idiomnoun
uk/ˈɪd.i.əm/us/ˈɪd.i.əm/B2 [ C ] a group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own:
To "have bitten off more than you can chew" is an idiom that means you have tried to do something which is too difficult for you.
[ C or U ] formal the style of expression in writing, speech, or music that is typical of a particular period, person, or group:
Both operas are very much in the modern idiom.
More examples
- He used a very obscure idiom which I can't quite bring to mind.
- I wasn't familiar with the idiom so I had to guess what he meant.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Figurative use of language
- a metaphor for sth idiom
- allegory
- anthropomorphism
- as
- as it were idiom
- fig
- figurative
- figuratively
- figure of speech
- imagery
- ironic
- irony
- metaphor
- metaphorical
- metonymy
- mix
- mixed metaphor
- pathetic fallacy
- speak
- symbol
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Linguistics: sentences & expressions
Linguistic terms & linguistic style