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What Is an Idiom? Definition and Examples

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What is an Idiom?

What is an Idiom?

An Idiom can be said as a group of words like “Piece of cake”, “Takes two to tango”, “Beat around the bush”, “Better late than never” etc. often we come across such phrases that have two different meanings- the figurative non-literal one and the literal one. These phrases or expressions are called idioms, which are an important component of any language and help to add depth and dynamism to an otherwise normal or mundane conversation/writing. 

This article will explore the world of idioms, their types, and uses and will give an idea of how to use these unique phrases to enhance your vocabulary. 

What is an idiom?

In technical terms, an idiom is an amalgamation of words that has a different figurative meaning which cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of those words or phrases. It is derived from the Greek word “Idioma” which means peculiar phraseology. Due to its peculiar nature, it is impossible to decode an idiom from its literal meaning.

Common examples include “It’s not rocket science”, and “Pull someone’s leg”. While “It’s not rocket science” basically means it’s not that difficult to understand, “Pull someone’s leg” refers to teasing someone playfully instead of literally pulling someone’s leg.

4 Types of Idioms

There are four types of idioms based on their characteristics and usage: pure, binomial, partial, and propositional.

Pure idiom

The most common type of idiom, the pure idiom’s definition is similar to the definition of an idiom i.e. you cannot decipher the meaning of the idiom based on the individual words. For example, “it’s raining cats and dogs” means it’s raining heavily rather than literally having rains of cats and dogs which is practically impossible.

Binomial idiom

As the name suggests, a binomial idiom consists of two words joined together by a preposition or a conjunction. Examples like “night and day”, and “black and white” indicate clear or stark differences rather than the literal meaning of night and day or the colors black and white.

Partial idiom

Partial idioms are cases where the idiom has two parts- literal and non-literal parts. “A storm is brewing in his eyes”- here, there are two parts: Eyes are the literal part and storm is the non-literal part. This idiom means that there is intensity in the eyes of the person.

Prepositional idiom

Idioms combining prepositions and verbs to create new verbs with non-literal meanings are known as prepositional idioms. This type of idiom cannot be used in isolation and must be part of a sentence. Some of the examples are “Get along” which means being amicable, and “Look into” which indicates investigating something.

Idiom vs. Cliche

Cliches are phrases that have been overused to such an extent that they have lost their original impact when used in a sentence. A cliche can be an idiom, however, not all idioms are cliches.
A classic example of a cliche is using the phrase “There is plenty of fish in the sea” during a rejection or failure. These words tend to have zero impact during that situation.

Idiom vs. Proverb

Like cliches, a proverb can be an idiom, however, not all idioms are proverbs. Proverbs are phrases that are used as sources of wisdom or advice given to someone. Popular proverbs are “Barking dogs seldom bite”, and “Empty vessels make a lot of noise”.

Idiom vs. Euphemism

Euphemism is a subset of idiom that is used to describe an unpleasant situation in a gentler way. Examples are the use of phrases like “Let go” in place of fired or “Passed away” for death. 

How are Idioms Structured?

Idioms do not have a definite structure as it varies from language to language. In fact, it is the order of the words or syntax used in an idiom that is important rather than following a fixed structure or grammar. Not only language to language, the structure of idioms belonging to one language also vary from region to region. As a result, mastering the structure of any region’s idioms takes a good amount of time and can only be achieved by interacting with the people from that region.

When are Idioms Used for Writing?

Idioms are used in writing when there is a need to display strength and command over the language. Idioms also help in adding depth and dynamism to an otherwise routine writeup. They display creativity and aim to connect with readers in an informal manner. A simple “You’re right” can be replaced by “You’ve hit the nail on the head” to make reading more fun and enjoyable.

24 Examples of Idioms

Here are some popular idioms with their meanings:

1. Back against the wall (Doing something against the wish due to being stuck in a tricky situation)

2. Break the ice (Start the conversation)

3. Get your act together (Start doing things in an organized and effective way)

4. On cloud nine (Being very elated and happy)

5. Spill the beans (Reveal a secret)

6. Pull someone’s leg (Prank someone)

7. Through thick and thin (Displaying full loyalty)

8. Don’t cry over spilt milk (Don’t cry over something that can’t be fixed)

9. A black sheep (Someone who brings disgrace to the entire family)

10. Once in a blue moon (Rare occurrence)

11. By the skin of your teeth (Making it barely)

12. Go the extra mile (Making an extra effort)

13. Straight from the Horse’s mouth (Getting information directly from the concerned person)

14. Has bigger fish to fry (Has more important things to do)

15. Look before you leap (Analyse the consequences before taking a decision)

16. Take a rain check (Postponing a plan)

17. Play devil’s advocate (Arguing for the sake of it)

18. Throwing caution to the wind (Taking risks)

19. Like a cakewalk (Easy work)

20. Go back to the drawing board (To restart something)

21. You can say that again (Agreeing that the fact is true)

22. Call it a day (Stop working)

23. At the 11th hour (At the last moment)

24. Bury the hatchet (Making peace to a heated argument)

Frequently Asked Questions on Idioms

Que 1. What is an idiom?

An idiom is a group of words that has a different figurative meaning which cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of those words or phrases.

Que 2. How do idioms work?

Idioms work on the basis of the words that are grouped together to give a new meaning. The meaning can vary from region to region.

Que 3. How do idioms get their meanings?

The figurative meaning of an idiom is achieved through the way it is used in a sentence. For example, let us consider the sentence “Let’s throw caution to the wind and go for it”. This means let’s take the risk and do it.

Que 4. When are idioms used?

Idioms are used in writing when there is a need to display strength and command over the language. Idioms show creativity and aim to connect with readers in an informal manner.

Que 5. Write examples of idioms

Here are some popular idioms with their meanings:
1. Back against the wall (Doing something against the wish due to being stuck in a tricky situation)
2. Break the ice (Start the conversation)
3. Get your act together (Start doing things in an organized and effective way)
4. On cloud nine (Being very elated and happy)
5. Spill the beans (Reveal a secret)

Que 6. What is the difference between an idiom and a cliche?

Cliches are phrases that have been overused to such an extent that they have lost their original impact when used in a sentence. A cliche can be an idiom, however, not all idioms are cliches.
A classic example of a cliche is using the phrase “There is plenty of fish in the sea” during a rejection or failure. These words tend to have zero impact during that situation.

Que 7. Why are idioms challenging for language learners?

Idioms are challenging for language learners because they have a figurative meaning rather than a literal meaning. A language learner will always start with the basics which generally involves learning new words and knowing their literal meanings. For the learner to understand idioms and their use, he/she will have to start speaking with native language speakers and have them explain the meanings.



Last Updated : 02 Aug, 2023
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