What is an idiom?

What is an idiom?

• A. A literal phrase
• B. A common expression that doesn't make sense if taken literally
• C. A formal rule
• D. A local custom

Answer: (B)

An idiom is a common expression whose meaning isn’t determined by the literal meaning of its words. For example, “kick the bucket” doesn’t mean kicking a bucket; it means to die. We understand idioms from how people use them in context, not by translating the words literally. This is why the idea that an idiom is a phrase that doesn’t make sense if taken literally fits best. The other options describe things that aren’t about figurative language—literal phrases can be understood by reading the words as they are, formal rules are guidelines, and a local custom is a tradition—none of which captures the idea of a phrase with a meaning that isn’t obvious from the words themselves.

An idiom is a common expression whose meaning isn’t determined by the literal meaning of its words. For example, “kick the bucket” doesn’t mean kicking a bucket; it means to die. We understand idioms from how people use them in context, not by translating the words literally. This is why the idea that an idiom is a phrase that doesn’t make sense if taken literally fits best. The other options describe things that aren’t about figurative language—literal phrases can be understood by reading the words as they are, formal rules are guidelines, and a local custom is a tradition—none of which captures the idea of a phrase with a meaning that isn’t obvious from the words themselves.