Idioms are expressions whose meaning isn’t literal, but rather figurative, offering a concise and often humorous way to convey complex ideas or emotions. They can simplify complex concepts, transforming them into easily relatable phrases. Additionally, Idioms are cultural markers, reflecting shared experiences and understandings within a language community, painting vivid pictures in our minds, making language more engaging and memorable. For learners of English, understanding idioms is essential as they often appear in everyday speech, literature, and media. From casual chats to formal presentations, idioms pop up everywhere, adding a natural and authentic feel to communication.
Common English Idioms
- Cost an arm and a leg : To be very expensive.
That new car cost an arm and a leg.
- Break the ice : to say or do something to relieve tension or awkwardness, especially when meeting people for the first time.
I tried to break the ice by asking her about her hobbies.
- Piece of cake : Something very easy to do.
The test was a piece of cake.
- Better late than never : It is better to do something late than not do it at all.
He finally apologized, better late than never.
- In hot water : In trouble or facing difficulties.
She found herself in hot water with her boss after missing the deadline.
- No pain, no gain : Progress requires effort and sacrifice.
If you want to learn a new language, it’s going to take time and dedication; no pain, no gain.
- Raining cats and dogs : Raining very heavily.
We had to cancel our picnic because it was raining cats and dogs all afternoon.
- When pigs fly : Something that will never happen.
He’ll clean his room when pigs fly!
- Birds of a feather : People who are similar in character or interests tend to associate with each other.
They’re birds of a feather; they both love playing video games.
- To hit the road : To leave or begin a journey.
We should hit the road early tomorrow to avoid traffic.
- Curiosity killed the cat : Inquiring too much or being too curious can lead to trouble.
Don’t be so nosy; remember what they say, curiosity killed the cat.
- In the same boat : Facing the same problem or challenge as others.
We’re all in the same boat during this economic downturn.
- Break a leg : A way to wish someone good luck.
You’ve worked so hard on this play. Break a leg!
- Kill two birds with one stone : to accomplish two things with a single action.
I can kill two birds with one stone by picking up the groceries on my way home.
- Feeling blue : Feeling sad or depressed.
She’s been feeling blue since she lost her job.
- Elephant in the room : An obvious problem or issue that is being ignored or avoided.
We need to address the elephant in the room and talk about our budget cuts.
- Every cloud has a silver lining : There is something good in every bad situation.
I lost my job, but every cloud has a silver lining; now I have time to pursue my other interests.
- A taste of your own medicine : Experiencing the same negative treatment you have given to others.
After being rude to everyone, he finally got a taste of his own medicine when others started ignoring him.
- The calm before the storm : A peaceful period just before a period of chaos or trouble.
The office was unusually quiet before the deadline; it felt like the calm before the storm.
- The straw that broke the camel’s back : The final, small problem that makes a situation unbearable.
After months of working overtime, the extra project was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and she decided to quit her job.
- Seeing red : To become very angry.
I saw red when he insulted my family.
- Bite the bullet : To endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
I had to bite the bullet and apologize even though I knew I was right.
- The ball is in your court : It’s your turn to decide or act.
She’s given you all the information you need, the ball is in your court now.
- Once in a blue moon : Very rarely; infrequently.
He goes to the gym once in a blue moon.
- On the dot : Exactly on time.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 PM, so please arrive on the dot.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket : Don’t risk everything on a single venture; diversify your investments or efforts.
It’s wise to have multiple income streams; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- On cloud nine : Extremely happy; euphoric.
She was on cloud nine after getting engaged.
- Know the ropes : To understand the details of a task or job.
It takes a while to know the ropes in this new job.
- Sit on the fence : to be undecided or neutral about something.
I’m sitting on the fence about which candidate to vote for.