Idiom vs. Expression

[Rosalisa]

Hello Teachers,

Is 'expression' the same as 'idiom'?

Thanks.
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If you want to change the world, be one of the change.

[Alan]

Hi Rosalisa,

To explain I would say that expression is more general than idiom. The word expression can be used to explain any group of words used in a particular situation as for example: We helped out with the clearing of the table after the meal.. In that sentence help out with is an expression suggesting being useful and helping others with a task/job. On the other hand: After the meal nobody bothered to lift a finger by helping to clear the table. Here 'lift a finger' is an idiom because although the meaning (make an effort) is reasonably clear, it can't really be explained literally or logically. Sometimes the two words obviously tend to merge.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Book Expressions

[Benyamin]

please tell me Dear teacher what the meaning of ''As the usual stuff'' is?

[Rosalisa]

Thanks very much, Alan. Can I have another question. Are idioms and slangs, say, part of 'Expression'?
_________________
If you want to change the world, be one of the change.