Idiom vs. Euphemism — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 16, 2024
Idioms are expressions with a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning, while euphemisms are polite or mild phrases used to replace harsh or unpleasant ones.
Difference Between Idiom and Euphemism
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Idioms are unique expressions that convey meanings not deducible from the individual words, creating vivid imagery or ideas. Euphemisms, on the other hand, soften the impact of uncomfortable topics, substituting harsh realities with gentle language.
Idioms often enrich language with cultural or historical references, embedding deeper insights within familiar phrases. Euphemisms, whereas, act as linguistic cushions, offering comfort or discretion in sensitive contexts.
While idioms can enhance storytelling or convey complex emotions succinctly, euphemisms are employed to navigate social taboos or professional decorum gracefully.
Idioms contribute to the color and character of a language, reflecting the collective experiences of its speakers. Euphemisms, on the other hand, reflect societal attitudes towards delicacy, politeness, and the need to obscure the starkness of reality.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To express ideas figuratively
To soften or obscure harsh realities
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
In creative or informal contexts
In sensitive or formal situations
Interpretation
Requires cultural or contextual understanding
Generally understood as a polite or mild alternative
Examples
"Kick the bucket" (to die)
"Passed away" instead of "died"
Impact on Language
Adds richness and depth
Promotes politeness and sensitivity
Compare with Definitions
Idiom
A phrase where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words.
It's raining cats and dogs, means it's raining very heavily, not pets falling from the sky.
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.
Let go instead of fired makes the event of losing one's job sound less harsh.
Idiom
Reflects the collective experience or humor of its speakers.
Spill the beans means to reveal a secret, originating from an ancient method of voting.
Euphemism
Used to navigate social taboos or to discuss sensitive subjects with discretion.
Between jobs is a softer way of saying unemployed.
Idiom
A linguistic tool that enhances storytelling by adding vividness and expressiveness.
Break the ice is used to describe actions that reduce tension in social situations.
Euphemism
Reflects societal attitudes towards politeness, sensitivity, and the avoidance of directness.
Senior citizen is a more respectful term for an elderly person.
Idiom
An expression with a cultural or historical background that adds depth to language.
Bite the bullet, comes from soldiers biting bullets during surgery without anesthesia.
Euphemism
Often evolves as society's sensitivities and taboos change over time.
Collateral damage refers to unintended civilian deaths in military actions, a term that has gained prominence in modern times.
Idiom
Often region-specific, revealing insights about the culture or language from which it originates.
Burning the midnight oil refers to working late into the night, from the era of oil lamps.
Euphemism
Can mask the reality of a situation, leading to misunderstandings if not clearly understood.
Economical with the truth suggests lying without directly saying so.
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom's figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning.
Euphemism
Euphemism () is an innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the user wishes to downplay.
Idiom
A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, see the light).
Euphemism
A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive
"Euphemisms such as 'slumber room' ... abound in the funeral business" (Jessica Mitford).
Idiom
A characteristic mode of expression in music or art
They were both working in a neo-impressionist idiom
Euphemism
The use of such terms
"Euphemism is common in hospital and medical facilities where bodily functions need to be discussed" (Diane F. Halpern).
Idiom
A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements, as in keep tabs on.
Euphemism
(uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive, blunt or vulgar than the word or phrase which it replaces.
Idiom
The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language.
Euphemism
(countable) A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.
Idiom
Regional speech or dialect.
Euphemism
A figure in which a harsh or indelicate word or expression is softened; a way of describing an offensive thing by an inoffensive expression; a mild name for something disagreeable.
Idiom
A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon
Legal idiom.
Euphemism
An inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive
Idiom
A style of artistic expression characteristic of a particular individual, school, period, or medium
The idiom of the French impressionists.
The punk rock idiom.
Idiom
A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.
In English, idiom requires the indefinite article in a phrase such as "she's an engineer", whereas in Spanish, idiom forbids it.
Some of the usage prescriptions improved clarity and were kept; others that yielded discordant violations of idiom were eventually revised.
Idiom
(programming) A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
Idiom
A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context etc.
In the idiom of the day, they were sutlers, although today they'd probably be called vendors.
Idiom
An established phrasal expression whose meaning may not be deducible from the literal meanings of its component words.
She often spoke in idioms, pining for salad days and complaining about pots calling the kettle black.
Idiom
An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.
The idiom of the expressionists
Idiom
The syntactical or structural form peculiar to any language; the genius or cast of a language.
Idiom may be employed loosely and figuratively as a synonym of language or dialect, but in its proper sense it signifies the totality of the general rules of construction which characterize the syntax of a particular language and distinguish it from other tongues.
By idiom is meant the use of words which is peculiar to a particular language.
He followed their language [the Latin], but did not comply with the idiom of ours.
Idiom
An expression conforming or appropriate to the peculiar structural form of a language.
Some that with care true eloquence shall teach,And to just idioms fix our doubtful speech.
Idiom
A combination of words having a meaning peculiar to itself and not predictable as a combination of the meanings of the individual words, but sanctioned by usage; as, an idiomatic expression; less commonly, a single word used in a peculiar sense.
It is not by means of rules that such idioms as the following are made current: "I can make nothing of it." "He treats his subject home." Dryden. "It is that within us that makes for righteousness." M. Arnold.
Sometimes we identify the words with the object - though by courtesy of idiom rather than in strict propriety of language.
Idiom
The phrase forms peculiar to a particular author; as, written in his own idiom.
Every good writer has much idiom.
Idiom
Dialect; a variant form of a language.
Idiom
A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
Idiom
The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;
The immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
He has a strong German accent
Idiom
The style of a particular artist or school or movement;
An imaginative orchestral idiom
Idiom
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Common Curiosities
How do idioms differ from euphemisms?
Idioms are figurative expressions with meanings different from their literal interpretation, while euphemisms are used to soften or mask harsh realities.
Why are idioms important in language?
Idioms add richness and cultural depth to a language, allowing for expressive and vivid communication.
Why do people use euphemisms?
Euphemisms are used to avoid offending or upsetting people, especially in sensitive contexts.
Can euphemisms change over time?
Yes, euphemisms can evolve as societal norms and sensitivities change.
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words it is made of.
What is a euphemism?
A euphemism is a word or phrase that is used to replace another word or phrase that is considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.
Can idioms be euphemisms?
Yes, some idioms can function as euphemisms if they are used to soften the impact of a statement.
Are all euphemisms idiomatic?
Not all euphemisms are idiomatic; many are straightforward substitutions without the figurative aspect of idioms.
Do idioms vary across cultures?
Yes, idioms can vary widely across cultures, reflecting unique historical and cultural experiences.
Are idioms understood universally?
Idioms often require cultural or contextual knowledge and may not be universally understood.
How can euphemisms affect communication?
Euphemisms can sometimes obscure the true meaning, leading to misinterpretation or vagueness.
Is it possible for idioms to become clichés?
Yes, idioms can become clichés if they are overused to the point of losing their original impact or vividness.
Are idioms always easy to understand for non-native speakers?
Idioms can be challenging for non-native speakers due to their figurative nature and cultural specificity.
Can euphemisms be considered politically correct language?
Euphemisms are often used to adhere to political correctness by avoiding language that might be seen as discriminatory or offensive.
How do euphemisms relate to taboos?
Euphemisms are commonly used to discuss taboo subjects in a more acceptable or less uncomfortable manner.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Glenn vs. Glen
Next Comparison
Assemble vs. EnsembleAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
