[Idiom] The meaning of an idiom or is it not an idiom?

[purpleblossom]

What does "how many hairs make a beard mean.:-?

 

[RonBee]

Q: What does "How many hairs make a beard?" mean?
A: Context please.

 

[yarkoni]

1. English idioms take different forms and are unclear in meaning on the surface structure. As I know, they consist of the following types:

• Phrasal verbs, as in Look for.
• Prepositional phrases, as in from time to time.
• Idioms with verbs as key words, as in come in handy.
• Idioms with nouns as key words, as in child's play.
• Idioms with adjectives as key words, as in cold comfort.
• Idiomatic pairs, as in safe and sound.

2. I think that is a proverb.:?:

 

[bhaisahab]

Q: What does "How many hairs make a beard?" mean?
A: Context please.

It looks like it's in the same category as "how many beans make five?" and "how long is a piece of string?".;-)

 

[RonBee]

How long is a piece of string, eh? I'll have to think about that one.
;-)