To prove the value of this PDF, let’s look at how McMordie categorizes "anger." A modern dictionary gives you "mad" or "furious." McMordie gives you a spectrum:
He then provides a paragraph from Charles Dickens using three of these idioms in a single scene. You cannot get that depth from a rote memorization app.
Unlike modern, shallow lists of “top 50 idioms,” Mordie’s collection (often referenced in academic circles and TEFL training) dives deep into the origin and proper usage of hundreds of English idioms. It bridges the gap between rote memorization and genuine understanding.
Take a piece of your own writing. Find every boring verb (walked, said, thought). Go to the McMordie Idioms PDF and replace them with idiomatic equivalents.
This exercise alone will boost your IELTS or TOEFL writing score by a full band.
McMordie lists "frozen similes"—phrases that have not changed in 200 years:
He explains why a doornail is dead (medieval carpentry), giving the reader mnemonics they will never forget.
Note on Copyright: W. McMordie’s original English Idioms and How to Use Them (1909 and later editions) is in the public domain in many countries. However, if you are using a modern revised edition (e.g., by Oxford University Press), you may need permission to redistribute. This outline is for personal study or fair use purposes.
Blog Post: Mastering English Expressions with McMordie’s Idioms
Idioms are often the "final boss" for English language learners. You can master the grammar and expand your vocabulary, but without those quirky phrases like "a bitter pill" or "spick and span," your speech might still feel a bit robotic. If you’ve been scouring the web for a comprehensive resource, you’ve likely come across the McMordie Idioms PDF —formally known as English Idioms and How to Use Them by W. McMordie. mcmordie idioms pdf
Here is a deep dive into why this classic remains a staple for intermediate and advanced students. Why McMordie is a Gold Standard
First published in the early 20th century and later updated by Jennifer Seidl, this book has stood the test of time. Unlike simple lists you might find on social media, the McMordie 5th Edition is a structured reference providing information on over 3,000 idioms Key Features of the Book Thematic & Structural Organization
: Instead of just alphabetical order, the book categorizes idioms by key words (like "hard," "dead," or "point") and grammatical structures (like phrasal verbs or prepositional phrases). Contextual Examples
: Each entry isn't just defined; it’s shown in a typical sentence. This helps you understand not just what the idiom means, but it is appropriate to use it. British vs. American Usage
: The revised editions specifically mark expressions that are unique to British English (GB) or American English (US), helping you avoid regional confusion. Practice Focused : There is a companion volume, Exercises on Idioms , which features 125 exercises to test your retention. Where to Find the PDF
Because the original work dates back to 1909, earlier versions have entered the public domain. You can legally access and read older editions on platforms like Internet Archive
. For the more modern 5th edition, which includes contemporary usage, learners often look to educational resource sites or digital libraries like Final Verdict: Is it still relevant?
Absolutely. While some older idioms may fade, the core of McMordie’s work focuses on high-frequency "key words" that remain essential to English fluency. If you want to move beyond basic communication and start speaking with the nuance of a native speaker, this is one PDF worth having on your digital shelf. Do you have a specific idiom from the book you're struggling to use in a sentence? English Idioms and How to Use Them - Amazon.com
English Idioms and How to Use Them by W. McMordie (often revised by Jennifer Seidl) is a classic reference guide for intermediate to advanced English learners. It catalogs over 3,000 idioms, providing clear definitions and contextual examples to help students master idiomatic English. Book Structure and Content To prove the value of this PDF, let’s
The book is organized to facilitate both quick reference and systematic study:
Thematic Chapters: The text is divided into chapters based on key words (like colors, numbers, or adjectives) or grammatical structures (such as phrasal verbs and prepositional phrases).
Alphabetical Arrangement: Within each chapter, idioms are listed alphabetically for easy navigation.
Contextual Examples: Most idioms include one or more sentences demonstrating typical usage. When multiple examples are provided, they are separated by a special symbol ( |vertical line
Comprehensive Index: A full index at the back allows users to look up specific idioms by their primary keywords. How to Search for Idioms
To find a specific expression, follow these indexing rules used in the book:
Keyword Search: Look for the idiom under its first prominent "key word" (e.g., for "the end of the line," look under end).
Structural Search: If no obvious keyword exists, look for its grammatical structure, such as Adjective + Noun (e.g., "a wet blanket") or Phrasal Verbs (e.g., "put in for something"). Alternative Forms: The book uses a slant mark (
) to show alternatives (e.g., "break fresh/new ground") and brackets ( ) for optional words (e.g., "all at sea" or "at sea"). Where to Access the PDF or Book He then provides a paragraph from Charles Dickens
If you are looking for a digital copy or a physical edition, these platforms often host it:
Free Online Access: The Internet Archive provides a scanned version of the 1929 edition for free reading and download.
Educational Libraries: Universities sometimes host PDF versions of various editions for student use, such as this Fifth Edition copy.
Purchasing: Used and new copies are available from retailers like AbeBooks and Amazon.
English Idioms and How to Use Them - McMordie, W. - AbeBooks
English Idioms and How to Use Them - McMordie, W.: 9780194327657 - AbeBooks. English Idioms And How To Use Them : Mcmordie, W.
Before you rush to download a scanned PDF, a fair warning: Some of the idioms in McMordie are archaic. If you say, “That is the bee’s knees” or “Don’t get your dander up” in a London pub today, people will know you’ve been reading a vintage textbook. However, for reading classic novels (Agatha Christie, Dickens, Wodehouse) or understanding older films, McMordie is essential.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example | |-------|---------|---------| | Add fuel to the fire | Make a situation worse | Don’t criticize him now – that will just add fuel to the fire. | | ... (48 more listed in a table) | ... | ... |
A critical note on copyright: McMordie’s original 1909 edition is in the public domain in most countries (Life + 70 years). However, revised editions (e.g., the 1980s editions with Goffin) are still under copyright.
Here are three legal avenues to obtain the PDF:
Warning: Avoid random "free PDF download" sites that require you to disable your ad-blocker. These often contain malware. Stick to .edu and .org domains.
