How and Why an Idiom Is Possible
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Abstract
The employment of idioms constitutes a ubiquitous phenomenon across the linguistic landscapes of all ethnic groups. Idioms, in their fundamental sense, represent pre-formulated "ready-to-use expressions." When an expression is quoted verbatim or adapted creatively, it may be deemed as an instance of idiom usage. Idioms are distinguished by their habitual usage, standardized patterns, verifiable origins, and succinctness. Their formation is a processive aggregate. Idioms serve as significant forms of linguistic expressions. The underlying mechanism of idiom usage involves second-order representation, while the guiding principle behind their usage is analogical thinking.
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