What is the best way I can learn legal idioms?

Legal idioms or “phrasal verbs” consist of a verb + an adverb such as hand down or a verb + a preposition such as see to.

In general, the individual meanings of the words that make up idioms do not create their unique meaning. In many cases, it is almost ridiculous to try and guess their definitions.

Unfortunately, we just have to look up their meanings in dictionaries or use Google Translate.

But who has time for that?!!

So, what is the top secret for learning them?

The best way to learn legal phrasal verbs is to read them in context and memorize them. Repeat and practice. Use them in your speech and in your writing.

Here is a short list of legal phrasal verbs that can get you started.

• Enter into:means (1) begin or start a formal agreement or (2) start to deal with something.
  • Example 1: The parties entered into the Agreement on February 20, 2006.
  • Example 2: The parties entered into negotiation to resolve the conflict.
• Pass off:means to pretend that something or someone is different from what they are.
  • Example: She tried to pass off the counterfeit Gucci bag as the real thing.  
• Cease and Desist: means to stop immediately and permanently. Separately, cease means to stop, and desist means not to restart.
  • Example: Jon Bon Jovi sent a letter to Spotify to cease and desist from using his music without his permission.
• Contempt of Court: is the disobedience of an order of a court.
  • Example: Mr. Parsons was held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the subpoena.

If you are interested in a list of Legal Idioms, email info@ legallingua.com with “Phrasal Verbs” in the subject and I will send one your way.

There is no easy way around it. But learning legal idioms can drastically improve your English speaking and comprehension skills. You will become more fluent in legal English and project a professional image.

Good luck out there!