California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CTEL Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Idiomatic expressions fall under semantics because they relate to the meaning of words and phrases within a specific context. Semantics involves understanding how meaning is constructed and conveyed in language, and idioms are a prime example of this; they often cannot be understood by translating the individual words they contain. Instead, they have a figurative meaning that differs from the literal interpretation.

For instance, the idiomatic expression "kick the bucket" means to die, and its meaning cannot be derived from the meanings of "kick" or "bucket." Understanding idioms requires grasping the cultural and contextual nuances of language, which is a key area of semantics. This uniquely positions idiomatic expressions within the realm of semantics, emphasizing how language can convey complex meanings beyond literal definitions.