Idiom
A phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual words, such as "break the ice" (start a conversation) or "hit the sack" (go to bed).
In-Depth Explanation
An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning is different from the literal meanings of its words. You cannot translate idioms word-for-word. Common English idioms: - "Break the ice" - start a conversation in a social setting - "Hit the nail on the head" - be exactly right - "Piece of cake" - something very easy - "Under the weather" - feeling sick - "Cost an arm and a leg" - very expensive - "Once in a blue moon" - very rarely Tips for learning idioms: - Learn them in context, not as vocabulary lists - Understand when they're appropriate (formal vs informal) - Don't overuse them - one or two per conversation is enough
Usage Examples
Learning to code was a piece of cake for her.
He really hit the nail on the head with that analysis.
I only visit my hometown once in a blue moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use idioms in formal writing?
How many idioms should I try to learn?
Do idioms differ between American and British English?
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