1. A method, in a compiler, for exposing programming idioms to a programming idiom accelerator, the method comprising: receiving a portion of high level language program code; examining a series of instructions in the portion of high level language program code; determining whether the series of instructions comprises a recognized programming idiom; and responsive to a determination that the series of instructions comprises a recognized programming idiom, inserting into the series of instructions a hint instruction that exposes the recognized programming idiom to a programming idiom accelerator.