What is a fixed expression?

A fixed expression is a combination of words which express an idea. It has taken on more
meaning that the individual words while still maintaining a lexical connection. It is frequently
used in certain circumstances to express a specific idea.

Examples include:

● My sister asked me to keep an eye on her kids while she was working late. (to
watch / look after)
● It came as no surprise when Lawrence got the job. (it was expected / not
surprising)
● It is only a matter of time until that bridge collapses. (it will happen at some
point in the future)
● If she doesn’t start training, she won’t stand a chance of winning the race.
(has no possibility)

As their name suggests, fixed expressions are fixed. This means the order and combination of
words cannot be changed. The only flexibility in fixed expressions is a pronoun change (e.g.
She made up her mind becomes I made up my mind) or a tense change (e.g. There is no point
in arriving late becomes There was no point in arriving late).

What’s the difference between a fixed expression and an idiom?

Idioms use words that are completely removed from their lexical meaning. The meaning
cannot be deduced from its individual words and it has a separate meaning of its own.

Examples include:

● My brother is a couch potato. (lazy)

● I can’t believe she let the cat out of the bag. (reveal a secret)
● Sarah’s new boyfriend really rubs me the wrong way. (annoy / bother)
● Losing the contract added insult to injury. (make a bad situation worse)