idioms

IPA/ˈɪd.i.əm/
KK[ˈɪdiəmz]IPA/ˈɪd.i.əm/

idioms — noun

  • idiomssingular
  • idiomsesplural

1. a set of words used together in a fixed pattern where the whole phrase carries a

1.nounB2
Definition

a set of words used together in a fixed pattern where the whole phrase carries a special meaning that the individual words do not suggest on their own — for example, 'break the ice' means to start a friendly conversation, not to break actual ice.

Example

Madison found it hard to guess the meaning of the idiom 'spill the beans.'

noun phrase: the idiom + '; noun + describing meaning of an idiom

The teacher asked Minho to explain the idiom 'once in a blue moon.'

verb pattern: ask + person + to explain an idiom

Common collocations
  • common idiom
  • old idiom
  • English idioms
  • idiom meaning
  • explain an idiom
Synonyms
  • fixed expression

    broader term that includes idioms, proverbs, and collocations

  • set phrase

    similar meaning but more neutral, used in grammar teaching

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

idiom + verb (singular/plural)

Usage Note

Frequently used with the verb 'explain' or 'guess' when learners encounter an unfamiliar fixed expression.

Common Mistakes

I spill the beans yesterday when I told my sister.
I spilled the beans yesterday when I told my sister.
'spill the beans' is always the base form; the verb 'spill' changes tense normally.

2. the words and speech patterns that belong to a certain community, region, or lin

2.nounB2
Definition

the words and speech patterns that belong to a certain community, region, or line of work.

Example

The local fishing village had an idiom with words Vinícius had never heard.

pattern: [place] + had + an idiom with + words

Aarav noticed that the legal idiom used in court was very different from everyday English.

collocation: [domain] idiom + used in + setting

Common collocations
  • local idiom
  • regional idiom
  • legal idiom
  • rural idiom
  • idiom of the people
Synonyms
  • dialect

    a regional variety of a language, including grammar and pronunciation as well as vocabulary

  • vernacular

    the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a place

Grammar Patterns

the + idiom + of + group/place

Usage Note

In this sense 'idiom' is often preceded by a modifying adjective (regional, local, legal, rural) that names the group or place.

3. a distinctive approach to creating art, music, or buildings that reveals the inf

3.nounC1
Definition

a distinctive approach to creating art, music, or buildings that reveals the influence of one individual, era, or school.

Example

Ilan wrote a school report about the musical idiom of 1960s rock and roll.

pattern: the + musical/artistic idiom of + period

Pedro could recognise the painter's idiom from the bright colours alone.

collocation: painter's idiom

Common collocations
  • musical idiom
  • artistic idiom
  • architectural idiom
  • modern idiom
  • visual idiom
Synonyms
  • style

    broader, used across all arts and everyday life

  • language

    used metaphorically, e.g. 'the language of cubism'

Grammar Patterns

the + noun + idiom of + period/person

Usage Note

Frequently modified by an adjective naming the art form (musical, visual, architectural) or by a person's name in the possessive form.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

An idiom is a type of fixed expression whose overall meaning cannot be guessed from the individual words — 'kick the bucket' does not involve a bucket or kicking. A 'fixed expression' is a broader category that covers any group of words that regularly appear together, including idioms, collocations, and proverbs. A 'set phrase' is similar to a fixed expression but often refers to common social formulas ('nice to meet you') rather than figurative language. A 'collocation' is a natural word pairing ('heavy rain') where the meaning IS transparent. A 'proverb' is a well-known saying that gives advice ('too many cooks spoil the broth'). Example: 'break the ice' is an idiom (figurative); 'strong coffee' is a collocation (literal); 'the early bird catches the worm' is a proverb (advice).

fixed expressionset phrase ↗collocation ↗proverb ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in the idiom of
  • idiom of the period

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'idiom' comes from Latin 'idioma', borrowed from Greek 'idiōma', meaning 'a peculiarity or specific feature'. The Greek root 'idios' means 'one's own, private, personal', which reflects the idea that an idiom belongs to a particular language, group, or individual rather than being universal.

First known use

1573

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 2b