The role of imagery in dictionaries of idioms

This article adopts a cognitive linguistic approach to idioms as motivated lexical units. The focus is on lexicographic applications of the notion of motivation; specifically, on the usefulness of imagery in the form of pictorial illustrations and etymological notes in idioms dictionaries. We discuss the main features of idiom semantics, review the results of research into the influence of motivating information on idiom acquisition, and outline the issue of imagery in idiom entries, highlighting the problems involved. Finally, we report on a study with Polish university students of English. Our findings point to a facilitative role of pictorial illustrations on short- and long-term retention of both form and meaning of idioms. In contrast, etymological notes do not have any positive effect