Idiom (Noun)
Meaning 1
A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The phrase "break a leg" is an idiom that native speakers use to wish someone good luck before a performance.
- She's been studying English for years, but she still has trouble understanding native speakers' idioms.
- Learning idioms is an important part of language study, as they can be confusing to non-native speakers.
- The teacher explained that the phrase "bite off more than you can chew" is an idiom that means to take on more responsibility than you can handle.
- Native speakers often use idioms without even thinking about it, which can make it difficult for language learners to understand them.
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Meaning 2
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The phrase "break a leg" is a common idiom used to wish someone good luck, but it literally doesn't mean that they should hurt themselves.
- Idioms can add flavor and interest to our language, but they can also confuse people who don't know them.
- "Rain on someone's parade" is another idiom that is used to describe when someone is ruining an event or celebration.
- Learning idioms can be difficult because the meanings are not literal and often require cultural or historical context.
- The idiom "bend over backwards" means to go out of one's way to help or accommodate someone, and is often used to describe excellent customer service.
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Meaning 3
The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people; "the immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English"; "he has a strong German accent"; "it has been said that a language is a dialect with an army and navy".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The local idiom of the south was distinct from the standard English used in schools and formal writing.
- Her speech was peppered with the idiom of the Texas ranchers she had grown up with.
- The idiom of the street vendors in the market was colorful and often humorous, but difficult to understand.
- The tourists struggled to grasp the local idiom, which included many slang expressions and regional phrases.
- The linguist's study of the island's idiom revealed a unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences.
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Meaning 4
The style of a particular artist or school or movement; "an imaginative orchestral idiom".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The painter's use of bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors defined her unique artistic idiom.
- The jazz trumpeter's distinctive tone and phrasing were a hallmark of the bebop idiom.
- The symphony's blend of folk melodies and classical structures created a stunning cultural idiom.
- The composer's innovative use of electronic sounds and experimental techniques expanded the avant-garde idiom.
- The author's witty dialogue and clever plot twists showcased her mastery of the comedic idiom.