Linguistic Features of Labor-Related Idioms

Abstract

This article defines key linguistic and cultural features of English phraseological units connected with labor and professional activity. Using a semantic and stylistic approach, it classifies work-related idioms according to dominant metaphorical source domains as physical effort, tools/mechanics, movement/career, time/energy, considers idioms originating from occupations and instruments, and describes structural properties such as fixedness and limited variability. The analysis shows that labor idioms encode social evaluations of diligence, efficiency, responsibility, and career progress, which is important for language learning and intercultural communication.