Idiom: An idiom is an expression
that conveys something different from its literal meaning, and
cannot be guessed from the meanings of its individual words.
"Between a rock and a hard place" is an idiom that means “in a
difficult or bad position with no good way of getting out of
it.” What makes an idiom different from a figure of speech is
that its non-literal meaning is already familiar to speakers of
the language.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a word or phrase typically used to
describe one thing, but unexpectedly used to describe something
different. Metaphors make language interesting and help create
imagery. "He was drowning in paperwork" is a metaphor that makes
a connection between having to deal with a lot of paperwork and
drowning in water.
Simile: A simile is an expression that uses the words like or as
to describe something by comparing it with something else. A
simile is like a metaphor except that a simile uses the words
like or as to signal that a comparison is being made. “She is as
fierce as a tiger” is a simile, but “She is a tiger when she is
angry” is a metaphor.
Showing posts with label idiom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label idiom. Show all posts
Jun 5, 2020
Jul 15, 2016
Adage, Axiom, Epigram, and Idiom
An adage is a traditional saying or proverb that states a piece of wisdom or a general truth. An adage is usually something that has been repeated for so long that it is a cliche, such as 'less is more'.
An axiom is a statement or principle that is accepted as being true, self-evidently true, or proven true by virtue of experience. An axiom can be the foundation for further study or knowledge. Axiom and adage are interchangeable and are usually sayings that have been repeated, often over many generations. Mathematicians make heavy use of axioms and maxims. An Aphorism can be a short Axiom.
An epigram is a short, witty, saying or remark expressed with brevity and sometimes paradoxically. An epigram is usually an original saying or remark, such as 'I can resist everything but temptation'. Many famous quotes are epigrams.
An idiom is a word or phrase whose meaning cannot be understood outside its cultural context. These expressions are usually figurative, such as 'cut to the chase', 'rule of thumb', etc. Idioms generally convey a casual tone and are known culturally, so other cultures may not understand the phrase or meaning. Many adages, axioms, and epigrams can also be considered idioms if not universally known.
An axiom is a statement or principle that is accepted as being true, self-evidently true, or proven true by virtue of experience. An axiom can be the foundation for further study or knowledge. Axiom and adage are interchangeable and are usually sayings that have been repeated, often over many generations. Mathematicians make heavy use of axioms and maxims. An Aphorism can be a short Axiom.
An epigram is a short, witty, saying or remark expressed with brevity and sometimes paradoxically. An epigram is usually an original saying or remark, such as 'I can resist everything but temptation'. Many famous quotes are epigrams.
An idiom is a word or phrase whose meaning cannot be understood outside its cultural context. These expressions are usually figurative, such as 'cut to the chase', 'rule of thumb', etc. Idioms generally convey a casual tone and are known culturally, so other cultures may not understand the phrase or meaning. Many adages, axioms, and epigrams can also be considered idioms if not universally known.
Mar 25, 2016
Wordology, Egg Someone On
This is one of those idioms where you think the etymology would be obvious, but this phrase has nothing to do with eggs.
The egg in this expression is a verb meaning “to goad” or “to incite” which is derived from the Old Germanic dialect word, eggia. The word is related to the Old English word, ecg, meaning “an edge.” It is also related to the Middle Low German eggen, meaning “to harrow.” Therefore, this may suggest that someone is “egged” on in fear of being prodded with something sharp, but this is only a vaguely implied connection.
The word came into English around the year 1200, originally in the sense of provoking or tempting a person. Today, the phrase means to encourage someone to do something, usually of a risky, foolish, or dangerous nature. In other words, people egg one another on to get a reaction.
The egg in this expression is a verb meaning “to goad” or “to incite” which is derived from the Old Germanic dialect word, eggia. The word is related to the Old English word, ecg, meaning “an edge.” It is also related to the Middle Low German eggen, meaning “to harrow.” Therefore, this may suggest that someone is “egged” on in fear of being prodded with something sharp, but this is only a vaguely implied connection.
The word came into English around the year 1200, originally in the sense of provoking or tempting a person. Today, the phrase means to encourage someone to do something, usually of a risky, foolish, or dangerous nature. In other words, people egg one another on to get a reaction.
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