An idiom (Latin: idiomī, "special
property", from Greek: ἰδίωμα – idíōma, "special feature,
special phrasing, a peculiarity", f.Greek: ἴδιος – ídios, "one's own")
is a phrase or an expression that has a figurative, or
sometimes literal, meaning.
Categorized asformulaic language,
an idiom's figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning.[1] There
are thousands of idioms, occurring frequently in all languages. It is estimated
that there are at least twenty-five thousand idiomatic expressions in the English language. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiom)
Besides, according
to oxford dictionary, idiom is a group of words established by
usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. In
addition, idiom is also mentioned as a characteristic mode of
expression in music or art. In Oxford Dictionary, Idiom Originally,
Late 16th century: from French idiome, or via late Latin from Greek idiōma
‘private property, peculiar phraseology’, from idiousthai ‘make one's own’,
from idios ‘own, private’. (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/idiom)
We have known idiom base on Oxford Dictionary, so how about
Cambridge ? according to Cambridge Dictionary, an idiom is agroup of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning that is different
from the meanings of each word
on its own, and another
explanation Idiom is also the style of expression in
writing, speech, or music that is typical of a particular period, person, or group.
(Definition of “idiom” from the Cambridge
Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge
University Press)
Examples of Idioms
There are tens of thousands of idioms used in the English
language. As we can probably understand, idioms are difficult for people whose
first language is not English. Actually, even native English speakers in the
Motherland of England have a hard time with American idioms. Americans know
them because they're common expressions. We're used to hearing them in our
homes, at school, and in our favorite television programs.
Sometimes American idioms make their way around the world, and
sometimes an expression doesn't even make it out of a particular state. Here a
few of the most commonly used idioms in the United States and their likely
origins. (Note that these origins may be in dispute.)
'As happy as a clam'
Mary was happy as a clam on the day of her wedding.
Meaning: Pleased, very content
Origin: So why in the world would a clam ever be happy? They're
shellfish, they don't have feelings. The expression most likely began because
when a clam's shell is opened up, it does look like the clam is smiling.
'Pass the buck'
It is Tim's responsibility to mow the lawn. He shouldn't pass the
buck to his younger brother.
Meaning: To dodge one's responsibilities by giving them to
someone else
Origin: The game of poker became extremely popular in the 1800s
in the United States. Of course, many of the cowboys and bar patrons who played
the game were degenerate gambler types who could not be trusted. So, a system
was instilled that on each new game a different person would deal out the cards
and they would be given some kind of marker to indicate that it was their deal.
Often times a knife was used as a marker. The handle of these knives were
typically made out of a buck's horn. In time, the marker just became known as a
buck. (study.com)
to give more explanation about idiom, i suggest you to read this
thesis by Julia Holmqvist
