Idiomatic expressions are phrases or sentences whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of the words used. These expressions are unique to a language and often reflect the culture, history, and way of thinking of its speakers. For example, “It’s raining cats and dogs” doesn’t literally mean animals are falling from the sky; it’s an idiomatic way of saying it’s raining heavily.

Idiomatic expressions add color and richness to language, making communication more expressive and nuanced. They can be challenging for language learners as their meanings often need to be memorized rather than logically deduced. Examples include “break a leg” (good luck), “piece of cake” (something easy), and “under the weather” (feeling ill).

Understanding and using idiomatic expressions correctly is often seen as a sign of language proficiency. They appear in various contexts, from casual conversations to literature and media, making them an essential aspect of language learning and cultural understanding.