This is a phrase in common use that can not understand by literal or ordinary meanings

Idioms would be the phrase that can't be understood by literal or ordinary meanings. Idioms are a group of words that have a meaning, but can't be understood.

- "the answers are a and b.  

when cullen speaks of planting while others reap, and standing "abject and mute," he is speaking about the racial injustices present in american society. as these injustices have changed over time, the american identity  has also shifted. those changes are, in turn, reflected in american literature."

- "he is a very real person and his intent isn't to influence us vonnegut addresses this towards the end of the letter when he says, if we choose to curse, that is by our own individual means."