WordNet
n. an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up [syn: idiom, phrasal idiom, set phrase, phrase]
Usage examples of "idiomatic expression".
Mr Vladimir, frowning, paused, at a loss for a sufficiently idiomatic expression, and instantly brightened up, with a grin of beautifully white teeth.
Should he be kissing his own mother on the lips, his identity would yet be a mystery to her when our physicians have concluded his transformation and yet, so handsome a-what is that idiomatic expression you so charmingly employ, o incomparable jewel among jewels, when referring to my personal physique and sexual prowess?
Literally the French translated to 'Belly to the ground' but it was an idiomatic expression and was used historically to mean 'with great speed'.
This, of course, was not a physical threat, but only an idiomatic expression that shouldn't be taken literally.