Idioms are phrases whose meanings cannot be deduced from the meanings of the words themselves. For example, raining cats and dogs; on cloud 9; barking up the wrong tree. They occur across all languages, sometimes there are equivalencies, but typically they are specific to a given language, in this case English.
When exploring idioms visually, one approach would be to use images to explain the underlying meaning of these phrases. That would, perhaps, be a smart and useful way to proceed. The “idiotic” approach would be to conflate the scenario further, by using word puns, alternate narratives and images that play with and on the limitations of the English language. I chose the latter.
The Idiocy of Idioms is a series of 8 photo-collages that combine images of 1950’s idealized suburban life with contemporary found photographs to explore the slipperiness of language and visual storytelling via idioms. The true meanings of the phrases are as follows:
Chip on his Shoulder
Holding a grudge or grievance that readily provokes dispute.
Bite the Bullet
Decide to do something difficult or unpleasant that one has been putting off or hesitating over.
Head in the Clouds
Not paying much attention to what is happening around them, and has their attention on their own thoughts, or their head is filled with unrealistic ideas.
Jump the Gun
To do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.
Pushing up Daisies
To be dead. You will be in the ground, daisies will grow on you, and you will be “pushing up daisies”.
Straw that broke the Camel’s Back
A seemingly small or inconsequential issue, problem, or burden that proves to be the final catalyst in causing an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc., to fail, give up, or collapse.
Over the Moon
Extremely pleased and happy.
Raining Cats and Dogs
Something said when it is raining heavily.