An idiom is a commonly used phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning separate from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms add color and imagery to language, but their meanings are not readily apparent from the words themselves. Learning and understanding idioms is an important part of mastering the English language.

Idioms are used very frequently in spoken and written English. Native English speakers often use idioms without even thinking about it. However, for those learning English as a second language, idioms can be very confusing initially.

Most idioms have an interesting story or reason behind their figurative meaning. Many reflect aspects of culture, traditions, or historical events. Learning the background of an idiom can make them easier to remember.

By examining idioms more closely - their definition, history, and modern usage - you can expand your grasp of the English language. Soon you'll be using idioms yourself in everyday speech and writing.

The history of idioms

The English language has a long, rich history of idioms that stretches back centuries. Many of the oldest idioms originated from the works of famous English writers.

William Shakespeare is credited with coining numerous idioms that are still commonly used today. For example, the phrase "wild goose chase," which means a hopeless, pointless quest, first appeared in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet in 1592.

As English spread around the world through the growth of the British Empire, idioms from local languages and cultures were absorbed into English. For instance, "cash cow," meaning a reliable source of income, originally referred to cows in India that produced high quantities of milk.

Many idioms used today also come from more recent pop culture, entertainment, and sports. The idiom "jump the shark," meaning something has peaked and is now declining in quality, references an episode of the sitcom Happy Days where a character jumps over a shark while water skiing.

Examples of common idioms

With all the colorful and amusing idioms used in English, you'll never have a "chip on your shoulder." Learning idioms is "a piece of cake" and will prevent you from "barking up the wrong tree" in conversations.

See what I did there? Those were three examples of very common English idioms. "A chip on your shoulder" means holding a grudge or grievance. "A piece of cake" refers to something very easy to do. And if you're "barking up the wrong tree," you're pursuing a faulty course of action or belief.

Here are some more examples frequently used in everyday speech and writing:

• "Ball is in your court" - It's up to you to make the next move or decision
• "Costs an arm and a leg" - Very expensive, excessively pricey
• "Let the cat out of the bag" - To mistakenly reveal a secret
• "Devil's advocate" - Someone who argues an unpopular opinion to spark debate
• "On the ball" - Attentive, competent, and alert
• "Ring any bells?" - Sounds familiar or reminds you of something
• "Whole nine yards" - Everything, the full extent

Hopefully this overview has "shed some light" on the meaning, history and usage of idioms. While some may seem "old as the hills," they remain an integral part of English. If you keep an open mind and "play your cards right," you'll be a master of idioms "in no time!"

Related reading: Anthimeria: Using nouns as verbs is kinda cute | Adynation definition: The more ridiculous, the better | Cacophony definition: When harsh sounds do the heavy lifting