Learn all about fixed expressions. Understand what fixed expressions are, learn the definition of semi-fixed expressions and idioms, and see different examples.
Updated: 11/21/2023
Fixed Expressions | Definition & Examples
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of fixed expressions?
The following is a list of examples of fixed expressions. Leave no stone unturned. Let sleeping dogs lie. It takes two to tango.
What is the difference between collocation and fixed expression?
A collocation is a group of two or more words that have been used together for a long time; changing any of the words will make the new combination odd. For example, a heavy smoker is a collocation.
Fixed expressions are groups of words that are used together to convey a specific meaning. For example, on the other hand, it is a fixed expression that indicates contrast.
What are fixed and semi fixed expressions?
Fixed expressions are groups of words that accept no change in the words, the order of the words, or their parts of speech. However, semi-fixed expressions accept inflectional changes, such as verb conjugations.
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ShowFixed expressions are groups of specific words that are always used together to convey a specific meaning. The words in fixed expressions cannot be altered or even be replaced by synonymous terms because the meaning will completely differ, or the new word combination will create an odd juxtaposition of words.
For example, to whom it may concern is a fixed expression. If the word whom is replaced with whomever, the expression will sound odd as such: to whomever it may concern. Alternatively, if the verb form is changed as to whom it is concerning, the fixed expression sounds weird. Although both variations have the same meaning as the fixed expression and are grammatically correct, they are simply odd and unacceptable.
Learning fixed expressions is important for language learners because standardized tests question test takers on their knowledge of fixed expressions. In addition, knowing fixed expressions helps language learners in their communication as they understand chunks of information and their intended meanings. Also, language learners can communicate in a way that sounds more natural to other speakers.
The next sections discuss semi-fixed expressions and idioms. Examples and explanations are also provided.
Semi-Fixed Expressions
While fixed expressions should be treated as one unit, i.e., none of the words can change in any way, semi-fixed expressions can go through some minor changes, such as changes related to the inflection of the verbs or pronouns. The table below compares a fixed expression vs. a semi-fixed expression, elaborating on this matter.
| Examples | Explanations |
|---|---|
| Far and few in between | This is an example of a fixed expression. Any change to the words, their order, or part of speech will result in an odd juxtaposition of the words. For example, even adding an article can make this fixed expression odd: Far and a few in between or far and few in the between. This expression means scarce. |
| Overstay one's welcome | This example is a semi-fixed expression because the verb and the pronoun can go through inflection without making the expression odd. Jane overstayed her welcome. Our guests will never overstay their welcome. This expression is used to show a guest stayed longer than they should have |
Idioms as Fixed Expressions
Fixed expressions are formed from a group of specific words that carry a specific meaning. The meaning of fixed expressions is relatively literal, and their meaning can be a combination of the meaning of each word. When people hear a fixed expression for the first time, if they know the meaning of each individual word, they will understand the intended meaning.
This is in sharp contrast with idioms. While idioms are fixed expressions, i.e., the words, their part of speech, and their order cannot be changed, the meaning they convey is figurative. In other words, people need to learn idioms to understand their intended meanings. The literal meaning of each individual word and the idiom's meaning is almost always unrelated to each other. In addition, many idioms are meant to share some advice and create a visual picture for readers.
For example, the idiomatic expression: we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, is not related to a bridge. The meaning of this idiom is figurative; it means let's not talk about that problem right now. The literal meaning of each word in the idiom does not sum up to the meaning it intends. Also, it is not acceptable to change any of the words, their order, or part of speech. The idiom must be uttered as is.
- We'll pass that bridge when we get there.
- We'll cross that overpass when we come there.
- Although both above variations are grammatically correct and synonymous with the words in the idiom, neither sounds correct.
On the other hand, some fixed expressions are non-idiomatic phrases. Since they are fixed expressions, their words, the order, and the parts of the speech of the words cannot be changed; however, the meaning of the individual words can be the same as the meaning of the whole expression. For instance, the intended meaning of the fixed expression once in a blue moon is not far from its literal meaning. A blue moon is the second full moon in one calendar month, which is a rare happening. Therefore, if a reader knows what a blue moon is, they can understand that if something happens once in a blue moon, it is rare. However, the fixed expression cannot be modified as once in a second full moon.
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Idioms and fixed expressions are supposed to be used as-is with no change. The following table shows examples of fixed expressions and idioms. Their meanings are also provided.
| Examples of Fixed Expressions & Idioms | Meanings |
|---|---|
| Of its own accord | When something happens automatically, with no interference, this expression is used. |
| Below the belt | If an action or utterance is cruel, it is below the belt. |
| Kick the bucket | This expression is used to refer to someone's death in a derogatory manner. |
| Slow and steady wins the race. | This expression means consistent and effective effort leads to success. |
| The elephant in the room | When a person does not address a big and obvious problem, that problem is referred to as the elephant in the room. |
| A storm in a teacup | If someone is very angry over a small issue, this expression is used. |
| As right as rain | If someone is in excellent health or condition, this idiomatic expression is used. |
| Like two peas in a pod | When two people are very similar to each other, this idiom is used. There is no relation between the words in the idiom and the intended meaning. |
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Fixed Expressions | Definition & Examples
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