Understanding Idioms: Discovering Common Examples

The term "idiom" can have multiple definitions - it can refer to a specific dialect or the unique character of a particular language. According to the dictionary, "idiom" has various meanings. In this article, we will focus on one specific interpretation: idioms as popular phrases or expressions with figurative rather than literal meanings.

The Definition of Idioms

By this given meaning, an idiom is:

• A figurative language, not to be taken literally
• A well-known phrase or expression
• A phrase or expression specific to a language or dialect, which would lose its significance if translated directly

Now, let's explore some examples of idioms. Below are five commonly used idioms and their origins, as well as five interesting examples of idioms used in literature.

Common Idioms in Everyday Conversations

There are countless idioms in the English language (The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms lists over 10,000!). Here are a few that you may have come across in daily discussions:

• To start from scratch: To begin again from the very beginning without any existing foundation. For instance, if you have to redo something that you lost, you can say, "Now I have to start over from scratch!". This idiom originated from cricket, where lines were scratched onto the ground to mark the pitch before a game.
• To let the cat out of the bag: To accidentally reveal a secret. For example, if you mention a surprise party to the person it's for, you could say, "I've let the cat out of the bag!". This phrase originated in the 1700s when merchants would deceive customers by selling them a bag with a cat instead of a piglet.
• To steal someone's thunder: To gain attention or praise from someone else. For instance, if someone is about to announce something, and you do something even more impressive, you could say, "You've stolen my thunder!". This phrase has a literal origin; in the 1700s, a writer used an innovative effect to create the sound of thunder in his play and was unhappy when others copied it in other productions.
• To turn the tables: To reverse a situation where one side has the advantage. For example, if a team is losing but then makes a comeback, you could say, "They turned the tables there!". This idiom comes from board games, where players would often turn the table to reverse their positions in the game.
• To burn your bridges: To take drastic action to cut off the possibility of changing a decision. For example, if someone quits their job, but before leaving, they insult everyone and cause a scene, you could say, "They've burned their bridges!". This phrase originates from the practice of burning bridges so that enemies could not follow you as you retreat.

As you can see, idioms add a dash of liveliness and imagination to our language, making it more vibrant and enjoyable to use. So, next time you hear or use an idiom, take a moment to appreciate its origin and figurative meaning!

Sarah's chances of being rehired by that company are slim, making her remark, "I've burnt my bridges with that company!" relevant. This idiom, like others, was originally used literally; in times of war, burning bridges over rivers prevented enemies from escaping, but also prevented a retreat. It is believed that this concept originated during the Roman Empire.The meaning of these phrases has evolved to be almost entirely figurative. They have become widely used idioms in the English language, detached from their literal meaning. Idioms in Literary WorksHere are some examples of idioms found in literature:Breaking the ice.This idiom, meaning to ease social awkwardness, is familiar to all. For instance, when John wants to talk to a girl but is too shy, he may turn to his friend and say, "I want to get to know her, but I don't know how to break the ice." Similarly, a tutor at the start of a new term may announce, "Let's start with some ice-breakers," referring to introductory games or exercises to get students talking.This phrase appears in William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew (1590-1594), when Tranio urges Petruchio to speak to Katharina, his love interest:"And if you break the ice and do this feat,Achieve the elder, set the younger freeFor our access …"As good as dead.

Understanding Idioms and Proverbs: What's the Difference?

Idioms and proverbs are common phrases or expressions that are used in everyday language. They often have figurative meanings and should not be taken literally. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between these two types of language.

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is a well-known phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning. For example, the phrase "as good as dead" does not mean that something is actually dead, but is used to describe something that is no longer functioning. Similarly, the idiom "burning the candle at both ends" does not involve actual candle burning, but rather refers to working excessively. These phrases are considered idioms because their meanings cannot be easily understood by looking at the individual words used.

What is a Proverb?

A proverb is also a short phrase or expression, but its purpose is to provide advice or state a general truth. Unlike idioms, proverbs can often be understood by looking at the individual words used. They are meant to be taken more literally, but can still have figurative meaning. Some common proverbs include "actions speak louder than words" and "Rome wasn't built in a day".

Examples of Proverbs

• Actions speak louder than words. Meaning: A person's actions reveal more about their character than their words.
• Rome wasn't built in a day. Meaning: Achieving something great takes time and effort.
• A stitch in time saves nine. Meaning: It is better to address a problem while it is small, rather than waiting for it to become bigger.
• Don't judge a book by its cover. Meaning: Do not solely base your opinion on appearances.
• All good things come to an end. Meaning: Even positive experiences eventually reach an end.

Comparing Idioms and Proverbs

To better understand the similarities and differences between idioms and proverbs, let's compare them directly:

• Idioms vs metaphors - what's the difference? A metaphor is a type of figurative language that compares one thing to another in order to highlight their similarities. Idioms often use metaphors, such as the phrase "the elephant in the room", where the "elephant" is a metaphor for something else. The key difference between a metaphor and an idiom is that an idiom is a well-established phrase or expression, whereas a metaphor is not.
• Idioms vs Dialects In some cases, "idiom" can refer to the specific character or individuality of a language. However, the definition we have explored in this article is a common phrase or expression that has a figurative, rather than literal, meaning.
• Translation and Universality Idioms are specific to a particular language or dialect. If translated literally into another language, they would not make sense without explanation. On the other hand, metaphors are generally more universal and can be directly translated into other languages with little loss of meaning.

Key Takeaways

• Idioms and proverbs are not the same thing. While they both involve using common phrases or expressions, idioms have figurative meanings while proverbs are more literal in nature.

Discovering the Differences Between Idioms and Proverbs

In the world of language, proverbs and idioms often confuse people due to their figurative meanings. While they both serve a similar purpose, there are distinct differences between the two.

A proverb is a phrase designed to convey advice or state a general truth. It is usually figurative, with some exceptions, and can be found in everyday language and literature. On the other hand, an idiom is a common expression that expresses a simple feeling or idea. It too, is figurative, but is not meant to be taken literally.

It's interesting to note that many idioms were once used in a literal sense, but over time have lost their original meaning and become purely figurative. However, not all metaphors are idioms. For a metaphor to be considered an idiom, it must be a well-established phrase or expression.

The Pronunciation of "Idiom"

The word 'idiom' is pronounced as i-dee-uhm (/ɪdɪəm/). It's important to note that the first syllable is not pronounced as "eye" (like the letter "I"), but rather like the first syllable in words such as "illustrate", "imitate", or "Icarus".

So, the next time you come across an idiom or a proverb, remember that they may not make sense when taken literally. But understanding their figurative meanings can add depth and creativity to your language skills.