Idiom vs. Saying — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
An idiom is a phrase with a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning, while a saying is a commonly used phrase that expresses a truth or wisdom.
Difference Between Idiom and Saying
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Idioms are unique in that their meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words that make them up. For example, "kick the bucket" means to die, which cannot be understood just by looking at the words themselves. Sayings, on the other hand, are more straightforward and can often be understood literally, like "actions speak louder than words," emphasizing that what you do is more significant than what you say.
The use of idioms often requires a shared cultural or linguistic background to be understood, as their meanings are deeply rooted in the language's history and culture. Sayings, however, are more universally understandable and are often based on common human experiences and wisdom, making them more accessible across different cultures.
Idioms can add color and expressiveness to language, often used in creative writing and everyday speech to convey emotions or situations in a nuanced way. Sayings are frequently used to impart wisdom, advice, or moral lessons, commonly found in proverbs or adages.
While idioms can be puzzling to language learners due to their non-literal nature, sayings, because of their more direct conveyance of wisdom or truth, can be easier to understand and adopt into one's language use, even across different languages.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A phrase with a figurative meaning not deducible from its individual words.
A commonly used phrase that expresses a truth, advice, or wisdom.
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Interpretation
Figurative and requires knowledge of cultural or linguistic context.
Often literal, with a clear, straightforward meaning.
Usage
Adds expressiveness and color to language; used to convey nuanced emotions or situations.
Imparts wisdom, advice, or moral lessons; used to reflect on human experiences.
Accessibility
Can be challenging for non-native speakers due to cultural or linguistic specificity.
More universally understandable, often transcending cultural boundaries.
Examples
"Kick the bucket" (to die), "let the cat out of the bag" (reveal a secret).
"Actions speak louder than words," "the early bird catches the worm."
Compare with Definitions
Idiom
A phrase whose meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words.
Spill the beans means to reveal a secret, not literally tipping over beans.
Saying
A common phrase that expresses a truth or advice.
A penny saved is a penny earned emphasizes the value of saving money.
Idiom
Often rooted in historical or cultural stories.
Bite the bullet, originally meant to endure a painful experience without complaint.
Saying
Based on universal truths or human experiences.
It's no use crying over spilt milk is understood globally to mean it’s pointless to lament over things that cannot be undone.
Idiom
Adds a layer of richness and creativity to language.
Break the ice is a creative way to describe initiating a conversation in a tense setting.
Saying
Often used to offer guidance or reflect on life lessons.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch advises caution against premature expectations.
Idiom
Can be challenging for non-native speakers to grasp.
Learning idioms like under the weather (feeling ill) requires understanding beyond literal meanings.
Saying
Easily translated or adapted across languages and cultures.
Many sayings have equivalents in other cultures, preserving the wisdom while adapting the phrasing.
Idiom
Varies widely across different languages and cultures.
Idioms can have equivalents in other languages, but direct translations often lose the original flavor.
Saying
Common in proverbs and adages, teaching moral values.
Honesty is the best policy is a saying that advocates for the value of truthfulness in all situations.
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.
Saying
A saying is any concisely written or spoken expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or style. Sayings are categorized as follows: Aphorism: a general, observational truth; "a pithy expression of wisdom or truth".Adage, proverb, or saw: a widely known or popular aphorism that has gained credibility by long use or tradition.
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).
Saying
A short, pithy, commonly known expression which generally offers advice or wisdom.
Idiom
A characteristic mode of expression in music or art
They were both working in a neo-impressionist idiom
Saying
Something, such as an adage or maxim, that is said.
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.
Saying
Present participle of say
Idiom
The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language.
Saying
A proverb or maxim.
Idiom
Regional speech or dialect.
Saying
(obsolete) That which is said; an utterance.
Idiom
A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon
Legal idiom.
Saying
That which is said; a declaration; a statement, especially a proverbial one; an aphorism; a proverb.
Many are the sayings of the wise,In ancient and in modern books enrolled.
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.
Saying
A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations;
Pardon the expression
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
Are all sayings proverbs?
While many sayings are proverbs, not all sayings meet the criteria of a proverb, which is a specific type of saying that usually offers wisdom or advice.
How do idioms originate?
Idioms often originate from historical events, cultural practices, literature, or everyday life experiences that become embedded in the language.
Can idioms be understood through literal translation?
No, idioms usually lose their meaning when translated literally, as their significance is often tied to figurative or cultural nuances.
How can idioms enrich communication?
Idioms can add color, humor, and expressiveness to communication, allowing speakers to convey complex ideas or emotions in a nuanced way.
Is it easier to learn sayings than idioms for language learners?
Generally, yes, because sayings tend to have meanings that are more straightforward and are often based on universal truths or experiences.
Can sayings become idioms?
While sayings and idioms are distinct, sayings can evolve into idioms if their usage shifts from a literal to a more figurative, culturally specific sense.
How do sayings contribute to language learning?
Sayings can aid in language learning by providing insight into the cultural values and shared wisdom of a language community, making the language more relatable and meaningful.
Why are sayings important in culture?
Sayings reflect the values, wisdom, and collective experiences of a culture, serving as a means of transmitting knowledge and moral values across generations.
Can the meaning of an idiom change over time?
Yes, the meanings or usage of idioms can evolve with language and culture, sometimes leading to shifts in interpretation or relevance.
Are idioms used in formal writing?
Idioms are generally more common in informal language, though they can be used effectively in formal writing if they enhance the clarity or impact of the communication.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
