SEMANTIC CLASSIFICATION OF ENGLISH IDIOMS

Abstract

Phraseological units play an important role in the vocabulary system of the English language and reflect the cultural, cognitive, and semantic richness of communication. These fixed or semi-fixed word combinations often possess figurative meanings that cannot be fully understood through the literal interpretation of their components. The present article examines the main semantic features of English phraseological units, focusing on idiomaticity, semantic transparency, figurativeness, and motivation. The study is based on theoretical approaches developed in phraseology and cognitive linguistics, including the classifications of Viktor Vinogradov and Alexander Kunin. In addition, the research considers cognitive explanations of idioms proposed by George Lakoff, which highlight the role of conceptual metaphors and metonymy in the formation of idiomatic meaning. that combines semantic complexity, expressive potential, and cultural specificity within the English language.