to rock Labour's boat on Europe genitive and queued up to denounce their party leadership on radio. postmodification: →to (HAE:4974). trouble Labour’s development on Europe, underlying metonymy: DIRECTION OF VEHICLE TOWARDS DESTINATION ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT The intolerance he had shown for free-traders before 1914 was now topic-indicating 2, 4 turned on rebel Unionists who rocked the coalition boat. premodification by (EW1:1465). appositive noun: → who troubled the coalition Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The legal responsibility for the house officer year rests with the topic-related internal 2, 4 universities, which have shown few signs of willingness to rock the premodification by existing boat. (EA1:1238). participle: to affect the existing situation The ARC was defensive - its own existence being threatened by the domain delimiting 2, 4 Region administration, and was in no mood to rock the political internal premodification boat by publishing a ‘sensitive’ report, i.e. one which revealed the by adjective of aspect : → inadequacies of their own policies, and would incur the displeasure to affect the political of the corporate investors in the region. (ALB:262). situation We are represented by men hungry for high political office who topic-indicating 2, 4 will therefore not rock the party boat; men whose loyalty is to their premodification by political careers, not necessarily their constituents; men who know appositive noun: → will nothing of rural life, for why should they, nurtured as they were in not spoil the party towns or suburbs? (ADB:511). This week the left lost its residual power to rock Mr Kinnock's sleek both literal-scene 2, 4 new social democratic boat. (A2W:57). extending and topic indicating internal premodification by adjectives: → to affect Mr Kinnocks sleek new social democratic party Lexical substitutions The last thing the construction industry needs right now is perspectivisation, 1 - 5 instability.Yet the Cabinet reshuffle has once again set the boat causative reading: → rocking by bringing in a new Secretary of State for the cause trouble Environment - the third change in the DoE hot seat in the last 18 months. (GXF:20). Passivisation The set-piece debates are usually more interesting, albeit that one passivisation, defocused 2, 4 gets the impression speakers are carefully sifted in the way that agent Tory Party conferences ensure that the boat is not rocked too violently. (B1J:1481). Instructions had gone out from on high that the boat was not to be passivisation, defocused 2, 4 rocked, and Margaret Thatcher was as good as her word. agent (HNK:2450).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
28. IDIOM: step into someone’s shoes/boots ‘get into someone’s position, situation, job’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) CONTAINER ---> STATE / SITUATION isomorphism GET INTO CONTAINER ---> GET INTO STATE / SITUATION motivation 2) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY WALK FORWARD ---> PROGRESS motivation 3) TOOLS ---> MEANS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT BOOT/SHOE = TOOL TO WALK BETTER BOOT/SHOE ---> MEANS/BASIS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT isomorphism 4) STEP INTO SOMEONE’S BOOTS/SHOES ---> ADOPT ANOTHER PERSON’S MEANS/BASIS OF motivation/isomorphism DEVELOPMENT, (in accordance with 1 and 5), ADOPT THE SAME DEVELOPMENTAL STATE/POSITION Metonymic 5) PIECE OF CLOTHING ---> POSITION OF PERSON WEARING THE motivation PIECE OF CLOTHING
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM FINANCIAL advisers converging on the Wembley Conference Centre today will be wondering who will take the job which no one wants and step into the shoes of Lord Elton at the head of Britain's most important investor protection body. (A9U:186).
One of Otago's try scorers was Marc Ellis , a 20-year-old wing cum centre, tipped to step into the boots vacated by Craig Innes . (CKA:1263). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications Whoever takes over from Gough will find it difficult to step into topic-related internal 1 – 5, esp. 4 such influential boots. (HAE:885). premodification by adjective of quality: → take over such an influential position In November 1984, Noel disproved Orwell's grim prophecies by literal-level internal 1 - 5 stepping into Martin Harris's seven league boots and, as Chairman, premodification by involving the Department in an ongoing process of expansion and emblematic noun, seven innovation. (EEL:568). league boots = boots to make gigantic steps: → adopted MH position in which great progress was made
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
29. IDIOM: fill someone’s shoes/boots ‘be as successful in a job, position as another person’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) CONTAINER ---> STATE / SITUATION motivation GET INTO CONTAINER ---> GET INTO STATE / SITUATION isomorphism 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY WALK FORWARD ---> PROGRESS motivation 2) TOOLS ---> MEANS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT motivation BOOT/SHOE = TOOL TO WALK BETTER BOOT/SHOE ---> MEANS/BASIS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT 4) FILL SOMEONE’S BOOTS/SHOES motivation ---> ANOTHER PERSON’S MEANS/BASIS OF isomorphism DEVELOPMENT IS ADEQUATE FOR X, = (in accordance with 1 and 5), SUCCESSFULLY ADOPT THE SAME DEVELOPMENTAL STATE/POSITION Metonymic 5) PIECE OF CLOTHING ---> POSITION OF PERSON WEARING THE motivation PIECE OF CLOTHING
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM But, height apart, does he have what it takes to fill Paul Ackford's boots? (CB2:289). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications So id long-term continuity is what the selectors will look for and if topic-related internal 1 – 5, esp. 4 Lynagh's Italian experience rules him out as a contender, who is the premodification by man to fill Farr-Jones' vital boots. (CHV:1145). adjective of quality: → to adopt his vital position successfully Not to be outdone, Liverpool defender Steve Staunton capably literal-scene specifying 1 - 5 filled the striking boots of Ian Rush for the second half, scoring all internal premodification three goals in their 3-0 win over Wigan for an 8-2 aggregate result. by adjective, striking (A2S:577). boots = boots to strike goals: → adopted Rush’s position as a scorer successfully
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
30. IDIOM: burn one’s bridges / boats (behind one) ‘go so far in one’s course of action that one cannot go back’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation and isomorphism
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS BACKWARD MOVEMENT ---> REGRESS TO EARLIER STAGE OF motivation DEVELOPMENT 2) PATH ---> BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT PATH ---> MEANS (TO REACH AIM) BRIDGES ---> SUPPORTING MEANS = CHANCES VEHICLE ---> BASIS / MEANS (TO REACH AIM) BOATS ---> BASIS / MEANS OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism Metonymic 3) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation DESTRUCTION OF PATH ---> DESCRUCTION OF BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Sometimes it is necessary to tell people they haven’t burned their boats. (CR5:981).
But despite the various aspects of his ‘U turn’, Heath had by this stage burned his boats, so far as the re-creation of a ‘corporatist accommodation’ was concerned. (FB5:1067). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Number Some still persist in their view that Morris burnt his boat when he singularization: → missed 2 chose previously to hand over the captaincy, saying in effect that he his chance thought his cricket was suffering because of it. (FT9:529) Passivisation ‘Thanks, Aunt Sarah,’ said Ruth, knowing her boats were now quasi-passive: → her 2 completely burnt. (F99:2649). chances for success were now completely lost
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
31. IDIOM: miss the boat / bus ‘fail to take advantage of an opportunity’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT BUS / BOAT ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / isomorphism DEVELOPMENT 3) MISS (THE BOAT / BUS) ---> NOT MAKE USE OF A MEANS FOR isomorphism PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT = MISS A CHANCE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Now I'm not saying Ian Rush missed the boat entirely, but he might find it pretty interesting when Gullitt and Van Basten discuss their life and work in Italy on Grandstand (BBC1, Saturday). (A89:190).
Another - much smaller - firm involved in the discussions is American Science and Technology Corporation which plans, even if it fails in its bid for Landsat, to launch a rival set of satellites from the mid 1980s, The craft would scan the Earth with relatively low resolutions.Europe's launcher may miss the bus (B76:1016). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners It's gotta be a good thing if you miss it bad enough.Missed that anaphoric use of 2 boat, bin’ drowin' ever since.’ (HH0:2665). demonstrative determiner: → missed that chance Modifications Yet the sense of having missed a once-on-a-lifetime boat remains topic-related internal 2 acute. (CU1(532)). premodification by phrasal modifier (temporal): → missed a once-in-a-lifetime chance Full report and pictures next week. UK is missing ‘eastern’ boat topic-indicating external 2 (ACR:1024). premodification by adjective of range: → missed a chance in the East
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
d. MACHINE-models
32. IDIOM: put/throw a spanner in the works ‘cause problems which prevents sth. from happening’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) EFFICIENT PROCESSING OF MACHINE ---> PROGRESS motivation MACHINE ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION isomorphism OBSTRUCT ---> IMPEDE DEVELOPMENT 2) SPANNER ---> OBSTRUCTION, PROBLEM isomorphism Metonymic 3) PART FOR WHOLE motivation (metaphtonymy) WORKS FOR MACHINE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Maybe she is alive,’ said Wexford, more from a mischievous desire to throw a spanner in the works than from conviction. (A73: 1885) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners But the spanner in these works could be falling advertising revenue. cataphoric use of definite 1 and 2 (A55: 108). article (the spanner), anaphoric use of demonstrative article (these works): → the problems in the development of these issues Compaq has shown great interest in VUE, a preference that put just use of numerative: → one 2 one of the many spanners in the works of the ACE initiative. (CT8: of the many problems 210). Number Compaq has shown great interest in VUE, a preference that put just pluralisation 2 one of the many spanners in the works of the ACE initiative. (CT8: 210). Modifications One of the features of the conflict which has made its resolution so topic-indicating 3 difficult has been the inability of any of the protagonists - internal postmodification by or external, powerful or weak - to mould events or other players to partitive of-complement: its will, and the ability of even the weakest players to throw a → to obstruct the spanner into the works of both allies and adversaries. (APD: 282) development of both allies Allowing thousands of marchers through city streets in the middle literal-scene extending 1, 3 of the day is to throw a spanner into the works of a large and postmodification by Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
complex machine. (B1J: 959). partitive of-complement: → ... is to obstruct the efficient functioning of a large and complex configuration (= the city) ‘I put a spanner in the works of one of the companies that later topic-indicating 3 merged to form Spinward. (F9X: 1913) postmodification by partitive of-complement: → to obstruct the development of one of the companies No, something always comes along and puts a flaming great big internal premodification 2 spanner in the works and that upsets everybody. (KCG: 2902). by adjectives of quality (great big) and intensifier (flaming): → something comes along and creates an enormous problem ... It's been seven long years since they ran the riot act, but there internal premodification 2 remains a threatening air of petulance and possibility about their by topic-related adjective onstage demeanour that throws a star-spangled spanner into the of quality (topic-related works. (CK4: 3169). literal-scene manipulation and punning = wordplay: star-spangled spanner for star-spangled banner): → ? creates a specifically American obstruction for their progressing One thought which throws a much-welcomed spanner in everyone's topic-related internal 1, 2 works is this: the parents of Einstein and Shakespeare were not premodification by past noted for either their intelligence or their prosperity, yet their participle: → one thought children seem to have done all right. (CET: 984) that creates a much- welcomed problem to the development of everyone’s theories is this Lexical substitutions The Labour Party Conference: Policy review throws a spanner in literal-scene manipulating 1 - 3 the Whitehall machinery. (A1J: 494). lexical substitution following (3): works ⇒ machinery; premodification of machinery by topic- indicating appositive noun (Whitehall): → creates a problem for the (successful progressing of) the government (= Whitehall machinery) Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Before the teams met again the Great Schism had occurred, as verb substitution 1 - 3 Kerry Packer inserted his spanner into the gently revolving works. put/throw ⇒ insert: (ABR: 226). increasing level of formality; literal-scene extension by premodifying present participle (gently revolving works) = intensification of moving: → Kerry Packer caused the successfully developing configuration to fail by his problem- creating acting She was hurt, more than she believed possible, to know that Roman literal-scene modifying 1 – 3 + regarded her work so lightly that he could throw an elephant-sized noun substitution: in the PROGRESS IS spanner in her path without even thinking. (H8J: 2770). works ⇒ in her path, FORWARD probably motivated by the MOVEMENT equivalent function of the PROGRESS AS FORWARD MOVEMENT and PROGRESS AS PROCESSING OF MACHINE models; premodification by adjective of quality (elephant-sized): → he created an enormous problem for her successful development They may be interested to learn that snowstorms in the Alps have literal-scene elaborating 1, 3 been known to throw a spanner in the clockwork of everyday life noun substitution: works too. (G2W: 880). ⇒ clockwork; postmodification by partitive of-complement: → to create a problem for the development/ progressing of everyday life.
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
e. ARCHETYPE-metaphors
33. IDIOM: burst/prick the bubble ‘an idea, plan, activity that was very successful has the bubble has burst stopped being successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) INTEGRITY ---> STABILITY (OF CONFIGURATION) motivation DISINTEGRATE ---> FAIL BURST ---> FAIL isomorphism BURST/PRICK ---> (CAUSE) TO FAIL 2) BUBBLE ---> DEVELOPING isomorphism CONFIGURATION/IDEA/CONSTELLATION
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Thereafter the path was all downhill: 30,000 in 1891, 23,000 in 1892,14,000 in 1893, stabilizing thereafter at 9,000-10,000, with financial consequences to match. The bubble had burst. (FES: 549).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners ‘Permission? Permission ? I hate to burst your royal bubble, use of possessive pronoun 2 Excellency, but I'm free to come and go as I please.’ (JY7: 4423). in combination with topic- indicating premodifying adjective: → destroy your royal ideas/attitude. It was often said that her new-found reputation was a bubble that use of indefinite article 1,2 would burst once people realized it was just the raunchiness of her with bubble as a work that got her a wide readership. (AC3: 853) predicative nominal, internal relativisation: → an unstable quality that would fail once Then, economists were openly predicting that the recovery would anaphoric use of 2 be more in line with previous post-recessionary periods, but that demonstrative determiner, optimistic bubble has now burst and most experts are admitting that premodification by topic- the recovery will be painfully slow. (AJP: 218). related adjective of quality: → that optimistic thought Number So hopefully he's going to burst West Ham's pretty bubbles? (KRT: pluralisation 2 3631). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
It raised interest rates five times from mid-1989 to mid-1990, in the pluralisation 2 hope of squeezing the speculative bubbles in the stock and property markets before they burst on their own. (ABJ: 3964). Modifications THE BADLANDS SURFERS ARE currently in a position of internal premodification 2 relative strength. The Eighties surf bubble has well and truly burst, by topic-indicating noun: and competition prize money for the sport side of surfing is on the → the Eighties surf wane. (CD6: 894). constellation has failed It is more attractive to LIN shareholders, who will retain an interest internal premodification 2 in their company, and reduces the exposure to the risk that the US by topic-indicating cellular radio market bubble will burst for British Telecom, which appositive noun: → the has a 22 per cent stake in McCaw. (A4F: 48). cellular radio market will fail He was no respecter of persons or institutions or ideas just because postmodification by 2 they were vested with a brief authority, and nothing gave him more appositive topic- pleasure than to prick the bubble of pretension. (EVH: 1125). indicating of-complement: → to reveal pretension Mr Mieno is still talking and acting tough because he is intent on internal premodification 2 bursting the speculative bubbles in shares and property. (ABE: by topic-indicating 2406). adjective and postmodification by topic- related PP: → he is intent on causing the speculative investments in shares and properties to fail Lexical substitutions As time passed, however, an excess of gambling, drinking and perspectival variant: → 1, 2 womanising got the brothers into more debt than George's the constellation was dexterous manipulations could possibly conceal. The bubble was about to fail about to burst. (ANK: 154). It raised interest rates five times from mid-1989 to mid-1990, in the perspectival variant by 1 hope of squeezing the speculative bubbles in the stock and property verb substitution: → markets before they burst on their own. (ABJ: 3964). reducing the speculative ideas (= the speculation) For many people living through that time, 1968 was the literal-scene extension: → 1,2 unforgivable pin that pricked the bubble: and with the deflation of 1968 was the cause that the great illusion that the 1960s was a perpetual party came the failed the constellation realisation of the cost. (CCE: 1258). Passivisation Baldwin rightly thought that this particular bubble would be passivisation with 2 pricked over the weekend. (EFN: 2025). defocused agent: → this particular constellation would be failed
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
34. IDIOM: grasp the nettle ‘tackle a problem with determination’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL GRASP ---> CONTROL motivation GRASP ---> TACKLE, BRING INTO CONTROL isomorphism 2) DANGEROUS OBJECTS ---> PROBLEMS NETTLE ---> PROBLEM isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Mellor grasped the nettle and told how he felt like Daniel in the lion's den. (CH2: 8004).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners But this nettle was never grasped; in the absence of a coherent anaphoric use of 2 national urban transport policy neither restraint nor reconstruction demonstrative determiner: have been consistently practised and British cities have become → but this problem was used to ‘muddling through’, without any clear idea of the goal they never tackled are trying to achieve. (C8F: 189). Well, my feeling is, and it's really the same message that you get anaphoric use of 2 from most greens and most environment books, is that under- demonstrative determiner consumption, that is poverty in the poor countries, is linked to over- consumption in the rich countries, and we have to grasp this nettle - it's one that the Conservative Party in its White Paper on the environment avoids noticeably - we have to grasp the nettle, that as long as we are over-consuming there's not going to be enough to go round everywhere, and my book shows that this pattern is really a three hundred year old pattern dating from the first Colonial expansion of Europe and the slave trade, and it's still going on today. (KRT: 5080). There is a nettle for a somebody - it might as well be the new use of indefinite 2 Environment Secretary - to grasp. (AAG: 73). determiner in existential construction: → a problem for a somebody... Number Each spurt in investment has for a time been halfway successful in pluralisation: → failed to 2 boosting harvests and production, but policy to date has failed to tackle the problems ... grasp the nettles of productivity, variety, distribution and responsible land use. (CMT: 44). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
‘The Government has shown in the past that it is willing to grasp pluralisation: → willing to 2 nettles that others have shied away from, and I have no doubt we deal with problems shall grasp this one if we have to.’ (A2L: 12). Modifications An 18-foot putt on the 26th by the American meant that Dale premodification by Hayes, beaten 11 and 9 by Tom Watson in 1978, was left holding restrictive adjective: → that particular nettle. (A5U: 249). was left dealing with that particular problem We chose as the venue, where else but, the Champagne Hotel of the postmodification by 2 north where Ian Corner, David Chell and their staff are bravely appositive of- grasping the nettle of recession whilst continuing to perform as you complement: → are would expect from Manchester's top City Centre Hotel. (BPJ: 933) bravely tackling recession Grasping life's nettles takes courage but the more powerfully you premodification by 2 do it, the less it hurts. (CEK: 937). partitive genitive: → dealing with life’s problems By the end of the nineteenth century, Zurich had grasped the nettle postmodification by 2 of industrial development to become a leader among the world's appositive of- banking centres, thanks mainly to the foresight of Alfred Escher, complement: → had and, at the centre of a skilfully developed network of tackled (the problem of) communications and engineering feats, was ready to take full industrial development advantage of the transport explosion. (FTU: 681) Lexical substitutions But it was NME that embraced the intellectual nettle most firmly. literal-scene intensifying 1 (CHA: 1670). verb substitution: → that dealt with the problem most decidedly Apart from that, there's a certain justification for the MC4 clasping synonymous verb 1 the live album nettle - given that it was their constant, sometimes substitution, (+topic- belligerent belief in gigging that helped them establish themselves indicating internal noun in the first place. (CK6: 2038). premodification): → dealing with the live album problem Passivisation But this nettle was never grasped; in the absence of a coherent passivisation, defocused 2 national urban transport policy neither restraint nor reconstruction agent: → but this problem have been consistently practised and British cities have become was never tackled. used to ‘muddling through’, without any clear idea of the goal they are trying to achieve. (C8F: 189). The experiences of recent years have challenged this presumption, passivisation, defocused 2 but the nettle has still not really been grasped. (G31: 305). agent: → the problem still has not been dealt with
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
35. IDIOM: take the bull by the horns ‘tackle a problem with determination’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL GRASP ---> CONTROL motivation TAKE ---> TACKLE, BRING INTO CONTROL isomorphism 2) DANGEROUS OBJECTS ---> PROBLEMS BULL ---> PROBLEM isomorphism (HORNS) ---> MOST DANGEROUS SUBPART
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Of course, being the determined woman she was, Nora decided to take the bull by the horns and organise things for herself. (CEY: 135). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications ‘Slight discussion took place, Inspector,’ Oliver said, taking the bull premodification by topic- 1,2 by its humiliating horns, ‘on the matter of the Prince of Wales's related adjective: → casting vote.’ (H8A: 2129). addressing the humiliating problem/issue Lexical substitutions In Davos and St Moritz, the areas are so widely spread and synonymous verb 1 rewarding individually that the idea of linking them scarcely substitution arises.One resort seizing the bull by the horns is little old Adelboden, which for 1991 is building a big new gondola to link two of its smaller ski areas to its major one. (A3P: 128). Just don't be too impetuous and put too much pressure on the object topic-indicating lexical 2 of your desires. Taking life by the horns. (CBC: 4514). substitution: → tackling life decidedly Presently treading water as a three-year-old compiler house, synonymous verb 1 Portland Group Inc, Wilsonville, Oregon, is expected to grab the substitution bull by the horns over the next couple of months and put in place strategies which it claims will lead the company into more profitable software markets. (CTD: 336). Then, in the 1960s, the bull of controversy was grasped firmly by synonymous verb 1, 2 the horns as the term ‘Political Education’ came into fashion. (APE: substitution; topic- 456). indicating postmodification by appositive of-complement (of controversy): → the controversy was dealt with decidedly Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Passivisation Then, in the 1960s, the bull of controversy was grasped firmly by passivisation, defocused 1, 2 the horns as the term ‘Political Education’ came into fashion. agent (APE: 456).
36. IDIOM: upset the applecart ‘upset, trouble a satisfactory configuration, situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric and metonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual and image-schematic correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation 2) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT APPLECART ---> STABLE CONFIGURATION isomorphism/motivation UPSET THE APPLECART ---> SPOIL A STABLE CONFIGURATION / DEVELOPMENTAL SITUATION Metonymic 3) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation APPLECART ---> STABILITY image-schematic motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Pamela Stephenson is upsetting the apple cart with her war against harmful pesticides in our food. (ARJ:287).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number That has made him, over the years, distinctly uncomfortable pluralisation (indefinite), 2 company - at least to those with a large stake in applecarts. reads: → stake in labile (B74:1565). situations AMORY LOVINS upsets applecarts. (B74:1564). pluralisation 2 These people are fortunately few and far between because they are pluralisation (indefinite), 2 extremely odd and have a way of upsetting applecarts. reads: → upsetting (G0X:1786). satisfactory constellations Modifications Rocking the energy applecart. (B74:1561). internal figurative-level 2 premodification by noun: → troubling the energy situation Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
All this has upset the applecart of the relation of fertility to topic-indicating 2 prosperity. (EDK:1433). postmodification by appositive of- complement: → troubled the relation of fertility to prosperity Both of these sides will have to bring out something special if they topic-indicating internal 2 are to come as close as Jed to upsetting the championship applecart. premodification by (K5A:704). appositive noun: → spoilt the championship Upsetting the scientific apple-cart? (CKC:1872). topic-indicating internal 2 premodification by adjective: → spoilt the scientific situation /constellation Brittle Power is very much a continuation of the Lovins canon: the literal-scene manipulation concerted challenge to most of the percepts apparently underlying by premodifying adjective current official thinking about energy - this time overturning the of quality, verb most ponderous applecart of all. (B74:1576). substitution: → troubling the most stagnating constellation A foreigner who is stunningly attractive will readily upset the topic-indicating 2 apple-cart of our preconceptions, as will a friend whom we postmodification by discover has been slandering us behind our back. (CM8:582). appositive of- complement: → troubled our preconceptions That's nice.Well, towards it, upset the cart now ain't she? (KBE: clipping 1 - 3 8964). Lexical substitutions Energy applecarts all over the world rocked on their axles. (B74: literal-scene manipulation 1 – 4, esp. 4 1569). by verb substitution and extension: → energy situations all over the world were in unstable development I've just got all the apples into the cart, and it looks as if Anna has literal-scene manipulation 1 - 3 upset the lot.’ (CMJ:2031). by extension We don't on the whole mind the isolation until something happens perspectivisation by verb 1 – 4, esp. 4 to rock the applecart - a death, a loss, a crisis. (AAV: 371). substitution: rock= affect → to affect the constellation / situation Passivisation The applecart was upset again in the following race when the K2 passivisation, defocused 1 - 3 title went to Roman/Sanchez of Spain. (G27: 1082). agent: → the constellation was troubled again ...
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
37. IDIOM: (go) through the mill ‘experience a difficult situation or period’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL MOVEMENT IN SPACE ---> PROGRESS motivation 2) LOCATION ---> STATE BEING IN A CONFINED LOCATION ---> BEING IN A STATE OF CONFINEMENT/DIFFICULTY MILL ---> DIFFICULTIES/DIFFICULT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE isomorphism Metonymic 3) LOCATION FOR STATE EXPERIENCE AT LOCATION motivation (metaphtonymy) MILL FOR CONFINEMENT
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM We went through the mill together, Franklin. (CDA: 760).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications The quantity of talented filmmakers coming through the quota mill topic-indicating 2 was not substantial. (A7L: 434). premodification by appositive noun: → the quantity overcoming the difficulties caused by the quota In traditional Unilever style, Burgmans has been put through the topic-indicating adjective 2 international mill. (BMB: 437). of range, internal premodification: → Burgmans was made experience the difficult international context Many refused to accept the notion that the peasantry must pass topic-indicating 2 through the mill of capitalism and be divided between rural postmodifcation by capitalists and rural proletarians. (FB1: 292). partitive of-complement: → the peasantry must experience the difficulties of capitalism Part of the Council's records-base is going through the mill of topic-indicating 2 privatisation. (J0V: 955). postmodification by of- complement: → going through the difficulties of privatisation
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
38. IDIOM: have a cross to bear ‘suffer from an unpleasant, inconvenient situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic, constituental motivation: cross = unpleasant, difficult situation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) OPPRESSION ---> PROBLEM / DIFFICULTY motivation WEIGHT ---> PROBLEM CROSS ---> PROBLEM isomorphism 2) BEAR ---> ENDURE isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM You must regard us as a cross to bear.' (H98: 2336).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners She made it her business to find out. Another cross for us all to use of general ordinal: → 1 bear.’ (HGY: 2066). another problem ... to endure The great all seem to have had this cross to bear, and that is no anaphoric use of 1 comfort - I think more is to be found in the wicked suspicion that demonstrative determiner: perhaps it's a thing those Snows haven't experienced. (CA6: 1444). → have has this problem to endure I was of the opinion that when the plans for the new St Augustine's cataphoric use of definite 1 School were under discussion that the number of proposed school article; internal places was too low. The cross we have to bear in Darlington is relatitivisation: → the Durham County Council which due to years of Labour Party problem that we have to domination has become unaccountable and virtually under the endure control of its officers. (K54: 98). I know you haven't it's just one of these crosses you've got to bear use of complex quantifier: 1 haven't you? (KDJ: 1358). → one of these problems Number I'm not qualified to judge whether the grief his mother felt on the pluralisation and use of 1 death of his elder brother had an adverse effect on Mr Barrie's possessive pronoun: → emotional development, nor do I care one way or the other. We all we have our problems to have our crosses to bear. (FNU: 933). endure Modifications Such a destiny does not make life easier but rather' it is a very literal-scene specifying 1 heavy cross to bear'. (EFX: 999). internal premodification by adjective of quality: → it is a very difficult / serious problem to endure A dreadful cross for the badger to bear. (HJL: 33). literal-scene specifying 1 internal premodification Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
by adjective of quality: → it is a an extremely difficulty problem for the .... She was a kind of Stakhanovite worker in the field of female topic-indicating 1 suffering, setting new targets for pain, finding each week some new premodification internal emotional cross to bear. (ASS: 1300). premodification by adjective of aspect and adjective of quality: → some new emotional problem to suffer from Lexical substitutions The arrest of that worm had been the greatest cross Don had ever synonymous verb- 2 had to carry, the most dangerous traitor ever in the history of the substitution: bear ⇒ government's security service. (CLD: 1020). carry
39. IDIOM: stir up a hornet’s nest ‘cause a lot of problems/controversy’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LOCATION ---> STATE motivation 2) BE IN CONTAINER ---> BE IN STATE / SITUATION motivation GET INTO CONTAINER ---> ENTER STATE DEPTH OF POSITION IN CONTAINER ---> INTENSITY OF STATE 3) DANGEROUS ANIMAL ---> PROBLEM HORNET’S NEST ---> (LATENTLY) DIFFICULT SITUATION / isomorphism PROBLEM STIR UP HORNET’S NEST ---> CAUSE TROUBLE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Forbes has stirred up a hornet's nest. (FRS: 2215).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications As might be expected, the move has stirred up a hornet's nest of topic-indicating 3 academic fear and loathing against USL and has created a cadre of postmodification by naive tech weenies ready to form a lynch mob. (CTR: 186) appositive of- complement: the move has cause academic fear and loathing Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
After destroying the abandoned village's crops and rounding up the internal premodification 3 Nez Perce cattle, Whipple's troops marched north-west to by adjective of quality: → Cottonwood, having ‘stirred up a new hornet's nest’. (ALX: 609). having caused new trouble We know this from the fact that on the evening of the day Pope premodification by 3 John announced his Council, Cardinal Montini rang his old mentor, emphasiser: → he doesn’t the Oratorian Giulio Bevilacqua, and said: ‘This holy old boy realise what trouble he is doesn't realize what a hornet's nest he's stirring up.’ (CRK: 1055). causing Its practitioners have now started to explore the legal hornet's nest topic-indicating internal 3 likely to be stirred up by in vitro fertilisation. premodification by adjective of aspect; internal relativisation (topicalisation of hornet’s nest) and passivisation: → they have started to explore the legal problems that are created/cause by in vitro fertilisation The authorship of the shorter prologue to Lex Salica is a minor topic-indicating 3 problem by comparison with the other conundra presented by the postmodification by hornet's nest of Salic Law. (HY0: 1827) appositive of- complement: → is a minor problem by comparison with the great (problem of) Salic Law Lexical substitutions I couldn't understand why I should want to leave the relative safety literal-scene modifying 1, 2, 3 of the house in Fulham to walk into a hornets' nest of horrified perspectival verb disapproval and rejection. (FEE: 2403). substitution in accordance with the STATE AS LOCATION-metaphor; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → to become exposed to horrified disapproval and rejection You lads really are sitting in the middle of a hornet's nest.’ (CDA: literal-scene modifying 1, 2, 3 1356). perspectival variant by verb substitution in accordance with the STATE AS LOCATION- metaphor; premodification by locative PP (in the middle of): → you are in (a state of) serious trouble Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
After some uneventful voyages over the years, and at least seven literal-scene modifying 3 previous masters, the Orynthia seemed to have turned into a perspectival variant by hornets' nest. (CBJ: 760). verb substitution: → the Orynthia seemed to have turned into a great problem If we press this and insist on doubting what the humanist holds as literal-scene modifying 3 indubitable, we uncover a hornet's nest of assumptions and perspectival variant by presuppositions which are far from being rationally indubitable. verb substitution; topic- (C8V: 690) indicating postmodification by of- complement: → we reveal a great number of problematic assumptions
40. IDIOM: fan the flames ‘make a bad situation worse’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ENERGY ---> INTENSITY OF ACTIVITY motivation 2) DANGEROUS OBJECTS ---> PROBLEMS FIRE ---> PROBLEM isomorphism Metonymic 3) PART FOR WHOLE motivation (metaphtonymy) FLAMES FOR FIRE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, enlightened despotism, secularism, nationalism and liberalism had all fanned the flames. (CM6: 1200).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners ‘Doppelganger’ and ‘Fait Accompli’ pummel and pound, Toni's use of indefinite article 2, 3 scarlet voice twinkling and cutting above the sex dream noise due to absence of specific terror, Dean and twin guitarists Debbie and Alex scuttling about the referent of flame: → like stage like possessed arsonists fanning a terrible flame. possessed arsonists worsening a terrible problem Number Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The salient fact is that Wigg believed, and believed with great singularisation; topic- 2, 3 intensity, that Profumo had lied to him and for that reason was a indicating suitable object for punishment in fanning the flame of the sexual postmodification by scandal. (FPN: 219). appositive of- complement: → in making the sex scandal worse Modifications Minor jealousies and misunderstandings can fan the petty flames of literal-scene extending 1 - 3 bickering into the roaring fires of hatred.’ (K95: 3269) internal premodification by adjective of quality; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement; literal-scene extending postmodification by PP (into the roaring fires): → misunderstandings can turn the minor issue of bickering into severe hatred Lexical substitutions ‘There is no legitimate reason for the test other than to further fan lexical substitution in 3 the fires of prejudice,’ Campriello said. (K2F: 1104). accordance with the PART- FOR-WHOLE-metonymy All these factors fan the bias against religion and produce a topic-indicating lexical 2, 3 fundamental obstacle for RE - that of the radical secularism of substitution: flames ⇒ Western society. (HYB: 229) bias against religion: → all of these factors support the bias against religion Passivisation The four, who had trimmed each other's hair, did not fit the popular passivisation; topic- 2, 3 image of castaways, and their mental state appeared sound. Flames indicating of doubt were fanned by the crew's insistence that they had postmodification by activated the emergency radio beacon for a week, though it was not appositive of- picked up. (A3X: 199). complement: → doubt was supported by the crew’s insistence It can be argued the flames have been fanned in part by attitude passivisation: → the 2, 3 displayed by Milne's hooking rival, Brian Moore, who once problem has been summed up the England approach by saying: ‘Nobody likes us and supported in part by we don't care.’ (K5A: 5859) attitude
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
41. IDIOM: plumb the depths ‘experience a difficult situation to an extreme degree’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) DEPTH OF POSITION IN CONTAINER ---> INTENSITY OF motivation INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVITY 2) GO DOWN ---> FAIL motivation DEPTHS (OF WATER) ---> DIFFICULTIES isomorphism PLUMB (DEPTHS) ---> EXPERIENCE (DIFFICULTIES)
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM How could they soar so high one minute, then plumb the depths? (JY8: 1945).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners Criminals aren't too bothered about the er problems they cause use of indefinite 1,2 victims in the commission for their crime, but er as a general rule er determiner some in they do draw a line somewhere, but I think to er rob a lady who is combination with the er presumably grieving over the loss of a relative, at the graveside, premodifying adjective of has got to be plumbing some new depth of er depravity and er I'll quality new and topic- expect the erm vast majority of the citizens of Banbury will think indicating appositive similarly. (KRT: 1892) postmodifying of- complement: → experience a new degree of depravity Modifications Irish gardens have the peaceful innocence of prelapsarian Eden; you topic-indicating internal 1,2 are quite likely to have the place to yourself, and most have not yet premodification by plumbed the commercial depths of the pot pourri franchise. (A7D: adjective of range, topic- 1320). indicatingposmodification by partitive of- complement: → experienced the commericial difficulties of the pot pourri franchise Whitby were knocked out of the Yorkshire Shield 7-4 by the topic-related internal 2 visitors to their heavy pitch, Wibsey (Bradford), while premodification by Knaresborough plunged to the heaviest defeat in the club's nine- adjective of quality: → ... year history when they went down 57-0 to the newly-formed Hull reached new difficulties and ER club.DARLINGTON'S dismal season plumbed new depths on Saturday when they were thrashed 83-6 by a Blaydon side just two divisions above them in the Courage League. (K52: 69). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
But in that horrendous final game with France in Paris they literal-scene extending 2 revealed that they could, after all, manage to plumb even greater premodification by depths of ineptitude. (CKA: 527) adjective of quality in comparative form; topic- indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → to experience an even greater, worse degree of ineptitutde Clearly, given the depths it has recently plumbed (as shown in the internal relativisation: → 2 Treasury survey above), there cannot be much more downside even the difficulties, it has in the face of a tax-raising Budget. (CBU: 2442) recently experienced Passivisation ‘Yet again the depths of depravity have been plumbed by these passivisation: → the great 2 people. (CBM: 245) problems caused by depravity have been experienced by these people
42. IDIOM: a drowning man will clutch at a straw ‘rely on any idea, method, or hope (even if they are clutch/grasp at straws unlikely to become successful) because you cannot think of anything else to try)
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL BALANCE/STABILITY ---> STABLE DEVELOPMENT motivation 2) SWIMMING ---> ACTIVITY motivation (only for full GO DOWN ---> FAIL version) DROWN ---> FAIL SURVIVE ---> BE SUCCESSFUL DROWNING MAN ---> AGENT isomorphism (only for full version) 3) SUPPORT ---> MEANS TO MAKE SUCCESS POSSIBLE isomorphism STRAW ---> (WEAK) MEANS TO SECURE BALANCE/POSITION 4) PHYSICAL GRASP ---> CONTROL CLUTCH/GRASP (AT STRAW) ---> SEIZE A CHANCE isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Nadirpur's eyes widened. He was grasping at straws. (CEC: 2776).
Can't we eat around here? ‘She knew she was clutching at straws but nothing would get her up the West End. (CR6: 3729). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by:
Determiners She grasped, panic-stricken, at this protective straw. (GUE: 2501). anaphoric use of 3 demonstrative determiner: → she seized this protective means Finally, it is sad but understandable that the parents of disabled cataphoric use of definite 3 children should clutch at the straw of conductive education as a article; topic-indicating means of resolving their own problems. (FPJ: 1035). postmodification by appositive of-complement (= topic, referent of straw): → take conductive education as a means ... That it was allowed to appear as more than that was the work of the use of indefinite 3 politicians who, in their yearning for power, clutch at any straw. determiner: → seize any (BNH: 1015). chance Modifications She rubbed at her abused flesh, desperately grasping at the first premodification by 2-3 straw to float into her mind. (JY8: 3996). numerative; postmodification by literal-scene extending infinitive clause (float elaborates image of water/drowning): → using the first idea that came into her mind Finally, it is sad but understandable that the parents of disabled topic-indicating 3 children should clutch at the straw of conductive education as a postmodification by means of resolving their own problems. (FPJ: 1035). appositive of-complement (= topic, referent of straw): → take conductive education as a means ... How? ‘Vologsky grasped desperately at the floating straw. (CDA: literal-scene extending 2,3 2597). premodification by present participle: took the present (weak) chance Behind the scenes both the Americans and the Europeans are Internal relativization, 3 working towards an agreement. Another straw the optimists grasp fronting and topicalization is that two trade disputes between the EC and the United States of straw: → Another idea have been headed off. (ABD: 580). that the optimists rely on Patterson's eyes flickered as if I'd given him a straw to grasp, but I a-NP-to-V construction: 3 pressed on. (HWL: 648). → I’d given him a chance to tackle Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Lexical substitutions TAIF, Saudi Arabia - Lebanese members of parliament clutched at literal-scene modifying 1, 3 the threads of a peace plan yesterday after a brief period when lexical substitution the agreement to end 14 years of civil war seemed within their grasp. alternant thread preserves (A5M: 348). the image of weak support (substitution potentially motivated by the quasi- synonymous idiom hang by a thread)
43. IDIOM: (go) through hell ‘experience a difficult situation or period’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic, constituental motivation, hell = difficult situation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL MOVEMENT IN SPACE ---> PROGRESS motivation LOCATION ---> STATE 2) BEING IN A BAD PLACE ---> BEING IN A STATE OF DIFFICULTY HELL ---> DIFFICULTIES isomorphism Metonymic 3) LOCATION FOR STATE EXPERIENCED AT LOCATION motivation (metaphtonymy) HELL FOR EVIL Emblematic 4) HELL = BAD PLACE / EVIL motivation/isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I hadn't let myself stop and think about it, but I knew there was something very wrong with me, and although I wasn't depressed exactly, I was going through hell. (ADG: 1544).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by:
Determiners The more Marcus thought about it, the more he realized that he anaphoric use of 2, 4 would have to seek help from Fanshawe.He couldn't go through demonstrative determiner: that hell every time Carter fancied shafting the posh boy. (HJC: → go through these 1961) difficulties Modifications ‘Quite frankly, whoever invented suspenders should be shot at internal premodification 2, 4 dawn!Only a man could put women through such hell. (G2V: by amplifier: → put 1684). through such enormous difficulties Allison and Ronnie were devastated at losing their ‘special’ baby internal premodification 2, 4 and the strain of having so many miscarriages was beginning to by amplifier: → put Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
take its toll on their marriage. ‘I put Ronnie through absolute hell,’ through enormous says Allison. (EFG: 964). difficulties
44. IDIOM: between the devil and the deep blue sea ‘be in very a difficult situation, where two choices or courses of action are equally bad’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation and isomorphism on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LOCATION ---> STATE motivation 2) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT motivation WATER ---> INSTABILITY/INSECURITY SEA ---> UNSTABLE BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT/DIFFICULTIES 3) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD motivation 4) DEEP BLUE SEA ---> VERY BAD SITUATION isomorphism/motivation Emblematic 5) DEVIL ---> EVIL motivation/isomorphism
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Poor old British Rail were between the devil and the deep blue sea. (ABU:37). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications If the government had executed the plans it came up with in 1856, postmodification by 4, 5 peasants would have been justified in thinking that the devil of appositive of-complement serfdom was preferable to the deep blue sea of reform. (HY7:887).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
45. IDIOM: spill the beans ‘reveal a secret’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated and isomorphic UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) OBJECTS ---> IDEAS isomorphism BEANS ---> SECRETS 2) CONTAINER ---> MIND isomorphism SPILL ---> REVEAL CONTENTS OF MIND
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I was shattered, but how could I defend myself by explaining that his hitherto unsuspected mistress had just rung me up to spill the beans?’ (G2V: 1021) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners We do bits together whenever we get the chance and (someday) use of indefinite 1 will do a brand new one. We spilt a few beans and touched the odd determiner due to absence (female) nerve and laughed off a few fiascos. of uniquely identifiable referent of beans: → we revealed a few secrets Modifications One of their number has just written a book questioning this kind of topic-indicating 1 control and spilling the beans of angst rather as American and postmodification by British feminist writers did in the Seventies. (AJU: 1028) appositive of- complement: → revealing the angst It was as if he'd known - as if he'd somehow been alerted to the fact topic-indicating 1 that she was about to cave in, to spill the beans on their bogus postmodification by relationship. (JY5: 3041). appositive PP: → to reveal their bogus relationship ‘ To late now for being discreet. All the Ardakkean beans have been topic-indicating internal 1 spilled.’ (G3G: 1532). premodification by adjective: → all the Ardakkean secrets have been revealed Lexical substitutions Front Page Story (1953) is set in a newspaper office, where a topic-indicating lexical 1,2 harassed editor played by Jack Hawkins deals with homeless substitution: → to reveal children, a scientist wanting to spill atomic secrets, a journalist's atomic secrets crisis of conscience and a wife who plans to walk out on him. (A7L: 1063). Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Instead of questioning the man closely, concealing his own topic-indicating lexical 1,2 biography [...], he spilled the tragedy in every unflattering detail. substitution: → he (CRE: 264). revealed the tragedy Passivisation Little did I think that the one-time pretty young copy typist would passivisation, defocused 1 end up bellowing in my ear.There- the beans are spilled! (EVN: agent: → the secrets are 1499). revealed ‘ To late now for being discreet.All the Ardakkean beans have been passivisation, defocused 1 spilled.’ (G3G: 1532). agent: → all the Ardakkean secrets have been revealed
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Motivated idioms – quality of base-form: literal compositionality and global motivation
a. COMPETITION-models
1. IDIOM: play into someone’s hands ‘make a foolish mistake to the advantage of others’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) BALL GAME ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation PLAY (BALL) ---> ACT 2) PHYSICAL GRASP ---> CONTROL motivation 3) COMPETITOR ---> OPPONENT motivation 4) PLAY (BALL) INTO OPPONENT’S HAND ---> MAKE A MISTAKE motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM IT is true that we need a free Press to curb Government excesses, but intruding into people's privacy and using heavy-handed tactics in stories concerning tragedy is to play into the Government's hands. (CBC: 9901).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications But my message to anybody else who gets a knock on the door literal-scene elaborating 1 - 4 from somebody who calls themselves an antique dealer is never, premodification by ever let them in.’ Parents: When they play into wrong hands What adjective of quality in can you do if you take an instant dislike to the friend your daughter accordance with the or son has just brought home from school? (AJY: 1232). CONTROL IS PHYSICAL GRASP-metaphor and the BODY PART FOR POSSESSOR OF BODY PART-metonymy: → when they make stupid mistakes to the advantage of others When you are really fed up you can always play into the soothing literal-scene elaborating 1 - 4 hands of time. (HH0: 845). premodification by adjective of quality in accordance with the CONTROL IS PHYSICAL GRASP-metaphor and the BODY PART FOR Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
POSSESSOR OF BODY PART-metonymy: → you can always let time help you overcome your crisis With loss of hope, you do not want to try again. This plays totally literal-scene 1 - 4 into the hands of the negative forces. (B21: 532) intensification by modifying adverbial: → acts to the full advantage of the negative forces You see if we can split this Union in two, that's exactly what the literal-scene 1 - 4 management wants. Well we're playing right into their hands. intensification by (HF2: 262). modifying adverbial: → we are acting very foolishly But I'm determined not to cut short my visit here.That would just literal-scene 1 - 4 play straight into his hands. (EF1: 1456). intensification by modifying adverbial: → that would straightly support him
2. IDIOM: drop the ball ‘be incompetent, fail’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphtonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PHYSICAL GRASP ---> CONTROL motivation 2) BALL GAME ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation PLAY (BALL) ---> ACT KEEP BALL ---> CONTROL ACTIVITY DROP BALL ---> LOSE CONTROL OF ACTIVITY motivation Metonymic 3) EFFECT FOR CAUSE motivation DROP BALL FOR INCOMPETENCE 4) CAUSE FOR EFFECT motivation DROP BALL FOR FAILURE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM According to Coatney, this discovery ‘created havoc bordering on hysteria.We had ‘dropped the ball’ and in doing so had lost valuable time in the search for a reliable synthetic antimalarial'. (ARF: 507).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
3. IDIOM: back to square one, back at square one, ‘have failed in an activity and have to start anew’ from square one
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism due to square one = starting point
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY CIRCULAR MOVEMENT ---> STAGNATION 2) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT motivation CIRCLE ---> CIRCULAR DEVELOPMENT 3) GAME ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation SQUARES ON GAMEBOARD ---> STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT SQUARE ONE ---> STARTING POINT OF DEVELOPMENT latent isomorphism BE BACK AT SQUARE ONE ---> HAVE STAGNATED = FAILED Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation STAGNATION ---> FAILURE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Wave power was ‘back at square one’ with none of the present crop of devices ‘ready to go to large-scale trial’. (B75: 140). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Lexical substitutions Around the fermenters where wet aerosols of live material could perspectival verb 1 - 4 escape ‘we started from square one, and designed a system to avoid substitution: → started contamination of workers so we went with sealed units.’ (B7J: from the beginning 592). Then suddenly, our house was sold, and we were still at square one. perspectival verb 1 - 4 (AM5:1179). substitution: → we were still at the starting point Unfortunately the third sentence sends us reeling back to square perspectival verb 1 - 4 one in terms of methodological confusion: we are now told that just substitution; specification/ because Keynes had tried to provide a theoretical underpinning for intensification of literal- the concept of involuntary unemployment does not, ipso facto, scene, reel implies oblige subsequent theorists to ‘'explain’ the theoretical constructs of disbalance and thus works our predecessors'. (J0U:698). in accordance with the model DISBALANCE / INSTABILITY ---> NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT: → we have to start all over again The rehearsals went well from square one, and we become a family preposition variation: 1 - 4 at once; the dwarves, initially shy and insular, quickly joined us. from square one = from (CA9:1470). the beginning Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
If it does not then clearly one is at square one. (AP1: 207). perspectival verb 1 - 4 substitution: → be at the starting point
4. IDIOM: be streets ahead (of sb./sth.) ‘be more successful than another person, company, etc.’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY RACE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY 2) STAGES ON JOURNEY ---> STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation BE AHEAD OF ANOTHER PERSON ---> HAVE PROGRESSED MORE BE STREETS AHEAD ---> BE MORE SUCCESSFUL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Sorry times, indeed, for Coventry, whose Midland rivals are streets ahead in strength in depth. (A40:258).
It's also an opportunity to say that the US supermarket papers are streets ahead when it comes to headline writing. (AA1:97). VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
5. IDIOM: quick/first/slow off the mark ‘quick/slow in doing (understanding something); take advantage of an opportunity ’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation TRACK RACE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) STARTING POINT ---> INITIAL STAGE OF ACTIVITY motivation MARK ---> INITIAL STAGE OF ACTIVITY motivation 3) MOVER ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION COMPETITOR ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION Metonymic 4) LEAVE STARTING POINT ---> START motivation GO OFF MARK ---> START
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘You were very quick off the mark, weren't you? (A6N: 1340).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications ‘Toby is obviously quicker off the mark than his dad.’ (CH1: 8264). adaptation of literal-scene 1 - 4 by use of adjective in comparative form: → he has always been faster than his dad in taking an advantage Perhaps surprisingly, wide area Asynchronous Transfer network adaptation of literal-scene 1 - 4 services are seen as the final phase, since SynOptics feels that by use of adjective in carriers will be slower off the mark to respond to demand (despite comparative form: → that the fact that AT&T Co said that it will introduce Asynchronous carriers will respond later Transfer Mode services towards the end of the year). (CNS: 197). to demand Lexical substitutions He weren't very brisk in the morning, and often we were a bit late synonymous adjective 1 - 4 getting off the mark ourselves; but he didn't mind us working substitution: slow ⇒ beyond six in the evening - we didn't get paid for that! (G09: 1146) late: → we started a bit late IBM is said to be late off the mark and may not get the chance to synonymous adjective 1 - 4 inject itself officially. (CTH: 13). substitution: slow ⇒ late: → IBM started late
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
6. IDIOM: off/out of the starting blocks ‘put an idea/plan/etc. into action’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism of starting blocks = starting point
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation TRACK RACE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) STARTING POINT ---> INITIAL STAGE OF ACTIVITY STARTING BLOCKS ---> INITIAL STAGE OF ACTIVITY latent isomorphism 3) MOVER ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION motivation COMPETITOR ---> (ACTIVE) CONFIGURATION Metonymic 4) LEAVE STARTING POINT ---> START motivation GO OFF THE BLOCKS ---> START
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Meanwhile, Sir Lewis does not intend to rush his decision on the future of the Country Court concept, currently on ice with only six of a planned 20 hotels off the starting blocks. (A7F: 311)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications The first Unix Reseller Show & Conference, set for May 4-6, 1993 adverbial modification, 1 - 4 in Dallas, is apparently coming out of the blocks stronger than intensification of literal- anticipated. (CTT:296). scene Bearing in mind that Mr Steel probably on his own admission has adverbial modification, 1 - 4 said he's been a bit late out of the starting blocks in order to make qualification of literal- his bid for a review of the allocations, er I mean how do you feel in scene response to that? (JAD:735). Video games are increasingly the starting blocks to full computer postmodification by PP in 2 literacy. (CD6: 794). accordance with the AIMS OF DEVELOPMENT ARE DESTINATIONS-metaphor: → Video games are the first stage to full computer literacy Lexical substitutions The first Unix Reseller Show & Conference, set for May 4-6, 1993 verb substitution, 1 - 4 in Dallas, is apparently coming out of the blocks stronger than alternative description of anticipated. (CTT: 296). literal-scene: → is starting stronger than anticipated Bearing in mind that Mr Steel probably on his own admission has verb substitution, 1 - 4 said he's been a bit late out of the starting blocks in order to make alternative description of his bid for a review of the allocations, er I mean how do you feel in literal-scene: → he has Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
response to that? (JAD:735). started a bit late It is a long time since any potential national leader in Britain leapt verb substitution, 1 - 4 up from the starting-blocks in quite such a dramatic way. (A5K: elaborated description of 298). literal-scene: → has started in such a dramatic way
b. STRUGGLE-FOR-LIFE-models
7. IDIOM: put your head/neck on the block ‘risk your reputation (success) by taking particular course of action’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LIFE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation DIE ---> FAIL BEING BEHEADED ---> FAIL PUT ONE’S HEAD ON THE BLOCK ---> RISK FAILURE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘It is not in your nature to put your head on the block; so much I do know. (ANL: 2315).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications Right then, off you go then, it's my head that's on the chopping cleft-construction to focus 1 block so you pull your socks up eh. (K74: 574). on the affected agent: → It is my reputation that is about to be lost / I am about to fail Lexical substitutions Ogwen apprenticeships had their uses, and maybe one of them was perspectival verb 1 to bestow a wider vocabulary.Saying this lays my head on the substitution to create block, because the modern climber is much better at small hold causative construal: → pulling and on jamming cracks, thrutchy chimneys and greasy saying this causes I might grooves, than I am. (CG2: 533). risk my reputation Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
‘All right, so it's my head on the block,’ Manville conceded. (CDA: perspectival verb 1 2803). substitution to create static construal of literal scene: → I am about to lose my reputation Ferguson's head would be even more surely on the block than if perspectival verb 1 United continue their barren spell without him spending £5 million. substitution to create (CEP: 4639). static construal of literal scene: → Ferguson would fail even more surely BELFAST'S poll-topping Tory Jim McCormick jumped to the intensification of literal- 1 defence of Sunday Life last week after we revealed that scene by noun Conservative party bigwigs were urged to boycott Ulster. He stuck substitution: his neck on the block, BEFORE the election, to stand over the story → he risked his that senior Ulster Tories dismissed. (HJ4: 4530). reputation
8. IDIOM: shoot yourself in the foot ‘do/ say something stupid which causes problems and harms your chances of success’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, metonymic motivation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> PROGRESS 2) MEANS/VEHICLE ---> BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT motivation FOOT ---> BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT SHOOT ONESELF IN THE FOOT ---> STUPIDLY DESTROY BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 3) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY metonymic motivation FOOT ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO PROGRESS
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM It was bad enough having to admit that the APT train project was a dead duck, but BR shot itself in the foot and provided the cynical national media with a field day by selling off some of the vehicles to a Sheffield scrapyard. (A11:276).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
9. IDIOM: dig one’s own grave ‘risk your reputation (success) by taking particular course of action’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LIFE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation DIE ---> FAIL DIG ONE’S OWN GRAVE ---> CAUSE OWN FAILURE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In the postwar years, the trade unions spent many years digging their own grave, before, notoriously, they disgusted public opinion by refusing to dig real graves in the 1979 public sector strikes.
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
c. LIFE-models
10. IDIOM: put down roots ‘become firmly established in a situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LIFE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation GROWTH ---> PROGRESS 2) PLANT ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation/latent ROOTS ---> BASIS FOR PLANT’S GROWTH isomorphism PUT DOWN ROOTS ---> BECOME ESTABLISHED
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I was going to put down roots, achieve something, give meaning to my existence. (FAT: 2375).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners But most LNU members remained hostile to rearmament, while literal-scene modifying 1, 2 Churchill was distrusted in all parts of the political spectrum.The use of indefinite closed- new campaign put down few roots. (CE7: 1236). class quantifier few to create antonym: → the new campaign became hardly established It's home, and the film centre and restaurant are his rather grand use of indefinite 1, 2 way of putting down some roots. (ACN: 1320). determiner some to create an understatement: → his grand way of becoming firmly established Modifications The approval services have put down particularly deep roots. (B07: literal-scene elaborating 1, 2 1708). premodification by intensified adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → the approval services became particularly well- established They might be given no time to put down territorial roots. (HPT: topic-indicating internal 2 715). premodification by adjective of range: → they might be given no time to establish a territorial basis An MEP has made the point that the Parliament has simply not put literal-scene qualifying 1, 2 down enough roots for it to be realistic to expect it to increase its premodification by powers. (AMK: 589). adjective of extent to weaken idiomatic meaning: → the Parliament has simply not become well-established
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
11. IDIOM: nip sth. in the bud ‘stop sth. (e.g. a bad situation) before it can become worse’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) LIFE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation GROWTH ---> PROGRESS DIE ---> FAIL 2) FLOWER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation/isomorphism NIP THE (FLOWER) IN THE BUD ---> STOP PROGRESS Metonymic 3) CAUSE FOR EFFECT motivation NIP THE FLOWER FOR STOPPING ITS GROWTH (metaphtonymyic)
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In proposing a ban on strikes, the Soviet leadership therefore wished to nip the incipient labour movement in the bud. (A2J: 37)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications The DTI often receives criticism of these, yet little by way of praise intensification of literal- 1 - 3 when it nips a fraudulent trading operation firmly in the bud. (CBV: scene and idiomatic 3929). meaning by adverbial modification: → it stops a fraudulent trading operations decidedly Passivisation Another experiment which, like the 45-minute clock, was nipped in passivisation: → another 2 the bud by the authorities, was the numbering of players. (B0L: experiment was stopped 1066).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
d. PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOVEMENT IS SPACE
12. IDIOM: V (+NP) on the rails ‘work/act/develop correctly/successfully’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, normally non-isomorphic due to metaphtonymic motivation, latently isomorphic due to 3) below
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation RAILWAY JOURNEY ---> ACTIVITY/DEVELOPMENT 2) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF DEVELOPMENT motivation BE ON THE RAILS ---> BE IN STATE OF DEVELOPMENT/PROGRESS 3) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT latent isomorphism RAILS ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT 4) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT motivation RAILS ---> STABLE BASIS OF DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 5) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM MICHAEL THOMAS will be handed the chance to set his Liverpool career back on the rails this weekend. (CBG: 4198) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications ‘You could say that–‘ he began cautiously, and after that Kate topic-indicating 3 ensured the conversation stayed firmly on business rails until they premodification by arrived at the hotel which the team used when testing in the south appositive noun: of France. (HGM:174). Lexical substitutions What I mean is, he'd a right to a bit of visiting when he was dying’ perspectival verb 1 - 5 Spruce put the conversation back on the rails. (HA2: 3365). substitution: → Spruce made the conversation become successful again Last night, Mr Robinson said Mr Brooke's speech had gone some perspectival verb 1 - 5 way to getting dialogue ‘back on the rails.’ (A8X: 342) substitution: → some way of making dialogue successful again MICHAEL THOMAS will be handed the chance to set his perspectival verb 1 – 5 Liverpool career back on the rails this weekend. (CBG: 4198) substitution: to make his career become successful again Alderson is revealingly described: ‘poor old John Alderson [has] creation of antonym, 4 gone careering off the rails, [and is] now shacked up with the liberal perspectival variant by party - an intellectual liberal reformer with radical ideas [whose] verb substitution: → has philosophical mumbo jumbo, often incomprehensible, and not very gone careering in an Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
original, did nothing to impress’. (A0K:441). insecure context There are voices you turn to as a friend, and you don't just turn your creation of antonym, 1 - 5 back on your friends if they go off the rails. (AB3: 16). perspectival variant by verb substitution: → if they fail
13. IDIOM: hit the buffers ‘sth. experiences difficulties which cause it to fail ’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation TRAIN JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS STAGNATION ---> FAILURE 2) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation 3) OBSTACLE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY BUFFERS = ENDPOINT OF RAILWAY TRACKS ---> ENDPOINT OF PROGRESS / PROBLEM Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation HIT THE BUFFERS ---> STOP MOVING ---> FAIL metonymic shift
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM But when it came to dealing with Railfreight, he said, his ideas hit the buffers. (K4S:321).
Hopefully what Wigan will be interested in is my speed. ‘Croft crumblesANNABEL CROFT'S comeback trail hit the buffers yesterday when she lost 6-4, 7-5 to 11th seed Sarah Bentley in the Volkswagen National Tennis Championships at Telford. (CEP:893). VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
14. IDIOM: hit the wall ‘reach a point where one cannot progress any more’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, isomorphism blocked due to 4), latent isomorphism of wall = problem
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS STAGNATION ---> FAILURE 2) MOVER ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation 3) OBSTACLE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY motivation WALL ---> PROBLEM / DIFFICULTY / OPPONENT latent isomorphism Metonymic 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation HIT THE WALL ---> STOP MOVING ---> NOT PROGRESS / FAIL metonymic shift
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Meanwhile, Hunter Systems Inc, Palo Alto, California, a company with technology very similar to WABI, has hit the wall. (CMW:19).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners ‘I felt I'd hit that wall with my playing,’ he explains, ‘and searched anaphoric use of 3 all over Britain to try and find somewhere that could help, but there demonstrative: → faced were no schools or colleges operating such courses. (C9N:1520). that problem Modifications When she went to her bank for advice, they demanded a forecast of topic-related 3 earnings.Melanie hit the wall so familiar to British youth: not postmodification by successful enough to manage, but too successful for help. restrictive relative clause: (ACP:1209). → Melanie faced the problem that is so familiar to British youth Lexical substitutions Some crops have very long straw and even with modern machines literal-scene 3 it's a bit like hitting a brick wall.’ (ACR:1258). intensification by noun premodification
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
15. IDIOM: set the wheels in motion ‘start an activity, plan, etc.’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism of wheels = makes metonymic reference to developing configuration
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) MOVER ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION motivation VEHICLE ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION Metonymic 3) PART ---> WHOLE metonymic shift WHEELS ---> VEHICLE latent isomorphism in 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT combination with 2) SET THE WHEELS IN MOTION ---> START
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Letters were written; faxes were sent; phones rang hot as Dave set the wheels in motion on the mission to rescue Des. (A17: 155).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications ‘Thank you, but it was Rob's idea. I merely set a few wheels in premodification by 2, 3 motion.’ (HA7: 2544). indefinite closed- class quantifier a few: → I merely started some things If you've been thinking of making domestic changes or topic-indicating 2, 3 improvements, but lacked the money or momentum to set the postmodification by wheels of change in motion use today to make a start. (HJ3:5838). partitive of-complement in accordance with the DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION IS A VEHICLE-metaphor; elaboration of the WHEELS FOR VEHICLE-metonymy: the target ‘vehicle’ is specified blended into the literal-scene: to start change Lexical substitutions Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Some people plan their holidays around it,’ she said. ‘The wheels perspectival verb 1 - 4 are in motion, but probably a little bit slower.’ (E9R: 34). substitution: set (in motion) ⇒ be (in motion); elaboration of literal-scene Employees can transfer from one part of the organisation to another synonymous verb 1 - 4 for career development.The wheels are put in motion to enable substitution: set (in employees to progress, realising all the time that the keys to success motion) ⇒ be (in are individual characteristics, determination and commitment to motion) achieve in an exciting and dynamic environment. (HX3:321). Passivisation ‘Look, Mark,’ Muldoon said forlornly ‘What's the point? The passivisation, defocused 2, 3 wheels have already been set in motion. (AC2: 1481). agent: → things have already been started There was no desperate urgency, I said, but wheels should be put in passivisation, defocused 2, 3 motion. (CES: 799). agent: → but things/processes should be started Employees can transfer from one part of the organisation to another passivisation, defocused 2, 3 for career development.The wheels are put in motion to enable agents: → adaptations employees to progress, realising all the time that the keys to success have been started to are individual characteristics, determination and commitment to enable achieve in an exciting and dynamic environment. (HX3:321).
16. IDIOM: oil/grease the wheels ‘support the development of sth.’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism of wheels, which makes metonymic reference to a developing configuration UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) MOVER ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION motivation VEHICLE ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION Metonymic 3) PART ---> WHOLE motivation (metaphtonymic) WHEELS ---> VEHICLE latent isomorphism in 4) CAUSE ---> EFFECT combination with 2) GREASE THE WHEELS ---> SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM So the aeroplanes were sold, as he puts it ‘to keep the piece. ‘Ten years on and comparatively carefree flying oiled the wheels considerably. (CLV: 247).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Deteriminer ‘Eleven o'clock is tot time; time for spirit that oils wheels and use of indefinite zero 2, 3 greases palms and sometimes even settles debts. (CEH: 3177). article to create generic interpretation:→ supports, accelerates things Modifications ‘Lamberhurst, Kent - one of the vineyards which offers sparkling topic-indicating 2, 3 wine produced by Méthode ChampenoiseFRYERSFried and postmodification by testedManufacturers have been oiling the wheels of technology to partitive of-complement make fryers slicker with the help of computerisation. (A7F: 1259). in accordance with the DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION IS A VEHICLE-metaphor; elaboration of the WHEELS FOR VEHICLE-metonymy: the target ‘vehicle’ is specified blended into the literal-scene: → have been supporting technology These commodities are arguably the primitive valuables of early topic-indicating 2, 3 Anglo-Saxon society, used to oil the wheels of social and political postmodification by activities (Huggett 1982 and forthcoming). (CFK: 537). partitive of-complement in accordance with the DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION IS A VEHICLE-metaphor; elaboration of the WHEELS FOR VEHICLE-metonymy: the target ‘vehicle’ is specified blended into the literal-scene: → used to support social and political activities Lexical substitutions If spending levels did not escalate at this season then many perspectival verb 1 - 4 businesses would go under.Christmas cash keeps the wheels of the substitutions, aspect economy oiled. (B1J: 1455). modification of literal scene; topic-indicating postmodification by partitive of-complement: → keeps the economy in development The Financial Times identified the government's desire to oil the topic-indicating noun 2, 3 progress of the electricity privatisation by reducing investment in substitution; topic is pollution control. (AM4: 1300). blended into literal-scene: → the government’s desire to support the progress of the electricity
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
17. IDIOM: the wheels are turning ‘a situation or process is continuing to progress or develop’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism of wheels, which makes metonymic reference to a developing configuration UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) MOVER ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION motivation VEHICLE ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION THE WHEELS ARE TURNING ---> THE CONFIGURATION IS DEVELOPING/PROGRESSING Metonymic 3) PART ---> WHOLE metonymic shift WHEELS ---> VEHICLE latent isomorphism in combination with 2)
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Yes, fine.Just a headache.’ The wheels were turning now. (GUD:582)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners I guess he taught me the right way, because after a couple of years, use of indefinite 2, 3 when I heard something, I knew what it was before any intellectual determiner any: → before wheels were turning in my head. (C9K:124). any intellectual processes started in my head Modifications He saw a Population Apocalypse approaching and now he claims topic-indicating 2, 3 the wheels of disaster are beginning to turn in Britain. (BMD: 341). postmodification by partitive of-complement: → distaster is beginning to start I guess he taught me the right way, because after a couple of years, topic-indicating internal 2, 3 when I heard something, I knew what it was before any intellectual premodification by wheels were turning in my head. (C9K: 124). adjective of aspect: → before any intellectual processes started The American had used Father to set the financial wheels turning topic-indicating internal 2, 3 for the takeover; employed him, you might say; and he'd suggested premodification by the inside trade and how it might be made.’ (FS8: 453). adjective of aspect: → start the financial processes Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
By Mark Tran in WashingtonTHE wheels of justice began turning topic-indicating 2, 3 yesterday for the former Bolivian Interior Minister, Mr Luis Arce postmodification by Gomez, when he appeared before a Miami magistrate following his partitive of-complement: arrest and deportation from Bolivia. (A9V:3). → justice became active Lexical substitutions ‘That's not to say when you're gardening or on holiday that the perspectival verb 1 - 3 wheels stop turning and you don't have any ideas.’ (A6L: 1424). substitution to create quasi-antonym: → that things stop The American had used Father to set the financial wheels turning perspectival verb 1 - 3 for the takeover; employed him, you might say; and he'd suggested substitution: → start the the inside trade and how it might be made.’ (FS8: 453). financial processes They delivered a letter to the Chancellor today setting out what they perspectival verb 1 - 3 think need to get their wheels turning again. (K1D: 259). substitution: → they need to start again Life was relatively simple when all a politician had to do was perspectival verb 1 - 3 generate a bit more economic growth and hope that enough of it substitution: → keep would ‘trickle down’ to keep the wheels turning both nationally and things progressing internationally. (EFF: 1537). He saw a Population Apocalypse approaching and now he claims perspectival verb 1 - 3 the wheels of disaster are beginning to turn in Britain. (BMD: 341). substitution: → disaster is starting in Britain
18. IDIOM: sail close to the wind ‘take risk by doing something which may get you into trouble, come very close to breaking a law’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated by conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism: wind = problem, difficulty
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS SAIL ---> ACT/PROGRESS 2) DESTRUCTIVE COUNTERFORCE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY motivation FAVOURABLE FORCE/ENERGY ---> ADVANTAGE WIND (TOO STRONG) ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY, AVERSE latent isomorphism POWER/NEGATIVE INFLUENCE WIND (JUST RIGHT) ---> ADVANTAGE SAIL CLOSE TO THE WIND ---> BEHAVE RISKILY motivation Metonymic 3) PHYSICAL PROXIMITY ---> IMMEDIACY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
He left a fair old mess behind him, by the way, when he disappeared.He'd been sailing close to the wind for years and everything was just about to blow up in his face.’ (BMW:87).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications Many people in the territories felt that Arafat was sailing too close intensification of literal- 1 - 3 to the wind and were relieved by the collapse of his accord with scene by qualification of King Husayn. (APD:1048). adjective: → Arafat was risking too much After a few moments he returned. ‘You have been sailing very close intensification of literal- 1 - 3 to the wind, miss,’ he said as Dai returned to the room. scene by qualification of (CKD(1439)). adjective: → you have risked very much
It is interesting to see how close to the wind they sailed; the results topicalization of adverbial 1 - 3 have lessons for collectors today. (B2Y:469). to highlight immediacy of trespassing: → it is interesting to see how much that they risked The fact that his team is full of professionals has not worried the topicalization of adverbial 1 - 3 Internal Revenue Service, though there is some sensitivity about to highlight immediacy of just how close to the wind the foundation sails. (AL3:992). trespassing: → how much that they risked Lexical substitutions Certainly it was the case that the new religious enthusiasm that was topic-indicating lexical 2 replacing the dying Puritanism assured the individual of his substitution: → did intrinsic worth, and assured him also that he was loved and pietism act in accordance cherished by God. But did pietism, I wonder, sail too close to the with the spirit of the spirit of the Enlightenment? (CCE:988). Enlightenment They went to the pub with Air Marshal's ranking chalked on their topic-indicating lexical 2 uniforms, windows were smashed to prove that broken glass need substitution: → he risked not draw blood, there were tremendous fights, he lived at the local being punished by the law hall, there was game, there were bounties we never saw in London - during that period he sailed very very close to the law during that period.’ (CL2:1288). Where Annie had got an average degree, taught English ‘O’ Level, topic-indicating lexical 2 married Mike and had Sally and Alex, settling in London, Sheila substitution: → Sheila had sailed close to the fringes of student politics in the late 1960s, had risked a lot and been arrested for demonstrations against the American presence in sympathized with the Vietnam in the war which ended in the early 1970s, squatted with fringes of student politics the squatters, and done a variety of part-time nomadic jobs. (BP8:1700).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
19. IDIOM: in at the deep end ‘start an activity by doing the most difficult part before having tried the easier parts’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated by conceptual and image-schematic correspondences, latent isomorphism: deep end = difficult part of activity UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation SWIMMING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) WATER ---> INSTABLE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT implied motivation 3) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD SWIMMING ON THE SURFACE ---> PERFORMING WELL implied motivation DROWNING ---> FAIL DEEP END (OF POOL) ---> MOST DIFFICULT PART OF ACTIVITY motivation TO PERFORM WELL latent isomorphism 4) CONTAINER ---> STATE/SITUATION ENTERING THE CONTAINER ---> GETTING INVOLVED IN AN ACTIVITY GOING INTO THE WATER/POOL = START SWIMMING ---> motivation START ACTIVITY IN AT THE DEEP END ---> START ACTIVITY AT IS MOST DIFFICULT PART
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM THE AGRICULTURAL Research Council is about to dive in at the deep end of commercial research by launching the Agricultural Genetics Company. (B7J: 251).
You must think I'm an inconsiderate devil if you're expecting to be thrown in at the deep end to struggle as best you can. (HHB: 943).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications Without plunging into the moral and intellectual ‘deep end’ of the topic-indicating internal 3 arguments about retribution, I suspect there is a relationship of premodification by cause and effect between the state of opinion and the incidence of adjectives of aspect; crime, and further, that the state of opinion and the penalties of the topic-indicating law are interrelated - at least to this extent, that, other things being postmodification by the same, milder penalties generally imply less reprobation. appositive of- (A69:683). complement: → starting with the morally and intellectually most difficult arguments about retribution Lexical substitutions Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Finniston admits that being plunged into the deep end of alternative description of 1 - 4 commercial decisions he inevitably made mistakes in the early literal-scene stages, although he is not prepared to take the blame entirely. (A6L:832). Mrs Shephard, 52, a former inspector of schools and senior alternative description of 1 - 4 education officer, has always joked that nothing could have literal- scene prepared her more for being thrown into the deep end than leaving Cromer, where her father was a cattle dealer, for St Hilda's College, Oxford, where she read modern languages. (AK9:316). THE AGRICULTURAL Research Council is about to dive in at the alternative description of 1 - 4 deep end of commercial research by launching the Agricultural literal-scene Genetics Company. (B7J:251).
20. IDIOM: dip a toe in the water ‘start slowly and carefully doing something, because you do not know if it will be successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated by conceptual and image-schematic correspondences, latent isomorphism: water = (context of) activity
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation SWIMMING ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) WATER ---> INSTABLE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT implied motivation 3) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD SWIMMING ON THE SURFACE ---> PERFORMING WELL implied motivation DROWNING ---> FAIL 4) CONTAINER ---> STATE/SITUATION motivation ENTERING THE CONTAINER ---> GETTING INVOLVED IN AN ACTIVITY GOING INTO THE WATER/POOL = START SWIMMING ---> motivation START ACTIVITY DIP A TOE IN THE WATER ---> START AN ACTIVITY/DEAL WITH AN ISSUE SLOWLY, CAREFULLY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The first thing to do, if you are embarking on helping an elderly parent who lives alone, is to make sure that she (or he) knows that you have a genuine desire to assist her in every way possible; and then respect her right to make either a positive or negative response to your overtures. It is always best to dip a toe in the water first, rather than plunging in with a programme of hopefully helpful ideas for the improvement of her life and comfort. (BNK: 988).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number Nelson is flagging appropriate titles in its catalogue as ‘self-access’, pluralisation of toe slight 1 - 4 there are one or two new publishing names dipping toes in the adaption of the literal- swirling waters of EFL, and during the close season there have scene; pluralisation of been some author-transfers, including David Vale from CUP to water to trigger ‘poetic’ Heinemann and Alan Maley to Penguin. (F9J: 712). intensification of literal- scene swirling waters; topic-indicating postmodification by partitive of-complement: → two new publishing names carefully starting to deal with the field of EFL Modifications Once again, I remind the Minister of the problems into which the topic-indicating 4 Government ran when they first tried to dip their toes in the water postmodification by of ferry privatisation with the Gourock-Dunoon service. (G3H: appositive of- 955). complement: → start dealing with ferry privatisation SUNDERLAND have become the first dog track to dip a tentative external premodification 4 toe into the contentious Sunday racing pool. (CH7: 2114). by adverbial adjective: dip the toe in tentatively; start carefully and tentatively. topic-indicating internal premodification by nominal: → start tentatively to deal with the contentious event of Sunday racing And Liberal leader Paddy Ashdown's popularity actually increased literal-level 1 - 4 after the revelation that he'd dipped more than just a toe into the premodification of toe by typing pool. (CAT: 691). qualifier = elaboration of literal-scene: → he did more than starting slowly; appositive premodification by nominalized present participle: → he did more than attempting to start typing Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Nelson is flagging appropriate titles in its catalogue as ‘self-access’, elaboration of literal- 1 - 4 there are one or two new publishing names dipping toes in the scene by adjectival swirling waters of EFL, and during the close season there have been premodification, swirling some author-transfers, including David Vale from CUP to waters = dangerous Heinemann and Alan Maley to Penguin. (F9J: 712). business; topic-indicating postmodification by appositive of- complement: → start dealing with the problematic business of EFL Moggach is very conscious of the fact that she ‘dipped her toe in’ clipping, reduction of 1 - 4 and then retreated. (BNK: 988). literal scene: → she merely tried and then retreated Just when we thought it was safe to dip a toe into the poll tax water, topic-indicating 1 - 4 we are faced with a poll tax mark II. (HHW: 5161). premodification by appositive noun: → start dealing with the poll tax Lexical substitutions The Beaverton, Oregon-based company has been working over the topic-indicating noun- 4 last few months to staff up a new business unit to concentrate on substitution: → started to low-end multi-processors, an area it feels offers great deal with the PC LAN potential.Sequent has already dipped its toe into the PC LAN database database and application server space with its parallel implementation of Novell Inc's Portable NetWare (UX No 356, 378), something it says is ‘very complimentary’ to the new effort. (CTL: 294). The charter says quality standards must be explicit and measurable synonymous noun 1 - 4 and ‘not set in such a way as to make black voluntary organisations substitution, water unable to tender for contracts’. But dipping a toe into the ⇒ pond, slight contracting pond can be problematic. (K96: 583). modification of literal- scene; topic-indicating appositive premodification by nominal: → start to deal with contracting SUNDERLAND have become the first dog track to dip a tentative synonymous noun 1 - 4 toe into the contentious Sunday racing pool. (CH7: 2114). substitution, water ⇒ pool, slight modification of literal- scene; topic-indicating appositive premodification by noun: → start to deal with contentious Sunday racing This is the entrance to Turbo Ted's Nursery.British Rail is dipping topic-indicating noun- 4 its toes into child care. (K1S: 2813). substitution: → started to deal with child care
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
21. IDIOM: tread water ‘stagnate’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS SWIMMING ---> ACTIVITY motivation TREADING WATER ---> STAGNATION 2) PATH ---> BASIS/CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT motivation QUALITY OF PATH ---> QUALITY OF BASIS/CONTEXT 3) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE motivation DEVELOPMENT WATER ---> INSTABLE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT 4) WATER ---> INSTABILITY/INSECURITY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In these times well financed companies can afford to tread water and pick off suitable acquisitions without pressure. (AHJ:609) VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
22. IDIOM: start/get off on the wrong foot ‘start badly’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphtonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS START TO WALK ---> START TO ACT / DEVELOP 2) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 3) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY motivation FOOT ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO ACT / PROGRESS 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation PHYSICAL COORDINATION ---> STABILITY Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
START ON THE WRONG FOOT ---> NOT START ON STABLE BASIS metonymic motivation = START BADLY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Why start on the wrong foot as collaborators in unpopular and spatchcock loans? (A8G.66).
PS Sorry you got off on the wrong foot with the new commander. (ACK:417). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Lexical substitutions Especially when you're starting off on the right foot like you and substitution by 1 - 4 Marilyn. (A73: 20). antonymous adjective to create antonym: → when you’re starting well
23. IDIOM: take something in your stride ‘deal with a problem/difficult situation calmly, successfully’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphtonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS STRIDE ---> ‘STEP’ OF PROGRESS 2) COORDINATED, RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT ---> SOLID BASIS FOR motivation ACTIVITY IN YOUR STRIDE ---> IN YOUR WORKING ‘RHYTHM’, RHYTHM OF PROGRESS 3) OBJECT ---> PROBLEM motivation TAKE OBJECT ---> DEAL WITH PROBLEM TAKE STH. IN YOUR STRIDE ---> DEAL WITH PROBLEM WITHOUT motivation CHANGING ONE’S WAY OF ACTING / BEHAVIOUR Metonymic 4) PART --> WHOLE STRIDE ---> (ELEMENT OF) WALKING RHYTHM GET INTO YOUR STRIDE ---> GET INTO YOUR WALKING RHYTHM metonymic motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Most of the time we are able to take such perversity in our stride. (AKE:1251). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications Theo was swift to point this out, at the same time rebuking Vincent literal-scene elaborating 2, 4 for his bullying and insensitivity, hurting an old man who was in no internal premodification condition to hit back.Vincent took this in his masochistic stride. by adjective of quality in (CBN:2374). accordance with the metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 4): → dealt with this in his masochistic way of acting Colonel Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Spitting Image... he takes them literal-scene elaborating 2, 4 all unflappably in his loping, courteous stride. (CH5:4140). internal premodification by adjective of quality in accordance with the metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 4): → he deals with them all in his very secure, fast, and well- mannered way of acting in his well-mannered way of acting Meester Northcliffe,’ he trilled - and it was a measure of my literal-scene elaborating 2, 4 disorientation that I took this further name-change in my faltering internal premodification stride. (FR3:410). by adjective of quality in accordance with the metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 4): → I dealt with this in my increasingly insecure way of acting Sensibly the 18-year-old Glengormley rider has taken it all in his literal-scene elaborating 2, 4 youthful stride and will contest the final round in Italy. internal premodification (K2D(2442)). by adjective of quality in accordance with the metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 4): → in his youthful way of acting
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
24. IDIOM: hit/get into your stride ‘start to do something easily and confidently’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphtonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS 2) COORDINATED, RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT ---> SOLID BASIS FOR motivation ACTIVITY motivation GET INTO YOUR STRIDE ---> GET INTO YOUR ‘RHYTHM’ OF ACTING, WORKING motivation Metonymic 3) PART --> WHOLE STRIDE ---> (ELEMENT OF) WALKING RHYTHM GET INTO YOUR STRIDE ---> GET INTO YOUR WALKING RHYTHM metonymic motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Unequivocal though that statement was, it was not until the1979 Conservative Government got into its stride that this tenet was raised from aspirational status to a specific directive that InterCity must operate as a self-financing business. (A11:501). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number On Skye, Johnson hit his anthropologist's and historian's strides. pluralisation: → Johnson 2 (G1Y:1065). acted according to his anthropologist’s and historian’s way of working Modifications And though, once she hit her formidable histrionic stride, it was literal-scene elaborating 2,3 possible to feel that a little of Bette Davis went a long way, her internal premodification excesses were surely preferable to the homogenised blandness of by adjective of quality in those mass-produced Hollywood sirens of whom a lot went a very accordance with the little way indeed. (A3V: 38). metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 3): →she got into her formidable histrionic working rhythm, but also show her formidable histrionic stride Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Best and Fairest: Fijian hat-trick hero Mesake Rasari getting into literal-scene elaborating 2,3 his immense stride against Japan in their Pool A clash. (CKA: 377). internal premodification by adjective of quality in accordance with the metaphtonymic motivation of the idiom (2, 3): → showed his great ability On this occasion, fate in the form of Boz Buckland stepped in literal-scene elaborating 2,3 before Vulcan had got into full stride. (HHC:1578). internal premodification by adjective of extent: → before he showed his full ability The US general electronics giant, General Electric, was internal figurative level 2 increasingly aggressive in pursuit of European sales.AT&T also at premodification, reads: last hit its post divestiture stride in the US domestic market; and in found its post divestiture 1989 AT&T had its first major success in Europe - being chosen to working rhythm be the main foreign partner (with Italtel) in modernizing the Italian telephone system. (EF6: 888). Lexical substitutions Only in the third game did she give free rein to her flair and perspectival verb 1,2,3 Jackman was thrown off her stride by the abrupt increase in pace. substitution to create (AK6: 248). creation antonym: → Jackman was irritated For example will you be ready to give a 30 second summary of perspectival verb 1,2,3 what you are doing, or will the effort completely put you off your substitution to create stride? (AYJ: 2733). creation antonym: → will the effort irritate you completely ‘I admit I've had to cut back a little just recently, but I'm hoping to perspectival verb 1,2,3 get back into my stride really soon.’ (JXS: 1159). substitution: → become able to work efficiently again
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
25. IDIOM: find your feet ‘become established in a new situation/activity’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, metaphtonymic motivation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> PROGRESS 2) MEANS/VEHICLE ---> BASIS FOR / HELP IN DEVELOPMENT motivation 3) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation 5) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY motivation FEET ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO PROGRESS FIND FEET ---> FIND A STABLE BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT = GET ACCUSTOMED TO NEW SITUATION
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In just a couple of days you'll find your feet and get that special feeling that you belong in your Club. (AMW:714). I expect it's hard for them to find their feet on these shifting sands.’ (ABW:2359). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications It was there for all to see - became less of a corporate business, premodification by 1 - 5 more an overlord for the sectors who were expected to find their postdeitic restrictive own feet with or without government subsidy. (A11:314). adjective, potentially motivated by the quasi- synonymous idiom: stand on their own feet: → get accustomed to the situation to be able to act on their own Hardly had they found their land legs when crew members were topic-indicating external 1 - 5 celebrating again at a reception at the Royal Southampton Yacht premodification by noun: Club. (K9D:808). → get accustomed to the land After your early VR forays, you will want to expand as you find topic-indicating external 1 - 5 your VR feet. (G32:874). premodification by acronym: → get accustomed to VR Lexical substitutions I got up feeling bilious and with a burning headache, wobbling synonymous substitution 4, 5 from the previous day's struggle, as if I were finding my legs after a by meronym, motivated long illness. (AT3:2235). by metonymic basis of the idiom Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The dividend was pegged at 6.1p, but the shares added 6p to synonymous substitution 4, 5 216p.The Tadpole finds its legs (CBD:782). by meronym, motivated by metonymic basis of the idiom
26. IDIOM: keep your feet on the ground ‘act reasonably, sensibly although one has become successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, metaphtonymic motivation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS 2) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT motivation GROUND ---> STABLE BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AIR ---> INSTABLE/UNCERTAIN BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 3) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY motivation FOOT ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO ACT / PROGRESS 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY HAVE FEET ON GROUND ---> BE IN STABLE POSITION motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM To maintain the upward momentum, Parke must keep his ambitions high, yet keep his feet on the ground. (A4P:447). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications She's a young girl who really has her feet planted on the ground and intensification of literal- 3, 4 I don't believe she has let herself be carried away by her success. scene by insertion of past (ADR:279). participle planted: → she acts very reasonably For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly placed on the ground, intensification of literal- 3, 4 Mar Estang also has a small weight training centre, as well as three scene by insertion of past tennis courts. (AM0:511). participle firmly placed: → who prefer to remain very reasonable The towering Dungiven club player has his feet firmly planted on intensification of literal- 3, 4 the ground and eschews the quest for personal glory in deference to scene by insertion of past being a ‘team man’, whether that be for club or county. (K32:1429). participle firmly planted: → the player acts very reasonably Lexical substitutions Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
And - despite the cosmopolitan sheen of the music - precisely perspectival verb 1 - 4 because their feet are still firmly on the ground. (AB3: 1600). substitution: → they are still very reasonable
27. IDIOM: not put a foot wrong ‘not make any mistakes’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, metonymic motivation
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS 2) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT Metonymic 3) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY motivation FOOT ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO ACT / PROGRESS 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation PHYSICAL COORDINATION ---> STABILITY NOT PUT A FOOT WRONG ---> PROGRESS ON STABLE BASIS metonymic motivation = NOT MAKE A MISTAKE
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The Seagram Grand National looks to be an ideal race for Royal Cedar, who jumps economically without being spectacular and never put a foot wrong here. (A9H: 467). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Determiners All the same he watched them like a cold-eyed hawk, and Maggie intensification by 1 - 4 knew they must not put one foot wrong, favour or not. determiner substitution, (HGK:1297). one for a: → they must not make a single mistake Lexical substitutions United's manager, Alex Ferguson, must despair.He cannot put a adjective substitution to 1 - 4 foot right. (A9R: 378). create antonym: → he always makes mistakes Passivisation They all appeared to be appropriately and spontaneously phrased. passivisation, defocused 1 - 4 No foot was put wrong. (EFN: 2091). agent: → no mistake was made
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
28. IDIOM: drag one’s feet/heels ‘act very slowly because of a lack of interest’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metonymic and metaphorical motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS DRAG FEET/HEELS ---> ACT SLOWLY, NOT AS FAST AS POSSIBLE Metonymic 2) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY metonymic motivation FOOT/HEEL ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO ACT OR PROGRESS
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Partly, I wasn't doing the work because I thought my tutor had decided I was a poof but, more importantly, I was dragging my feet because I wasn't keen on the work itself. (A6E:830). One body which is not dragging its heels is the CBI, which wants space for an industrial design and enterprise centre - an idea backed by Westminster Council and the City Corporation. (AHG(1198)). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications [...] - a rhetorical presentation that pictures the United Kingdom as external premodification 1 - 2 dragging its reluctant feet well in the rear of a party marching by adverbial adjecive: → briskly along the path towards a bright new future entrusted not act slowly and reluctantly wholly but largely to trade unions. (EF4:887).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
29. IDIOM: put your best foot forward ‘work hard to make sure it is a success’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS Metonymic 2) BODYPART ---> PHYSICAL ABILITY ---> ABSTRACT ABILITY motivation FOOT ---> ABILITY TO WALK ---> ABILITY TO ACT / PROGRESS BEST FOOT ---> BEST ABILITY TO ACT / PROGRESS partial metonymic PUT BEST FOOT FORWARD ---> DO ONE’S VERY BEST motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM I'm absolutely sure you could make it if you put your best foot forward next year. (APU:804).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Number The long run...PUTTING their best feet forward are the marathon pluralization due to 2 men and women from Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society. semantic agreement, word (K3X:563). play (literalization)
30. IDIOM: go round/around in circles ‘stagnate/not progress with sth.’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY CIRCULAR MOVEMENT ---> STAGNATION / LOSS OF ENERGY motivation 2) (DIRECTION OF) PATH ---> DIRECTION OF DEVELOPMENT motivation CIRCLE ---> CIRCULAR DEVELOPMENT
USAGE Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM He's learning to row a coracle but he keeps going round in circles, it must be tiresome for him when he's used to going in straight lines. (ACK:187).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number The thinking of politicians for whom education is only important if singularisation due to 1, 2 it helps boost the national economy, and this is important because it formal blend with idiom a helps people enjoy what they want, and this is important because it vicious circle: → it encourages consumption and thus industry, either goes round in a stagnates in a very vicious circle or takes off on an interminable regress. (CS2: 583). difficult situation Modifications It would be like taking London’s M25 or Washington’s beltway, in intensification through 1, 2 the hope of getting somewhere; all you would do is go round and repetition of adverb: → round in circles. (ADK: 23). all you do is continuing to stagnate Its head bowed, its wings half open and useless, it was very, very external premodification 1, 2 wearily steering itself round and round in hopeless circles. (CHE: by adjective of quality: it 109). is in a hopeless state of stagnation But where to go?We debated hopelessly, going round in ever literal-scene elaborating 1, 2 decreasing circles: the Alps too crowded, the Himalaya too premodification by frightening. (ECG: 1088). present participle to intensify idiomatic meaning: → we were progressing less and less Lexical substitutions I think that Yeah I think we’re just running round in circles. (F7J: intensification of literal- 1, 2 798). scene and idiomatic meaning by verb substitution: → we are just wasting an awful lot of energy without progressing Instead, the real lyrical problem is that by the time you arrive at the intensification of literal- 1, 2 two rather superfluous closing tracks, She’s A Weirdo’ and ‘Paula’, scene and idiomatic the story of all these nightown expeditions is scurrying round in meaning by verb circles and since the music isn’t boosted to insensate lift-off, we’re substitution: → the story all back where we started. (ED7: 2231). is not developing at all despite a lot of effort
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
31. IDIOM: not get to first base ‘not make progress’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS IN ACTIVITY 2) GAME ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY motivation BASEBALL ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 3) BASES ON BASEBALL PITCH ---> STEPS OF DEVELOPMENT motivation MOVE FROM BASE TO BASE ---> PROGRESS TOWARDS WIN 4) GET TO FIRST, SECOND, ETC. BASE ---> PROGRESS Metonymic 5) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation NOT GET TO FIRST BASE ---> NOT PROGRESS
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Too often, however, producers have not even got to first base, because the requirements for evolving strong scripts have been so poorly understood. (A7L:45). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Lexical substitutions Now it has finally taken to the field and just about touched first perspectivization by verb 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 base, announcing that OfficePower is from today, generally substitution in accordance available worldwide on Santa Cruz Operation's SCO Unix with the source domain, implementation. (CTH:136). touch base = achieve intermediate aim: → and just about achieved the first aims The musts An idea does not get past first base unless it meets the perspectivization of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 musts contained within the problem specification. (EX5:1656). literal-scene in accordance with the source domain, not get past first base = not continue one’s early progress: → An idea cannot progress further unless ...
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
32. IDIOM: stop something (dead) in its tracks ‘cause an activity/process to stop continuing or developing’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS 2) FORCE/OBSTACLE ---> PROBLEM motivation STOP STH. DEAD IN ITS TRACKS ---> STOP THE DEVELOPMENT OF STH. Metonymic 3) BE ON PATH ---> BE IN STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM On 22 February the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Peter Rees, had minuted the Prime Minister saying that the Chancellor and he had come to the conclusion that the Government should aim to save £2 billion from the social security review by 1987-8. The minute stopped the Cabinet committee dead in its tracks - for the good reason that I was not prepared to go on. (ABU:1646).
They share the conventional wisdom of the nuclear lobby that what has stopped America's nuclear industry in its tracks is what the NES calls an ‘impossibly cumbersome nuclear licensing process’ - of a kind that pro-nuclear countries like France do not allow. (ABE: 750).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
33. IDIOM: hang up one’s boots ‘stop an activity, esp. job/sport’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphtonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK FORWARD ---> PROGRESS isomorphism 2) TOOLS ---> MEANS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT BOOT/SHOE = TOOL TO WALK BETTER motivation BOOT/SHOE ---> MEANS/BASIS FOR PROGRESS/DEVELOPMENT 3) HANG UP ONE’S BOOTS ---> GIVE UP ONE’S ACTIVITY/JOB Metonymic 4) TOOL ---> ACTIVITY metonymic motivation BOOT ---> WALKING ---> ACTIVITY
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Peter Dods was captain in the midweek games but, like Sole, the Gala fullback has also hung up his boots. (CB3: 780).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications What more natural then that we could hang up our football boots, topic-related literal-scene 1 – 4 change into our French cavaliers' outfits or as quickly become elaboration by Roman gladiators? (A6C: 467). premodification by noun, in accordance with the metaphor YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR: → gave up playing football Lexical substitutions TWO years ago a serious knee injury nearly forced Wayne Sleep to topic-related lexical 1 - 4 hang up his dancing shoes for good. (K4T: 6046). substitution in accordance with the metaphor YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR: →:gave up dancing
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
34. IDIOM: on an even keel ‘be calm, progressing steadily, especially after a period of troubles’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric and metonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY/VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 1) VEHICLE ---> DEVELOPING CONFIGURATION motivation SHIP ---> AFFECTED PERSON / SUBJECT 3) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT BE ON EVEN KEEL ---> BE IN STATE OF STABLE DEVELOPMENT motivation Metonymic 4) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM That Nigel was on an even keel again was a double comfort. (CES: 984).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications But at least it had the effect of setting Lucy's mind back on a more intensification of literal- 2, 3, 4 even keel, and she worked steadily until she was disturbed by scene and idiomatic Doreen sweeping into the office. (HHB: 2511) meaning by comparative use of adjective (more even): → setting Lucy’s mind back in a calmer/more stable state By the time the taxi had delivered them to the restaurant Fabia was premodification by open- 2, 3, 4 feeling on more of an even keel. (JYF: 1741) class quantifier (more of): → Fabia was feeling more stable again Lexical substitutions We've had to do some very uncomfortable things to put the country perspectival verb 3 on an even keel for the future. (K1W: 1395) substitution to create causative variant: be on ⇒ put on Also for the audio tour and generally for making sure that perspectival verb 3 everything is kept on an even keel historically and that people keep substitution to create on the right lines. (JTE: 4) aspect variant: be on ⇒ keep on: → everything is kept in order Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Karen, six years older than Iain, had held an even keel through perspectival verb 2, 3 adolescence. (FBM: 3028). substitution to create aspect variant: be on ⇒ hold: → he remained in a stable state through adolescene But the minute we all start buying goods again, it's ith an perspectival verb 2, 3 endowment.I think that the compan companies out there have not substitution to create made any profits for about five years, and they're desperate to aspect variant: be on ⇒ return to er an even keel, and they are going to force up the price of return to: → desperate to goods and services as soon humanly possible, and we'll pick up the become stable / successful bill. (G4H: 526). again
35. IDIOM: trim your sails ‘adapt your behaviour to deal with a difficult situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric and metonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY/VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FAST FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> FAST PROGRESS motivation 2) STABILITY/INSTABILITY ---> POSITIVE/NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT 3) STORM ---> PROBLEM / INSTABLE SITUATION motivation 4) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT SHIP ---> MEANS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT (the more sails are set, the faster the ship can advance) TRIM YOUR SAILS ---> ADAPT ONE’S POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO A DIFFICULT SITUATION Metonymic 5) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Courses at the LSHTM now cost a minimum of £6400 to £9000.Increasingly the school is having to trim its sails and to top up its central resources. (B7E:21).
Limited by what, in a recession, it could realistically claim to be spending, and obliged to exaggerate its fiscal rectitude to appear electable in the City, Labour had either to trim its sails to an economic situation it assured us was dire - thereby undermining the main reason why people supported them - or hold to its promises, confirming the impression that, once the party was in power, taxation and spending would soar. (CAG:658).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens: Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
36. IDIOM: twist/swing in the wind ‘be left in a very bad, weak position by people who want to gain advantage from this
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated by conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation VOYAGE ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY FORWARD MOVEMENT ---> PROGRESS 2) DESTRUCTIVE COUNTERFORCE ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY motivation WIND ---> PROBLEM/DIFFICULTY, AVERSE POWER/NEGATIVE INFLUENCE TWIST/SWING IN THE WIND ---> BE IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION, WEAK POSITION
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM It was extraordinary, he said, given the bill's political sensitivity, ‘that Mr MacGregor has decided not to serve on the committee.He is leaving Jackson to swing in the wind’. (A9F:788).
Lord Callaghan, then Labour's foreign affairs spokesman, recently recalled that the party's decision was to allow Mr Heath ‘to swing slowly in the wind’. (AHN:721).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens: :
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
e. MACHINE-models
37. IDIOM: run on empty ‘be no longer successful/exciting because having run out of ideas or resources’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: metaphoric and metonymic motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation JOURNEY ---> PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY 2) VEHICLE ---> SUPPORTING MEANS FOR PROGRESS / motivation DEVELOPMENT CAR ---> BASIS FOR PROGRESS / DEVELOPMENT motivation Metonymic 3) CAUSE ---> EFFECT motivation, metonymic shift RUN ON EMPTY ---> NOT PERFORM WELL, BE UNSUCCESSFUL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM And we're running on empty. (HH0: 2860).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
38. IDIOM: in the pipeline ‘in progress, in planning’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism of pipeline = stage of development
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation 2) PROCESSING OF MACHINE ---> ACTIVITY motivation EFFICIENT PROCESSING OF MACHINE ---> PROGRESS DEVELOPMENT motivation and latent BE IN PIPELINE ---> BE IN STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT isomorphism 3) BE IN CONTAINER ---> BE INVOLVED IN AN ACTIVITY BE IN PIPELINE ---> BE INVOLVED IN A PROGRESSING ACTIVITY Metonymic 4) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications P-Gel is a new semi-fluid adaptation of the same system, with a topic-related 2 new intelligent Super-Gel rumoured to be in the technical pipeline. premodification by (CB4:1341). adjective of aspect: → be on technical stage (of development) Three other superstore applications are in the planning pipeline for topic-related 2 Bangor. (K4H:524). premodification by adjective of aspect: → be on planning stage (of development)
39. IDIOM: prime the pump ‘support the development of sth.’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, latent isomorphism due to 1) and 2)
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) PROCESSING OF MACHINE ---> DEVELOPMENT motivation GOOD PROCESSING ---> SUCCESSFUL DEV ELOPMENT MACHINE ---> ACTIVE CONFIGURATION motivation Metonymic 2) PART FOR WHOLE motivation (metaphtonymic) PUMP FOR MACHINE latent isomorphism 3) CAUSE FOR EFFECT PRIME THE PUMP FOR SUPPORT OF EFFICIENT PROCESSING
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM We've had the rebellion and the lingerie but that was only priming the pump, giving the public what it wants. (ACN: 878).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by:
Modifications This money was not intended to provide the total provision for topic-indicating 1, 2 services but to prime the community care pump to galvanise local premodification by action. (FTY: 1277) appositive noun: → to support community care Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Although I am pleased to note that the money is designed to prime topic-indicating 1, 2 the pump of private capital, I see no evidence of that as yet. (HHW: postmodification by 14195). partitive/appositivr of- complement: → to support priviate capital Lexical substitutions Harder times have reinforced the interventionism: in their rush to topic-indicating noun 1, 2 prime the economy and prop up the stockmarket, Japan's politicians substitution: → support have shown no wish to deregulate. (CRB: 39). the economy
f. ARCHETYPE-metaphors
40. IDIOM: come apart at the seams ‘become weaker and close to failure’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated on the basis of conceptual correspondences
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 2) INTEGRITY ---> STABILITY (OF CONFIGURATION) motivation DISINTEGRATE ---> FAIL COME APART AT THE SEAMS ---> BEGIN TO FAIL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The confessions, recriminations and bubbling bile of this long night's drinking into dawn make for increasingly compulsive viewing.We watch as friendships come apart at the seams, as lives of promise collapse under the weight of illness or despair or disillusion, but there is a reckless exhilaration about it all. (AJ8: 266). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications So, with less publicity, has Smith's team; at least, it has come apart weakening of literal-scene 1 at one or two seams. (GXK: 698). and idiomatic meaning by use of indefinite numeral one or two: → Smith’s team started to disintegrate Lexical substitutions They get it into their heads that their fund-raising dinner for synonymous verb 1 Hypothermic Pensioners In High Rise Blocks In Portsmouth will substitution fall apart at the seams if Dillie Keane isn't there. (CAS: 444). Last spring Nelson Mandela was released and the USSR began to synonymous verb 1 split apart at the seams. (EDT: 754). substitution Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
41. IDIOM: fray at the edges ‘become weaker and close to failure’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivated UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) INTEGRITY ---> STABILITY (OF CONFIGURATION) motivation DISINTEGRATE ---> FAIL FRAY AT EDGES ---> BEGIN TO FAIL
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Second, the opt-out will soon begin to fray at the edges. (KLY: 396). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications As the heat is on for community care implementation and tempers weakening of literal-scene 1 among your workmates may be beginning to fray a little at the and idiomatic meaning by edges, welcome news has arrived courtesy of Bart's Conferences. adverbial modification: → they became a little weaker / less influential
42. IDIOM: fall flat (on your face) ‘fail, e completely unsuccessful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, metonymic motivation and image metaphor
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation WALK (FORWARD) ---> ACT / PROGRESS FALL FLAT ---> FAIL motivating image 2) STABILITY ---> POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT motivation Metonymic 3) PHYSICAL BALANCE ---> STABILITY motivation CAUSE ---> EFFECT HAVE LOST BALANCE ---> FALL FLAT (BE STRETCHED OUT ON image THE FLOOR)
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
If a bid falls flat quickly, will it be possible for the Secretary of State to switch the assistance to the other bid which was previously ruled out and to give those involved the chance further to develop their proposals? (G3H: 1400).
When it came to the special compulsory purchase hearings (taken as part of the Hinkley C Inquiry), the Board also fell flat on its face. (AN9: 1372). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications As is often the case, some last-minute idea blossoms while what qualification of literal- 1 - 3 had seemed a brilliant solution and been pondered for ages falls scene by modification by quite flat. (A08:910). adverb: → it failed considerably ‘I don't think I did anything wrong on Wednesday night and I was qualification of literal- 1 - 3 quite pleased with my own performance, but it falls a bit flat scene by modification by because we were beaten. (CEP(2033)). adverb: → it failed considerably I fancy that across the channel where Napoleon's wars were intensification of literal- 1 - 3 ravaging all Europe, our two innkeepers fell flat as pancakes, and scene and idiomatic were it not for the felicities of their translator they would scarcely meaning by figurative be worth comment. (EFU:1426). comparison: → they failed completely We will watch it very carefully, and it's pretty hard to detect a intensification of literal- 1 - 3 pattern, now there's a, there's a theme, and that is trying to link the, scene and idiomatic the Palestine question er into his kind of giving justification for meaning by adverb what he did against Kuwait, and yet the logic falls totally flat. modification: → it failed (KRT:4413). totally
43. IDIOM: fall by the wayside ‘fail, not be successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: full motivation on the basis of conceptual correspondences, no isomorphism due to metonymic shifts
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY motivation 2) UP/DOWN ---> GOOD/BAD motivation FALL ---> FAIL (IN ACTIVITY) BE ON WAY ---> BE IN A STATE OF DEVELOPMENT FALL BY THE WAYSIDE ---> FAIL IN ACTIVITY/DEVELOPMENT motivation Metonymic 3) BE ON A PATH ---> BE IN A STATE OF MOVEMENT motivation BE OFF PATH ---> NOT BE IN STATE OF MOVEMENT
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM In fact, as other luxury items fall by the wayside as the recession rumbles on and on, wine sales have never been better. (K97:13059)). VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Determiners She slept with boys (and men - some lecturers, too, fell by her use possessive pronoun, 1, 2, 3 wayside) as if it were the most natural thing in the world (‘indeed it her wayside = the side of is, it is!’), then dropped them just as casually in the morning with a the way (=direction) in smile of disbelief that they should expect anything more of her, or which she is developing: any other woman. (HTS(72)). → some lecturers, too, failed because of her while she continued to be successful
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Opaque Idioms – Quality of base-form: idioms without motivation nor isomorphism a. With literal compositionality
1. IDIOM: sweep the board ‘win all prizes, be successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque (cf. chapter 5.3)
INACCESSIBLE UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM If the fundamentalist factions drop their differences to form a coalition, they could sweep the board: a prospect dreaded by many Algerians who do not want to emerge from long years of joyless socialism only to face even more joyless Islamic militancy. (ABK:1372).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number IRISH dancers have been left reeling by a fleet-footed Canadian pluralisation, ? who swept the boards at the All-Ireland Championships in synonymous? Donegal. (HJ3: 100) What emerged, aside from the technology, which has been widely pluralisation, ? previewed (summary inside), was a seminal move by USL synonymous? president Roel Pieper to unify the industry around a desktop Unix to challenge Microsoft Corp NT - threatening to sweep the boards when it finally arrives. (CTJ: 24). The girls from Middlesbrough St Mary's also swept the boards with pluralisation, ? a 24-14 scoreline in the netball match and a draw against a mixed synonymous? hockey team from Blackburn. (CCG: 345)
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
2. IDIOM: have had your chips ‘have failed’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque (cf. ch. 3.4.)
INACCESSIBLE UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Is not this subject wholly appropriate for the Minister, because his Government have had their chips? (HHV: 24080).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications If so we really have had our (micro) chips. (K4V: 1113) topic-related literal-scene manipulation
3. IDIOM: (leave sb.) high and dry ‘leave sb. in a difficult situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Unfortunately, instead of being integrated in a general hospital as planned, the wing will now be left high and dry. (ABS:1979).
However, the later withdrawal of government support, with the scrapping of the Community Programme as unemployment receded, left many of these voluntary organizations high and dry. (AS6:116).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
4. IDIOM: have sb. over a barrel ‘have sb. in a weak position, where he cannot possibly win’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM It is because that fear exists that some home owners know perfectly well that they have the Government over a barrel. (HHX: 8215).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
5. IDIOM: carry all before you ‘be successful in an activity, and defeat one’s rivals’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM For much of 1981 and early 1982 the Social Democrats seemed to carry all before them. VARIATIONS Modifications In the early years the baby boom carried almost all women before topic-related insertion of ? it. (ACS: 520) women: → in the early years the baby boom influenced almost all women George Headley and Learie Constantine were the giants of the early modification by adverb: Test years who did most to establish the team; Garfield Sobers was → who would relentlessly for twenty years the supreme all-rounder of the game's history; defeat their rivals Clive Lloyd devised the concept of a quartet of pace bowlers who would carry all relentlessly before them. (ABR: 1192)
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
6. IDIOM: not cut the mustard ‘not be/work as good as sth./sb. could be/work’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Other magazines have always tried to copy ZZAP! but have never quite cut the mustard. (C87: 1509).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications Assuming that the home-made EB3 had signally failed to cut any topic-indicating external ? jazz-rock mustard, which direction, instrument-wise, had Neil taken premodification by noun: after that? (C9N: 957). → he was not successful in the domain of jazz rock He, too, is impassioned in his discussion of what does or doesn’t topic-indicating external ? cut the typographical mustard, and is retained by BP to design its premodification by award-winning annual Statistical Review of World Energy. (FTA: adjective of aspect: → 372). what is or is not successful in the domain of typography
7. IDIOM: take a bath ‘lose a lot of money, fail’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Because it owns First New Hampshire Bank, Bank of Ireland took a bath in New England, America's most depressed banking market. (ABK: 2711)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Determiners Food manufacturers, already wobbly after Tuesday's pessimistic use of general ordinal to ? industry report, took another bath at this added blow to potential create idea of repetition: profits. (CBD: 471) → he failed again
8. IDIOM: (not) hold a candle to someone ‘(not) be as good as someone’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The comedian Dom De Luise makes an amusing enough Wazir, but his singing can't hold a candle to Richard Van Allan's and isn't always exactly in tune. (BMC: 2858)
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
9. IDIOM: give up the ghost ‘fail, break down’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM It'll just collapse and give up the ghost somewhere in France. (CDB: 1496)
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
10. IDIOM: kick the bucket ‘die’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘Chatterton and Fagg and a few more like them who've since kicked the bucket. (HTG: 2121).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
11. IDIOM: pop your clogs ‘die’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Suspiciously spot-on '92, Cell sound as if they were test-tube hatched to fill the vacuum should Kurt Cobain pop his clogs. (CK4: 1177).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
12. IDIOM: buy the farm ‘die’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM But I had decided that I wasn't going to wear the arrow suit for Truro Daine.When Daine bought the farm, he left a big hole in the City. (GVL: 1760).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
13. IDIOM: trail your coat ‘risk starting an argument or disagreement’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM But there are other ways of looking at the question.Christopher Ricks, trailing his coat in the wake of the MacCabe Affair, claimed that the critic should have ‘principles’ rather than ‘theory’, while Stanley Fish has made a comparable distinction between ‘theory,’ and ‘belief’: ‘A theory is a special achievement of consciousness; a belief is a prerequisite for being conscious at all. (A1A: 28)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number On 22 March an armada of 45 US Navy warships, Operation Prairie number adaptation due to general Fire , complete with aircraft carriers, 200 aircraft, and nuclear plural subject grammatical submarines, appeared off the Libyan coast in the Gulf of Sidra and rule deliberately trailed their coats until the Libyans reacted by firing two SA-5 missiles at the American aircraft. (AN0:1398).
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
14. IDIOM: bite the bullet ‘accept a difficult or unpleasant situation’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The electronic jammer programme is at least four years behind schedule and may cost at least $1 billion more than estimated, according to one Pentagon report.Still, the Pentagon has yet to bite the bullet and recently awarded $419 million in contracts to Westinghouse and ITT Avionics Division, which have developed the system, to build the first 100 production models for installation in the aircraft. (A7V:25).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number BUSH WHACKS CLINTON THE ‘POT SMOKER’ George pluralisation ? battles back ‘I bite bullets - he bites nails’ (CH6: 4430).
Modifications Meanwhile, Santa Cruz Operation Inc, which bit the ideological topic-indicating ? bullet, though not all the SVR4 technology, last summer (UX No premodification by 398), is thought to be eyeing USL's combined Unix SVR4.2 ES/MP adjective of aspect, release for future use, although that could be as far as two years out. external interpretation (CSY:38). favourable: → which accepted the unpleasant fact, with regard to its ideology
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
15. IDIOM: take the cake/biscuit ‘be surprising, outrageous’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Coming from the Health Department, who should know something about how difficult it is to align health and age, it really takes the biscuit. (B01: 1609) VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications If the transformation of a group of indie revivalists into New Age topic-indicating external ? messiahs was hard to swallow, then Mr C's Ebeneezer rantings premodification by noun: reaching No. 1 took the disco biscuit. (CD6: 378) → in the domain of disco, this was an outrageous event
16. IDIOM: chew the fat ‘talk idly, gossip’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM He claims the 2,700-seat Apollo Theatre in Manchester was too small.Former leaders chew the fat at Claridge's. (CBC: 842).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
17. IDIOM: carry the can ‘take the blame’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM The price of BZW's ill-considered worldwide expansion in equities has already been paid by Howard Coates: in February he was sacked as head of the firm's equities division, though he remains with BZW.Mr Coates appears to have carried the can for a strategy that had the enthusiasm of some of those at the top of Barclays Bank, as well as of David Band, BZW's chief executive, and of Sir Martin, who is also a deputy chairman of the parent bank. (ABJ: 2778).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number If that opinion proves to be wrong, I don't carry any cans. (CDA: pluralisation and use of ? 792) indefinite determiner any: → ? Passivisation I am sorry’The can is carried here, Agnes thought. (H86: 579) passivisation, defocused ? agent: → ?
18. IDIOM: tear a strip off someone ‘speak angrily to someone’ tear someone off a strip
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
More than one of them remarked on how pleasant it was to return to base in the early hours, cold, cramped and tired out, to see our welcoming smiles as they called in at the office on their way down to the Mess, even though they had probably only called in to tear us off a strip for having given them a rotten weather forecast. (B3F: 375).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number Kirton spent a year as an All Black selector when Hart was out of pluralisation, repetitive ? favour and now seems embroiled in a television commentary career reading? : → talking which largely involves tearing strips from the referee and running a angrily to the referee way one-man coaching clinic at the same time. (CHV: 1281). and again
19. IDIOM: up the spout ‘completely ruined, hopeless’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM This evening seems to be going up the spout. (A0U: 461)
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
20. IDIOM: tug/touch your forelock ‘show an execessive amount of respect to another person’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
The real reason you tugged your forelock to Capron was that you were afraid of being kicked out?’ (G15: 2443)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number Very good, Wallas, yes, Wallas, certainly, Wallas, said all the cast, number adaptation due to general touching their forelocks in mock-abasement. (H92: 2249) plural subject grammatical rule
21. IDIOM: have a chip on one’s shoulder ‘feeling angry, bitter because one thinks that one is misregarded by others’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM You, my san, have got a chip on your shoulder. (CAD: 2820)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Number It is a continuous process that those blacks like myself, who have pluralization due to plural general moved up (in a manner of speaking) in society, have very often to subject grammatical contend with the labels that not only do we carry ‘chips on our rule shoulders’, but we are over-sensitive to racial issues.... (F9S: 868) The Secretary of State for a Higher Sphere, in the absence of the pluralization due to plural general transport minister, was also trapped for the day with Mr Prescott subject grammatical whose ancestors during the Black Death were sullen and resentful rule charcoal burners with chips on their shoulders. (CAL: 453) Modifications Maladjusted, inadequate characters with a grudge against the world internal premodification ? and a lot to prove (both Adam and Numan had mammoth chips on by adjective of quality to the shoulder about the music press). (AB3: 1556) intensify idiomatic meaning: → he was very angry For all his qualities, which are many, in those days Dennis still had internal premodification ? a huge chip on his shoulder. (CD9: 743) by adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → Dennis was still very angry Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Character is calculated exactly to support the theme of hierarchy on external premodification shipboard in Trial Trip , where a galley boy discovers that he is not by adverbial adjective: → entirely free to resume a schoolboy friendship with Tich, now in the a sixteen-year-old- second year of his apprenticeship, and in Out of the Shallows , apprentice who is clearly where a sixteen-year-old apprentice with a decided chip on his angry shoulder suffers from the complications which friendship with a steward brings, particularly as the steward, a thoroughly shifty individual, is merely using him as a way of furthering his own ends. (EC8: 300). I suppose that you just can't help loving this crafty, gormless, internal premodification ? dithering, impatient Dagenham boy done good who's made and by quantifier to weaken apparently lost millions out of being a loveable loser, a part-time idiomatic meaning: → he winner, with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, perpetually on the edge was a bit angry of panic, needing to much to impress. (ECT: 2483) I was considered out of care and control.I had a dirty great chip on internal premodification ? my shoulder. (FR5: 1713) by adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → I was still extremely angry ‘No, and I don't dislike her, only the chip she has riding on her literal-scene modifying shoulder.’ postmodification by internal relativization: → no I don’t dislike her only her anger
22. IDIOM: (do sth.) on the hoof ‘do sth. in response to things that happen rather than as part of a carefully considered plan’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Diana, an unwilling international media celebrity, was having to learn on the hoof. (ECM: 1597) VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
23. IDIOM: go by the board/boards ‘be abandoned/forgotten’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Mel Pyatt, the Volvo spokesman said: ‘It is all very sad; loyalty seems to have gone by the board. (A4P: 294).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
b. Constructionally idiosyncratic
1. IDIOM: come a cropper ‘fail’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque and constructionally idiosyncratic
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Though they have done well in Germany and Belgium (they now own one-tenth of all the office space in Brussels), Swedish investors have come a cropper in London. (ABE:2607).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Number Tories more famous than he had come nasty croppers in the past at pluralisation: → he failed ? conference time, returning tight to their hotels. (HNK:841). various times in the past
Modifications Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
Certainly there was every need for a road-widening scheme: four premodification by ? years earlier, in the October of 1793, poor old Parson Woodforde adjective of quality to had nearly come a nasty cropper on Frome Hill, when the chaise he intensify idiomatic was in had had an unfortunate encounter with a large ‘heavily meaning, interpretation as loaden’ London waggon, complete with eight horses: (CBJ:160). external premodifier favourable: → he has failed nastily That overweight bounder Billy Bunter has come the most frightful premodification by ? cropper at the BBC. (CH2: 2403). adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → he has failed in the most frightful way Unless you learn how to control your work and recreation you'll premodification by ? come an almighty cropper and it will be your own fault.' (FEU:51). adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → you’ll fail very badly He came the most appalling cropper. (HRA:1171). premodification by ? adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning: → he experienced the most appalling defeat DURHAM Squash Club's challenge for the Durham and Cleveland premodification by ? First Division championships has come a catastrophic cropper. adjective of quality to (K52:2980). intensify idiomatic meaning: → it has failed in a catastrophic way LONG before England came such a cropper at Lansdowne Road, premodification by ? there were many besides the Scots among the British rugby intensifier to intensify fraternity who were already positive that Gavin Hastings would be idiomatic meaning: → he revealed this morning as the Lions' captain for the forthcoming tour failed so terribly of New Zealand. (K5J:2990). I don't know he's gonna come a right bloody cropper (KCG:1602). premodification by ? adjective of quality to intensify idiomatic meaning The Waughs came a 5 & 3 cropper in their third-round match topic-related ? against the Boyds, of The Berkshire. (AKM(183)). premodification by ‘match result’: → the Waughs failed by losing 5:3.
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
2. IDIOM: with flying colours ‘be very successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Before the setbacks, the new Lancias had passed their tests with flying colours. (A4B: 136).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
3. IDIOM: bite the dust ‘fail, die’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque, semantically idiosyncratic literal meaning
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Having realised, I suspect, at least for the time being, that they are not going to get anywhere in their fight for equal prize money at Wimbledon or the French, the Women's Tennis Association have come up with another proposal which I know has support in some areas but which I certainly hope will also bite the dust. (A0V: 254).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
4. IDIOM: go places ‘have a lot of talent be likely to become very successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque, constructionally idiosyncratic
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM ‘What's more, we're still going places.’ (A0R: 1663).
‘Playing regularly in south Wales has helped us to go places and 10 years on it's nice to crown it with a win like this. (A1N: 244).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
5. IDIOM: put the kibosh on sth. ‘prevent sth. from becoming successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque, constructionally idionsycratic (kibosh =cranberry morph)
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM She was under the impression that Charles had put the kibosh on any exclusive agreement with Barton, and most certainly nothing had been said about her writing her life story. (HNK: 2255)
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterization: Supported by: Modifications Although parts of Sun, such as Sun Federal, have reportedly been external premodification ? flirting with IXI, Sun headquarters has clearly labelled the firm a by temporal adjectival competitor going so far as to put a last-minute kibosh on a real phrase: → to prevent a estate deal that would have moved IXI headquarters in Cambridge, real estate deal in the last England into Sun UK’s offices as a tenant. (CTG: 136) minute
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
6. IDIOM: put the mockers on sth. ‘prevent sth. from becoming successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque, constructionally idionsycratic (=cranberry morph)
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Contrary to rumours that Taiwanese firm Twinhead International Corp, may be putting the mockers on its Sparc-compatible business, the company claims it will announce details of a workstation compatible with Sun Microsystems Inc's superscalar Sparcstation 10 by the end of this month. (CTM: 85).
VARIATIONS Tokens: Characterisation: Supported by: Modifications And anyway, I said, you put the bloody mockers on me! (KCX: intensification by ? 147). premodifying evaluator: → you failed me, damn it!
7. IDIOM: (come/be) within an ace of sth. ‘very nearly succeed in doing something’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque?, partial motivation on the basis of image-schematic correspondences, blockage of literal-level isomorphism due to constructional idiosyncrasy (within an ace of = ?)
UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES Type Description Effect Metaphoric 1) MOVEMENT ---> ACTIVITY highly partial motivation DESTINATION ---> AIM BE CLOSE TO DESTINATION ---> BE CLOSE TO ACHIEVING AIM COME WITHIN REACH OF STH. ---> COME CLOSE TO ACHIEVING AIM
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
‘Who are you trying to kid?’ he taunted, and somehow he seemed to know, though how she didn't know, that she had been within an ace of responding to him. (JY1:1957).
When the 1st World War broke out, eight years later, Harry was still there, the longest-serving member of the playing staff, having helped our favourites to rise within an ace of the Southern League championship and become an established and respected club. (B2H:384). VARIATIONS No variational tokens
8. IDIOM: trip the light fantastic ‘dance’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque due to constructional idiosyncrasy
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM WHEN KIERON steps up onto the stage it is with a determination to trip the light fantastic and provide the evening with some of its more mellow moments. (ED7: 3181) VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
9. IDIOM: go for broke ‘risk everything in the hope that you will be successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque and constructionally idiosyncratic due to the cranberry morph broke
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Not for the first time, she was going for broke; she tried to tell herself that nothing much bad could happen, at the worst she could be discovered and thrown out, but somehow the stakes seemed much higher. (GW0: 41) VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
10. IDIOM: go great guns ‘be very successful’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque and constructionally idiosyncratic
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM On the eve of the Great War the entertainment world in Glasgow was going great guns. (ALL: 1344) VARIATIONS No variational tokens:
Idiomatic Creativity - Appendix E: Analysis of lexicogrammatical variants of SPF-idioms
11. IDIOM: shoot the breeze ‘talk idly’
DESCRIPTION OF INTERNAL SEMANTIC STRUCTURE TRANSPARENCY TYPE: opaque
NO UNDERLYING CONCEPTUAL/IMAGE-SCHEMATIC CORRESPONDENCES
USAGE USAGE ACCORDING TO BASE FORM Invited into a back room, I shot the breeze with a married couple who said they ran the place. (H0M: 3509).
VARIATIONS No variational tokens: