Definition

A phrase or expression in a language that has a meaning not easily understood from the individual words, often unique to a particular group or culture.

Example

The phrase 'kick the bucket' is an idiom that means to die.

Conversation

Have you ever heard the idiom 'break the ice'?

Yeah, it means to start a conversation in a social setting, right?

Exactly! It's such a useful idiom when meeting new people.

Totally! I love how language has so many interesting expressions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Idiom is derived from the Greek word "idioma" (meaning a peculiar phrase or expression) and the suffix "-ism" (indicating a characteristic or quality). The word "idiom" refers to a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning distinct from its literal meaning, often specific to a particular language or group.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'peculiar expression' ('idioma') that has a unique meaning in a language — that's what an idiom is.

Visually Confused Words