as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning
the English idiom "how are you doing?" is our version of a greeting that in some other languages can be translated as "how are you going?"
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idiom
An idiom is a phrase that is common to a certain population.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
If the assignment is to translate something from a foreign language, there are plenty of tools and resources that can do it for you, including by recognizing and figuratively translating idioms.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
If the assignment is to translate something from a foreign language, there are plenty of tools and resources that can do it for you, including by recognizing and figuratively translating idioms.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
The centuries-old pot-kettle idiom points out hypocrisy — as when one person accuses another of a flaw that afflicts himself.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
Noun
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In a larger context, this quintessentially Bengali phrase has come to mean a repast of tea and snacks that encompasses a tradition deeply ingrained in the culture.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
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There is a phrase in Japanese that explains it.—
Stephen Wade,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In a league too often sanitized by coachspeak, facial expressions might be our last great truth serum.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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But the publishing industry is not the only place where space for free expression is dwindling in Russia.—
Nathan Hodge,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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