idiom (B1)
noun
Pronunciation: /ˈɪdiəm/
Definition
A phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words.
Examples
The teacher explained that 'break a leg' is an idiom for good luck.
Many English idioms are difficult for learners to understand because their meanings are not obvious.
She used a common idiom to express her frustration, saying she was 'at the end of her rope'.
How to Use idiom
- idiom for (prepositional phrase)
- Used to specify what the idiom means or represents. — "The teacher asked us to find an idiom for happiness."
- understand an idiom (collocation)
- To comprehend the non-literal meaning of an idiomatic expression. — "It can be very difficult for language learners to understand English idioms."
Synonyms of idiom
Words with a similar meaning to idiom:
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