The difference between Idiom and Phrase

When used as nouns, idiom means a manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, person, or group of people, whereas phrase means a short written or spoken expression.


Phrase is also verb with the meaning: to express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.

check bellow for the other definitions of Idiom and Phrase

  1. Idiom as a noun:

    A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, person, or group of people.

  2. Idiom as a noun:

    A language or language variety; specifically, a restricted dialect used in a given historical period, context etc.

  3. Idiom as a noun:

    An established expression whose meaning is not deducible from the literal meanings of its component words, often peculiar to a given language.

  4. Idiom as a noun:

    An artistic style (for example, in art, architecture, or music); an instance of such a style.

  5. Idiom as a noun (programming):

    A programming construct or phraseology that is characteristic of the language.

  1. Phrase as a noun:

    A short written or spoken expression.

  2. Phrase as a noun (grammar):

    A word or group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.

  3. Phrase as a noun (music):

    A small section of music in a larger piece.

  4. Phrase as a noun (archaic):

    A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.

  1. Phrase as a verb (transitive):

    To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.

    Examples:

    "I wasn't sure how to phrase my condolences without sounding patronising."

  2. Phrase as a verb (intransitive, music):

    To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.

  3. Phrase as a verb (transitive, music):

    To divide into melodic phrases.