IDIOM

RAHMAD ARDIANSYAH
NJUE STEEVEN TARIGAN
SATYAWAN REINHARD TOBING
DEFINITION IDIOM

Idiom is a type of figurative language that consists of a group of words or a phrase that has
a meaning that is not easily understandable from the literal definition of the individual
words. The meaning of an idiom is often unique to a particular language or culture and
cannot be translated directly into another language without losing its intended meaning.
Idioms are commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and other forms of creative
expression.
TYPES OF IDIOM

• Literal idioms
These idioms can be interpreted literally to get their meaning, even if that meaning doesn’t
make sense in the context of the conversation. They rely on the literal definitions of words
and often have a straightforward meaning. However, their use is still considered idiomatic
because their meaning can’t always be inferred from the words alone.
Example:
"Kick the bucket." This idiom means to die. The literal interpretation of the words "kick" and
"bucket" do not convey this meaning, but the idiom is widely understood to mean death.
TYPES OF IDIOM

• Non-literal idioms
These idioms have a meaning that can’t be understood by interpreting the words literally. They often
rely on cultural or historical associations and require some knowledge of the context in which they
are used. Non-literal idioms can be quite creative and colorful, and they are often used to express
complex ideas in a more concise and memorable way.
Example:
“Break a leg.” This idiom is used to wish someone good luck before a performance. The literal
interpretation of the words does not make sense in this context, but the idiom has a cultural
association with success in performing arts.
TYPES OF IDIOM

• Colloquial idioms
These idioms are common in informal speech and are often associated with a particular language or
culture. They are frequently used by native speakers in everyday conversations and can be difficult
for non-native speakers to understand. Colloquial idioms often have a playful or humorous quality to
them, and they can be used to create a sense of shared identity among speakers.
Example:
"Hang out." This idiom means to spend time with someone in a casual setting. It is commonly used in
informal speech and may not be understood by people who are not familiar with the language or
culture.
TYPES OF IDIOM

• Regional idioms
These idioms are specific to a particular region or dialect and may not be understood by people
from other regions. They can help to create a sense of community and identity among speakers
of a particular dialect or regional variety of a language. Regional idioms can be quite diverse,
reflecting the unique linguistic and cultural characteristics of different regions.
Example:
“Bless your heart.” This idiom is commonly used in Southern American English as a polite
expression of sympathy or appreciation. It may not be understood by people from other regions.
TYPES OF IDIOM

• Foreign language idioms

These idioms are specific to a particular language and may not have an equivalent idiom in
another language. They can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand, and their use
can be a marker of language proficiency or cultural awareness. Foreign language idioms can
be quite creative and colorful, and they often reflect the unique linguistic
Example:
"Avoir le cafard." This French idiom means to feel down or depressed. It does not have a
direct equivalent idiom in English.