A metaphor is one type of idiom. AN idiom is 1. A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements, as in keep tabs on. 2. The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language. 3. Regional speech or dialect. 4. 1. A specialized vocabulary used by a group of people; jargon: legal idiom. 2. A style or manner of expression peculiar to a given people: “Also important is the uneasiness I've always felt at cutting myself off from my idiom, the American habits of speech and jest and reaction, all of them entirely different from the local variety” (S.J. Perelman). 5. A style of artistic expression characteristic of a particular individual, school, period, or medium: the idiom of the French impressionists; the punk rock idiom. A metaphor is: 1. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison, as in “a sea of troubles” or “All the world's a stage” (Shakespeare). 2. One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol: “Hollywood has always been an irresistible, prefabricated metaphor for the crass, the materialistic, the shallow, and the craven” (Neal Gabler).

metaphor 1. implicit comparison: the application of a word or phrase to somebody or something that is not meant literally but to make a comparison, for example, saying that somebody is a snake 2. figurative language: all language that involves figures of speech or symbolism and does not literally represent real things 3. symbol: one thing used or considered to represent another [ Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. id·i·om [íddee É™m] (plural id·i·oms) n 1. fixed expression with nonliteral meaning: a fixed, distinctive, and often colorful expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the combined meanings of its individual words, for example, “to have somebody in stitches” 2. natural way of using a language: the way of using a particular language that comes naturally to its native speakers and involves both knowledge of its grammar and familiarity with its usage 3. stylistic expression of person or group: the style of expression of a specific individual or group 4. arts distinguishing artistic style: the characteristic style of an artist or artistic group Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.