idiom

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "idiom" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phrase or expression whose figurative meaning is different from its literal meaning. For example, you could say "The phrase 'raining cats and dogs' is an idiom often used to describe a heavy rainstorm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Michael Irwin's The Skull and the Nightingale (HarperCollins) is a bold and witty appropriation of the conventions, style, and idiom of the 18th-century epistolary novel that brilliantly recreates the manners, modes of thought and conduct of the teeming world of London.

The Guardian - Books

The latter's harmonic idiom – often called atonal – also diverges strongly from Stravinsky's approach, which is essentially modal and hardly further removed from tonality than the work of his Parisian friends Debussy and Ravel.

The Guardian - Music

All this, and a set of sweetly melodic songs by Russell himself that reminded us musicals could work in a folk/pop idiom – just as they had done in the golden era of Broadway.

The Guardian

All, however, will be carrying out research that has an application in the real world – in the current idiom, research with impact.

The Guardian

Is the idiom "putting food on the table" redundant in the era of TV dinners?

The Guardian - Opinion

If they can do so reliably, and on a large scale, biofuels may have a lot more success in freeing the world from fossil fuels than they have had until now.The original 1970s appeal of biofuels was the opportunity to stick up a finger or two, depending on the local bodily idiom, to the oil sheikhs.

The Economist

A cabinet shuffle, he says, is out of the question.Since Mr Koizumi will not sack his foreign minister, Mr Fukuda is now trying to persuade Mrs Tanaka to resign by "filling in the castle moat" around her, as the Japanese idiom has it.

The Economist

The extreme violence associated with the LRA, the abduction of children, the atrocious things that have been done, seem incomprehensible from the outside, but by thinking one's way into the idiom of daily life one can understand why the nightmare is of that particular kind.

The Economist

LET English-speakers befuddle their low-paid with awkward references to "negative income taxes", "earned-income tax credits" (the American idiom) and "working families' tax credit" (the British variant).

The Economist

IN THE Russian idiom, you are caught not between Scylla and Charybdis, nor between a rock and a hard place; you are trapped "between two fires".

The Economist

In Spain, a folk rather than classical idiom predominates; ballet has a profile there, but the most familiar style is, of course, flamenco.In Germany, however, the story of ballet is wholly fragmented.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a global audience, be mindful of cultural idioms that may not translate well or could be misinterpreted. Opt for clearer, more universally understood language to ensure your message is accessible to everyone.

Common error

While idioms can add color to your writing, avoid overusing them in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Too many idioms can make your writing sound unprofessional or unclear, so use them sparingly and only when they enhance your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "idiom" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a manner of speaking, a language or dialect, or, most commonly, an expression whose meaning is different from the literal meanings of its component words. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and established term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "idiom" is a versatile noun that describes various aspects of language and expression, ranging from specific phrases with non-literal meanings to artistic styles and dialects. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread. As a noun, it identifies particular phrases or expressions that hold unique, often culturally specific, meanings. This term appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, signifying its relevance across different disciplines. When employing "idiom" in your writing, remember that it's best practice to remain aware of your target audience's familiarity with certain expressions, as overuse can detract from clarity, especially in formal contexts. Alternatives like "expression", "phrase", and "turn of phrase" may sometimes offer a more precise or accessible option. By understanding the breadth and subtleties of "idiom", you can enhance your writing and communication skills effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression

Focuses on the act of conveying thoughts or feelings.

phrase

Refers to a group of words forming a conceptual unit.

turn of phrase

Emphasizes the unique way someone expresses themselves.

manner of speaking

Highlights the characteristic way someone talks.

locution

Indicates a particular word or phrase used in a specific context.

dialect

Refers to a regional or social variety of a language.

vernacular

Denotes the everyday language spoken by a particular group of people.

parlance

Highlights a specific vocabulary or style of speech used in a particular context.

lingo

Implies a specialized vocabulary used by a particular group or profession.

jargon

Refers to technical or specialized language that is difficult for outsiders to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "idiom" in a sentence?

You can use "idiom" to refer to a phrase or expression whose figurative meaning is different from its literal meaning. For example: "The phrase 'break a leg' is a common "idiom" used to wish someone good luck".

What are some examples of common idioms?

Common idioms include "raining cats and dogs", "piece of cake", and "hit the nail on the head". These phrases have figurative meanings that differ from their literal interpretations.

What's the difference between an idiom and a cliché?

An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning, while a cliché is an overused expression that has lost its impact. While some idioms can become clichés over time, not all idioms are clichés.

Are idioms universal across languages?

No, idioms are often language-specific and culturally bound. A direct translation of an idiom from one language to another may not make sense or have the same meaning. For example, the English idiom "kick the bucket" doesn't directly translate into other languages.