1. Figurative Language: Idioms are metaphorical, meaning they don't literally mean what they say. They use figurative language to convey a meaning that is different from the individual words combined.
2. Non-Literal Interpretation: You cannot understand an idiom by simply analyzing its individual words. You need to understand the common, often metaphorical, meaning that is attached to the phrase as a whole.
3. Cultural Significance: Idioms are often rooted in culture and history. They reflect the shared experiences and beliefs of a particular language community.
4. Fixed Expressions: Idioms are usually fixed expressions, meaning the words and order cannot be changed significantly. They are often used in their entirety.
5. Contextual Understanding: Idioms can be difficult to understand without context. Their meaning often depends on the situation in which they are used.
6. Colloquial Language: Idioms are often considered part of colloquial language, meaning they are used in informal conversation and writing.
7. Idiomatic Meanings: Idioms have their own specific, idiomatic meanings that are often different from their literal meaning.
8. Difficulty for Language Learners: Idioms can be challenging for language learners because they often have abstract or figurative meanings that may not be easily deduced from the individual words.
Examples:
* "Kick the bucket" (meaning: to die)
* "Spill the beans" (meaning: to reveal a secret)
* "Break a leg" (meaning: good luck)
These are just some of the key characteristics of idioms. They are a fascinating and often humorous part of language, reflecting the creativity and cultural nuances of language communities.