Idioms
Oliver Twist
by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist: 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
Chapter 43
Explanation and Analysis—Number One:

Dickens is a fan of word play, and he sometimes plays with idioms and paradoxes to show the intelligence (or unintelligence) of certain characters. For example, in chapter 43, Fagin riffs on two idioms to impress upon his new employee Noah Claypole the importance of looking out for Fagin's best interests:

We have a general number one; that is, you can’t consider yourself as number one without considering me too as the same, and all the other young people.