Eli5 the difference – idiom, euphemism, adages, innuendo, proverbs, similes, metaphor
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An idiom is any set, standard, common expression. Any of the other things you mentioned can be idioms if they are commonly accepted in a language. For instance, “it’s hot as heck” is an idiom – any native English speaker will understand you, and it’s commonly used, even though it’s also a simile.
A euphemism is a word or phrase that is used in place of another to make it sound softer or more kind or more compassionate. For instance, “he passed away” – “passed away” would be a euphemism for “died”.
An adage and a proverb are essentially the same thing. It’s a phrase, usually an idiom, that is meant to have some kind of wisdom, warning or lesson to it. For instance, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, or “don’t put all your eggs into one basket”.
An innuendo is a word or phrase that might seem innocent on the surface but in reality it is meant to be sexual or mean in nature. For instance, “The client asked the UPS worker inside to deliver his package” (invited him in for sex).
A simile is a comparison between two things that aren’t literally the same, and they almost always use the words “like” or “as”. “He is brave like a lion.”
A metaphor can be like a simile, except you’re not saying “like” or “as”. “Love is a battlefield” – it’s a direct statement, even though love is not *literally* a battlefield.
Simile – describing something by using an item to compare it to, to make it more descriptive.
As brave as a lion
As bright as the sun
Metaphor – descriptive figure of speech that implies comparison but couldn’t be factual
Her words cut deeper than a knife
I’m on a Roller-coaster of emotion
Idioms are descriptive figures of speech that include proverbs, euphemism, clichés and others. These are phrases that don’t make sense by words alone and have a completely different meaning than the words imply
She got cold feet
Euphemism are words that soften the blow of harsh realities
Passed away, kick the bucket instead of d eath
Let go instead of fired
**Idiom** – a common phrase, where the true meaning is not obvious unless you already know it. For example, ‘raining cats and dogs’ doesn’t make any sense unless you know the true meaning: raining heavily.
**Euphemism** – A word or phrase used to handle a situation in a delicate way. Usually to replace a bad-sounding word or term. For example, saying “she passed away” instead of “she died”
**Innuendo** – A hint about something. It can take the form of euphemistic language. Usually it’s highly dependent on context.
For example, when Sue was asked what she liked about her boyfriend, she replied “he’s good with his hands 😉” which implies he’s particularly skilled in the sexual department.
**Simile** – a non-literal phrase that compares two things directly. You can remember it because ‘simile’ sounds like ‘similar’
For example, “Lisa’s voice is like nails scratching a chalkboard” is a simile. Lisa’s voice doesn’t literally sound like nails on a chalkboard, but we understand from this sentence that Lisa’s voice is annoying to the speaker.
**Metaphor** – like a simile, but without the direct comparison. For example, “John’s a walking dictionary” – he’s not literally a dictionary, and he isn’t being compared to one. But the meaning is obvious: John knows a lot of different words.
**Proverb** – A phrase that gives a piece of advice, usually as a metaphor.
**Adage** – Like a proverb, but very short/snappy.
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