In this article, I will outline all 7 types of idioms and provide examples of each.
Types of Idioms
1.Pure Idioms
Pure idioms are idioms whose original meaning is lost to the extent that there is no possible way to analyze the phrase logically to come to an understanding of its meaning.
Examples
It’s raining cats and dogs (it is raining heavily ).
Fit as a fiddle (to be healthy).
Make no bones about it (to be certain).
2. Binomial Idioms
Binomial idioms are idioms that involve two parts that work together or in contrast to construct an expression.
Examples
Examples of binomial idioms include:
black and white (there are clear differences).
more or less (something is close enough to correct).
give or take (there is some room for error).
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| The types of idioms in English |
3. Partial Idioms
A partial idiom contains a literal part and a non-literal part. An example is “storm brewing in his eyes.” This idiom refers to a look of ferocity in someone’s face
There is a literal part in the idiom (we are referring to something in someone’s eyes). But, there is also a non-literal part (the storm).
(the storm, in the above instance, implying the eyes are ‘fierce like a storm’).
Examples
Examples of partial idioms are listed below with the literal element bolded:
Red hair
Change is as good as a holiday.
Turn over a new leaf
4. Prepositional Idioms
Prepositional idioms are idioms that contain prepositional verbs plus an adverb or a preposition to create non-literal meaning. These types of idioms need to be placed into a sentence and cannot be used in isolation (they are not ‘fixed collocational idioms’).
Examples
Examples of prepositional idioms
include:
Go for (try something).
Look after (care for).
Get along (be amicable).
Look into (investigate).
5. Proverbs
Proverbs are idioms that provide universal truths or sage advice. They are often provided by wise people or contain morals that are passed on from generation to generation. Many of our proverbs come from old religious or philosophical texts.
Examples
Examples of proverbial idioms include:
Actions speak louder than words.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
As you sow, so you shall reap.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
6. Euphemisms
Euphemisms are expressions that are used to soften a message that might otherwise be too harsh, blunt or politically incorrect. We will use them when gently chastising someone, talking about something uncomfortable, or even talking about taboo topics such as sexuality.
Examples
Examples of euphemisms include:
Knocking boots (sex).
Between jobs (unemployed).
Correctional facility (prison).
Powder my nose (use the toilet).
7. Clichés
A cliché is a term that has been so overused over time that it is considered intellectually lazy, not funny, unoriginal, or stereotyping when used.
They are often avoided by creative writers, novelists, and songwriters because they betray any sense of seriousness or skill.
Examples
Examples of clichés include:
Diamond in the rough.
Take a chill pill.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
l’ll give it my best shot.
Conclusion
Some idioms may fit into multiple different categories. For example, the idiom “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is both a cliché and a proverb.
There are likely many different ways to dissect idioms into different ‘types’. This list above provides an introductory overview of some common types of idioms you might come across in the English language.
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