Idiom

/ˈɪdiəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A group of words whose meaning is not deducible from those of the individual words.

The phrase 'kick the bucket' is an idiom meaning to die.

A language or dialect peculiar to a people or to a district, or a characteristic mode of expression.

The author's use of idiom gives her writing a unique cultural flavor.

An expression whose meaning is culturally understood but may not be immediately clear to non-native speakers.

When he said 'it's raining cats and dogs,' it was an idiom that confounded many foreigners.

The syntax and vocabulary that characterize the language of a particular group.

The idiom used in poetic works can often be quite different from everyday language.

A style of art or music that is characteristic of a particular group.

The idiom of the region's folk music is rich in cultural heritage.

From Latin idiomus, from Greek idiōma meaning 'peculiarity, special feature,' from idios meaning 'one's own.'

Break the ice

To initiate conversation in a social setting.

Bite the bullet

To endure a painful or unpleasant situation.

Let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret.

proverb

A short, traditional saying that expresses a truth or piece of advice.

phraseology

The way in which words and phrases are used in a particular language.

Colloquial expression

Using 'gonna' instead of 'going to' is an idiom sometimes used in casual speech.

Informal version of standard expressions

'Hit the road' is a slang idiom meaning to leave.