Characteristics of an Idiom:
* Figurative Meaning: The meaning of the idiom is not the same as the literal meaning of the words. For example, "kick the bucket" doesn't actually mean to literally kick a bucket, but rather it means to die.
* Fixed Expression: Idioms are usually fixed expressions, meaning the words cannot be changed or rearranged. For example, you can't say "kick the pail" or "pail kicking."
* Cultural Context: Idioms often reflect the culture and history of a language. They are learned through exposure to the language.
* Non-literal: The words in an idiom are used metaphorically or symbolically.
* Meaning is not immediately obvious: Understanding an idiom often requires prior knowledge of the expression and its conventional meaning.
Examples of Idioms:
* "Spill the beans" (to reveal a secret)
* "Kick the bucket" (to die)
* "Bite the bullet" (to face a difficult or unpleasant situation)
* "Break a leg" (to wish someone good luck)
* "Raining cats and dogs" (raining heavily)
What is NOT an Idiom:
* Clichés: Clichés are overused expressions that have lost their original impact. While they might be figurative, they are not fixed expressions and often have a literal meaning.
* Proverbs: Proverbs are short, well-known sayings that offer advice or express a general truth. They usually have a literal meaning.
* Metaphors: Metaphors are comparisons between two things that are not alike. While metaphors are figurative, they are not fixed expressions.
In short, an idiom is a fixed expression with a figurative meaning that is understood through cultural knowledge.