Abstract:Every language is laden with its idioms. An idiom is a word or a group of words that cannot be literally translated from the sources language into the target language because an idiomatic meaning cannot be understood by literally defining its component parts. English, as the most actively and widely used language, enjoys a vast idiomatic basis, which makes idiom learning very exciting and interesting. There are about 4,000 idioms used in the daily communication (骆世平, 2007). Nowadays, with the close relationship between different countries, we have more chances to communicate with English speakers. But sometimes it is very difficult for non English speaker to understand what the native English speaker means. The main reason is that we do not know the exact cultural connotations hidden in the idioms. Based on the previous researches, this thesis will further explore the cultural connotation of English idioms in order to raise cross—culture awareness. And discuss the real meaning of English idioms in a specific context to improve our communicational skill. 

Key words:  culture connotation; idiomatic context; communicational usage

中文摘要:每种语言都包含着丰富的习语。习语作为一种表达式，在功能上相当于一个单位，其意义不能从各个组成部分得出。英语作为一种最活跃，使用最广泛的语言，拥有大量的习语。习语的使用使英语学习非常有趣和使人兴奋。英语习语用于日常交流的大约有4000个(骆世平，2007)。当今时代，随着不同国家的交流不断的加深，我们有更多的机会和母语是英语的人交流。然而，有的时候，对于非本土的交谈者来说，很难理解本土交谈者的意思。其中最主要的原因是非本土使用者不知道包含在英语习语中的确切文化内涵。这篇论文将在前人研究的基础上探索英语习语的文化内涵，以提高跨文化意识，并且在具体的语境下讨论英语习语的意义，以达到提高交流的技能。

关键词：文化内涵; 习语语境;  交际运用