Which term describes an expression not meant to be taken literally?

Which term describes an expression not meant to be taken literally?

• A. Allusions
• B. Expository essay
• C. Idiom
• D. Tone

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is identifying expressions that aren’t meant to be read literally and instead convey a figurative meaning. An idiom is a phrase whose meaning isn’t tied to the literal definitions of its words but is understood within a language community. For example, “break the ice” doesn’t mean cracking ice; it means to start a conversation or ease tension. That non-literal, commonly accepted meaning is what makes it an idiom. Other terms describe different things. An allusion is a indirect reference to another work or person, not a non-literal expression itself. An expository essay is a type of writing that explains something. Tone is the attitude or mood conveyed by the speaker or writer. None of these are about expressions that must be interpreted beyond their literal words in the way an idiom is.

The main idea here is identifying expressions that aren’t meant to be read literally and instead convey a figurative meaning. An idiom is a phrase whose meaning isn’t tied to the literal definitions of its words but is understood within a language community. For example, “break the ice” doesn’t mean cracking ice; it means to start a conversation or ease tension. That non-literal, commonly accepted meaning is what makes it an idiom.

Other terms describe different things. An allusion is a indirect reference to another work or person, not a non-literal expression itself. An expository essay is a type of writing that explains something. Tone is the attitude or mood conveyed by the speaker or writer. None of these are about expressions that must be interpreted beyond their literal words in the way an idiom is.