Abstract: Language is a reflection of the speaking country’s culture. Idioms, as an indispensable part of language, present the cultural informations more vividly. This study aims to probe into the origins of English idioms, which include geographic, religious, mythological, artistic, literary factors and customs. Also,it takes some efforts to analyze characteristics of English idioms in linguistic application. Use of rhetoric is one that’s mentioned in the paper. Furthermore, most idioms are to be used as a whole since any forms of separation would cause the loss of intended meaning. To have an in-depth understanding of the origins and characteristic of English idioms may help the learning of them.

Key words: idioms; culture; art; customs; linguistic

摘要：习语是英语文化的精髓。它带有浓厚的民族色彩和鲜明的文化内涵。本文从文化，艺术，宗教，习俗等方面介绍和研究英语习语的起源。此外，本文还从语言应用方面探究习语的使用特点，特别强调了其民族性，民间性，整体性，比喻性，和谐性等。以此帮助英语学习者深刻理解习语的文化内涵以及在语言运用中的特点，从而更准确的掌握和使用英语。

关键词：英语习语; 文化; 语言应用