Idioms:
* Meaning: An idiom is a phrase where the meaning of the whole phrase is different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
* Example: "Kick the bucket" doesn't mean literally kicking a bucket; it means "to die".
* Purpose: Idioms are used to make language more colorful, expressive, or to create a specific effect. They are often specific to a culture or region.
Euphemisms:
* Meaning: A euphemism is a word or phrase used to replace another word or phrase that is considered harsh, offensive, or unpleasant.
* Example: "Passed away" is a euphemism for "died".
* Purpose: Euphemisms are used to soften the impact of potentially offensive or taboo subjects, to avoid causing embarrassment or discomfort, or to be more polite.
Key Differences:
* Meaning: Idioms have a figurative meaning that is distinct from the literal meaning, while euphemisms are simply substitutes for more direct words.
* Purpose: Idioms are used for expressiveness and stylistic effect, while euphemisms are used for sensitivity and politeness.
* Structure: Idioms are often fixed phrases, while euphemisms can be individual words or phrases.
In a Nutshell: Idioms are figurative phrases with a specific meaning, while euphemisms are polite substitutes for potentially offensive or unpleasant words.