摘要：Idioms are linguistic elements generally consisting of more than one word formed to express a particular situation, a concept and an emotion. Idioms which are frequently used in daily life are generally investigated upon their syntactic, semantic and pragmatic properties in the literature in Turkey; however, their discursive functions are neglected. In this study, idioms are studied in terms of their discursive functions in the context of argumentative discourse formed of confrontation, opening, argumentation and concluding stages. The reason for this selection is the existence of studies asserting idioms are one of the linguistic devices used frequently in argumentative discourse. The database contains three different political debate programs broadcast on three different TV channels. In the light of the information given, the purpose of this study is to identify the frequency of idioms and their discursive functions in debate programs; establish on which state of argumentative discourse idiom use is more frequent and what discursive function is of higher preference. The findings reveal idioms are frequently used linguistic items in Turkish argumentative discourse in line with the literature. Idioms are used to fulfill different discursive functions. These functions are (i) opening up a new topic, (ii) summarizing and closing off a discourse or part of it; (iii) signaling problem-solution patterns; (iv) evaluating and expressing positive/negative judgment; (v) protecting face. In Turkish argumentative discourse idioms are often used on the argumentation stage and the most frequently used function is evaluating and expressing positive/negative judgment. Another finding is that the topic of the argumentation is of importance in the frequency of idiom use.
