Which expression describes an idiomatic phrase whose meaning is not predictable from its parts, such as 'kick the bucket'?

Which expression describes an idiomatic phrase whose meaning is not predictable from its parts, such as 'kick the bucket'?

• A. Idiom
• B. Proverb
• C. Metaphor
• D. Expression

Answer: (A)

Idioms are phrases whose overall meaning can’t be inferred from the literal meanings of their individual words. “Kick the bucket” is a classic example: the words suggest a physical action, but in usage it means to die. Because the expression’s meaning is fixed and not predictable from its parts, it’s best described as an idiom. A proverb, in contrast, is a short saying that offers wisdom or advice and can usually be understood by interpreting it as a whole. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two things (like time is a thief), often revealing meaning through imagery rather than through a literal reading of the words. An expression is a broad term for any phrase or collocation and doesn’t specify the nonliteral, fixed meaning that idioms carry.

Idioms are phrases whose overall meaning can’t be inferred from the literal meanings of their individual words. “Kick the bucket” is a classic example: the words suggest a physical action, but in usage it means to die. Because the expression’s meaning is fixed and not predictable from its parts, it’s best described as an idiom.

A proverb, in contrast, is a short saying that offers wisdom or advice and can usually be understood by interpreting it as a whole. A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two things (like time is a thief), often revealing meaning through imagery rather than through a literal reading of the words. An expression is a broad term for any phrase or collocation and doesn’t specify the nonliteral, fixed meaning that idioms carry.