What literary device is characterized by a phrase that has an implied meaning different from its literal one?

The correct response identifies an idiomatic expression, which is a phrase or a combination of words that, when taken together, have a meaning that is not directly deducible from the individual words themselves. Idiomatic expressions are deeply ingrained in language and often reflect cultural nuances, relying on common understanding among speakers.

For instance, when someone says "kick the bucket," they are not literally referring to kicking an actual bucket but rather using an idiom to imply that someone has died. This illustrates how idiomatic expressions convey meanings that are understood within a particular context rather than through the literal meanings of the words.

In contrast, metaphor involves a direct comparison without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another (e.g., "time is a thief"). A simile, however, makes a comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion"). Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally (e.g., "I am so hungry I could eat a horse"). These devices serve different purposes in language and literature, distinct from the concept of idiomatic expressions.