ideoms

Ideoms, more commonly spelled idioms, are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of their individual words. The form ideoms is a frequent misspelling in English and in other contexts.

Etymology: The term idiom derives from the Greek idion or idios meaning "one's own" and a suffix related to form or manner, reflecting its sense as a distinctive expression of a language.

Characteristics: Idioms are conventionalized sequences with fixed wording and nonliteral meanings. They are often culture-specific and can be opaque to learners. Some idioms are semi-transparent, such as spill the beans (reveal a secret), while others are highly opaque, such as kick the bucket (die).

Usage and translation: Idioms enrich speech and writing by conveying meaning efficiently and adding color. They present challenges for learners and translators, who may need to substitute an equivalent expression in the target language or paraphrase to preserve sense.

Examples: break the ice, let the cat out of the bag, cost an arm and a leg, and hit the hay. See also: figure of speech, metaphor, multiword expression.