V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
idiom
noun
Definition: 1. a group of words in a fixed order, which have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word understood on its own; 2. natural and non-literal usage of language and expressions; 3. the unique local dialect or style of a language; 4. specialized vocabulary used by a particular group
Synonyms: colloquialism, locution, slang, vernacular, jargon, parlance, expression, lingo, modality, usage
Antonyms: literalism
Tips: Idiom comes from the Greek idioma, "peculiarity" and denotes a peculiarity or non-literal usage of words or phrases in a language. Idiom is often a more sophisticated way of saying "expression." It can also refer to a specific dialect or style of speaking.
Usage Examples:
I felt that I knew Spanish pretty well until I went to Guatemala and was faced with interpreting at least one new idiom a day for several weeks. (colloquialism, expression)
The expression "you're getting on my nerves" is an idiom that makes no sense to non-native speakers of English. (colloquialism, expression)
"Try not to bite off more than you can chew" is an idiom that means you should not try to take on more than you can handle. (saying, expression)
"It's like shooting fish in a barrel" is an idiom that means it will be really easy to do. (expression, saying)
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