Expression
* Definition: A group of words that express a particular idea or feeling.
* Meaning: Generally, the meaning of an expression can be deduced by understanding the individual words.
* Example:
* "The cat is out of the bag." (Meaning: A secret has been revealed.)
* "He is over the moon." (Meaning: He is very happy.)
Idiom
* Definition: A group of words whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
* Meaning: Idioms have figurative meanings that are often understood through cultural or regional use.
* Example:
* "Kick the bucket." (Meaning: To die)
* "Bite the bullet." (Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely)
* "Spill the beans." (Meaning: To reveal a secret)
Key Differences
* Literal Meaning: Expressions are often more literal than idioms. You can usually understand the meaning of an expression by understanding the individual words, while idioms often have a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced.
* Figurative Language: Idioms rely heavily on figurative language and metaphor, making their meaning less straightforward.
* Cultural Context: Idioms are often tied to a specific culture or region, while expressions are more universal.
Think of it this way:
* Expressions are like building blocks. You can understand the meaning of the whole by understanding the individual parts.
* Idioms are like puzzles. You need to know the "secret code" to understand the meaning.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Expression | Idiom |
|--------------|-------------|--------|
| Meaning | Literal or figurative | Figurative |
| Individual Words | Meaning can be deduced | Meaning is not easily deduced |
| Cultural Context | Universal | Specific |
| Examples | "The cat is out of the bag." | "Kick the bucket." |