There are numerous things that you have to learn to know the English Language. I have talked about the commonly used idioms before, but that is not the end of it. There are different idiom types that are yet to be covered.
An idiom is a phrase that does not go by the literal meaning. If you try to deduce the meaning of the words separately, you are going to fail. “Killing two birds with one stone” is an example of an idiom. Do not go by its literal meaning.
In this article, we are going to delve deep into the world of idioms and learn about the different idiom types, along with their uses and examples.
How Do You Define an Idiom?
An idiom is a kind of expression or phrase that cannot be decoded by defining the words mentioned in the phrase. It has an underlying meaning which is different from the literal meaning. To be particular, the word “idiom” has come from the Greek word “idioma” meaning “peculiar phraseology.”
Every language has its own idioms, which are popular and well-known to the natives but not to others. People who find idioms to be difficult cannot see “the forest for the trees.” Meaning they do not look into the bigger picture and just look at what is in front of their eyes.
To understand or know the meaning of an idiom, you have to think of the phrase as one whole and not think of the individual words.
Different Types Of Idioms
In general, there are four different types of idioms. Pure idioms, partial idioms, prepositional idioms, and binomial idioms. In some places, proverbs, euphemisms, and cliches are also considered types of idioms. Here, we are going to discuss how these are also considered different types of idioms.
Pure Idiom
Pure idiom is the basic form of idiom, the one whose meaning cannot be derived from the individual components. When we say, “break a leg,” we don’t actually ask someone to break their legs. It means best of luck. But it is not something you will understand by looking at the idiom.
Let’s have a look at some examples.
- Kick the bucket – This phrase is used to refer to someone who is dying. There is nothing to do with physically kicking a bucket. It is only the figurative meaning that matters.
- Bite the bullet – When someone asks you to bite a bullet, they are basically asking you to handle a difficult situation with great courage.
- Spill the beans– This is a phrase you use when you ask someone to reveal their secrets. The literal action has nothing to do with the actual meaning of the word, and that is how it is a classic idiom.
Binomial Idiom
This kind of idiom is actually a phrase that has two different words combined with a preposition or a conjunction. For instance, we use the phrase “by and large,” which means everything considered. Or the phrase “do’s and dont’s,” meaning a guideline on what you should do and what you should not.
- By and large – We use this phrase to mean considering all factors or, in general, everything. It combines both words “by” and “large” to present a broad perspective.
- Back to front – This phrase is used to mean when anything is done in the opposite order or when something is reversed. This idiom is used to describe something in the opposite direction from what is actually expected.
- Pros and cons – While discussing the disadvantages and advantages of any situation, people use the phrase “pros and cons.”
Partial Idiom
Partial idioms are those which are divided into two parts, and mostly it is the first part that is used while speaking, and fluent English speakers understand what is being said. Something is left unsaid for the listeners to understand.
- When in Rome – This incomplete phrase means that when you are in Rome, you should do what the Romas do. Basically, it means adapting to the local norms and customs of the place where you are going.
- The ball is in your court – this idiom is incomplete without the word now. This actually means that it is someone else’s responsibility now, and the other person is supposed to take the responsibility now.
- Bite off more than you can – If you do not mention “to swallow,” the phrase remains incomplete. This actually means taking on a responsibility that is beyond your capabilities.
Prepositional Idiom
A prepositional idiom is something that combines a preposition and a verb to form a verb with a different meaning. The phrase “agree on” is considered a prepositional idiom, as it combines the verb “agree” with “on,” a preposition, and forms a phrase that means that you agree with someone.
- Agree on – This phrase is used to imply that you share mutual understanding or consensus on a particular matter or share the same opinion. For instance, “They agreed on the main timeline for the project.”
- Run out of – When we say “run out of,” we generally mean that we have exhausted the quantity or the supply of something. For instance, “ You have to go out immediately; we have run out of cheese.”
- Believe in – This one is used to express confidence or faith in something or someone. For instance, “I believe in you, You can do this.”
Idiom vs. cliché
To begin with, “a cliche can be an idiom, however, an idiom is not a cliche.” Cliches are phrases or expressions that are overused to the point where they lose their meaning and notify a lack of original thought.
For instance, after a breakup, we often say, “relax, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.” we use this phrase so much that it does not even make an impact.
Idiom Vs. Proverb
A proverb is quite similar to an idiom. It is not possible to decode the meaning of the proverb by looking at the words. But the difference is that it is mostly used as an advice.
If we say, “Do not cry over spilled milk,” we do not literally mean crying because of some spilled milk. It means you should not be upset because of something that has already happened.
So, we can again say that a proverb can be an idiom, but an idiom cannot always be a proverb.
Idiom Vs. Euphemism
A euphemism is another type of idiom that is mostly used while discussing something sensitive or a taboo topic. It is used because you do not want to sound rude. There is a good chance that you are using the phrase even if you are not uncomfortable with the topic.
This happens because these phrases also become so common that you start to use them like a cliche
How Are Idioms Structured?
There is no strict formula for structuring an idiom. It varies from language to language. It also varies from region to region, even if the regions have the same language. Idioms are related to syntax, the particular order of the phrase of the words, more than grammar.
The word “Idioma” actually means “peculiar phraseology,” and thus, the rules for properly structuring an idiom are also unique to their specific region. There is a common term New Yorkers use when they mean it’s extremely cold. They use the phrase ‘it’s ad brick.”
However, people from the other part of the United States, may not know what the phrase means because this phrase is unique to NYC only.
When Do We Use Idioms?
Any speaker uses idioms with the motive to convey a simple message in a more creative way. Consider idioms as the spice you add to your conversation to prevent it from getting boring or bland.
So, when you want to say, “You are right,” instead of that, you say, “bingo,” or “you hit the nail on the head.” that just adds a little variety to the sentence.
When Are Idioms Used in Writing?
As I said earlier, idioms can be used to make your writing more reactive, to prevent it from looking a little too formal, and to help the reader connect more with the writer. It also shows the reader that you have knowledge about the matter you are discussing or writing about.
Why Are Idioms Difficult for Language Learners?
It is often difficult for the language learners to understand idioms. The most common mistake they make is they go by the literal meaning of the words. It is like giving a kid a jigsaw puzzle. It appears to be something in the beginning. However, the finished piece is entirely different.
However, there are no standard rules for idioms, and there are no ways to learn it. All you have to do is get familiar with the language and keep speaking. Only then you will get the hang of it.
Wrapping up!
Before I conclude, there is one more thing that you should be aware of. Fluent English speakers use another type of idiomatic usage, and it is known as collocations. It is the art of combining two words which have a specific meaning.
In the English language, it is not unusual to describe a line of cars as “heavy traffic.” however, “crowded traffic” is not something you would use commonly. Even though the phrases could be used interchangeably, the collocation of “heavy traffic” is just right for the speakers.
You May Also Like..
- Basic Grammar Rules That Everyone Should Know
- The 20 Most Common Grammar Mistakes (And How To Fix Them?)
- Understanding The Difference Between Verbal And NonVerbal Communication?
