Proverbs
A proverb is a simple, short and concrete saying which
expresses a truth, based on the practical experience of humans. These are
complete sentences which we quote it to advice people.
Link : http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/proverbs.html
Idioms
An idiom is an expression (group of words) with a meaning that cannot be
understood based on its individual words. It will have a different meaning from
the one suggested by the individual words.
Link: http://www.idiomsite.com/
Figure of Speech
A figure of speech is the use of word/words diverging from
its usual meaning which can be said on the spot. A figure of speech includes
figurative language such as metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification or
symbol.
Link: http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/figures.htm
Metaphors
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing (or
person) by comparing it with an unrelated object.
Phrases
A phrase is a
collection of words that may have nouns /verbs, but it does not have a subject
doing a verb.
Link: http://www.phrases.org.uk/
Clauses
A clause is a
collection of words that may have nouns/verbs and has a subject that is
actively doing a verb.
Sentences
A sentence is a
collection of words that must have a verb, a subject and a complete thought with a variety of
constructions.
Cliches
A cliche is a phrase
that has been overused and lost its impact. Any
expression that is overused can be a cliche. Some cliches are literal and some
are figurative.
Collocations
A collocation is a collection of words to produce natural speech and
writing.
Further Reading:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language-assistant/teaching-tips/proverbs-idioms
http://www.englishlanguageterminology.org/figures-of-speech.htm
http://grammar.about.com/od/rhetoricstyle/a/20figures.htm