An expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements or in its grammatically atypical use of words.
Idiom:
give (someone) pause to think
Meaning:
to cause someone to stop and think
Example:
The accident on the highway gave everyone pause to think.
List of common idioms, their meanings and examples of their usage in sentences
Idioms can be a powerful linguistic tool only when they are used in the right way in the right places.