So to Speak: A Computational and Empirical Investigation of Lexical Cohesion of Non-Literal and Literal Expressions in Text by Alexis Palmer, Caroline Sporleder, Linlin Li

“…Specifically, we look at five expressions headed by a verb which – depending on the context – can have either a literal or a non-literal meaning: bounce off the wall (“to be excited and full of nervous energy”), get one’s feet wet (“to start a new activity or job”), rock the boat (“to disturb the balance or routine of a situation”), break the ice (“to start to get to know people, to overcome initial shyness”), and play with fire (“to take part in a dangerous or risky undertaking”). …”
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