English · Culture & Society
idiom
/ˈɪd.i.əm/
[/ˈɪd.i.əm/]
fixed figurative phrase
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be guessed from its individual words, such as 'kick the bucket'. It also means a characteristic style of expression.
Example
The idiom 'break the ice' means to make people feel more relaxed in a new situation.
The idiom 'break the ice' means to make people feel more relaxed in a new situation.
Etymology
From Greek 'idiōma' (a peculiarity, special phrasing), from 'idios' (one's own).
How & Where It’s Used
Important in language learning and the study of expression.