What is the meaning of idiom?
The meaning of idiom is a figurative expression, often irregular in style, that is particular to a language or region.
Idiom
An idiom is a figure of speech that is particular to a given language, may lack standard grammatical structure, and may possess a figurative meaning. Because of their often unique constructions and non-literal meanings, many idioms cannot be translated directly into other languages.
Idiom derives from the Greek word idioma, from idiousthai (“to appropriate”).
Many idioms that are popular today originated from literature. For example, the expression “wear my heart on my sleeve” first appeared in William Shakespeare’s Othello, in a line spoken by Iago in act 1, scene 1:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In complement extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am.
Iago uses this idiom to tell Roderigo that revealing one’s true motives makes one vulnerable. By exposing his heart, Iago would be putting it in danger of being pecked by “daws,” or jackdaws, an extension of the figure that makes vivid the dangers of such vulnerability. The phrase has become common in English usage to describe the act of being vulnerable, but translated literally into another language it would not necessarily retain that meaning, even if the image itself was understood.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.