idiotisms

And in the interpretation of the mind of any one, it is necessary that the words he speaks or writes be rightly understood; and this we cannot do immediately unless we understand the language wherein he speaks, as also the idiotisms of that language, with the common use and intention of its phraseology and expressions.

Pneumatologia 1616-1683 1967

-- With too much pleasure There are many other examples of how to manage the commerce and pleasures of the world and, if, by any remote chance, these should fail the aspiring English speaker, he or she can reflect on higher matters expressed so well in familiar idiotisms.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 4 1981

Any one of these idiotisms is perfect in itself, but they can be divided into the hilariously loony and the cryptic.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 4 1981

Nothing some money, nothing of Swiss He steep as a marmot Take the moon with the teeth Cat scalded fear the cold water Which like Bertram, love hir dog He turns as a weath turcocl However, before one can move on to a mastery of English idiotisms, it is necessary to learn more basic words and phrases.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol VII No 4 1981