Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of the individual words. They are often specific to a language or culture and add color, nuance, and a level of informality to communication. idioms can be figures of speech, similes, metaphors, or simply established ways of saying things that differ from their surface meaning. Understanding idioms is key to fluency and grasping the subtle complexities of a language, as well as appreciating the unique perspectives of its speakers. They often provide a more concise or vivid way of expressing an idea compared to their literal counterparts. They evolve and change over time, reflecting cultural shifts.
Idioms meaning with examples
- John was feeling under the weather, so he stayed home from work. 'Under the weather' means not feeling well, but you wouldn't expect to literally be rained on! He wasn't feeling sick, and he could not describe in his word how he felt. He just knew something was amiss, and he needed time to recuperate and recover from whatever might be ailing him.
- After months of intense negotiations, they finally decided to call it a day. 'Call it a day' signifies that they have decided to stop working on something or cease an activity, even though they had the option to stay working for many more hours. They felt they had reached a good place.
- She was so nervous before her presentation that she had butterflies in her stomach. The idiom 'butterflies in her stomach' means that she felt nervous or anxious. In this case, she was not literally, but metaphorically, experiencing those sensations. It's a very descriptive idiom to the common emotions of uncertainty.
- The company hired him. He seemed perfect to all of them. After many interview sessions, he showed his true colors. The idiom 'show one's true colors' means that one reveals their real personality or character. This idiom is very common, and is understood by most people, regardless of their experience level.
Idioms Synonyms
aphorisms colloquialisms expressions figures of speech phrases proverbs sayingsIdioms Antonyms
direct statements literal phrases plain languageIdioms Crossword Answers
6 Letters
ARGOTS
7 Letters
SAYINGS