a popular idiom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a popular idiom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a commonly used expression or phrase that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Example: "The phrase 'break the ice' is a popular idiom used to describe the act of initiating conversation in a social setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Before world music became a popular idiom, he was playing American Indian flutes, Latin percussion instruments and the Middle Eastern dumbek and tambor, which he brought to schools to broaden students' musical vocabulary.

The New York Times

One early case that brought the field to prominence was the hunt for the Unabomber, during which F.B.I. forensic linguist James Fitzgerald used the language in the Unabomber's manifesto (a singular take on a popular idiom, "you can't eat your cake and have it too," for example) to trace the document to Ted Kaczinski.

The New Yorker

Modern artists, they saw, innovate by breaking fixed barriers between popular entertainment and avant-garde experiment, creating a dynamic, circular exchange of forms and meanings, with what begins in a popular idiom altered in an art milieu, only to return to its original realm, transformed.

The New Yorker

Lisa Miller Oxford Jimmy Hill's contribution of a popular idiom to the 20th-century English vernacular indicated that, even in his football punditry pomp, his judgment was considered a lot more fallible than recent eulogies may have suggested (Obituary, 21 December).

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But anyone who has compiled a discography in any popular idiom probably owes something to the "sage of Hatch End".

The Guardian - Music

But I also knew that I was living through an age of discontinuity — that the world of rock that I had grown up loving was sorely squeezing the world of jazz that I newly loved, that jazz was changing under the influence of a new popular idiom, that I was catching the vestiges of a classic era that was becoming something else — not necessarily worse, but radically different.

The New Yorker

And that has left the police and courts wrestling with how to treat a newly popular idiom many still dimly grasp.

The Washington Post

To the credit of the Western Chalukya architects is the development of the lathe turned (tuned) pillars and use of Soapstone (Chloritic Schist) as basic building and sculptural material, a very popular idiom in later Hoysala temples.

Wikipedia

But this time, the board also chose to commend a musician working in a popular, vital idiom, and not just any idiom, but hip-hop, a genre that has been unapologetic if not brazen about its own profitability.

The New Yorker

The experimentation here feels too concerned with that popular idiom of creating something for everyone, and the album as a whole suffers for its restlessness.

BBC

He quickly embraced the musical idioms of his new country — particularly the openhearted popular idiom associated with Copland.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a popular idiom", ensure the audience is familiar with the expression to avoid confusion. Context is key to ensure effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a popular idiom" if you are unsure of its precise meaning or origin. Using an idiom incorrectly can significantly alter the intended message and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a popular idiom" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific type of linguistic expression: an idiom that is widely known and used. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a popular idiom" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe commonly known expressions. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase, confirmed as correct, is utilized across various fields, but most notably in news, media, and academic contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "a common expression" or "a well-known saying" depending on the desired emphasis. Ensure your audience is familiar with the idiom you are referencing to ensure clarity and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common expression

Focuses on the widespread use of the phrase.

a widely used phrase

Highlights the frequency of use.

a well-known saying

Emphasizes familiarity and recognition.

a familiar expression

Stresses the recognizability of the phrase.

a prevalent figure of speech

Highlights the figurative nature and commonness.

a mainstream turn of phrase

Highlights the conventional nature of the expression.

a conventional way of speaking

Focuses on the accepted and standard use of the phrase.

an established expression

Emphasizes the long-term use and acceptance.

a recognized locution

Highlights the formal recognition of the expression.

a typical phraseology

Focuses on the typical structure of the expression.

FAQs

How can I use "a popular idiom" in a sentence?

You can use "a popular idiom" to introduce or refer to a commonly used expression, for example: "The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is "a popular idiom" to describe heavy rainfall."

What are some alternatives to "a popular idiom"?

Alternatives include "a common expression", "a widely used phrase", or "a well-known saying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a popular idiom" or a literal description?

It depends on your audience and the context. Using "a popular idiom" can make your writing more engaging and relatable, but a literal description might be clearer if your audience is unfamiliar with the idiom or if clarity is paramount.

What's the difference between an idiom and "a popular idiom"?

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. "A popular idiom" simply specifies that the idiom is in common use.