Explore Fun Types of English Expressions: English Idioms, Metaphors, and More Phrases
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In this guide to Types of Expressions in English you can learn to understand the difference between idioms, similes, metaphors, and more—with fun definitions, examples, and links to full guides.
Key Takeaways
- English expressions add color, meaning, and nuance to everyday language.
- There are 7 main types: idioms, similes, metaphors, proverbs, clichés, truisms, and sayings.
- Each type has its own style, purpose, and typical usage in writing or speech.
- This page links to individual articles like “What is a Cliché?” for deeper explanations and examples.
- Learning expressions improves fluency, helps with comprehension, and makes your English more natural.
Summary Table
Type | Definition |
Simile | A comparison using “like” or “as” (e.g. as brave as a lion). |
Metaphor | A direct comparison without using “like” or “as” (e.g. Time is money). |
Idiom | A phrase with a meaning different from the literal words (e.g. break the ice). |
Proverb | A short, wise saying or truth (e.g. Actions speak louder than words). |
Cliché | An overused expression that has lost originality (e.g. time heals all wounds). |
Truism | A statement that is obviously true and often unhelpful (e.g. It is what it is). |
Saying | A short expression often used in everyday conversation (e.g. Better late than never). |
Simile
A simile is a way of comparing two things using “like” or “as” to make a description more vivid. You might say someone is “as busy as a bee” to show they’re very active.
Learn more in our full guide: What is a Simile? Definition and Examples
Metaphor
A metaphor describes something as if it were something else, to create a strong image or idea. Saying “time is a thief” doesn’t mean it steals literally, but that it passes quickly and silently.
Find out more at What is a Metaphor? Definition and Examples
Proverb
A proverb is a short, traditional saying that offers advice or wisdom, often passed down through generations. Think of “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Interested in more details? Visit What is a Proverb? Definition and Examples
Truism
A truism is a statement that’s obviously true — so much so that it doesn’t add much insight. For example, saying “what’s done is done” just restates a simple reality
Cliché
A cliché is an expression that was once fresh or clever but has been used so often that it now feels tired or unoriginal, like “time heals all wounds.
More insight at What is a Cliché? Definition and Examples
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words. For example, if someone “spills the beans,” they’re revealing a secret — not making a mess.
Find out more about Idioms at What is an Idiom? Definition and Examples
Saying
A saying is a short, commonly known phrase that people use in everyday conversation, like “better safe than sorry.” It might offer advice, a truth, or just express a common feeling.
What is a Saying? Definition and Examples coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about English Expressions
Q1: What are words or phrases used by a particular profession or group?
A: Those are known as jargon, a type of expression with figurative or literal meaning used in a particular profession or group—like “deadline” in publishing or “memoir” in literary circles.
Q2: What’s the difference between a simple piece of advice and a proverb?
A: A piece of advice or suggestion might be casual (“Let’s get organized before the deadline”). A proverb is a public and repeated saying with figurative meaning (“A stitch in time saves nine”). Proverbs are commonly known and more formal than everyday advice.
Q3: How do figurative meaning and literal meaning differ in idioms or metaphors?
A: The figurative meaning is the non‑literal, symbolic sense (e.g., “night owl” means someone active at night figuratively). The literal meaning refers to the actual words (“night” + “owl” = a bird active after dark).
Q4: Can English expressions come from other languages, like French?
A: Yes! Some borrowings (like the French word mémoire, meaning a written record or academic essay) become common English expressions. These are often used correctly in online English content and even TV shows, making your language sound more confident and polished.
Q5: How can learning expressions help me sound more like a native speaker?
A: Using idioms, clichés, jargon, or even a simple “you’d better” or “we’re going to” helps you sound more natural in casual speech. These expressions, often repeated in books, memoirs, or abroad, build fluency and let you express ideas with confidence.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Learn English idioms and expressions
Students that have English lessons will hear these expressions used by native English speakers and may need to know them for an exam for example. But there are so many phrases that are not clear or understandable it is difficult to learn and speak them.
But the more of these expressions you understand the meaning and context of use then the better if you wish to be like a native speaker.
Many common English idioms and phrases are not understandable from the individual words so we need to learn them. The English language has many terms, phrases and jargon that make sense once you have seen them once or twice.
English expressions and meanings
There are many expressions that are useful English to know as they are used to describe so nay everyday situations, or used to explain how someone feels or acts.
Many of these groups of words can be put in several categories and many are considered idioms as well as their initial linguistic group. They are also used in different ways that means they can have a different meaning given the context on how they are said.
There are many varieties of expressions in English. visit this website if you wish to learn these categories.
English vocabulary, sentences and grammar
In grammar we have groups of words that are described as nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. these are called parts of speech. There are also noun, verb, and prepositional phrases.
So, on this website a group of words that are commonly used like time is money,let the cat out of the bag, the best thing since sliced bread and raining cats and dogs, are called expressions.
Common English Idioms and common phrases
We hope you can benefit from the many resources to help learn expressions in English either on this page, linked, or on this website.
We understand that these phrases are something to avoid for many students especially beginners. But the more you practice the better your English will become, so good luck with your learning.
Summary
If you are interested in more material to learn about expressions then there is plenty of articles, information and exercises to help you.
Other categories
These categories will be added in the future.
Euphemism
What is a Euphemism? Definition and Examples
Pun
What is a Pun? Definition and Examples
Hyperbole
What is a Hyperbole? Definition and Examples
Understatement
What is an Understatement? Definition and Examples
Paradox
What is a Paradox? Definition and Examples
Oxymoron
What is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples
Colloquialisms
What are Colloquialisms? Definition and Examples
Quote
What is a Quote? Definition and Examples
Slang
What is Slang? Definition and Examples
Rhyming Slang
What is Rhyming Slang? Definition and Examples