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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).
Some are more equal than others (George Orwell, Animal Farm) Sometimes we are the student. Sometimes we are the master. And sometimes we are merely the lesson – Jacalyn Smith; Spare the rod and spoil the child; Speak as you find; Speak of the devil and he shall/is sure/will appear; Speak softly and carry a big stick
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]
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.
The 18th edition of the dictionary, published in 2009. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, sometimes referred to simply as Brewer's, is a reference work containing definitions and explanations of many famous phrases, allusions, and figures, whether historical or mythical.
"Happiness is a warm puppy:" A variety of famous quotes about dogs from such luminaries as Charles M. Schulz, Mark Twain, Harry S. Truman, and John Steinbeck. The post Best Dog Quotes: 50 Famous ...
Expressions such as jump on the bandwagon, pull strings, and draw the line all represent their meaning independently in their verbs and objects, making them compositional. In the idiom jump on the bandwagon, jump on involves joining something and a 'bandwagon' can refer to a collective cause, regardless of context. [9]
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!"