turn of phrase
Way of saying
A turn of phrase is a distinctive way of expressing something—a particular arrangement of words that catches attention.
The term often signals admiration: That's a nice turn of phrase.
It can also describe someone's characteristic style of expression: She has an elegant turn of phrase.
Less commonly, it refers to any expression or saying.
- punWordplay using double meanings
- play on wordsExploiting linguistic ambiguity humorously
- figure of speechNonliteral expressive phrase
- locutionWord or phrase choice
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
way with words · choice of words · expression · twist · bon mot · colloquialism · saying · rhetorical device · conceit · wordplay · quip · aphorism · adage · antithesis · allegory · wording · witticism · metaphor
- semanticsmeaning, denotation, sense, connotation, reference
- expressionsexpression, I love you, idioms, thank you, I'm sorry
- Speech Elementsspeech, word choice, diction, pronunciation, articulation
- witwit, witticism, quip, cleverness, repartee
- figurative languagemetaphor, simile, figure of speech, analogy, personification
- language termsgrammar, word, vocabulary, syntax, synonym
turn of phraseplain speech
Unembellished verbal expression
plain language · straight talk · direct speech · literal meaning · boilerplate
turn, return, phrase, turning, turned, turns, phrasing, phrases, overturned