Idioms

What do I’m all ears, step on it, and cool as a cucumber have in common? They are all idioms.

What is an Idiom?

Idioms are expressions whose meaning comes from a concept, not the actual words. Often, they make no sense at all. For instance, the idiom “I’m all ears” means you have my full attention, not that I have grown extra ears all over my body!

An idiom is an expression understood by native speakers that can seem complete nonsense to nonnative speakers. Let me give you an example.  If you and I are on our way to the store and I want you to hurry, I may say step on it. As native speakers we understand this means go faster, but someone learning the English language may wonder what on Earth we want them to step on.

English is full of idioms. We can be in the same boat when we’re in a car, on the bus or walking down the street. It just means we are in the same situation. You might think a change of heart is a heart transplant, but it’s not! It’s an idiom that means you’ve changed your mind. A bee in her bonnet is a colorful way to say she’s upset about something, a night owl likes to stay up late, and someone who is cool as a cucumber maintains calm even in the most troubling circumstances.

How are Idioms different from Metaphors?

Idioms are common expressions with a meaning that doesn’t translate literally. They are expressions that have developed over time and are commonly understood by native speakers. Idioms generally don’t evolve. Check out this website for idioms and their surprising origins-some from the 1700s!

Metaphors, on the other hand, use comparisons to describe something or someone. The best metaphors are unique. I’ll share one of my favorites from Mark Twain. The leaves gossiped in the wind. By using gossip instead of whisper (which is overused) it gives the phrase added oomph. We can imagine the leaves passing secrets in hushed tones. 

When Do You Use Idioms?

Because idioms are an integral part of language, they will sneak into your writing and you won’t even know it. Use them in fiction, nonfiction, dialogue, personal correspondence, texts, tweets, and email. Don’t use them in formal writing such as reports and scientific papers.