Important IDIOMS with the Word “ONE” | CSS English Grammar
All in one breath
said of something spoken excitedly without pause
All in one piece
safely
All rolled up in one
combined
All-in-one
with all required features
As one
as if a group were one entity
At one with
in agreement or solidarity with another
do (someone) one better
do something that is an improvement on what someone else has done
Check Also >>> 50 Important DAWN Vocabulary Word’s List (May 2020)
For one thing
said to introduce one of two or more reasons (though the phrase might follow the statement)
For one
a qualifier expressing that someone represents an example
Hole in one
said of a significant achievement, in reference to achieving a goal in golf with a single hit of the ball
If it’s not one thing
part of a saying (with the rest, “it’s another (thing)” often not said but implied) expressed when one is exasperated by the latest in a series of inconveniences
In one ear and out the other
said of advice or information that is not heeded or retained
In one fell swoop
all at once or within a short period
It’s been one of those days
said when multiple things have gone wrong in succession
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It’s just one of those things
said of something unfortunate that must be accepted
Take care of number one
said in reference to focusing on one’s own safety or concerns over that of others
Not one iota
not even a bit
Number one
oneself (see “look after number one”)
On the one hand
from one point of view (sometimes paired with “on the other hand”)
One and all
everyone
One for the (record) books
said of a significant achievement
One good turn deserves another
an expression about the importance of reciprocity
Check Also: 40 Most Important IDIOMS with the word “First”
One-hit wonder
an artist who achieves only one commercial success
One heck/hell of a (something)
a reference to someone being markedly bad or good at something
One in a million
rare or unique, often said about someone with a distinctive quality
One jump/step ahead
said of someone who anticipates or innovates
One man’s meat is another man’s poison
something one person likes may not be suitable for another person
One-night stand
an activity or encounter that lasts only one night
One-note
said of something lacking variety
One of a kind
unique
One of the boys
someone accepted into or part of a group
One of these days
said of an expected event that will occur someday or soon; also, sometimes expressed as a threat, with the consequence implied but not stated
One of those things
said of something unwelcome but inevitable
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure
something of no value to one person may be valuable to another
One that got away
a missed opportunity
One-track mind
said of someone with a single-minded focus
Check Also: 50 Most Important Idioms
One-trick pony
someone or something with only one distinguishing feature, skill, or talent
One up on
said of having an advantage over someone
One way or another
somehow
Square one
the starting point of developing something or solving a problem (often in the phrase “back to square one”)
The one and only
said of something unique
There is more than one way to skin a cat
more than one procedure will work or more than one solution is available
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For it is not necessary that a subject receptive of the qualities should always have either the one or the other; that which has not yet advanced to the state when sight is natural is not said either to be blind or to see.
Again, in the case of contraries, it is possible that there should be changes from either into the other, while the subject retains its identity, unless indeed one of the contraries is a constitutive property of that subject, as heat is of fire.
That would be nearly a column of one of our dailies.
The ANZEIGER is an eight-page paper; its page is one inch wider and one inch longer than a foolscap page; that is to say, the dimensions of its page are somewhere between those of a schoolboy’s slate and a lady’s pocket handkerchief.
«We are under one Law, indeed,» said Bagheera, wading into the water and looking across at the lines of clicking horns and starting eyes where the deer and the pig pushed each other to and fro.
One could hear the scuffling, snorting pig asking for more room; the buffaloes grunting among themselves as they lurched out across the sand-bars, and the deer telling pitiful stories of their long foot-sore wanderings in quest of food.
«But perhaps—have you time to listen to one more short piece?
«How is it Anna Pavlovna’s not been to see us for so long?» the princess said one day of Madame Petrova.
And they exchange with one another, and one gives, and another receives, under the idea that the exchange will be for their good.
When (for example) we see one man and hear another speaking at the same time, what we see and what we hear have a relation which we can perceive, which makes the two together form, in some sense, one experience.
After this, one event crowded quickly on the heels of another.
The general reasons for the first have been discussed; it remains to name those for the second, and to see what resources he had, and what any one in his situation would have had for maintaining himself more securely in his acquisition than did the King of France.
But if we allow, that the virtues of a good man and a good magistrate may be the same, and a citizen is one who obeys the magistrate, it follows that the virtue of the one cannot in general be the same as the virtue of the other, although it may be true of some particular citizen; for the virtue of the magistrate must be different from the virtue of the citizen.
The Gardens are bounded on one side by a never-ending line of omnibuses, over which Irene has such authority that if she holds up her finger to any one of them it stops immediately.
What are idioms?
Idioms are the most commonly used words that we read and hear across our daily life conversation. Idioms are the group of the words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. Idioms do not match with surface meaning of the words but these are used very consciously in context of the conversation.
Commonly used English idioms
- A hot potato
Meaning: A difficult task or something difficult to deal
Example: Learning how to drive a car is not a hot potato.
- A piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is very easy. (1)
Example: The quiz was a piece of cake (very easy) so all of the students passed it with an A grade.
- Acid test
Meaning: To prove the effectiveness of something.
Example: I already know how to compute decimals but the acid test will come when our Math professor will conduct assessment orally.
- Add insult to injury
Meaning: To make a bad situation more badly.
Example: Father was angry, and then, to add insult to injury, younger brother broke the window pan.
- Add fuels to the flames
Meaning: Say something that makes a difficult situation even worse.
Example: Raul forgot Ali’s debt, and his excuses only added fuel to the flames.
- An arm and a leg
Meaning: A lot of money.
Example: It is the best car to buy, but it will cost you an arm and a leg.
- At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Instantly; without any hesitation
Example: Ali was ready to play a match at the drop of a hat.
- Back-room boys
Meaning: People who perform important work but have no contact with the public.
Example: Johnny Manahan and the writers of the show are the back room boys that deserve more applause than the artists performing on stage.
- Blow up in face
Meaning: This refers to a situation when a plan or project suddenly fails.
Example: It was difficult to be on time in the venue. It blew up in the face when the bus didn’t arrive on time at the station.
- Back to the drawing board
Meaning: Starting something again.
Example: We loss this match, but now we are back to the drawing board.
- Ball is in your court.
Meaning: It is your turn to take step
Example: I have given my opinion, now the ball is in your court.
- Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Accusing the wrong person; looking in the wrong place.
Example: He did not commit the crime, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
- Be glad to see the back of
Meaning: Being happy to see someone leaving.
Example: I do not want to see her. I’ll be glad to see the back of her.
- Beat around the bush
Meaning: Not speaking directly about the issue.
Example: Tell your problem don’t beat around the bush.
- Best of both the worlds
Meaning: Condition in which one enjoys two different opportunities.
Example: Amina had the advantage of a lecturer and freedom of a student. She had the best of both worlds.
- Best thing since sliced bread
Meaning: A good plan or idea
Example: I prefer your idea. It’s the best thing since sliced bread.
- Blind as a bat
Meaning: Someone whose vision is very poor, or who is unable to see anything.
Example: Sajida is totally dependent on her glasses. Without them, she is as blind as a bat.
- Blind leading the blind
Meaning: A person with very little ability trying to help or guide a person with no ability.
Example: Don’t ask me to help you in your speech. I could hardly speak English words right. I don’t want to be blind leading the blind.
- Blink of an eye
Meaning: happen nearly instantaneously with hardly enough time to notice it.
Example: Saif just vanished in the blink of an eye.
- Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To stay up working late at night especially studying.
Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil for the last few days; her hard work will positively pay off in the upcoming exams.
- Chance on one’s arm
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean something even though the chances of success are very little.
Example: Considering her height, Tahir knew that there was little chance of her to be casted in Bb. Panabo 2019 but he still decided to chance her arm.
- Cake not worth a candle
Meaning: Something in which results are too less compared to the effort.
Example: Henry studied so hard in English exam but still he got the low score. The cake wasn’t worth the candle.
- Caught between two stools.
Meaning: Difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Example: Tahir had committed to both and now he’s caught between two stools.
- Cook someone’s goose
Meaning – Ruin other person’s chances of success.
Example: Sadia cooks someone’s goose when she failed to answer easy questions in the quiz test.
- Cross that bridge when you come to it.
Meaning: Deal with a problem if and when it becomes necessary.
Example: Ali: I think I need to hire a lawyer – Aalia: Cross that bridge when you come to it.
- Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To be unhappy about something that cannot be undone.
Example: It can’t be helped, don’t cry over spilled milk.
- Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being too curious can get you into trouble.
Example: Don’t ask about his divorce-curiosity killed the cat!
- Cut corners
Meaning: To take shortcuts; when something is done badly to save money.
Example: They always put quality first; they won’t cut corners just to save money.
- Cut the mustard
Meaning: Perform satisfactorily; to succeed.
Example: We need a better catcher; this one just doesn’t cut the mustard.
- Dead wood
Meaning: people or things which are no longer useful or necessary.
Example: The college acquires new laboratory equipment. They no longer want the dead woods.
- Devil’s advocate
Meaning: To present a counter argument
Example: The professor always played devil’s advocate to provoke discussion in the classroom.
- Don’t give up the day job
Meaning: You’re not very good at something. You could definitely not do it professionally.
Example: Why did you invest in business even after failing in it in the past? Don’t give up the day job!
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t focus all of your attention on one thing or one area.
Example: I know you love Harvard, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to other colleges too.
- Drastic times call for drastic measures
Meaning: When you’re extremely desperate you need to take drastic actions.
Example: Yes we had to let go of five of our workers! Drastic times call for drastic measures.
- Elvis has left the building
Meaning: The show has come to an end. It’s all over.
Example: We waited for another performance by the band but it looked like Elvis had left the building.
- Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead to better days.
Example: I’m sorry your business is going badly, but remember every cloud has a silver lining.
- Far cry from
Meaning: A thing that is very different from something else.
Example: What you did was a far cry from what you said you were going to do.
- Feel a bit under the weather
Meaning: Feeling sick or unhealthy.
Example: I’m not coming to office today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
- Fast track something
Meaning: Rating something higher on a priority list to achieve the desired result.
Example: In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing up on a fast track decision from the court.
- Flying start
Meaning: something that is immediately successful.
Example: “Praybet Benjamin” hit the box office with a flying start and collected the highest revenue on day 1 of Metro Manila Film Festival.
- Fair-weather friend
Meaning: someone who acts as a friend when times are good, and is not there when you are in trouble.
Example: I thought I could count on Bill, but I’ve discovered he’s just a fair-weather friend.
- Fine-tooth comb
Meaning: examining something carefully so as not to miss out any details.
Example: My thesis adviser examined my report with a fine tooth comb before submitting it to the panel for defence.
- Go up in smoke
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean something that ends before getting a result.
Example: His plan of cheating in the exam has gone in smoke after the proctor inspected all the examinees things.
- Go to the dogs
Meaning: Getting comparably less successful than before.
Example: With the inexperience of the SSC president on budgeting, the student council is going to dogs.
- Golden handshake
Meaning: Sum of money given to a person on retirement.
Example: When the company want to cut down on the man power, they usually offer a golden hand shake to many of their aged employees.
- Give the benefit of doubt
Meaning: Believe someone’s statement without proof.
Example: I knew him since the past 5 years, so I gave him the benefit of doubt.
- Hear through the grapevine
Meaning: To hear news from someone who heard that news from someone else
Example: I heard through the grapevine that she’s pregnant.
- Hard as nails
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean a person without sentiments and sympathy for anyone.
Example: He has become as hard as a nail after his brother was brutally murdered.
- Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To do or say exactly the right thing.
Example: You’ve spotted the flaw, Robert. You’ve hit the nail on the head.
- Hit the road running
Meaning: This means to start performing immediately.
Example: She came late that’s why she hit the road running just seconds of her arrival.
- In the heat of the moment
Meaning: Overwhelmed by what’s happening at the moment.
Example: He doesn’t hate you. He just said that in the heat of the moment.
- In the bag
Meaning – Refers to a situation when you are sure that success is sure.
Example: The BPA Team fans rise to yell, the victory seems to be in the bag after the opponent’s best player failed to shoot in last two seconds time.
- Jack of all trades
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean a person who can do many different things but is not very good at any one of them.
Example: I can sing, I can dance, I can write, I can act but I do not excel on any of them. Now, I realize that I am a jack of all trades.
- Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: Join a popular trend or activity.
Example: So many people are playing that game that I might as well jump on the bandwagon and check it out.
- Keep something at bay
Meaning: Keep something away
Example: A good way to keep your anxiety at bay is through meditation.
- Keep up appearances
Meaning: Maintaining an outward show of prosperity or well-being while hiding your difficulties
Example: Her smile and taste of fashion keep up her appearances to her friends and colleagues.
- Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To solve two problems at a time with just one action
Example: John practiced his words while peeling the potatoes. He was killing two birds with one stone.
- Last straw
Meaning: The last problem in a series of problems
Example: This is the last straw. I’m calling the police.
- Let slip through fingers
Meaning: Failing to obtain or keep up a good opportunity.
Example: This reporting could be your chance to chosen as the class debater. Please don’t let it slip through your fingers.
- Lick one’s wounds
Meaning: When someone licks one’s wounds, it means that he is trying to regain their confidence or boost up the spirits after a defeat.
Example: Janna is licking her wounds after being dropped from the Deans List.
- Live on the breadline
Meaning: Having very little income.
Example: The war in Kashmir caused many natives live on the breadline.
- Live beyond means
Meaning: spending more money than you can afford.
Example: Carol has a habit of living beyond her means. Most of the times, you will find her borrowing the money from her friends.
- Live in an ivory tower
Meaning: living a lifestyle that saves you from the real world problems.
Example: Jay has problems in dealing with poor people because she has lived in an ivory tower.
- Lump in your throat
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean emotion like sadness or gratitude.
Example: I have a lump in my throat seeing my daughter receiving a gold medal today after all the hard years we have in the family.
- Mean business
Meaning: Being serious about what you announce.
Example: We mean business when we posted announcement on the internet site.
- Make or break
Meaning: Circumstances causing total success or total ruin.
Example: Your performance in the Q and A portion will make or break you.
- Make a long story short
Meaning: Come to the point – leave out the details.
Example: And – to make the long story short – I never got back the money I lent him.
- Makes your blood boil
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean make someone really angry.
Example: The absence of Pres. Aquino on the arrival of the FALLEN 44 made the Filipinos blood boil.
- Method in the madness
Meaning: A purpose in what one is doing, even though it seems to be crazy.
Example: What I’m doing might seem strange, but there is method in my madness.
- Make a go of
Meaning: This means you are succeeding in your enterprise.
Example: With his hard work and dedication, he has made a go of his new venture.
- Makes your blood run cold
Meaning: If something makes your blood run cold, it means it shocks or scares you a lot.
Example: The tiger look of our English teacher made my blood run cold
- Murphy’s law
Meaning: This means that if anything can go wrong, it will.
Example: Sofia prepared for the worst in the debate but she doesn’t forget the Murphy’s law.
- Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss out on something.
Example: Pay attention, John, or you’ll miss the boat and never learn algebra.
- Not a spark of decency
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean a person who has no manners
Example: Her brother has not a spark of decency. I don’t like the way he acts in public.
- Not turn a hair
Meaning: This refers to not exhibiting any emotion where it is expected.
Example: Martha didn’t turn a hair even after her name was called as the Grand Prize Winner.
- On the ball
Meaning: When someone understands a situation well; attentive.
Example: If you were on the ball, this wouldn’t have happened.
- Miss the boat
Meaning: Failure to take advantage of an opportunity because of slow actions.
Example: I wasn’t able to pass my project in advance and failed to earn an early bird bonus points. Submitting late made me miss the boat.
- Oldest trick in the book
Meaning: A well known and much used trick/method
Example: Oldest trick in the book to treat cold and cough is drinking turmeric milk.
- On the pig’s back
Meaning: A person, event, idea in successful and well situation.
Example: Her studies were on the pig’s back before she met Adrian.
- Old habits die hard
Meaning: People find it difficult to change their accustomed behavior.
Example: She retired last month, but still gets up at the same time in the morning. Old habits die hard.
- Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely
Example: Jill has a very rocky relationship with her father. She speaks to him once in a blue moon.
- Out of the blue
Meaning: Happen unexpectedly
Example: She had given up all hope when out of the blue she got a call from Harvard.
- Out on a limb
Meaning: Do something risky or something that others do not support (leaving the doer in a difficult situation)
Example: She was out on a limb with her project – nobody supported her idea.
- Over the top
Meaning: Totally excessive and not suitable for the occasion.
Example: Her sari was way over the top for a somber occasion like this.
- Pen is mightier than the sword
Meaning: Words and communication have a greater effect than war
Example: A simple handwritten note put an end to their week long cold war – pen is mightier than the sword.
- Plum job
Meaning: This is a desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy.
Example: This looks like a plum job but it has its own bunch of complications.
- Reduce to tears
Meaning: It means getting into tears because of some one’s behaviour.
Example: Greta reduced to tears when her boyfriend stopped seeing her.
- Reap the harvest
Meaning: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean benefit or suffer as a direct result of past actions.
Example: When he cleared MS, he reaped the harvest of all his hard work.
- Sink your teeth into
Meaning: Do something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Example: Robin immediately sank his teeth into his new job.
- Skating on thin ice
Meaning: Do or say something risky or something that could cause trouble.
Example: Don’t say anything that hurts her self esteem or you could be skating on thin ice.
- Take a back seat
Meaning: Choose to be less important in a role
Example: He finally decided to take a back seat and let his son run the family business.
- Take a nosedive
Meaning: Rapid drop or decrease in value
Example: The share prices took a nosedive when there were rumors of the company’s CEO resigning.
- Take the plunge
Meaning: Venture into something of one’s interest despite the risks involved
Example: Jack finally took the plunge and opened a restaurant.
- Tricks of the trade
Meaning: Clever way of doing something.
Example: It is among commonly used English idioms which mean being a entrepreneur for 20 years, I know all tricks of the trade.
- Weather the storm
Meaning: Succeed in surviving a difficult period of time
Example: Given the current global market conditions, the Indian economy is weathering the storm pretty well.
- Waiting in the wings
Meaning: Waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone else in their job.
Example: Dr. Santos is going to retire in next 2 months. Two of his juniors who are waiting in the wings will have a fierce competition.
- Wet behind the ears
Meaning: Inexperienced and immature
Example: Instead of a full time job, she should be offered an internship as she is still wet behind the ears.
- Wooden spoon
Meaning: This refers to imaginary prize for the last person in a race.
Example: We won a wooden spoon at the fashion show.
- Worth one’s salt
Meaning: Good or competent at the job or profession specified
Example: She deserves respect as she is totally worth her salt.
- Zero in on something
Meaning: Focus all attention onto one thing
Example: The teacher immediately zeroed in on the weaker students of the class.
What is an idiom? An idiom is an expression or phrase whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words “Idioms mean something different than the individual words.” Students often confuse idioms with proverbs. However, these are two different things. Proverbs are well-known for stating a piece of advice or general fact. For example, a picture is worth a thousand words is a proverb – a general truth. Let us consider the idiom ‘bite off more than you can chew‘. What you meant is that you are trying to do something that is too hard for you. Read this blog to know 100 useful and common idioms with examples and meanings.
This Blog Includes:
- What is an Idiom? – Idioms and Phrases
- Why Use Idioms in Sentences?
- 100 Common Idioms with Examples- Idioms and their Meaning
- Learn the 100 Common Idioms with their Meanings
- 20 Idioms with their Meanings and Sentences
- 30 Idioms Examples and their Meaning for Students
- FAQs
Idioms and their Meanings Quiz
What is an Idiom? – Idioms and Phrases
A set of words, or, to put it another way, a phrase, that has a meaning beyond the words’ literal meanings is known as an idiom. The Cambridge Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own,” while the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines an idiom as “a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words.”
A set of words that have a different meaning when used collectively than when each word is used individually is referred to as an idiom, according to the Collins Dictionary. A more detailed definition may be found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. They define an idiom as “a statement in the usage of a language that is distinctive to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be deduced from the conjoined meanings of its constituents” (e.g., up in the air for “undecided”) or in its grammatically unconventional word usage (e.g., give way).
Why Use Idioms in Sentences?
Only when they are utilized correctly and in the appropriate contexts can idioms be an effective language tool. The fact that one cannot just rely on the meaning of individual words to grasp what the full phrase means is the sole thing that makes studying idioms a time-consuming process.
Idioms should not be utilised in writing for academic or professional purposes. In a more lighthearted setting, idioms may add personality to your work or speaking. Idioms can also be used to convey sarcasm or puns. You need to utilise idioms carefully, just like you would with any other language feature. The only issue is that it would be meaningless or have no impact to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with the idiom you are employing. Therefore, you should always make sure that the audience you are utilising idioms with can understand their meaning.
100 Common Idioms with Examples- Idioms and their Meaning
Have to come across commonly used idioms in English while watching American TV series or movies? English expressions, proverbs and idioms play an important role in everyday English both written and spoken. As idioms do not always make literal sense, students should be familiar with their meanings and how to use them. This may appear to be a lot of work, but idioms are fun! It is often called a manner of speaking that sounds more native, so it’s really useful to master some of these expressions.
So, here’s a list of the top 100 common idioms with their meanings and sentence examples:
| Idiom | Idioms Meaning |
|---|---|
| Beat around the bush | To avoid talking about what’s important |
| Get your act together | Get organized and do things effectively |
| Hit the sack | Go to sleep |
| Your guess is as good as mine | I do not know |
| Good things come to those who wait | To have patience |
| Back against the wall | Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no escape |
| Up in arms | Being grumpy or angry about something |
| Scrape the barrel | Making the most of the worst situations or things because you can’t do anything about it |
| Burn your boats/bridges | Doing something that makes it impossible to go back to the original state. |
| Break fresh/ new ground | Doing something that has never been done before |
| Sell like hot cakes | Quick sellout |
| Run around in circles | Putting efforts into something that is not a worthwhile result |
| On cloud nine | Being very happy |
| Left out in the cold | Being ignored |
| Blow hot and cold | Alternate inconsistently between moods and actions |
| Cut corners | Doing something in an easier and least expensive manner |
| Boil the ocean | Taking up an almost impossible or overly ambitious project |
| Keep an ear to the ground | Staying informed and updated about everything |
| Eat like a horse | Eating too excessively |
| A snowball effect | The aspect of momentum in every event and how they build upon each other |
Important Tip to Learn Idioms with Examples and their meanings:
It is comparatively easier to remember words unlike idioms because idioms (phrases) contain 3 or more words. And, remembering a chain of words and then speaking them in the correct sequence is not easy. But, one thing you can do is to repeat the idiom and its meaning a few times loudly and then use it in 2 to 3 different sentences.
21. In for a penny, in for a pound
Meaning: That someone is intentionally investing his time or money for a particular project or task.
Example: When Athlead was booming, Jim was in for a penny and in for a pound, that’s how much dedicated he was.
22. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush
Meaning: An opportunity in hand, currently, is better than a prospect in the future, because time never repeats itself.
Example: The detective apprehended 3 criminals and saw another one running but didn’t chase him, because she knew a bird in one hand is better than two in the bush.
23. Chip off the old block
Meaning: A person is similar in behaviour or actions to his parents.
Example: When grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she knew he was a Chip off the old block.
24. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Meaning: Treat people the same way you want to be treated.
Example: I felt Peter was a little cold today towards that homeless man, he should do unto others as he would have them do unto him, because who knows about time.
25. Don’t cry over spilt milk
Meaning: Don’t cry over what has happened as it can not be fixed.
Example: Walter failed his examination but his dad came and said just one thing, “Son, Don’t cry over spilt milk.”
26. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Bad things one day eventually lead to good things.
Example: See, yesterday you were so morose as your phone was stolen but look at you today, you got a promotion. Is it rightly said that every cloud has a silver lining.
27. Beside yourself with joy
Meaning: To be extremely happy.
Example: I can see that you are beside yourself with joy on being selected for the job, congratulations.
28. Fair and square
Meaning: Being direct or fair.
Example: To tell you fair and square, I did everything that I was meant to do, but I still feel unfulfilled.
29. Having an Ace up the sleeve
Meaning: Have an advantage that is currently being withheld for future purposes.
Example: Brian kept quiet at the board meeting, who knew he had an Ace hidden up his sleeve the whole time.
30. A black sheep
Meaning: Being a disgrace for the family.
Example: They don’t talk about Olive anymore, turns out he was the Black sheep for the family, he married someone else while he was still arranged to his fiancé.
31. Hook, line and sinker
Meaning: Doing something or trying to achieve something with thoroughness and passion.
Example: I have set my mind to go through the spreadsheets by Monday and I am working for it Hook, line and sinker.
32. Looking to your laurels
Meaning: Not be lost in your achievements and losing the sight of what is supposed to happen.
Example: Look to your laurels but do not rest on it.
33. Bear a grudge
Meaning: To continue to feel angry or unfriendly for someone or something because of a particular past incident.
Example: I Bear a grudge against him for not taking me into confidence.
34. By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: To just barely get by or make it.
Example: Lester made the dance team By the skin of his teeth, you see the audition gates were about to get closed.
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35. Down for the count
Meaning: Tired; giving up.
Example: My pet dog is down for the count after playing the whole day with the frisbee.
36. Draw the line
Meaning: To stop before a point where something okay gets not okay.
Example: Hey buddy, that’s enough, Draw the line before someone comes and beats you to a pulp.
37. Easier said than done
Meaning: Not as easy as it appears to be.
Example: Listen, losing weight is easier said than done, many people lack commitment.
38. Break a leg
Meaning: Saying good luck to someone.
Example: Hey Barry, it’s time for you to get on the stage and present your monologue, break a leg.
39. Up a creek without a paddle
Meaning: In an unlucky situation.
Example: Dan tried to dine and dash yesterday at a Chinese place but he was stopped by the waiters, guess he was up a creek without a paddle yesterday.
40. Give it a whirl
Meaning: To give something a try.
Example: I am absolutely terrified of skydiving, but I think once in my life, I will give it a whirl.
41. Fish out of water
Meaning: To be out of your comfort zone.
Example: Tom felt like a fish out of water when his girlfriend took him to a Star Wars convention in LA.
42. In the fast lane
Meaning: A life filled with excitement.
Example: When Chris turned forty, he decided to live his life in the fast lane and quit his job for his hobbies.
Meaning: To make an extra effort.
Example: He was willing to go the extra mile for the love of his life, Mia.
44. Snug as a bug in a rug
Meaning: Warm and cosy.
Meaning: The baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug next to her mother.
45. Step up your game
Meaning: To start performing better
Example: Jennifer better step up her game if she wants to make big in Basketball.
Idioms are used as a figurative language, i.e. the use of words in an imaginative and unusual manner. Take a look at more idioms with examples.
46. To not see the wood for the trees
Meaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you don’t get the important facts.
Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, it’s like he can’t see wood for the trees.
47. Lose your marbles
Meaning: To go insane.
Example: Our mailman has lost his marbles, every day he drops Mr. Smith’s mail on our door.
48. Straight from the Horse’s mouth
Meaning: Directly from the person involved.
Example: Listen to the news straight from the horse’s mouth, his factory burned down right in front of his eyes.
49. Crying Wolf
Meaning: To ask for help when you don’t need it.
Example: You have cried Wolf so many times that no one believes you now.
50. Palm off
Meaning: Pass off something as genuine when it is spurious.
Example: This shopkeeper always palms off old stock to the customers.
51. Has bigger fish to fry
Meaning: Has more important work to do.
Example: Please don’t bother me today with any calls, I have bigger fish to fry.
52. Look before you leap
Meaning: Calculate the risks before advancing towards a possibility.
Example: You can’t just sell all of your shares when the market is low, look before you leap, Trump is coming tomorrow, it is possible the shares will grow.
53. On thin ice
Meaning: In a precarious or risky situation.
Example: Andy played hooky from work for a week saying he was sick, now his boss said that he is on very thin ice.
54. Play devil’s advocate
Meaning: To argue, just for the sake of it.
Example: He was not agreeing to back off, as if he was playing devil’s advocate.
Besides, knowing about various idioms with examples, a good vocabulary can take you to places in competitive exams as well as in life. Here’s our blog on 50 difficult words with meanings for you to master your speaking skills now!
55. Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: To spoil a moment.
Example: He told his wife that he doesn’t want to rain on her parade, but they had to shift their vacation dates.
56. Take a rain check
Meaning: Postpone a plan.
Example: He asked me whether I would like to have dinner with his family, but I had a thing so I said, rain check.
57. Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
Example: She tells great tales but we take whatever she says with a grain of salt.
58. Like a cakewalk
Meaning: So easy task.
Example: Everyone took hours to write the code but Adam did it like a cakewalk.
59. Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: Take a risk.
Example: The caretaker threw caution to the wind by taking a sick baby outside.
60. Penny-wise and Pound foolish
Meaning: Careful in trivial matters but wasteful or extravagant in large matters.
Example: That man eats Ramen noodles daily for dinner but for his dog, he threw a big party. He is indeed penny-wise and pound-foolish.
61. The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything, all the way.
Example: I want to know everything there is to know about this merger, the whole nine yards of the deal.
62. The best thing since sliced bread
Meaning: A really good invention.
Example: Bluetooth is officially the best thing since sliced bread.
It is important to note that idioms themselves do not create complete sentences and they require additional context to give them a sense. Take a look at some more idioms with examples and their meanings:
63. Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: Take on a difficult work that is beyond your capabilities.
Example: Andrew told his boss that he will triple the sales but in reality, he bit off more than he can chew and now all of us are in trouble.
64. Play by the ear
Meaning: To improvise.
Example: I just went to Canada and did everything by the ear, no itinerary, no schedules.
65. Ignorance is bliss
Meaning: You are better off not knowing some things.
Example: His wife always asked him what it was he did late at night, turned out, he was insider trading. But she knew nothing about this so she won’t be convicted, sometimes ignorance is bliss.
66. Put something on ice
Meaning: To put something on hold.
Example: As per the boss’ order, Michael has put his personal matters on ice.
67. You can say that again
Meaning: That’s absolutely true.
Example: “The Earth is bleeding”, you can say that again, pal.
68. Bite the bullet
Meaning: To get something over with because it is inevitable.
Example: Vik was diagnosed with second stage cancer but he didn’t want to get chemotherapy. By the will of his wife, he bit the bullet.
69. Go back to the drawing board
Meaning: Start over.
Example: It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and assess your mistakes.
70. Call it a day
Meaning: Stop working on something.
Example: Ah! So what we didn’t complete the puzzle today, let’s call it a day and come back again tomorrow.
71. Beating Around the Bush
Meaning: To talk about unnecessary things.
Example: When I asked my secretary about the missing file and documents, she was beating around the bush.
72. Be in a Tight Corner.
Meaning: Being in a difficult situation.
Example: Radha’s low grades despite her constant efforts has put her in a very tight corner.
73. At the 11th Hour
Meaning: At the last moment.
Example: While leaving for Shimla, Harshit kept his mobile phone charger in the bag at the 11th hour.
74. Swan Song
Meaning: The last piece of work of an artist before his/her death.
Example: This painting was M.F Hussain’s swan song.
75. Wild Goose Chase
Meaning: Futile Chase
Example: Catching the two thieves together on a jam-packed road was no less than a wild goose chase for the policeman.
76. Bury the Hatchet
Meaning: Ending a quarrel to make peace.
Example: My father buried the hatchet by equally diving the pasta between me and my sister.
77. To Bell the Cat
Meaning: To face a risk.
Example: He belled the cat when he was trying to escape the prison.
78. Turn a deaf ear
Meaning: To ignore what someone is saying.
Example: Whenever her mother complained of her excessive use of mobile phone, Anu turned a deaf ear.
79. At Sea
Meaning: Confused
Example: I was at sea while choosing a lehenga for my sister’s wedding at Manish Malhotra’s store.
80. To be in the doldrums
Meaning: To be in a low spirit
Example: When I got to know about the increasing cases of COVID 19 in my area, I was in the doldrums.
81. Hit the books
Meaning: Going to study
Example: I won’t be able to come for dinner as I have to hit the books for my half-yearly examinations.
82. Twist someone’s arm
Meaning: To convince someone
Example: I was not planning to come to the party but by remaining me of all the good food you twisted my arm!
83. Stab someone in the back
Meaning: To betray a close person
Example: My uncle trusted his driver so much but he stabbed him at the back when he saw all the money bags.
84. Go cold turkey
Meaning: To quit or stop addictive or dangerous behaviour
Example: No one could believe that my father left eating sweets! He went cold turkey when the doctors told him that he has diabetes.
85. Ring a bell
Meaning: Sounds familiar
Example: Why does this name ring a bell in my head? Was this girl in my school?
86. Cut to the chase
Meaning: Getting to the important point
Example: As the submissions were to be made tonight, boss cut to the chase and asked us to start working.
87. Blow off steam
Meaning: Experiencing strong feelings like anger or stress
Example: Shina went running to blow off steam as she had a huge fight with mother.
88. Face the music
Meaning: Face the reality
Example: Shikha asked her husband to not run away from the problem and just face the music once!
89. To have sticky fingers
Meaning: Thief
Example: The cashier had a sticky finger, he stole around $2000 and ran away from the bank.
90. Break the bank
Meaning: To be very expensive
Example: I had to break the bank to but these shoes!
91. Face the music
Meaning: Confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
Example: We have done it and now it’s time to face the music!
92. It is always darkest before the dawn
Meaning: Things will get better
Example: I know you have gone through the worst, but remember it is always darkest before the dawn.
93. Jump the gun
Meaning: To act on something promptly before the right time
Example: I think I jumped the gun by sending the e-mail before they tell the time.
94. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: Expressing yourself too openly
Example: She wears her heart on her sleeve and often gets hurt.
95. Cut no ice
Meaning: Fail to make an impact
Example: Your poetry cuts no ice with me.
96. Light at the end of tunnel
Meaning: Seeing signs of improvement in the future
Example: I see the light at the end of the tunnel for my relationship with her.
97. Through thick and thin
Meaning: Through good and bad times
Example: Books and music stay by your side through thick and thin.
98. Cry for the moon
Meaning: To ask for something that is rather difficult
Example: You are crying for the moon for this concert’s tickets!
99. Read between the lines
Meaning: Understanding the real message behind something
Example: If you try to read between the lines, her song is actually about nizagara
100. Pour out one’s heart
Meaning: To express openly
Example: I can’t pour my heart out to you if you are too distracted by everything around you.
Learn the 100 Common Idioms with their Meanings
20 Idioms with their Meanings and Sentences
Here are the most common 20 idioms with their meanings and sentences:
- A left-handed compliment
Meaning: Saying something insulting in the form of appreciative words.
Example: Her words on my blog seem like a left-handed compliment. - Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Not very often
Example: I visit her place once in a blue moon. - Call a spade a spade
Meaning: Talking frankly
Example: I will not lie about it and call a spade a spade. - Flesh and blood
Meaning: Referring to someone in family or human nature
Example: It’s flesh and blood to feel such strong emotions at this time. - Jam on the brakes
Meaning: Press brakes of a vehicle suddenly
Example: I had to jam on the brakes when I saw the deer. - Notch up
Meaning: To win or create a record
Example: One Direction notched up the finale with their amazing voice! - A slap on the wrist
Meaning: Just a small punishment
Example: You will get a slap on the wrist for painting this wall but don’t dare to do it again. - Knee Jerk Reaction
Meaning: A quick response
Example: The statement was just a knee jerk reaction. - Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning: Afraid of doing something again
Example: Once bitten twice shy, he can’t ski. - Forty winks
Meaning: A short nap
Example: I will be just in for forty winks, I promise. - Up for grabs
Meaning: Available for everyone
Example: This pizza slice is up for grabs! - Old as the hills
Meaning: Someone very old
Example: The man looks as old as the hills. - Back to square one
Meaning: Start all over again
Example: Your mistake brought us back to square one. - Round the bend
Meaning: Crazy
Example: My neighbour is round the bend, don’t try to mess with her. - Against the clock
Meaning: Rushed
Example: I have to hurry for the meeting, I am against the clock. - Black and blue
Meaning: Something bruised
Example: What happened? Your eyes look black and blue. - Have the blues
Meaning: Sad
Example: After meeting her, I am feeling the blues. - Be glad to see the back of
Meaning: Happy when someone leaves
Example: Tomorrow, I will be glad to see the back of her. - Black out
Meaning: Faint
Example: I blacked out after two drinks. - Get in Shape
Meaning: To become strong or fit
Example: I need to make a proper schedule to get in shape before the graduation ceremony.
30 Idioms Examples and their Meaning for Students
Here are the most common 30 idioms with their meanings and sentences:
- Shoot from the hip
Meaning: To speak bluntly or rashly without thinking carefully
Example: Don’t feel bad about what he said. He has a habit of shooting from the hip, but he means no harm - Shoot oneself in the foot
Meaning: To harm one’s own cause inadvertently
Example: Foolishly harm one’s own cause, as in He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted. - In cold blood
Meaning: If you do something violent and cruel in cold blood, you do it deliberately and in an unemotional way.
Example: In a purposely ruthless and unfeeling manner, as in The whole family was murdered in cold blood. - Draw first blood
Meaning: If you draw first blood, you cause the first damage to an opponent in a conflict or contest.
Example: To be the first to gain an advantage or score against an opponent. I drew first blood in the tournament and quickly dispatched my opponent. - Ace up one’s sleeve
Meaning: A secret or hidden advantage that you can use when you need it
Example: Cheating at a card game by hiding a favourable card up one’s sleeve. I have an ace up my sleeve for this race—my stamina. - Play your cards right
Meaning: To behave or work in a way that gives you an advantage or improves your odds of success.
Example: Play your cards right in college and you’ll get a great job after you graduate - Egg on your face
Meaning: If you’ve egg on your face, you look stupid and face embarrassment because of something you’ve done.
Example: Terry had an egg on his face after boasting that the examinations were really easy, but ended up failing most of his papers. - Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
Meaning: To destroy something that gives you a lot of money to get immediate returns
Example: Tearing down the top attraction in the theme park, “The Haunted House”, would be akin to killing the goose that lays the golden egg. - An arm and a leg
Meaning: If something costs an arm and a leg, it costs a lot.
Example: I want to buy a house by the beach, but it may cost me an arm and a leg. - Behind one’s back
Meaning: If you do something behind someone’s back, you do it secretly without their knowledge (used in negative way).
Example: My colleague is really nice to me but I don’t trust him because I know he talks negatively about me behind my back - Stab someone in the back
Meaning: Harm someone who trusts you.
Example: Don’t trust George; he’s been known to stab his friends in the back - Take a back seat
Meaning: If you take a back seat, you choose not to be in a position of responsibility or power.
Example: The founder of the company decided to take a back seat and let the board members run the business. - Back to the drawing board
Meaning: If you go back to the drawing board, you make a fresh start or try another idea because the earlier one didn’t succeed.
Example: It looks like my plans to kill the weeds in the garden failed. Back to the drawing board - Right off the bat
Meaning: If you do something right off the bat, you do it immediately.
Example: Nathan was in the mood for a cheeseburger, so he hopped into his car and bought some fast food. After unwrapping the burger, he took a bite and right off the bat he knew that something was wrong; it didn’t taste right. - Heart misses (skips) a beat
Meaning: If your heart misses a beat, you feel excited or nervous.
Example: Her heart missed a beat when she heard her name called out in the list of finalists, or When the bear appeared in front of us, my heart skipped a beat, or My heart stands still at the very thought of flying through a thunderstorm - Have your heart in your mouth
Meaning: If you’ve your heart in mouth, you’re feeling extremely nervous.
Example: You sure don’t seem relaxed—in fact, it seems like your heart is in your mouth. - Not the only fish in the sea
Meaning: Not the only suitable thing or person one can find
Example: When Bob walked out on Sally, all we could tell her was that he was not the only fish in the sea , or Bill knew she wasn’t the only pebble on the beach but he was determined to win her over. - Not your cup of tea
Meaning: If you say that someone or something is not your cup of tea, you mean that they’re not the kind of person or thing you like.
Example: We couldn’t decide which movie to watch, so we ended up settling on a comedy. Half-way through the movie, I concluded that its humor was not my cup of tea. - A piece of cake
Meaning: If something is a piece of cake, it’s easy to do.
Example: The boy found the project to be a piece of cake because it was incredibly easy. - Call it a day
Meaning: If you call it a day, you stop what you’re doing because you’re tired of it or you’ve not been successful.
Example: I think we have done enough work today, I am feeling tired now, let’s call it a day. - The pot calling the kettle black
Meaning: Accusing someone of faults that you yourself have
Example: I can’t believe that you are upset because I was late. That is the pot calling the kettle black. Peter called me a liar! That is the pot calling the kettle black. - Call a spade a spade
Meaning: To speak truth even if it’s unpleasant
Example: That dress made her look fat, let’s call a spade a spade before she goes out wearing it and embarrasses herself. - A bolt from the blue
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected event
Example: Let us hope the pandemic disappears. It came as a bolt from the blue in 2020. - In the same boat
Meaning: If two or more persons are in the same boat, they’re in the same difficult situation.
Example: If you lose your job, I’ll lose mine. We are both in the same boat. - Miss the boat/ bus
Meaning: To miss an opportunity
Example: He missed the boat when he did not apply for the job in time. - Over my dead body
Meaning: If you say something will happen your dead body, you mean you dislike it and will do everything you can to prevent it.
Example: I told John that he could shave his head, over my dead body. - Make one’s blood boil
Meaning: To make someone extremely angry
Example: When I hear stories of cruelty to animals, it makes my blood boil. - Bounce something off someone
Meaning: If you bounce something off someone, you discuss ideas or plan with someone to get their view on it.
Example: I caught the rubber ball when it bounced off the wall. The light bouncing off of that mirror is blinding me—can we close the curtains? - Bell the cat
Meaning: To undertake a risky or dangerous task.
Example: Someone has to bell the cat and tell the commissioner that his own started the violence - Like a cat on hot tin roof
Meaning: In an uneasy or nervous state
Example: She’s waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she’s been like a cat on a hot tin roof all day
IELTS Speaking – 7 Idioms for a Band 9 Score
FAQs
Suggests some Idioms for Kids
It’s raining cats and dogs is an idiom, it means it is raining very hard.
What is easy Idiom in English?
It’s a doddle, it means there’s nothing to it.
What is Idioms and phrases with examples?
Get your act together, it means you need to improve your behaviour/work
Pull yourself together, it means calm down
I’m feeling under the weather, it means I’m sick
It’s a piece of cake, it means it’s easy
Break a leg, it means good luck
What is an Idiom?
A set of words, or, to put it another way, a phrase, that has a meaning beyond the words’ literal meanings is known as an idiom.
Where to not use any idiom?
Idioms should not be utilised in writing for academic or professional purposes.
Learning idioms with examples and their meaning is the best way to master them and make your writing more engaging. Try to practice idioms with examples of your own. If you wish to seek further guidance on your English-language proficiency test preparation like TOEFL or IELTS and your career, you can check out Leverage Edu today and schedule a free consultation session now.
By
Last updated:
April 13, 2023
Have you ever heard an English phrase that didn’t make sense even though you understood all the words? It was probably an idiom: a phrase that doesn’t translate literally.
Idioms are super common, so you need to understand them to understand English.
Read on to learn 103 English idioms you can use in conversation to sound more fluent!
Contents
- English Idioms with Common Verbs
- English Idioms with Common Prepositions
- English Idioms About Money
- English Idioms with Body Parts
- English Idioms About Food
- English Idioms About Weather
- English Idioms About Nature
- How to Practice English Idioms
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English Idioms with Common Verbs
1. Hit the books
Literally, hit the books means to physically hit your reading books, but this phrase is actually used to say that you’re going to study.
Sorry, but I can’t watch the game with you tonight. I have to hit the books.
2. Hit the sack
The literal meaning of this would be physically hitting or beating a sack (a large bag), but idiomatically, it means you’re going to bed. You can also say hit the hay.
It’s time for me to hit the sack. I’m so tired.
3. Twist someone’s arm
To twist someone’s arm would be rather painful if you took it literally, but it really means they’ve been convinced to do something they wouldn’t have done otherwise.
I wasn’t going to go to the party, but my friends twisted my arm and got me to go.
4. Stab someone in the back
While it still hurts, the idiomatic meaning of this phrase is not nearly as painful as literally being stabbed. What this actually means is to hurt someone who trusted you by betraying them.
I can’t believe she would cheat and stab me in the back like this! I really trusted her.
5. Lose your touch
No, this doesn’t mean you’ve lost your physical sense of touch. To lose your touch actually means to lose a skill you once had.
She used to be the best hairstylist in town, but she’s really losing her touch.
6. Sit tight
This does not mean you sit down and hold your body as tightly as you can. If a person tells you to sit tight, what they really want you to do is wait patiently.
Sit tight while I go see if Mr. Henkel is ready to see you.
7. Pitch in
This phrase may once have had a literal meaning to do with farm work (think pitchfork), but it isn’t used that way now. Figuratively speaking, it means to contribute (give) or to join in.
Let’s all pitch in a few dollars so we can buy Sally a really good present for her birthday.
8. Go cold turkey
To go cold turkey means to suddenly stop a (usually dangerous) behavior, such as drinking alcohol. A person who suddenly quits something addictive can suffer from pale skin and goosebumps, making them look like a cold, uncooked turkey.
I quit smoking cold turkey and never felt the need to go back.
9. Face the music
If someone tells you to face the music, they want you to deal with the reality of a situation and accept all the consequences.
You need to face the music. You failed because you didn’t study, so you need to take the class again next semester.
10. Ring a bell
When someone says something that you may have heard before, but don’t remember entirely, you can use this phrase to let them know it’s familiar but you may need a reminder.
That name rings a bell, but I can’t quite remember where I know her from.
11. Blow off steam
If you’re experiencing some strong feelings and need to calm down, you can blow off steam by doing something to get rid of the stress.
If my mom gets mad, she’ll usually go on a run to blow off some steam.
12. Cut to the chase
When somebody tells you to cut to the chase, it means that you’ve been talking too long and you need to get to the point. Be careful how you use this idiom; it could be rude or disrespectful if used with someone like a boss or teacher.
Hi, guys. We don’t have much time here, so I’m going to cut to the chase.
English Idioms with Common Prepositions
Prepositions are words that indicate where one thing is in relation to another. These include the words up, on and over, as you’ll see in the idioms below.
13. Up in the air
If someone tells you that things are up in the air, it means that a situation is uncertain or unsure. It’s as though a ball has been tossed upward, and no one knows exactly where it will land.
Our plans for this weekend are up in the air until Jen tells us when she gets off of work.
14. On the ball
If you’re on the ball, it means that you’re very quick to understand things or react quickly (and correctly) to a situation.
Wow, you’ve already finished your assignments? They aren’t due until next week. You’re really on the ball.
15. Get over something
Imagine something happens that upsets you, but as time goes on, you stop feeling as strongly about it. This means that you’ve gotten over it: you no longer worry about it and it no longer affects you in a negative way.
It took a while, but I finally got over breaking up with Chandler.
16. Over the hill
If you’re getting older (especially over 50) and can’t be as physically or socially active as you used to be, you might say you’re over the hill. Be careful with this idiom, though, since it’s rude to say it about someone else.
I had to slow down after my knee surgery, but I don’t think I’m over the hill just yet.
17. Through thick and thin
When you’re loyal to someone, you support them no matter what happens, good or bad. This is an idiom you can use to say so.
Roger and Sally made it to their 50th anniversary because they stood by each other through thick and thin.
18. Off the chain
If you watch “America’s Got Talent,” you may have heard host Mel B exclaim that an act was “off the chain!” That means it was especially exciting or impressive—usually in a good way, though the expression can also mean “out of control.”
The Spice Girls concert was off the chain!
English Idioms About Money
19. Look like a million bucks
Bucks here is a slang term for “dollars.” If someone tells you that you look like a million bucks, it means you look absolutely fabulous!
Wow, Mary, you look like a million bucks. I love your dress!
20. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
This refers to someone who comes from a wealthy and successful family.
John was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so he doesn’t know what it’s like to work hard.
21. To go from rags to riches
“Rags” here refers to old, tattered clothes. This means you’ve gone from being poor to having a lot of money.
Jim Carrey went from rags to riches. He was once living in a van, but eventually became one of the highest-paid comedians in the world.
22. Pay an arm and a leg for something
Use this one when you have to pay a lot of money for something. You can also say that something “costs an arm and a leg.”
Nowadays, you have to pay an arm and a leg just for a tank of gas.
23. To have sticky fingers
If you have sticky fingers, you probably steal a lot. This whimsical idiom suggests that other people’s valuables stick to you when you touch them.
The manager fired the cashier because he had sticky fingers. He stole more than $200 in a month.
24. To give someone a run for their money
If you are competing with someone and you feel like you really had to work hard to outdo them, you can say they gave you a run for your money:
Joe really gave me a run for my money in the chess tournament. He almost beat me!
25. To pony up
This means you need to pay for something or settle a debt.
Pony up and give me the $5 you owe me.
26. To ante up
Ante up comes from the game of poker, where players bet their money before the cards are dealt. Over time, the idiom has come to refer to any type of payment someone owes—not just in poker.
You’d better ante up and give me that $10 I loaned you last week.
27. To up the ante
A similar idiom to ante up is up the ante, which means “raise the stakes.” When people up the ante, they bet more money than the person before them. This is used similarly in everyday conversation, when someone raises a bet or agrees to do more.
I wanted to place a $10 bet on the soccer match, but Daniel upped the ante and raised the bet to $50.
28. Break even
This is the term you use when you’ve spent a certain amount of money, then earned roughly the same amount to balance it out.
The trip to the beach cost me $100, but I almost broke even after winning $90 in a contest.
29. Break the bank
This refers to something that is overly expensive—something that requires more money than you have.
Taking a week-long vacation would break the bank. There’s no way I could afford to do it.
30. To be close-fisted
To be close-fisted (or closefisted) is to be reluctant to spend any money, almost like you’re physically gripping it in your fist. Other words for this could be stingy or cheap.
Carl is so close-fisted, he won’t even buy snacks for the Christmas party.
31. To go Dutch
This is used when everyone pays for their own meal at a restaurant. (Note that this may be perceived as offensive to or by Dutch people.)
Usually we go Dutch when we eat out, but this time I paid for her food since it was her birthday.
32. Shell out money
This means you hand out money to pay for something. It uses “shell” in the sense of shelling peas from a pod.
I wish I hadn’t gotten that new car now that I’m shelling out $1,000 a month in payments.
33. Midas touch
This idiom comes from the story of King Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold. It’s used to say that someone is very successful in their business ventures and has an easy time making money.
Jane really has the Midas touch. Every business she starts becomes very successful.
34. Receive a kickback
If you receive a kickback, it means you are receiving money illegally, like a bribe.
The police chief was arrested after it was revealed that he was receiving kickbacks to ignore certain crimes.
35. Living hand to mouth
This means you’re barely earning enough to survive: any money that comes into your hand is immediately spent on food to put in your mouth.
The family has been living hand to mouth ever since their father lost his job.
36. To be loaded
If someone is loaded, it means they have a lot of money.
Billy paid his Harvard Law School tuition with cash. His family is loaded.
37. Make ends meet
This refers to making enough money to cover the necessities, like buying food and paying the bills.
I don’t make much from my job as a cashier, but I’m able to make ends meet.
38. As genuine as a three-dollar bill
This is an American idiom that is used to say something is fake. The U.S. never made three-dollar bills, so there’s no such thing as a genuine three-dollar bill.
Those supposed designer bags they sell on the street are as genuine as a three-dollar bill.
39. In the red
In a traditional ledger book, debits (losses) are noted in red ink. To be in the red is to lose more money than you make.
I’m in the red this month after paying that speeding ticket.
40. In the black
The opposite of being in the red is being in the black, which means that you’ve made more money than you spent.
After working a couple of small jobs over the weekend, I earned an extra $500 and am back in the black.
English Idioms with Body Parts
41. Eyeball it
Sometimes you don’t need an exact measurement: a rough estimate is good enough. When you estimate an amount of something based on how it looks, you can say you’re eyeballing it.
I’ve made this recipe often, so I didn’t bother to measure out a cup of rice; I just eyeballed it.
42. Rule of thumb
If you hear someone say as a rule of thumb, they mean that it’s a general, unwritten rule learned from experience, as opposed to exact guidelines.
As a rule of thumb, you should always pay for your date’s dinner.
43. Keep your chin up
If you’re having a hard time, a supportive friend might tell you to keep your chin up. This means they are encouraging you to stay positive and not let difficult circumstances get you down.
I know it’s hard having a sick family member, but keep your chin up.
44. Find your feet
If you find yourself in a new situation, like living in a new country and having to get used to a new college, you could say you need to find your feet. It means that you’re still adjusting and getting used to the new environment.
I only moved to France two months ago, so I’m still finding my feet.
45. Play it by ear
If someone says they’re playing it by ear, it means they’re responding to circumstances as they develop without having a plan, like a musician jamming without a musical score.
Don’t ask me where I see myself in five years. I’m playing life by ear.
46. Knuckle down
To knuckle down is to work hard or seriously at a task. If you tend to procrastinate, then you know when it’s time to do this.
My essay is due tomorrow morning! I have to knuckle down and get it done tonight.
English Idioms About Food
47. Spice things up
To spice things up means to make them more interesting or exciting.
Instead of just buying Sam a birthday gift, let’s spice things up by taking him out for dinner.
48. A piece of cake
A piece of cake refers to a task or job that’s easy to do, like eating a delicious piece of cake! If you don’t prefer cake, you can also say it’s easy as pie.
I expected the English test to be difficult, but it was a piece of cake.
49. Cool as a cucumber
Cucumbers have a refreshing taste and leave you with a cool, calm feeling. If you’re cool as a cucumber, you’re someone who’s very calm and relaxed.
My friend is nervous about taking his driving test, but I’m cool as a cucumber.
50. A couch potato
A couch potato refers to someone who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch, watching TV.
After my uncle retired from his job, he became a couch potato.
51. Bring home the bacon
To bring home the bacon means to make an income or earn a living to support your family.
Ever since her father was injured, she’s been working two jobs to bring home the bacon.
52. In hot water
When someone is in hot water, they’re in a bad situation or serious trouble.
Kevin is in hot water after committing tax fraud.
53. Compare apples and oranges
Apples are very different from oranges in both appearance and taste. This idiom is used to suggest that such different things are best considered for their own merits.
I’m not sure which I enjoy more—pottery or dancing. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.
54. Not one’s cup of tea
If something is not your cup of tea, it’s an activity you have no interest in, don’t do very well or don’t enjoy.
Camping is really not my cup of tea, so I’m going to visit my friend in New York instead.
55. Eat like a bird
How much does a bird eat? Not very much, right? To eat like a bird is to eat very little.
Don’t trouble yourself cooking such a big meal. I eat like a bird.
56. Eat like a horse
Now, a horse is much bigger than a bird. You’d be right to guess that to eat like a horse is to eat a lot.
My mother has to cook a lot of food when my brother comes to visit. He eats like a horse.
57. Butter someone up
To butter someone up is to flatter someone in order to win their favor.
I’m going to butter up my mom so she lets me hang out with my friends later.
58. Food for thought
Food for thought refers to something that’s worth thinking carefully about.
Your proposal gave us a lot of food for thought. We’ll get back to you with a decision in a few days.
59. A smart cookie
Here’s an easy one. A smart cookie is an intelligent person.
It shouldn’t be hard too hard for a smart cookie like you to learn Spanish.
60. Packed like sardines
Packed like sardines describes a place or situation that’s very crowded, such as a concert hall or sports event.
Were you at the football game last night? We were packed like sardines in the stadium.
61. Spill the beans
To spill the beans is to accidentally or prematurely give out information that’s supposed to be kept secret.
Owen spilled the beans to Joyce about her surprise party, so she knows what’s happening.
62. A bad apple
If you have a basket of apples and one of them is rotten, the rot can spread quickly to the rest. Idiomatically, a bad apple is a person who creates problems or is a bad influence on the other people in a group.
John’s the bad apple: he gets his friends to do dangerous and illegal things.
63. Bread and butter
Bread and butter are some of the most basic food items that one can live on. The idiom bread and butter refers to a job that makes the money you need to live and afford basic necessities like food, housing, etc.
Fishing is the bread and butter of the friendly people I met on the island last summer.
64. Buy a lemon
To buy a lemon means to buy something (usually a motor vehicle) that doesn’t work well and is therefore worthless.
The car looked so new and shiny. I had no way of knowing I was buying a lemon.
65. A hard nut to crack
Is it easy to crack open a nut? Well, a hard nut to crack refers to a person who’s difficult to get to know or get information out of. (Also appears as a tough nut to crack.)
I want to know what secret she’s hiding, but she’s a hard nut to crack.
66. Have a sweet tooth
Do you like eating cakes, candy and other sweet-tasting food? If you do, then you can say you have a sweet tooth.
I definitely have a sweet tooth: I need dessert every night.
English Idioms About Weather
67. Under the weather
If you’re feeling under the weather, you’re not your usual self and could be feeling a little sick.
I was feeling under the weather, so I called my work and told them I wasn’t coming in.
68. A storm is brewing
This idiom is used in anticipation of trouble. Usually it means there’s been some kind of sign that this trouble is coming.
She decided to go ahead with their wedding, even though all they’ve been doing lately is arguing. I can sense a storm is brewing.
69. Calm before the storm
The air may be still before a storm actually hits. To say there is a calm before the storm is basically saying that things may be peaceful now, but it won’t last.
They had a bit of a honeymoon phase, but that was just the calm before the storm.
70. Weather a storm
It’s not exactly enjoyable to sit through a storm, so it makes sense that this idiom refers to enduring something that is difficult.
They really had to weather the storm while they waited for more people to be hired to help.
71. When it rains, it pours
Bad luck tends to come in batches. This idiom illustrates the phenomenon with the idea that any rain will become a downpour.
First he was laid off, then his wife got into a car accident. When it rains, it pours.
72. Chasing rainbows
Have you ever tried to chase a rainbow? If you have, you know catching it is an impossible task. This is why someone pursuing a very difficult goal is said to be chasing rainbows.
He’s not very artistic, but he insists on being a professional painter. He’s always chasing rainbows.
73. Rain or shine
If you are dedicated to getting something done no matter what, you are willing to do it rain or shine. This is one of the rare idioms that’s also often used literally, for outdoor events that will take place whether it rains or not.
We’re having our soccer tournament tomorrow, rain or shine.
74. Under the sun
This idiom refers to everything on Earth and is usually used as part of a superlative.
Gili Trawangan must be one of the most beautiful islands under the sun.
75. Every cloud has a silver lining
A silver lining is the little bit of good that can be found in every situation, like sunlight peeking from behind a cloud.
Sure, you took the wrong trail, but you got to see a beautiful waterfall.Every cloud has a silver lining!
76. A rising tide lifts all boats
Boats of all sizes float at the same level: if the water rises, all the boats rise with it. Usually this idiom refers to how a stable economy often benefits everyone.
When the economy showed the first signs of recovering, everyone started investing and spending more. A rising tide lifts all boats.
English Idioms About Nature
77. Get into deep water
This idiom is pretty close to the literal meaning: being in deep water means you’re in a tricky situation that is hard to escape.
He got into deep water when he borrowed a lot of money from a loan shark.
78. Pour oil on troubled waters
If you pour oil into the sea, it has a calming effect on the waves. You shouldn’t do that in reality, but you can use this idiom to say that you’re trying to soothe the tension following an argument.
She hated seeing her two best friends arguing, so she got them together and poured oil on troubled waters.
79. Make waves
Much like dropping a stone into a pond to make ripples, to make waves is to cause trouble or change things in a dramatic way.
She likes to make waves with her creative marketing campaigns. They get a lot of attention from customers.
80. Go with the flow
To go with the flow is to allow things to happen and accept them as they are, like a leaf floating along on the surface of a river.
Just go with the flow and see what happens!
81. Lost at sea
Just as you’d be overwhelmed if you were stranded in the ocean, to be lost at sea is to feel unsure about what to do or that you don’t have any purpose or plan.
I feel lost at sea. I just don’t think this is the career path for me.
82. Sail close to the wind
This means to act just within the limits of what’s legally or socially acceptable. You may try to push boundaries and could sometimes cross the line.
A lot of people don’t like him because he sails too close to the wind.
83. Make a mountain out of a molehill
A molehill is very small, so if you act like it’s the size of a mountain, you are exaggerating the severity of the situation.
She shouted at him for being five minutes late. She really made a mountain out of a molehill.
84. Gain ground
If you’re gaining ground, you’re making good progress. This can mean physically crossing ground quickly, as in a race, or it can be figurative.
We’ve really gained a lot of ground in our group project, and I think we’ll finish on time.
85. Walking on air
Use this is you feel very excited or happy. “Over the moon,” “on cloud nine,” “in seventh heaven” and “in good spirits” are a few more expressions you can use to talk about happiness.
She’s been walking on air since she found out that she’s pregnant.
86. Once in a blue moon
A blue moon comes every two to three years, so saying that something happens once in a blue moon is saying that it happens very rarely.
She only comes to visit once in a blue moon.
87. Many moons ago
This is one of those English expressions that’s a little bit formal or dated. You’ll most likely hear it in stories, or when someone is trying to create a dramatic effect. It means that something happened a long time ago.
Many moons ago, we used to be two very close friends. Now we’ve gone separate ways and lost contact.
88. Castle in the sky
This one sounds a bit like something from a fairytale, which makes sense since it is a daydream or hope that’s not likely to come true. Building castles in the sky refers to fantasizing about an unrealistic future.
Seeing the world used to be a castle in the sky for most people, but globalization is helping people travel more easily.
89. Down to earth
To be down to earth is to be modest, practical, unassuming and unpretentious.
He’s my favorite professor; he’s so down to earth.
90. Salt of the earth
If you are the salt of the earth, you are a good and honest person.
My father is the salt of the earth. He works hard and always helps people who are in need.
91. The tip of the iceberg
The majority of an iceberg is below the surface of the water. If someone says something is the tip of the iceberg, it means that there’s a lot more going on than what’s immediately obvious.
Exceptionally long drought periods are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the global impact of climate change.
92. Break the ice
If you’re in a group of strangers, things can be a bit awkward, so you might need to ease the tension. This is when you’ll try to break the ice, or say something to loosen everybody up and attempt to make friends.
He made a weather joke to break the ice.
93. Bury your head in the sand
This one means that you’re trying to avoid a particular situation by pretending that it doesn’t exist. It refers to a popular myth that ostriches would stick their heads in the sand to “hide” when frightened.
Stop burying your head in the sand. You haven’t been happy with him for years, so why are you staying together?
94. Let the dust settle
This means you are allowing a situation to become calm after something exciting or unusual has happened.
You just received big news. Let the dust settle before you make any decisions.
95. Clear as mud
Mud is not a transparent substance, so this means that something is actually not clear at all.
He’s a great scientist, but I find his explanations in class are as clear as mud.
96. As cold as stone
Stones can be very cold. If you say that someone is just as cold, you’re saying that they are unemotional or not empathetic. Cold as ice has the same meaning.
She never smiles. She seems as cold as stone.
97. Between a rock and a hard place
This means that you are faced with a choice between two equally unsatisfactory options.
I can understand why she couldn’t make up her mind about what to do. She’s really between a rock and a hard place.
98. Nip something in the bud
This is to stop a bad situation from becoming worse by taking action at an early stage of its development.
Managers should know how to nip performance issues in the bud, or they’ll only get worse.
99. To hold out an olive branch
If you’re holding out an olive branch, you’re extending a hand of friendship and offering peace to a rival.
After years of rivalry with her cousin, she decided to hold out an olive branch and invite her to lunch.
100. Beat around the bush
This means you spend a long time getting to the main point of what you’re actually trying to say.
I don’t have much time, so stop beating around the bush and tell me what actually happened.
101. Out of the woods
This means the worst part of a difficult situation is over, and the end goal is in sight.
The surgery went very well, so he’s officially out of the woods. He just needs to recover now.
102. Can’t see the forest for the trees
This means someone is unable to see the whole situation clearly because they’re looking too closely at small details.
He’s worried about the flowers, but the rest of the wedding has been beautiful. He just can’t see the forest for the trees.
103. Barking up the wrong tree
This means that efforts have been put into something that won’t produce the desired outcome. Picture a dog barking to scare a squirrel out of a tree…but the squirrel is hiding in a different tree.
If you think she’s going to lend you money, you’re barking up the wrong tree. She never lends anyone anything.
How to Practice English Idioms
To learn idioms efficiently, it’s important to be exposed to native-spoken English as much as possible, whether it’s in person or virtually. Take any chance you can to try out a new idiom in conversation.
The next time you watch an English movie or TV show, write down any strange and funny expressions you hear so you can look them up later.
You can also search the language learning program FluentU for an idiom or a phrase, and you’ll see any videos that contain it.
FluentU’s video library contains English language content made by and for English speakers. This means you can learn how to actually use idioms from authentic videos like news clips, movie trailers, commercials and more.
The hover-over subtitles will also let you discover even more idioms and phrases naturally. You can add new words and sayings to your custom flashcard decks and study them later with FluentU’s personalized exercises.
The more comfortable you get using English idioms, the closer you get to reaching full English fluency!
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