Idioms are generally known for their fixed nature, which means they do not require substitutions. For example, the Nigerian idiomatic expression “better the devil you know (than the angel you don’t)” breaks this rule by replacing “devil” with “angel”, instead of “better the devil you know (than the devil you don’t).” In the previous issue, several expressions that have been altered and are widely accepted in Nigerian English, along with their original versions, were thoroughly examined for better communication on a global level.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a phrasal verb is defined as “a phrase (such as take off or look down on) that combines a verb with a preposition or adverb or both, and that functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words.” It is also categorized as an idiom. For example, the doctor’s daughter broke up with her boyfriend before his convocation in January. The phrase “broke up” in this context means “to end a romantic relationship” and should not be mistakenly changed to “break out”. None of the prepositions in this multi-word verb should be substituted with another verb or preposition to prevent misunderstanding and maintain clarity.
Study the critical analysis of the following expressions:
“Better the devil you know (than the devil you don’t)”: According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it is used “when you think it is wiser to deal with someone or something familiar, although you do not like him, her, or it, than to deal with someone or something you do not know that might be worse.”
Study the following example sentences:
His mother warned him against breaking up with his girlfriend because better is the devil he knew than the angel he didn’t. (Nigerian English)
His mother warned him against breaking up with his girlfriend because better is the devil he knew than the devil he didn’t. (Standard expression)
The correct expression suggests that the word “devil” should appear twice, instead of once as commonly used in Nigerian English.
“Passed out”: After completing my National Youth Service Scheme in Nasarawa State in June 2023, I posted one of my best pictures on WhatsApp with the caption, “I just passed out. Congratulations to myself.” Shortly after, my former classmate replied, “Do you mean you fainted?” Her concern about my well-being made me realize that the phrase “pass out” does not mean “graduated” as commonly believed.
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, “pass out” means “to become unconscious.” Another similar meaning is “to finish a military course,” which is unrelated to the context provided. Here are examples and the American meanings of the phrase from the Collins Dictionary:
– He felt sick and dizzy and then passed out.
– He passed out in November 1924 and was posted to No 24 Squadron.
Additionally, “pass out” can also mean “to distribute.”
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too”: According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, this idiom means “to have or enjoy the good parts of something without dealing with the bad parts,” as in “They seem to think they can have their cake and eat it too by having excellent schools for their son without paying high taxes.” In the Nigerian version, it is often used as “you can’t eat your cake and have it,” which is considered substandard.
(i) The teacher thought he could have his cake and eat it too by conspiring with his principal about the allegations against him. (Standard version)
(ii) The teacher thought he could eat his cake and still have it by conspiring with his principal about the allegations against him. (Nigerian version)
(iii) To many citizens, the politician wanted to have his cake and eat it too. (Standard version)
(iv) To many citizens, the politician wanted to eat his cake and still have it too. (Nigerian version)
3. “Bite the hand that feeds you”: This expression means “to behave badly towards someone who has been kind to you.” In Nigerian English, the word “hand” is changed to “finger”, which adds a different twist to the idiom.
Femi, you should not have protested against the chairman. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. (Standard version)
Femi, you should not have protested against the chairman. You don’t bite the finger that feeds you. (Nigerian version)
My mother warned my friend against biting the hand that fed him before he became successful in Nigeria.(Standard expression)
My mother warned my friend against biting the finger that fed him before he became successful in the UK. (Nigerian version)
Other detailed expressions will be discussed in subsequent publications.
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______________________ Samuel Tolulope Alimi is the founder and lead scholar at English TV, an online platform dedicated to teaching the English language on various social media platforms. He earned a BA (Ed) from the prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where he majored in English and Education. As a Grammar Columnist at Peoples Daily newspaper, one of the foremost and trusted national newspapers, he writes about Nigerian English on Page 23 of every Saturday's publication, with his column titled "Common Errors in English with Samuel Alimi." His writings have attracted considerable readership across several states, with over 30 detailed articles published. Samuel is a goal-oriented ambassador of Scholarship IQ, promoting its mission to build the world's largest African student directory in two local governments in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He has also gained hands-on experience in ghostwriting autobiographies, community service, and research through his internship at SO41 Educational Consultancy, Ogun State. LinkedIn: Samuel Tolulope Alimi samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com
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