Idiom vs. Proverb — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
An idiom is a phrase with a non-literal meaning, while a proverb is a short saying expressing general truth or wisdom.
Difference Between Idiom and Proverb
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Key Differences
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from the individual words. For instance, "kick the bucket" doesn't literally mean to strike a container with one's foot but denotes someone's passing away. On the other hand, a proverb is a simple, concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.
Think of idioms as expressions that paint pictures or create comparisons in unique ways, often peculiar to a particular language. For instance, in English, one might say "it's raining cats and dogs" to signify heavy rainfall. Proverbs, meanwhile, are like lessons, imparting advice or moral messages, such as "actions speak louder than words."
One key distinction between idioms and proverbs is the predictability of their meanings. With idioms, one cannot easily deduce the intended meaning just from the words involved. Proverbs, in contrast, often convey their messages directly and are designed to be understood without much ambiguity.
Idioms can be fun, quirky components of language that often baffle those learning a new language. They're embedded in culture and can vary across regions. Proverbs, conversely, are almost universally recognized within a given language or culture, often passed down through generations and frequently invoked to make a point or offer counsel.
It's essential to understand the difference between idioms and proverbs, especially for learners of English. While idioms add color and flair to language, they might confuse if taken literally. Proverbs, though more straightforward, require cultural context to be fully appreciated.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A phrase with a non-literal meaning
A saying expressing general truth or wisdom
Purpose
To convey meaning in a figurative way
To provide advice or share universal truths
Interpretation
Often non-literal and unique to a language
Generally literal and widely understood
Origins
Embedded in language and cultural expressions
Passed down through generations, rooted in wisdom
Examples
"Bite the bullet", "Spill the beans"
"Birds of a feather flock together", "Honesty is the best policy"
Compare with Definitions
Idiom
A group of words with a unique meaning not clear from the individual words.
Break a leg means to wish someone good luck.
Proverb
A piece of practical advice passed down through generations.
Better late than never means it's better to do something late than not do it at all.
Idiom
A phrase that represents something different from its literal interpretation.
Hit the hay means to go to bed.
Proverb
A concise statement that is universally recognized within a culture or language.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch warns against acting on assumptions.
Idiom
A linguistic expression whose meaning doesn't relate to the meanings of its individual words.
Feeling blue means feeling sad.
Proverb
A short, well-known saying that expresses a common truth or belief.
Every cloud has a silver lining means every bad situation has a positive side.
Idiom
An expression peculiar to a particular language that can't be translated literally.
The ball is in your court means the next move is up to you.
Proverb
An adage that imparts general wisdom or advice.
Actions speak louder than words means what you do is more significant than what you say.
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.
Proverb
A proverb (from Latin: proverbium) is a simple and insightful, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language.
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).
Proverb
A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.
Idiom
A characteristic mode of expression in music or art
They were both working in a neo-impressionist idiom
Proverb
Proverbs (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.
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.
Proverb
A phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situations.
Idiom
The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language.
Proverb
A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
Idiom
Regional speech or dialect.
Proverb
A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
Idiom
A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon
Legal idiom.
Proverb
A drama exemplifying a proverb.
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.
Proverb
To write or utter proverbs.
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.
Proverb
To name in, or as, a proverb.
Idiom
(programming) A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.
Proverb
To provide with a proverb.
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.
Proverb
An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of experience and observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage.
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.
Proverb
A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
Idiom
An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.
The idiom of the expressionists
Proverb
A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations.
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.
Proverb
A drama exemplifying a proverb.
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.
Proverb
To name in, or as, a proverb.
Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ?
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.
Proverb
To provide with a proverb.
I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.
Idiom
The phrase forms peculiar to a particular author; as, written in his own idiom.
Every good writer has much idiom.
Proverb
To write or utter proverbs.
Idiom
Dialect; a variant form of a language.
Proverb
A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
Idiom
A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
Proverb
A widely accepted phrase that summarizes a basic truth or a moral lesson.
A stitch in time saves nine implies that timely action prevents more significant problems.
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
Idiom
A figurative manner of speaking or saying something.
Bite the bullet means to face a difficult situation.
Common Curiosities
Are idioms the same in all languages?
No, idioms are often unique to a specific language and may not have direct translations.
Can an idiom become a proverb?
Rarely. While both are expressions, idioms are more about figurative language, while proverbs convey broader truths.
Why are idioms hard for language learners?
Idioms' meanings often can't be deduced from their individual words, making them challenging for non-native speakers.
Are all proverbs old sayings?
While many proverbs have ancient origins, new ones can emerge over time, reflecting modern wisdom.
Why are idioms important in language?
Idioms add color, richness, and cultural depth to language, making expressions more vivid.
Do proverbs have variations?
Yes, similar proverbs might be phrased differently across cultures or languages.
Are idioms always metaphors?
Many idioms are metaphorical, but not all. Some might be hyperbolic or use other figures of speech.
Can proverbs be specific to a particular culture?
Yes, while some proverbs are universal, others might be specific to a particular culture or region.
Why do people use proverbs?
Proverbs concisely convey wisdom, values, or advice, making them useful for emphasis or guidance.
Are proverbs always true?
Proverbs reflect general truths or beliefs, but there might be exceptions in specific situations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
