Idioms – Definition & List of 1100+ Examples

In the whimsical world of English idioms, you’ll find cats and dogs raining, needles in haystacks, and no stones left unturned. Sounds chaotic, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, our comprehensive list of idioms tames this chaos and unscrambles the fascinating world of these quirky phrases.

What Are Idioms?

An idiom is a word or phrase whose meaning can’t be understood outside its cultural context. These expressions are usually figurative and would be nonsensical if read literally. For instance, break a leg isn’t a sadistic wish for someone to fracture a limb. It’s actually an idiom, meaning to wish someone good luck before a performance!

So, What’s an Idiomatic Expression?

An idiomatic expression is just another way of saying idiom. These expressions usually emerge from cultural or societal observations and experiences, embedding themselves into our everyday language over time.

The Most Common Idioms

There are countless idioms in the English language, but some have stood the test of time. Some popular idioms like the ball is in your court, kick the bucket or beat around the bush are popular phrases you might hear or use in daily conversation.

Four Types of Idioms

After taking a dip in the idiom waters, let’s dive a little deeper. Idioms come in so many shapes and sizes, but here are four common types:

1. Pure Idioms: These bear no logical relation to their literal meanings. If you kick the bucket, you’re not giving a pail a good punt—you’re, well, expiring!1
2. Binomial Idioms: These are idioms that have two key elements usually connected by a conjunction. An example would be odds and ends, which refers to miscellaneous items.
3. Partial Idioms: With these idioms, only part of the expression is non-literal. Lend a hand doesn’t involve the actual lending of appendages; it’s just offering assistance.
4. Prepositional Idioms: These use prepositions in unique ways. In the nick of time doesn’t refer to any specific nick but means just in time.

Idiom vs. Cliché: Let’s Compare

An idiom is a figurative expression, while a cliché is an overused phrase or idea. While all clichés might not be idioms, all idioms, when overused, can become clichés. So, if you’re avoiding it like the plague, you’re using a cliché, but it’s still very much in the realm of idioms!

Idiom vs. Proverb: What’s the Diff?

A proverb is meant to be a short, traditional saying that offers wisdom or advice, like two heads are better than one. But an idiom is a phrase with a non-literal meaning, like barking up the wrong tree. Not all idioms are proverbs, but some proverbs can be idioms.

Idiom vs. Euphemism: A Look at Differences

While a euphemism is a mild or indirect expression used to convey something unpleasant or embarrassing, an idiom is a figurative phrase.

Pass away is a euphemism for dying, but if you say someone has kicked the bucket, that’s an idiom for the same thing. Like proverbs and clichés, not all idioms are euphemisms, but some euphemisms can be idioms.

How to Use Idioms

Most idioms can add a dash of color to everyday speech and writing. They can inject humor, emphasize a point, and make your language more relatable and engaging. So, let’s slip right in and explore some of these idiom examples, featuring an eclectic list of idioms that I’ll break down and demonstrate in use.

Check Out More Idioms!

Idioms are a super cool part of our language, offering a glimpse into cultures, history and human nature. They add richness and depth to our conversations and help us express complex thoughts and feelings in memorable and vivid ways.

Below is a list of all our posts on idioms.