What Is an Idiom
Idiom is a phrase that has different meaning from the words it is composed of.
Example:
- ‘cold feet’ its literal meaning is ‘feet are cold’. Actually it means being nervous.
Idiom vs. Cliché
Cliché are like idioms, its actual meaning is different from its literal meaning. However, due to its overuse, it has lost its impact and makes writing dull and unimaginative.
Example of Cliché:
- Read between the lines.
- Play your cards right.
- It is an uphill battle.
- Better safe than sorry.
- The main difference between two is – idiom is taken as a positive part of language and cliché is taken as negative part of language. Cliché is old dusted one, whereas idiom is an essential of English language.
What are Prepositional idioms?
English prepositional idioms are numerous. In prepositional idiom, meaning is determined by the choice of preposition.
Example:
- Break out: When something suddenly begins (often dangerous or unpleasant),
- Break down: To stop working
- Break through: To go higher than certain or expected level
- All have different meaning by changing the preposition with the word ‘break’. Prepositional Idioms do not follow any grammar rule. Native speakers rely as it ‘sounds right’ to them.