idiom
gb/ˈɪdiəm/ us/ˈɪdiəm/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
abstract
1
fixed phrase with special meaning
a common phrase with a meaning that is different from the words themselves
Usage pattern:
an idiom; [something] is an idiom meaning [meaning]
Common mistake:
Learners often use idiom to mean any proverb, slang term, or informal word; idioms are typically multi-word fixed phrases.
Synonyms
set phrase (More general term for a fixed multi-word expression; not all set phrases are non-literal.)
|
expression (Very broad; may or may not be fixed or non-literal.)
|
figure of speech (Broader category; includes metaphor and other non-literal language, not only fixed phrases.)
Antonyms
literal expression (An expression whose meaning follows directly from the words used.)
Collocations
common idiom
|well-known idiom
|English idiom
|idiom meaning [something]
|learn idioms
|use an idiom
|translate an idiom
|idiom dictionary
|idiom in [a language]
|idiom and proverb
Themes
language_learning
|linguistics
|communication
Examples
- “Spill the beans” is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret.
- Some idioms are hard to translate because they don’t make sense word for word.
- She tried to avoid idioms in her speech so international colleagues could follow easily.
Learner examples
- “Break the ice” is an idiom.
- I am learning idioms in English.
Noun
C1
abstract
2
distinctive style of expression
a particular style of speaking, writing, or art
Usage pattern:
in a/an [adjective] idiom; the idiom of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the ‘fixed phrase’ sense; here idiom means style, not a specific phrase.
Synonyms
style (Most common general word; less formal and less tied to language/medium.)
|
manner (Focuses on how something is done; can sound slightly formal.)
|
mode (Often used for artistic or technical ways of expression; a bit more formal.)
Antonyms
generic style (Lacking a distinctive or characteristic way of expression.)
Collocations
in a modern idiom
|in a contemporary idiom
|in a poetic idiom
|in a visual idiom
|musical idiom
|cinematic idiom
|written in an idiom
|the idiom of the period
|a distinctive idiom
|an idiom of expression
Themes
communication
|arts
|media
|writing
Examples
- The novel is written in a spare, contemporary idiom.
- The director borrowed the visual idiom of 1970s thrillers.
- Jazz has its own musical idiom that new players need time to absorb.
Learner examples
- The poem uses a modern idiom.
- He writes in a simple idiom.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
particular language or dialect
a language or dialect used by a group of people
Usage pattern:
the idiom of [a place/group/field]
Common mistake:
This sense is less common in everyday conversation; learners may overuse it where dialect or language is more natural.
Synonyms
dialect (More common term for a regional or social variety of a language.)
|
vernacular (Emphasizes everyday speech of ordinary people; can be formal in tone.)
|
language (Broader and more neutral; not as specific about variation or community use.)
Antonyms
standard language (The standardized variety used in formal writing and education.)
Collocations
local idiom
|regional idiom
|native idiom
|legal idiom
|religious idiom
|technical idiom
|the idiom of the countryside
|the idiom of [a region]
|speak in the idiom of [a group]
|preserve an idiom
Themes
linguistics
|society
|communication
Examples
- Many of the songs are written in the idiom of rural Appalachia.
- He struggled at first with the idiom of the courtroom.
- The author captures the idiom of the neighborhood with remarkable accuracy.
Learner examples
- He learned the local idiom quickly.
- This book uses the idiom of the region.
Grammar
Dictionary form
idiom
IPA
GB/ˈɪdiəm/
US/ˈɪdiəm/
Syllables & stress
idiom (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (idiom)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: idiom
- Plural: idioms
Word family
Forms
idioms
noun
Core family
idiomatic
adjective C1
Related words
idiomatically
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
unidiomatic
adjective
Expressions
in the idiom of [someone/something]
1/ˈɪn ðə ˈɪdiəm əv sˈoʊmˈoʊnsəmˈɛθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
using a particular style
using the same style as someone or something
Examples
- She wrote the dialogue in the idiom of 1940s radio dramas.
- The building is designed in the idiom of classical architecture.
- The album is firmly in the idiom of early blues.
in the local idiom
1/ˈɪn ðə lˈoʊkəl ˈɪdiəm/
fixed phrase
using local way of speaking
in the way local people speak
Examples
- The guide explained the history in the local idiom so everyone could follow.
- He greeted the shopkeeper in the local idiom, which immediately put her at ease.
- Some jokes only work when told in the local idiom.