There are other set idiomatic phrases using the copula, as seen in the following examples.
Sometimes it is difficult to draw a distinction between idiomatic phrase and proverbial expression.
(The) bottom of the well is an idiomatic phrase, referring to a position from which one has a limited perspective or opportunities.
"It" is still used for idiomatic phrases such as Is it a boy or a girl?
"Playing possum" is an idiomatic phrase which means "pretending to be dead".
There are no significant differences in the written forms, other than regional idiomatic phrases.
They told us a lot about themselves during that period, and asked for nothing in return but our idiomatic phrases.
"But surely you can look up the meanings of idiomatic phrases in a reference text."
A public language is one which contains a large number of idiomatic, traditional phrases from which the individual chooses.
"Crime of the century" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe particularly sensational or notorious criminal cases.