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.
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