Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2] In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:
An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below).
cattalo, from cattle and buffalo [2]; donkra, from donkey and zebra (progeny of donkey stallion and zebra mare) cf. zedonk below; llamanaco, from llama and guanaco [3]; wholphin, from whale and dolphin [2]
An identical phrase, used to express impossibilities, exists in Romanian, Când o zbura porcul, literally meaning "When the pig shall fly"; an equivalent also implying an animal is La Paștele cailor, literally: "on horses' Easter". The Latin expression ad kalendas graecas "to the Greek calends" The German "Wenn Schweine fliegen können!"
"two-legged featherless animal" Plato's definition of humans, [13] latinized as "Animal bipes implume" To criticize this definition, Diogenes the Cynic plucked a chicken and brought it into Plato's Academy saying: Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Πλάτωνος ἄνθρωπος. Hoûtós estin o Plátōnos ánthrōpos. "Here is Plato's man."
The English-language idiom "raining cats and dogs" or "raining dogs and cats" is used to describe particularly heavy rain. It is of unknown etymology and is not necessarily related to the raining animals phenomenon. [1] The phrase (with "polecats" instead of "cats") has been used at least since the 17th century. [2] [3]
Said of an expression or term that describes something which existed before the phrase itself was introduced or became common. Example: Alan Turing was a computer scientist ante litteram, since the field of "computer science" was not yet recognized in Turing's day. ante meridiem (a.m.) before midday: From midnight to noon; confer post meridiem ...
The following is a list of phrases from sports that have become idioms (slang or otherwise) in English. They have evolved usages and meanings independent of sports and are often used by those with little knowledge of these games. The sport from which each phrase originates has been included immediately after the phrase.