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Latest post Tue, Jul 25 2006 6:21 AM by CalifJim. 1 replies.
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hanuman_2000  +  248603 Tue, 25 Jul 06 05:52 AM

Hello,

Are  "idioms" and  "proverbs and saying" same?

Please explain the difference between "idioms" and "proverbs and saying"?

Joined on Thu, Aug 12 2004
INDIA
Contributing Member 1,644
CalifJim  +  248616 Tue, 25 Jul 06 06:21 AM
A proverb is usually a statement that expresses some universal bit of wisdom.  It is normally a very old expression that has come down to us through the years because it encapsulates some truth in a very succinct and clever way.  It may not be very obvious what the meaning is because proverbs are sometimes very metaphorical.

A stitch in time saves nine.  (Proverb.)

(Literal meaning:  If there is a small tear in some article of clothing, repair it with one stitch  - using needle and thread - before it gets bigger and requires nine stitches to repair.
Proverb meaning:  It is better to take care of a problem or troublesome situation before it becomes an even greater problem that will be even more difficult to solve.)

An idiom is simply a group of words with a meaning of its own which cannot be inferred from the meaning of the separate words that it is composed of.

Because of the extreme heat, my pet iguana kicked the bucket.
  (This is obviously not a proverb.)

(Idiom:  to kick the bucket = to die)

CJ

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,383
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
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