BALLY'S CLASSIFICATION
What are free phrases? Explain and bring examples.
This type of phrase in Bally's system lacks stability and disintegrates after formation, like "a beautiful flower."
"Worship the golden calf" and "a wolf in sheep's clothing" both come from this source.
the Bible
"My heart sank," "lose your head," and "have a chip on your shoulder" all use this source domain to express emotions or attitudes.
body parts (or anthropomorphism)
When your heart does this, you suddenly feel sad, disappointed, or worried about something.
my heart sank
out of the woods
you're still facing difficulties or haven't escaped from danger
What are habitual combinations?
In Bally's classification, "a serious illness" belongs to this category that allows some changes but has restricted collocational patterns.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" originates from this trade or craft profession.
blacksmithing (or metalworking)
On the ropes," "throw in the towel," and "in a tight corner" all come from this competitive sport.
boxing
If someone has this on their shoulder, they feel resentful or sensitive about how they've been treated in the past.
a chip on your shoulder
If you do this with a towel, you're giving up and admitting defeat.
throw in the towel
What are habitual combinations and phraseological series?
These two intermediate categories in Bally's original four-group system were later collapsed because they represented transitional types between free and fixed.
What is Hobson's choice?
This idiom meaning "no choice at all" is named after Thomas Hobson, a 17th-century Cambridge stable owner who only offered customers the horse nearest the door.
"Play your cards close to your chest" and "have something up your sleeve" both derive from this recreational activity involving concealment and strategy.
card games (or playing cards)
When you do this, you pretend to feel confident and happy even though you're actually worried or upset inside.
put a brave face on it
To do this means to start a task immediately and proceed quickly and successfully.
hit the ground running
What are phraseological series (or rows)? Examples
"To take place" and "to give ear to" are examples of this Bally category where two concepts merge into almost one combination.
"Dutch courage," "Dutch treat," and "double Dutch" all reflect historical rivalry between England and this country, using the nationality pejoratively.
the Netherlands (or Holland)
"In the driving seat," "on the right track," and "take a back seat" all use this conceptual domain to talk about control and progress.
journey/travel/vehicles
If you do this, you feel that a criticism or failure is your own fault, or you feel offended by someone's comments.
take it personally
When you accidentally say something that embarrasses or upsets someone, you've put this body part in it.
What is your foot?
What is independent meaning (or all independent meaning)?
According to Bally's final simplified system, phraseological units are defined as phrases whose components have lost this quality when used together.
What is "a girl Friday"?
This idiom about a reliable female assistant comes from Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe," adapted from the character Man Friday.
"Wait for the dust to settle" uses this source domain to metaphorically represent the need to let a chaotic situation calm down.
physical environment (or natural phenomena, or weather)
someone's bark is worse than their bite
they appear threatening but are actually kind in their actions
To do this while the iron is hot means to take advantage of an opportunity immediately when conditions are most favorable.
strike while the iron is hot