A word sequence whose meaning is not literal, such as in the long run, red herring, or a rule of thumb, is called?

A word sequence whose meaning is not literal, such as in the long run, red herring, or a rule of thumb, is called?

• A. Idiom
• B. Coordinating Conjunction
• C. Subordinating Conjunction
• D. Morphology

Answer: (A)

Fixed expressions whose whole meaning isn’t literal are idioms. Phrases like “in the long run,” “red herring,” and “rule of thumb” convey meanings that can’t be simply inferred from the individual words, and they’re understood as established expressions within a language. That’s why this term fits best: it names a category of language where the meaning is figurative and fixed, not derived from word-for-word interpretation. The other options don’t describe this idea. A coordinating conjunction connects equal parts of a sentence, a subordinating conjunction introduces dependent clauses, and morphology deals with word forms and structure. Those are about grammar or word construction, not about expressions with non-literal meanings.

Fixed expressions whose whole meaning isn’t literal are idioms. Phrases like “in the long run,” “red herring,” and “rule of thumb” convey meanings that can’t be simply inferred from the individual words, and they’re understood as established expressions within a language. That’s why this term fits best: it names a category of language where the meaning is figurative and fixed, not derived from word-for-word interpretation.

The other options don’t describe this idea. A coordinating conjunction connects equal parts of a sentence, a subordinating conjunction introduces dependent clauses, and morphology deals with word forms and structure. Those are about grammar or word construction, not about expressions with non-literal meanings.