What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. Idioms are often unique to a specific language or culture, and their meaning is not easily understood by someone who is not familiar with the language or culture.
Example:
Idiom: "It's raining cats and dogs."
Literal meaning: It is literally raining cats and dogs. (This is impossible.)
Figurative meaning: It is raining very heavily.
Example usage: "We couldn't go to the park because it was raining cats and dogs."
Explanation: The idiom "raining cats and dogs" doesn't actually mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. Instead, it's a way of saying that it's raining heavily. This idiom is common in English, but it wouldn't make sense to someone who doesn't speak English.
Key points about idioms:
* They are figurative and not literal.
* They are often unique to a particular language or culture.
* Their meaning is not easily understood by someone who is not familiar with the language or culture.
* They can add color and interest to language.
* They can be difficult to learn for non-native speakers.