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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Key Examples in A Scandal in Bohemia
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Hot Upon the Scent:
As Watson gazes up at Holmes's room at Baker Street, he can immediately tell from his friend's body language that he is in the middle of solving a mystery. Through visual imagery and an idiom, Watson explains how he knows that Holmes is "at work again."
He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new problem.
Related Themes:
Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Empty Nest:
In the story's third part, Holmes finds Irene Adler's letter, the text of which Watson embeds into the body of the short story. As she goes through her process of reasoning, she uses an idiom to explain her and her husband's departure for Europe:
Unlock with LitCharts A+We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you call to-morrow.
Related Themes:
