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Tongue-in-cheek

What Does "Tongue-in-cheek" Mean?

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"Tongue-in-cheek" is an English idiom. It is a phrase used to describe humor, commentary, or a statement that is ironic, sarcastic, or not meant to be taken seriously.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "tongue-in-cheek" used in a sentence:
  • His tongue-in-cheek remarks about the outrageous headlines had everyone laughing.
  • The article was written in a tongue-in-cheek style, poking fun at common stereotypes.
  • She made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion to replace the office coffee with gourmet espresso.
meaning for tongue-in-cheek

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Tongue-in-cheek" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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