Today’s lesson is focused on the second part of the idiomatic errors almost every Nigerian use in their communications. Several times, we use these expressions confidently without recognizing the fact that they are odd and uncommon to native English speakers. Imagine I travelled to the United Kingdom today and said, “A problem shared is a problem solved.” Expectedly, this expression does not surprise you because you are probably used to it.
The discrepancies in our expressions remind me of the day I rounded off my assignment with the NYSC. As it is common with all corps members, I posted on my WhatsApp status: Congratulations, I just passed out! A good friend of mine reacted to the post and remarked, “Hope you never fainted.” It was quite hilarious! In Standard English, “pass out” means “to faint; to become unconscious”.
Examples
I passed out at the sight of corpses in the mortuary.
The lady, who passed out last week, died today.
However, using “pass out” when you graduate from training is acceptable in Nigeria. Nobody will penalize you for the expression, I assure you. Hopefully, you would not say “ pass out” to mean “graduate” whenever you have conversations with white men during your visit to the United Kingdom.
A PROBLEM SHARED IS A PROBLEM SOLVED
The challenges of life are always burdensome, overwhelming and oppressive to individuals who are not emotionally strong. Everyone faces different hassles in life, and I am of the opinion that hindrances are in levels. We have heard about cases of students who committed suicide because their high expectations regarding their academic performances were not met. Their hopes were dashed and they never learnt they should have been on their toes before choosing death.
The toughness of the turbulence we all face in life should not deter us from confiding in people close to us. Without a tinge of doubt, “A problem shared is a problem solved” is popular but inaccurate. The standard and recognized version is, “A problem shared is a problem halved”.
Study the following sentences.
I decided to inform my friend about my addiction because a problem shared is a problem solved. (Wrong)
I decided to inform my friends about my addiction because a problem shared is a problem halved. (Correct)
MAKE HASTE WHILE THE SUN SHINES
Can you spot the idiomatic error? The major problem in the above expression is the word “haste”. I explained in our previous class that idioms should not be altered to any other version.
Adamu’s father advised him to make hay while the sun shines. (Correct)
This expression is commonly used to encourage ourselves to take advantage of opportunities while they exist. The truth is, opportunities may not last forever; only the wise seizes them at reasonable time frames.
Let’s learn the origin of this idiom. According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, hay means “the grass cut and dried for use as animal fodder.” During the medieval period, farmers always cut and dried grass for animal consumption. Simply put, they always took the opportunity to spread their hays during the dry season. Common sense teaches us that spreading hays outside during the rainy season was not advisable for them. Otherwise, they would be messy and terrible.
CUT YOUR COAT ACCORDING TO YOUR SIZE
I have always been prudent with my finances. Reading several books on financial management instilled discipline in me. I am aware that many other readers are also good at budgeting and bookkeeping. Many have landed in avoidable economic crises due to their recklessness and unnecessary expenses.
I used to advise my friend to cut his coat according to his size. (Wrong)
I used to advise my friend to cut his coat according to his cloth. (Correct)
The sole issue with this common expression is the word “size”. Cloth is a fabric produced for sewing into dresses. You take your cloth to a tailor before sewing them for dresses. If you fail to cut your coat according to your cloth, you will suffer from insolvency. My unsolicited piece of advice to you: Do not spend more than you earn!
A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE
African parents are used to saying this expression after counselling their children. The wise are expected to listen attentively, put on their thinking caps and act on the information they receive. The right expression is, “A word for the wise is enough.”
According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, the idiomatic expression is used when you want to give a piece of advice or information to someone in an informal way.
Mr. Lawal, listen alternatively to our mother’s advice because a word to the wise is enough.
In conclusion, I recommend you read books written by seasoned authors to boost your level of fluency and confidence in the use of English. Learning, writing and speaking the language regularly are non-negotiable factors in attaining your dream level of eloquence and fluency.
Assignment
Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions.
1. Sophia should learn to cut her coat according to her ——-. (a) size (b) cloth (c) clothes
2. Ade regretted losing his job because he did not make —— while the sun shines. (a) haste (b) hay (c) hurry
3. People who commit suicide do not know that a problem shared is a problem ——–. (a) solved (b) halved (c) publicized
Names of those who answered the last questions correctly.
Faruk Sanusi, Racheal Alimi, Owolabi Okikiola, Aderibigbe Oluwafunmilayo, Micheal Akindunjoye, Olawole Halimat.
