The Difference between Idioms and Proverbs

An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own. Below are some examples of idioms:

• Look a gift horse in the mouth
• Eat someone alive
• The short end of the stick
• Hate someone's guts

Each of these phrases has a meaning that is different from what the words themselves mean.

A proverb is a brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true.

• Two wrongs don’t make a right.
• The pen is mightier than the sword.
• The early bird catches the worm.
• A picture is worth a thousand words.

Each of these sayings tells us something about what is thought to be good or right or true.

I hope this helps. For more posts about words, idioms, grammar, and usage, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Don't forget to subscribe to our Word of the Day e-mails!

Click here to try one of our vocabulary quizzes before you go!