Expression Vs idiom.

Question

Hi Guys, I still can't figure out the difference between an idiom and an expression. This is still my problem in English that I can't distinguish between them. What I understood is that idioms have different meaning from its literal parts. my question, can an idiom be one word or can it be a long phrase? what about these two phrases? are they expressions or idioms? 1. " break someone's heart "2. " let the cat out of the bag"3. " for ages "4. " as easy as a pie"please guys, I'd like to have a very detailed explanation provided with examples because I read so many explanations but they were quite unclear for me.Thank you in advance.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I'd say the four you list are true idioms, and that your "definition" is correct.

But I think that many of the entries in so-called "idiom dictionaries" are "expressions," and don't conform to the definition you quote.

I've gained the impression that single words can be used as idioms, but I can't bring an example to mind. That would be a word used in a way not defined in the dictionary, and not slang - perhaps used in a way that seems ungrammatical to the ininitiated.

Mr Wordy · Answer

This is how I understand the words. Others may differ.

The strict definition of "idiom" is as you say. However, in a looser sense, "idiom" and "idiomatic" can just refer to the natural speech patterns of native speakers, even if the words are used with their dictionary meanings. I don't think of single words in isolation as being idioms. To me, an idiom is the use of a word or words in a particular setting.

In the strict sense, I would definitely class #2 and #4 as idioms, but I'm not so sure about #1 and #3. In the looser sense they are all idioms. (Incidentally, it should be "as easy as pie", not "as easy as a pie".)

In its broadest sense, an "expression" is any group of words considered as a unit conveying meaning. More specifically, it refers to a set pattern of words that native speakers conventionally use to express a certain concept. So, all your examples are "expressions" of one sort or another.

Avangi · Answer

Hi Wordy,

I agree that the class "idiom" in all its meanings is included in the broader class, "expression."

I've decided to take care not to use the term "idiomatic" in describing "idioms," although idioms are certainly idiomatic. It seems we use "idiomatic" on this site to describe any usage which is acceptable.

Mr Wordy · Answer

AvangiIt seems we use "idiomatic" on this site to describe any usage which is acceptable.

Yes, that's a good point. I think "idiomatic" has a greater tendency than "idiom" to be used in the more general sense of "any form of expression that is natural to a native speaker".

Anonymous · Answer

Idioms are phrases that have become embedded in a language over time, replacing what had been the standard way of saying something. They are accepted for formal use, and usually are chosen for use because they are the most efficient way to complete the thought. They can consist of an arrangement of words that when interpreted literally (as students studying a language would tend to do), the message becomes gibberish or completely unintended. "By the way" would be an idiom. When analyzed literally, a building, sidewalk or a tree might come to mind. There are other universally accepted and briefer ways to say BTW, but this is fully acceptable in a formal setting, and is not considered an embellished phrase.

"Take for granted" does not mean to remove something, and offer it to.... this translates into gibberish, but is the standard way of relaying that point - therefore it is an idiom.

"Used to" - it not only means how something is applied (standard interpretation), it also means "I'm putting what follows into the past tense" (as an idiom).

Expressions are humorous, thought-provoking, intricate, touching, sarcastic, or fancier ways to say something that can be said in a more direct, more universal way ("universally" being within a specific language.) They evoke images that represent the situation at hand, are considered less formal, and would not be found in a typical business letter.

Your #2 example (" let the cat out of the bag") is an expression since you could say "exposed the truth" instead.

Example #3 ( " for ages ") is neither. This is just a sentence fragment since "ages" is a term for time, like "years", except the duration of ages is undefined. Being undefined allows it to be interpreted to the situation ("I haven't eaten in ages".)

#4 (" as easy as a pie") is an expression - it could be said as "really simple".

I have left the first for last because it is a toughie. While " break someone's heart " appears to be an embellished phrase, there really is no other universally accepted way to say it in English in as few words (I'm sure someone could come up with one, but it would not be the universally accepted standard way to say it.) Therefore I am going to say this is an idiom.

Anonymous · Answer

Hello everyone.

Break someone's heart bears its explicit meaning as each word conveys. So it is a common sentence.

the meaning of the second sentence is implicit and hidden and by translating each vocabularies the meaning would be still confusing and unclear so it is called an expression.

Your third example is just a hyperbole used in sentences to intensify intention e.g. I have not seen you for ages.

As the word expression conveys, that is related to the expressed action or feeling. They are interchangeably being used with idioms but expressions are more common

it is raining cats and dogs = an idiom

Your last sentence is a proverb giving an advice, truth or warning.

Be successful.

Expression Vs idiom.

Hi Guys,

I still can't figure out the difference between an idiom and an expression. This is still my problem in English that I can't distinguish between them. What I understood is that idioms have different meaning from its literal parts.

my question, can an idiom be one word or can it be a long phrase?

what about these two phrases? are they expressions or idioms?

1. " break someone's heart "

2. " let the cat out of the bag"

3. " for ages "

4. " as easy as a pie"

please guys, I'd like to have a very detailed explanation provided with examples because I read so many explanations but they were quite unclear for me.

Thank you in advance.

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