idiom An idiom is a phrase or expression that largely or exclusively carries a Literal and figurative language, figurative or non-literal meaning (linguistic), meaning, rather than making any literal sense. Categorized as formulaic speech, formulaic ...

is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words'

denotation In linguistics and philosophy, the denotation of a word or expression is its strictly literal meaning. For instance, the English word "warm" denotes the property of having high temperature. Denotation is contrasted with other aspects of meaning in ...

s would suggest; ''i.e.'' the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "''kick the bucket''" below). By another definition, an idiom is a speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements. For example, an English speaker would understand the phrase "''kick the bucket''" to mean "''to die''" and also to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore, they would understand when each meaning is being used in context. To evoke the desired effect in the listener, idioms require a precise replication of the phrase: not even articles can be used interchangeably (e.g. "''kick a bucket''" only retains the literal meaning of the phrase but not the idiomatic meaning). Idioms should not be confused with other

figures of speech A figure of speech or rhetorical figure is a word or phrase that intentionally deviates from straightforward language use or literal meaning to produce a rhetorical or intensified effect (emotionally, aesthetically, intellectually, etc.). In the ...

such as

metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide, or obscure, clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas. Metaphors are usually meant to cr ...

s, which evoke an image by use of implicit comparisons (''e.g.'', "''the man of steel''");

simile A simile () is a type of figure of speech that directly ''compares'' two things. Similes are often contrasted with metaphors, where similes necessarily compare two things using words such as "like", "as", while metaphors often create an implicit c ...

s, which evoke an image by use of explicit comparisons (''e.g.'', "''faster than a speeding bullet''"); or

hyperbole Hyperbole (; adj. hyperbolic ) is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. In rhetoric, it is also sometimes known as auxesis (literally 'growth'). In poetry and oratory, it emphasizes, evokes strong feelings, and cre ...

, which exaggerates an image beyond truthfulness (''e.g.'', "''more powerful than a locomotive''"). Idioms are also not to be confused with

proverb A proverb (from ) or an adage is a simple, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and are an example of formulaic speech, formulaic language. A proverbial phrase ...

s, which are simple sayings that express a truth based on common sense or practical experience.A other example can be "green fingers".

Notable idioms in English

Notes

References

{{Navboxes , title=Articles related to the English language , list = {{Navboxes , title=Linguistics , list = {{Description of English {{History of English {{English dialects by continent {{Germanic languages {{Dictionaries of English {{Navboxes , title=Geopolitical use , list = {{English official language clickable map English grammar Lists of English phrases

Notable idioms in English

See also

Notes

References