

AIの英語Idiom問題対策への有効性は?
2023年04月20日
生成系AIを活用することで、英語のイディオム表現(Idiomatic Expressions)を出題する学校の入試対策はできるのでしょうか?
私としては単にイディオムの羅列だけではなく、英語定義があると良いですし、例文があると良いですし、可能ならその表現についての補足説明があると良い教材になるのだけれど・・・と欲張りな要望があります。
プロンプトの文言を工夫してAIにお願いできないか「発問」してみました。すると、
Certainly!と喜んで(?)リストアップし始めてくれました。
その内容は以下の通りです。(体裁は読みやすいように変えていますが、内容自体には変更を加えていません。)
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1. In a pickle – In a difficult or awkward situation
Example: He lost his keys and was in a pickle trying to find them.
Explanation: This expression originally referred to vegetables that had been preserved in vinegar, but over time it became a metaphor for being in a difficult or unpleasant situation.
2. Chew the fat – To have a casual conversation or chat
Example: We had a great time chewing the fat over a cup of coffee.
Explanation: This expression comes from the idea of chewing on tough or fatty meat, which takes a long time to break down and is often eaten during a social gathering or when friends get together.
3. Full of beans – Full of energy and enthusiasm
Example: She’s always full of beans in the morning and ready to tackle the day.
Explanation: This expression refers to the idea that beans are a good source of energy and protein, so someone who is “full of beans” is energetic and lively.
4. Salad days – A time of youth and inexperience
Example: Back in my salad days, I thought I knew everything.
Explanation: This expression comes from the idea that young people eat a lot of salad because they are health-conscious, but also because they often don’t have much money to spend on food.
5. Take something with a grain of salt – To be skeptical or doubtful of something
Example: He told me his side of the story, but I took it with a grain of salt because I knew he had a tendency to exaggerate.
Explanation: This expression comes from the idea that adding salt to food can change its taste, so taking something “with a grain of salt” means that you are not taking it at face value and are instead being cautious.
6. The icing on the cake – Something that makes a good situation even better
Example: Winning the lottery was great, but getting married was the icing on the cake.
Explanation: This expression refers to the idea that icing on a cake is the final touch that makes it complete and perfect.
7. Bread and butter – A source of income or livelihood
Example: Writing is his bread and butter, and he’s been doing it for years.
Explanation: This expression comes from the idea that bread and butter are staple foods that provide sustenance and are necessary for survival.
8. Butterflies in your stomach – Nervousness or anxiety before an important event
Example: She had butterflies in her stomach before her big presentation.
Explanation: This expression refers to the sensation of having fluttering or nervous feelings in your stomach, which is similar to the feeling of having butterflies.
9. Cool as a cucumber – Calm and composed, even under pressure
Example: He was cool as a cucumber during the crisis and kept everyone focused.
Explanation: This expression comes from the fact that cucumbers are naturally cool to the touch, even on a hot day, which makes them a metaphor for someone who is calm and collected.
10. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – Make the best of a bad situation
Example: She lost her job, but decided to start her own business instead. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Explanation: This expression means that when faced with a difficult situation, you should try to find a way to turn it into something positive.
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・・・良い感じです。今年の受験生のために役立てようと思います!
(別のプロンプトを入力することで、更なる情報を次々と引き出すことが可能です)
今回はfoodに関連するイディオムをリクエストしただけなので、ポテンシャルはまだまだあります。
文責:片野