What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idiom
Example
It's raining cats and dogs outside. [idiom: figurative meaning of heavy rain]
Example
She's pulling my leg. [idiom: figurative meaning of joking or teasing]
proverb
Example
Actions speak louder than words. [proverb: expressing the importance of actions over words]
Example
Where there's smoke, there's fire. [proverb: suggesting that rumors or suspicions often have some basis in truth]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idioms are more commonly used in everyday language than proverbs. However, proverbs are often used in formal writing or speeches to provide advice or teach a moral lesson.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between idiom and proverb?
Proverbs are generally considered more formal than idioms and are often used in formal writing or speeches.
