文化的语言传播功能使英语熟语流传并发展,同时,民族文化的特征也通过熟语表现出来。本文认为,从历史背景、文化传统、生活环境及风俗、宗教信仰等方面解读英语熟语,是窥见西方文化世界、比鉴中国文化发展的有效途径之一,也是跨文化交流的最佳媒介。 The function of cultural transmission of the language spreads and develops the English idioms, meanwhile, the characteristics of the national culture are also shown in the idioms. This paper argues that interpreting English idioms from the historical background, cultural traditions, living environment, customs and religious beliefs is one of the most effective ways to get a glimpse of the western world and learn from the development of Chinese culture. It is also the best medium for intercultural communication.