Idioms

I like to use idioms both in dialogue and in the prose. When used in dialogue, it can illuminate the characters personality and use of speech. In prose, it can make the text read like the author is speaking to you directly.

Idioms express an idea through an analogy that gives our words a boost–a sense of style. For example, “It’s a piece of cake,” means that something is easy, but would it have been better to use the word “easy” instead? If one were to write “that test was a piece of cake” instead of “that test was easy,” the former sparks the imagination, whereas the latter simply gives us information.

Idioms can be useful to brighten up conversation or give texture to our writing. But using too many idioms can make it sound like we’re talking in code rather than conveying ideas. Just as with adjectives and adverbs, we must be careful of overuse and redundancy, since it can sound jarring and tiresome after awhile. But if used in the right amount, everything works harmoniously together.