What is Idiom?
An idiom is something everyone recognizes and uses, but cannot explain or define. Simply put, an idiom is a phrase or expression that has meaning to a native language speaker but does not convey the literal meaning of the words used. For example, native English speakers understand that when someone says they are “killing two birds with one stone,” the statement has nothing to do with stones or killing birds; rather, it means they are doing two tasks at the same time. Idioms are regional, so they will vary in meaning and context depending on where you are.
How to pronounce Idiom?
When do writers use Idioms?
When used correctly. Idioms are a powerful writing tool. Writers use them to add color and life to their writing. Idioms make writing sound more conversational so they are a popular writing tool among bloggers. When used in fiction, they can add personality to a character’s voice. In general, writers enjoy using idioms because they are fun to use and can make a piece of writing more interesting or add humor to it.
How to use an Idiom
Idioms DO NOT make a comparison like other figurative language devices, so do not use them to compare two similar or different things or concepts. Instead:
- Use them to add humor.
- Use them to evoke specific regions. When using idioms such as “this dog won’t hunt” or “that debacle is the dog’s dinner,” the person speaking is most likely of British descent.
- Use idioms to share points of view.
- Use them to simplify complex concepts or ideas.
- Avoid clichés
- Create idiolects for readers (language patterns unique to an individual from their use of language to their level of discourse).
- Identify repetitive descriptions.
The 4 Types of Idiom
- Pure – Your typical, everyday use of an idiom. The meaning of the phrase is not easily deduced from each individual word in it. ExampleL Don’t spill the beans,” meaning you are being told to keep a secret Not dump beans out of a container.
Binomial – A type of idiom containing two words joined by a conjunction. Example: Let’s have a heart-to-heart,” meaning someone is asking you to have a serious, deep, or emotional conversation with them Not hold two hearts together.- Partial – A common idiom that has been shortened. Examples include, “What happens in Vegas …” and “When in Rome …” While Americans know these phrases to include “Stays in Vegas” and “do as the Romans do,” a tourist probably would not understand and possibly find the phrase insulting.
- Prepositional – A type of idiom that can be confusing even for native speakers. This type of idiom combines two prepositional words to make a phrase. Example: “agreed on” means that you have arrived at acceptable terms and reached an agreement with another person or group.“
Examples of Idiom in Literature 📚
- Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare –
“If he could right himself with quarreling,
some of us would lie low.”
In these lines, Shakespeare uses the idiom “lie low” to infer that some would prefer to hide and stay hidden rather than literally lie down or get close to the ground.
- The Adventures Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain –
Can’t learn an old dog new tricks, as the saying is. But my goodness, he never plays them alike, two days, and how is a body to know what’s coming? He ‘pears to know just how long he can torment me before I get my dander up, and he knows if he can make out to put me off for a minute or make me laugh, it’s all down again and I can’t hit him a lick.
In this single passage, there are multiple instances where Twain uses idioms to express Aunt Polly’s frustration: “get my dander up” means not to make her angry and “to put me off” means to discourage or dissuade someone of something, but in this passage, the two work together to illustrate Polly’s anger and add personality to her speech and character.
- As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner –
After Bundren’s wife, Addie, dies, he announces that the family will need to take her boy to Jefferson to be buried because, “Her mind is set on it.” While alive, this was her wish and is left to her husband to carry it out because she had firmly made up her mind and was determined that this is what would happen after she passed.
Examples of Idiom in Children Books 🧸
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll – The phrase “As mad as a hatter” is actually derived from a real life disease caused from mercury poisoning. The disease affected hat makers who worked with the substance and it severely affected their minds and reasoning which led them to change their minds.
- Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White –The phrase, “It’s raining cats and dogs” is used to explain that it’s raining heavily instead of it literally raining cats and dogs.
- The Three Little Pigs, Joseph Jacobs – “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” is used to describe someone as dangerous and trustworthy rather than an actual wolf dressed up to look like a sheep.
Examples of Idioms in Songs 🎧
- “Money for Nothing,” Dire Straits – This song uses this idiom as a way to describe that the person in the song is living a life of luxury without having to work for it.
- “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Pat Benatar – Both the title and song lyric, “hit me with your best shot” are used to describe someone who is ready to take on any challenge.= not literally be hit or shot.
- ”Rolling in the Deep,” Adele – In addition to the title itself being an idiom, Adele also includes idioms in her lyrics such as”“Parents reap what they sow,” which means parents should be attentive to the quality of care they give their children because the children will grow into what they were shaped to be. She is not implying that parents should walk outside and literally reap the crops they have sown.
Idiom in TV 🎥
- Classic Archer – “Take a knee,’’ ‘’Your butt’s been writing checks it can’t cash,” “tough titty,” and so many more. All in one episode.
Famous Movie Dialogue Using Idiom 📺
- A Toy Story(1995) – Buzz Lightyear: “To infinity and beyond!”
Examples of Idiom in Advertising 📺
- “It’ll Blow Your Mind Away,” Burger King — The catchy slogan was used to imply that their burgers were so good you would be amazed by the taste.
- “America Runs on Dunkin’,” Dunkin’ Donuts – This idiom was used by Dunkin’ to claim that their donuts were so good, they were the food (i.g. fuel) Americans needed to survive.
Often Confused with: 👥
- Euphemism – Most often confused for idioms, this is a phrase not intended to be taken literally that is often used to address sensitive or uncomfortable topics such as death or sex. Example: Tom kicked the bucket yesterday. “Kicked the bucket” is not saying that Tom literally kicked a bucket around yesterday but rather, he died.
- Clichés – An overused phrase or idiom that has lost its impact due to overuse. Classic examples include: “a rose by any other name,” “read between the lines,” “it’s an uphill battle,” or so-and-so is “a bad egg.” you get the picture, right?
- Colloquialism – The use of conversational language, such as idioms and euphemisms, in your writing makes it more colloquial (It’s confusing, right?!)
FAQ 🤔
What is an idiom in literature?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. These phrases are understood by native speakers as having a meaning that cannot be deduced from the individual words. Idioms are used to convey particular sentiments, make language more colorful, and express cultural nuances.
How does an idiom function in writing?
Idioms function in writing by adding depth and cultural context, making the language more vivid and expressive. They can convey complex ideas succinctly, evoke imagery, or express emotions in a way that direct language might not, thereby enriching the narrative or dialogue with a layer of meaning that resonates with those familiar with the expression.
Can idioms be found in both poetry and prose?
Yes, idioms can be found in both poetry and prose. In poetry, they add layers of meaning and emotion, contributing to the poem’s overall thematic depth. In prose, idioms are often used in dialogue or descriptive passages to convey characters’ personalities, cultural backgrounds, or to enhance the storytelling with colloquial authenticity.
Why do writers use idioms?
Writers use idioms to give their language a more natural and authentic feel, to succinctly express complex ideas, and to connect with readers through culturally familiar expressions. Idioms can also add humor, emphasize a point, or deepen character development by showcasing a character’s linguistic and cultural background.
How can I identify an idiom in a text?
To identify an idiom in a text, look for phrases that don’t make sense when taken literally or seem to have a cultural or contextual meaning beyond the words themselves. Familiarity with the language and culture from which the idiom originates is often necessary to fully understand its meaning and use in context.