What category does most idioms fall under?

Most idioms fall under the category of figurative language. Figurative language refers to expressions that convey meanings different from their literal interpretations. Idioms are phrases where the combined meaning of the words does not translate directly to the individual meanings. For example, the idiom "kick the bucket" does not literally mean to kick a bucket; rather, it means to die. This reliance on non-literal interpretations is what categorizes idioms as figurative language.

In contrast, literal expressions (the first option) involve straightforward meanings where words are used in their usual sense. Scientific terms (the third option) relate to precise, specialized vocabulary used in scientific disciplines, while descriptive writing (the fourth option) focuses on creating vivid images through detailed descriptions. These categories do not encompass the nature of idioms, which inherently function within the realm of figurative language.