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Literary devices · Figurative

Idiom

Idiom: A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the literal words.

Idioms are pre-made metaphors a language has agreed on; in dialogue they mark a character's register and roots faster than description can.

BC
By Bryan Collins · USA Today bestselling author

Idiom examples

Spot the Idiom

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A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the literal words.

"Kick the bucket."

Which work is this from?

Explore every literary device in the poetic devices hub.

Idiom: common questions

What is idiom in literature?

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the literal words. Idioms are pre-made metaphors a language has agreed on; in dialogue they mark a character's register and roots faster than description can.

What is an example of idiom?

A classic example is "Kick the bucket." (common idiom).

Browse the full literary devices glossary or everywriting tool and word bank.

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