Here's a breakdown:
* Figurative meaning: An idiom's meaning is not the same as the literal meaning of its words. For example, "kick the bucket" doesn't mean to actually kick a bucket, it means "to die".
* Culturally specific: Idioms often have origins in a particular culture or language. A phrase that is idiomatic in one culture may not be understood in another.
* Difficult to understand: Because the meaning of an idiom is not obvious from the words themselves, they can be tricky for learners of a language to grasp.
Here are some examples of idioms:
* "Spill the beans" - to reveal a secret
* "Kick the bucket" - to die
* "Break a leg" - to wish someone good luck
* "Let the cat out of the bag" - to reveal a secret
* "It's raining cats and dogs" - it's raining heavily
Understanding idioms is important for fluent communication, as they are commonly used in everyday speech and writing.