Common Mistakes EFL Learners Make When Using Idiomatic Expressions: A Case Study of Saudi Tertiary Level EFL Learners

Abstract

This study examines EFL learners' blunders and difficulties with English idioms. The study emphasizes the role of idiomatic expressions in EFL learners' communication and cross-cultural understanding. Researchers have adopted the analytical research method; data was gathered through a questionnaire which was distributed to a random sample 65 EFL learners from different Saudi universities. Data was interpreted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and reported as a percentage. The study indicated that EFL learners misuse English idioms by choosing literal interpretations or employing them out of context. Cultural variations, limited exposure, lack of context, and trouble understanding figurative meaning also make English idioms challenging for EFL learners. The study found that explicit instruction, cultural context, background information, authentic language use, multimedia resources, and a practice context improve EFL learners' English idiomatic expressions. Idioms' literal meanings can also help language students remember them. This study recommends explicit instruction, cultural context, and background information to help Saudi EFL learners understand idioms, authentic language use, multimedia resources, and context.