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An idiom is a phrase or expression that largely or exclusively carries a figurative or non-literal meaning, rather than making any literal sense. Categorized as formulaic language , an idiomatic expression's meaning is different from the literal meanings of each word inside it. [ 1 ]
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).
The idiom is commonly used in addiction recovery terminology to describe the reluctance of friends and family of an addicted person to discuss the person's problem, thus aiding the person's denial. Especially in reference to alcohol abuse, the idiom is sometimes coupled with that of the pink elephant, "the pink elephant in the room."
Some idioms you likely use all the time, while others might be new to you.
Mum's the word is a popular English idiom.It is related to an expression used by William Shakespeare, in Henry VI, Part 2. [1]The word "mum" is an alteration of momme, which was used between 1350 and 1400 in Middle English with very close to the same meaning, "be silent; do not reveal".
Based on the original meaning of the phrase of taking the path of least resistance. Take the last train to glory [2] To die Euphemism: An idiom Christian in origin. Tango Uniform [citation needed] Dead, irreversibly broken Military slang
The dictionary definition of have one's cake and eat it too at Wiktionary; Post at "The Phrase Finder", quoting Wise Words and Wives' Tales: The Origins, Meanings and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and Folk Sayings Olde and New and The Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings
According to Cassell's Dictionary of Slang, the meaning also means "to kill, to murder; to execute judicially," likely referring to the size of a standard grave being 2.5 feet wide by 8 feet long and 6 feet deep. [1] [5] This usage was derived from the slang term used in restaurants. [6] Other slang dictionaries confirm this definition. [7] [8] [6]