What is the Difference Between Idioms and Proverbs?

Idioms and proverbs are both figures of speech that convey a meaning that is not immediately clear from the words themselves. However, they differ in their construction and purpose:

• Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual words. They often use figurative language and are more difficult to translate between languages. Examples include "be fed up with," "rub someone the wrong way," and "by the skin of your teeth".
• Proverbs, on the other hand, are short and well-known sayings that usually give advice, wisdom, or truth. They often have a clear literal meaning, making them easier to translate between languages. Some proverbs include "Don't cry over spilled milk," "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones," and "A stitch in time saves nine".

In summary, idioms are distinct phrases or expressions with a non-literal meaning, while proverbs are short sayings that provide advice, wisdom, or truth and have a clear literal meaning.

Comparative Table: Idioms vs Proverbs

Here is a table highlighting the differences between idioms and proverbs:

Idioms are lengthy phrases that cannot be understood in simple language and are mostly used by poets to convey their message in literary devices. Proverbs, on the other hand, are short, concise statements that convey a moral or philosophical idea and are used to give advice or express a truth based on common sense.