idiom
phrase
Quick Summary
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words. For example, "up in the air" means undecided, not that something is physically floating. Idioms are peculiar to a language or group and are essential for natural communication. They can be common phrases like "What's up?" or more colorful expressions like "bite the bullet". The study of idioms is called idiomology.12
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