the phrase take a hike is known as a what?
and how does it relate to language
2007-03-25 10:24:03 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Idiomatic phrase.
It cannot be truly translated, for it is creating imagery
2007-03-25 10:29:08 · answer #1 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be best known as a "figure of speech". You want someone to do something, but the expression itself is not to be taken literally. For example, you might tell someone getting ready for a performance to "break a leg", this means have a good performance, but not to actually break a leg! Or take a hike means "go away", not necessarily to take a hike....Hope I didn't confuse you!
2007-03-25 10:34:19 · answer #2 · answered by nfogey_1981 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The grammatical term for a phrase like "take a hike" is Idiom.
Definition - a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language.
2007-03-25 11:23:26 · answer #3 · answered by hollyberry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Idiom, I believe! Or just figure of speech - it's a phrase that has cultural meaning outside of its literal definition. You have to learn them like new words, because they won't make sense at face value.
Like, in German class - apparently "I have my nose full" means "I'm annoyed with you" - weird, huh?
2007-03-25 10:27:22 · answer #4 · answered by Cedar 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Greek Gur, you are right. Some people just call them
"Sayings". Like, "It's a saying".
2007-03-25 10:33:40 · answer #5 · answered by Answers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just an expression
2007-03-25 10:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by cora7391 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is called a "figure of speech."
not sure though.
2007-03-25 10:29:33 · answer #7 · answered by GreekGurl84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you are talking about smilies,metaphor's,and hyperbole's?
2007-03-25 10:27:18 · answer #8 · answered by na_na 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋