This study investigates the semantic properties and historical development of English idiomatic expressions, emphasizing their non-compositional nature, semantic opacity, and reliance on figurative mechanisms such as metaphor, metonymy, and conceptual blending. By analyzing a corpus of approximately 500 idioms from dictionaries, literary texts, and digital corpora, the research identifies patterns of semantic flexibility, historical evolution, and contextual usage. The study demonstrates that idioms are dynamic linguistic units that reflect cultural values, social norms, and cognitive processes, making them essential for effective communication, language learning, and translation. Insights from this research highlight the importance of understanding idiomatic expressions for both linguistic theory and practical applications in pedagogy and intercultural communication.

English idioms, Phraseological units, Semantic properties, Figurative language, Metaphor, Metonymy, Meaning evolution, Language acquisition, Translation, Cultural context

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