SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH FOOD IDIOMS

Abstract

This article examines the semantic characteristics of English food idioms and explains how their figurative meanings are formed through metaphor, metonymy, and cultural associations. Food idioms are widely used to describe personality, emotions, social roles, and behavior. Drawing on both international scholars and Uzbek linguists, the paper identifies key semantic mechanisms and classifies idioms into thematic groups. The findings demonstrate that idioms rely on conceptual metaphors, cultural symbolism, and semantic shift, contributing to a deeper understanding of English phraseology for learners in Uzbekistan.