文化是人类社会实践过程中所创造的物质财富和精神财富的总和。文化是一种历史现象，每一社会都有与其适应的文化，并随着社会物质生产的发展而发展。作为意识形态的文化是一个社会的政治和经济的反映。作为具有某种特定含义的单词、短语、固定短语或句子的习语，有着特定的文化背景，对其所涉及的文化背景了解得越彻底，对习语的认识越充分。本书从英语与汉语习语之来源，探讨两种语言之文化差异。

Preface
Section One General Introduction to English Idioms
Section Two The Common Features of English Idioms
Section Three English Idioms and Daily Life
Section Four English Idioms and Historical Development
Section Five English Idioms and Natural Conditions
Section Six English Idioms and Customs
Section Seven English Idioms and Religion
Section Eight English Idioms，Greek and Roman Mythology, and Fables
Section Nine English Idioms and Literary Works
Section Ten English Idioms and Sports Games
Keys to Exercises
References