# Source: https://docs.claude.com/en/resources/prompt-library/idiom-illuminator.md

# Idiom illuminator

> Explain the meaning and origin of common idioms and proverbs.

> Copy this prompt into our developer [Console](https://console.anthropic.com/dashboard) to try it for yourself!

|        | Content                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| System | Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb. |
| User   | Break a leg                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

## Example Output

Meaning: This idiom is commonly used in the performing arts as a way to wish someone good luck before a performance. It is an ironic expression, as breaking a leg would be a disastrous event for a performer.

Origin: There are several theories about the origin of this idiom. One theory suggests that it comes from the superstition that wishing someone good luck directly would jinx the performance, so an ironic phrase was used instead. Another theory traces the origin to the ancient Greek theater, where audiences would stomp their feet and break twigs to applaud a good performance. The more broken twigs, the better the performance. Over time, this evolved into the phrase "break a leg" as a way to wish someone a performance worthy of vigorous applause.

***

## API Request

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Python">
    ```Python  theme={null}
    import anthropic

    client = anthropic.Anthropic(  # defaults to os.environ.get("ANTHROPIC_API_KEY")
        api_key="my_api_key",
    )
    message = client.messages.create(
        model="claude-sonnet-4-5",
        max_tokens=1000,
        temperature=1,
        system="Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
        messages=[{"role": "user", "content": [{"type": "text", "text": "Break a leg"}]}],
    )
    print(message.content)


    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="TypeScript">
    ```TypeScript  theme={null}
    import Anthropic from "@anthropic-ai/sdk";

    const anthropic = new Anthropic({
      apiKey: "my_api_key", // defaults to process.env["ANTHROPIC_API_KEY"]
    });

    const msg = await anthropic.messages.create({
      model: "claude-sonnet-4-5",
      max_tokens: 1000,
      temperature: 1,
      system: "Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
      messages: [
        {
          "role": "user",
          "content": [
            {
              "type": "text",
              "text": "Break a leg"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    });
    console.log(msg);

    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="AWS Bedrock Python">
    ```Python  theme={null}
    from anthropic import AnthropicBedrock

    # See https://docs.claude.com/claude/reference/claude-on-amazon-bedrock
    # for authentication options
    client = AnthropicBedrock()

    message = client.messages.create(
        model="anthropic.claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929-v1:0",
        max_tokens=1000,
        temperature=1,
        system="Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
        messages=[
            {
                "role": "user",
                "content": [
                    {
                        "type": "text",
                        "text": "Break a leg"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ]
    )
    print(message.content)

    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="AWS Bedrock TypeScript">
    ```TypeScript  theme={null}
    import AnthropicBedrock from "@anthropic-ai/bedrock-sdk";

    // See https://docs.claude.com/claude/reference/claude-on-amazon-bedrock
    // for authentication options
    const client = new AnthropicBedrock();

    const msg = await client.messages.create({
      model: "anthropic.claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929-v1:0",
      max_tokens: 1000,
      temperature: 1,
      system: "Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
      messages: [
        {
          "role": "user",
          "content": [
            {
              "type": "text",
              "text": "Break a leg"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    });
    console.log(msg);

    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Vertex AI Python">
    ```Python  theme={null}
    from anthropic import AnthropicVertex

    client = AnthropicVertex()

    message = client.messages.create(
        model="claude-sonnet-4@20250514",
        max_tokens=1000,
        temperature=1,
        system="Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
        messages=[
            {
                "role": "user",
                "content": [
                    {
                        "type": "text",
                        "text": "Break a leg"
                    }
                ]
            }
        ]
    )
    print(message.content)

    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Vertex AI TypeScript">
    ```TypeScript  theme={null}
    import { AnthropicVertex } from '@anthropic-ai/vertex-sdk';

    // Reads from the `CLOUD_ML_REGION` & `ANTHROPIC_VERTEX_PROJECT_ID` environment variables.
    // Additionally goes through the standard `google-auth-library` flow.
    const client = new AnthropicVertex();

    const msg = await client.messages.create({
      model: "claude-sonnet-4@20250514",
      max_tokens: 1000,
      temperature: 1,
      system: "Your task is to provide a clear explanation of the meaning and origin of an idioms and proverb that the user gives you. Offer a concise interpretation of its figurative meaning and how it is typically used in conversation or writing. Next, delve into the origin of the phrase, providing historical context, cultural references, or etymological information that explains how the idiom or proverb came to be. If there are any interesting stories, anecdotes, or theories associated with the origin, include those as well. Aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the meaning and the background of the idiom or proverb.",
      messages: [
        {
          "role": "user",
          "content": [
            {
              "type": "text",
              "text": "Break a leg"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    });
    console.log(msg);

    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>