Long Day’s Journey into Night
by Eugene O’Neill

Long Day’s Journey into Night: Idioms 1 key example

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
Act One
Explanation and Analysis—Cheshire Cats:

The Tyrone family, early in Act One, has a conversation that quickly escalates to an argument. James is angry that his children are making fun of him about his snoring. Jamie tries to defuse the situation, but then Mary steps in with a couple of idioms:

Mary:

James, do be quiet.

She puts an arm around his shoulder—coaxingly.

You must have gotten out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.

To the boys, changing the subject.

What were you two grinning about like Cheshire cats when you came in? What was the joke?