An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not compositional—that is, whose meaning does not follow from the meaning of the individual words of which it is composed. For example, the English phrase to kick the bucket means to die. A listener knowing the meaning of kick and bucket will not thereby be able to predict that the expression can mean to die. Idioms are often, though perhaps not universally, classified as figures of speech.
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1.What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase which has a different meaning from the meaning of its components.For example, when we say :"It's raining cats and dogs", we do not mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky.This amusing expression means that it is raining heavily.Idioms are basically fixed expressions, which means you cannot change the word order, or the grammatical forms in the same way as you can change non-idiomatic expressions.
2. Where can you find idioms?
Idioms can be found in every language. They form an essential part of the general vocabulary of English.
3. Are idioms colloquial expressions?
Not exclusively for they can appear in formal style, in slang, in poetry or in the language of Shakespeare and the Bible.Even if you are more likely to find idioms in the tabloids or in the popular press, you will certainly find a lot of them in quality newspapers, too.
4. What is the difference betwen an idiom, a proverb , a saying and a cliche?
Idioms are not proverbs. A proverb is "a short well-known sentence that states a general truth about life and gives advice" (Advanced Learner's Dictionary) A proverb can be used idiomatically, but many proverbs can be understood literally. For example:"Like father like son" , or again :"Nobody's perfect".
A saying is "a well-known phrase, expression or a proverb". All proverbs are sayings but idioms are neither proverbs nor sayings.
A cliche is "a phrase which is used so often that it is no longer interesting, effective or relevant." (ALD). Although many idioms have become old-fashioned, they still have some relevance and we often find them interesting, so they are not cliches.
5. Can we guess the meaning of idioms?
The words which are used may offer some clues, but usually the meaning is totally different, which is why idioms are considered so tricky for students who are not native speakers.
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