Meaning Of Idioms In Lexicology

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2.2. Definition of Idioms
Phraseology appeared in a domain of lexicology and is undergoing the process of segregation into a separate branch of linguistics. The reason is clear: lexicology deals with words and their meaning, whereas phraseology studies collocations of words, where the meaning of the whole collocation is different from the simple sum of literal meanings, comprising a phraseological unit. The units of subsystem are called differently: phraseologisms, phraseological units, set (fixed) expressions, idioms.
Due to phraseology is the youngest domain of lexicology, there is lack of abundant researches on the topic, moreover, there is no clear definition of phraseological units. Idioms are not easy to understand – especially for non-native …show more content…

Those that become prevalent in society and which could express one 's ideas are called idiom. The sources of idioms are mainly the Chinese classics, poems, and other standard works, or arose from ballads and common sayings which are well known and widely used in society by the common folk on a daily …show more content…

In Xiandai hanyu zhishi (1973):
Idioms are set phrases which are formed through ages of constant use. They are also called 'ready-made phrases ' by some people. Two distinctive characteristics of idioms are: (1) The meaning of an idiom is not likely to be inferable from its constituents. (2) The internal components are fixed, that is, none of its constituents can be replaced by any other elements, nor can the constituent order be changed.
In Xiandai hanyu (1975):
An idiom is a set phrase, shaped through the practice of the language for ages of constant use. Its meaning cannot be simply inferred from its constituents. Its structure cannot be freely changed, nor could its constituents be replaced by any other elements unless it is required for a specific need or purpose. An idiom functions as one lexeme in full expressions or sentences. However, it behaves more vividly and symbolically than its synonyms represented by common lexemes.
An idiom’s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is

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