Idioms word of the day

Idioms are expressions that have a meaning that isn’t immediately obvious from the words themselves. Every language has them, and fluent speakers use them casually without even thinking about them. But for young students or those learning English as a second language, these phrases can be really confusing. Use “Idiom of the Day” lessons with your class to help them learn these expressions and get comfortable using them.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most common English idioms, complete with meanings and examples. Share these Idiom of the Day images with your students to deepen their understanding and use of American English idioms in no time flat!

1. A fish out of water

Idiom of the day: A fish out of water

Meaning: Someone in an uncomfortable position or situation

Example: It was Allison’s first day at her new school, and she felt like a fish out of water.

2. Add insult to injury

Add insult to injury--idioms of the day

Meaning: Do something to make a bad situation worse

Example: Learning she failed her science test on the same day her best friend moved away added insult to injury.

3. All ears

All ears Meaning: Eager to listen to what someone has to say Example: The class was all ears when Ms. Ali mentioned a way to earn extra credit on the test.

Meaning: Eager to listen to what someone has to say

Example: The class was all ears when Ms. Ali mentioned a way to earn extra credit on the test.

4. Ants in your pants

Ants in your pants Meaning: Can’t sit still Example: “Stop wriggling while I’m braiding your hair!” Kehlani’s mom said. “You have ants in your pants this morning.”

Meaning: Can’t sit still

Example: “Stop wriggling while I’m braiding your hair!” Kehlani’s mom said. “You have ants in your pants this morning.”

5. Anything but

Idiom of the day: A fish out of water: Anything but

Meaning: Not at all

Example: When they heard about the pop quiz, the students were anything but excited.

6. Barking up the wrong tree

Barking up the wrong tree--idioms of the day

Meaning: To be looking for answers in the wrong place

Example: James thought Christopher was the one who broke the vase, but he was barking up the wrong tree.

7. Be a fly on the wall

Be a fly on the wall Meaning: To watch something happen without anyone knowing you’re there Example: Nico wished he could be a fly on the wall when his sister discovered the toad he’d left in her shoe!

Meaning: To watch something happen without anyone knowing you’re there

Example: Nico wished he could be a fly on the wall when his sister discovered the toad he’d left in her shoe!

8. Beat around the bush

Idiom of the day: Beat around the bush idioms examples

Meaning: To avoid saying what you mean, often because it would be difficult or uncomfortable

Example: Don’t beat around the bush. Just tell me why you can’t come to my birthday party on Friday.

9. Beef up

9. Beef up Meaning: To make something stronger Example: My teacher recommended I beef up my essay with stronger examples to support my main point.

Meaning: To make something stronger

Example: My teacher recommended I beef up my essay with stronger examples to support my main point.

10. Bigger fish to fry

Bigger fish to fry Meaning: More important things to do Example: Don’t waste my time with silly little things today. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Meaning: More important things to do

Example: Don’t waste my time with silly little things today. I’ve got bigger fish to fry.

11. Bite the bullet

Bite the bullet idioms examples

Meaning: To do something that’s uncomfortable or not fun and get it over with

Example: After putting it off for several days, Alex decided to bite the bullet and start work on the history project.

12. Break a leg

Meaning: Good luck! Often used in the theater before a play or performance. Example: Is your piano recital tonight? Well, break a leg!

Meaning: Good luck! Often used in the theater before a play or performance.

Example: Is your piano recital tonight? Well, break a leg!

13. Break the ice

Idiom of the day: Break the ice

Meaning: To do or say something that will make people feel more comfortable

Example: OK, since none of us have met before, let’s introduce ourselves and break the ice by sharing our favorite ice cream flavor.

14. Call it a day

Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working on something and plan to pick it up again later

Example: After working for three hours on her science fair project, Sofia decided to call it a day.

15. Chip off the old block

Chip off the old block Meaning: A person who is similar to a parent in some way Example: Kayden loves to play chess as much as his dad does. He’s a real chip off the old block.

Meaning: A person who is similar to a parent in some way

Example: Kayden loves to play chess as much as his dad does. He’s a real chip off the old block.

16. Costs an arm and a leg

Idiom of the day: Costs an arm and a leg

Meaning: To describe something that is very expensive

Example: A new PlayStation costs an arm and a leg, so you’d better start saving now if you want to buy one.

17. Cut somebody some slack

Cut somebody some slack

Meaning: To ease up on someone, to allow them some leeway or another chance

Example: Even though Jake was late with his English essay, Ms. Davis decided to cut him some slack since she knew he’d had the stomach flu.

18. Cutting corners

Cutting corners

Meaning: To do something quickly and badly in order to save time or money

Example: Liza cut corners on her math homework so she could watch TV, and ended up getting most of the answers wrong.

19. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Idiom of the day: Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning: Don’t depend on something before it’s happened

Example: I know you’re sure you’re going to get the lead in the spring play, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

20. Drop the ball

Drop the ball Meaning: To make a mistake Example: Aisha said she’d make the poster for our project, but she forgot. She really dropped the ball on this one.

Meaning: To make a mistake

Example: Aisha said she’d make the poster for our project, but she forgot. She really dropped the ball on this one.

21. Every cloud has a silver lining

Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: No matter how bad something seems, there’s usually a good side to it as well

Example: Jamal was disappointed that his soccer game was canceled, but it gave him time to go the movies with his friends, and his mom pointed out that every cloud has a silver lining.

22. Get out of hand

Idiom of the day: Get out of hand

Meaning: To become difficult to control

Example: Ms. Rodriguez told her students they could chat while they worked, as long as the noise level didn’t get out of hand.

23. Get something out of your system

Get something out of your system

Meaning: Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move on

Example: Mr. Patel knew his students were eager to try out the new playground equipment, so he told them to go ahead and get it out of their system before they started class.

24. Get your act together

Get your act together

Meaning: Behave properly, or organize your thoughts so you can do something successfully

Example: After the third time he was late to class, Connor’s teacher told him he needed to get his act together and start showing up on time.

25. Get your ducks in a row

Get your ducks in a row Meaning: To get things organized or make plans Example: I have so many things to get done today! I need to get my ducks in a row before I get started.

Meaning: To get things organized or make plans

Example: I have so many things to get done today! I need to get my ducks in a row before I get started.

26. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

Idiom of the day: Give someone the benefit of the doubt

Meaning: To trust what someone says, even if you’re not entirely sure what they’re saying is true

Example: Charlotte wasn’t sure Amelia was really late because she missed the bus, but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

27. Give someone the cold shoulder

Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning: To ignore someone, usually because you’re upset or angry with them

Example: Will and Jessica were mad at Emma, so they decided to give her the cold shoulder until she apologized.

28. Go back to the drawing board

Go back to the drawing board

Meaning: To start something over again with a completely new idea

Example: When her science experiment failed completely, Hailey knew it was time to go back to the drawing board.

29. Hang in there

Idiom of the day: Hang in there

Meaning: Don’t give up, keep on trying

Example: “I’m sorry you’re having a rough day,” Lucas told Olivia. “Hang in there. I’m sure things will be better tomorrow.”

30. Hit-or-miss

Hit-or-miss

Meaning: Something that might be good sometimes and bad other times

Example: Anna was a bit hit-or-miss when it came to remembering to take out the trash on Thursdays.

31. Hit the sack/hit the hay

Hit the sack idioms examples

Meaning: To go to bed

Example: “Nine o’clock!” said Mia’s dad. “It’s time to turn off the TV and hit the sack.”

32. Hold your horses

Hold your horses Meaning: Slow down, stop and think about what you’re doing Example: “Hold your horses!” their dad said. “You can’t go swimming until you put on sunscreen.”

Meaning: Slow down, stop and think about what you’re doing

Example: “Hold your horses!” their dad said. “You can’t go swimming until you put on sunscreen.”

33. It’s not rocket science

Idiom of the day: It's not rocket science idioms examples

Meaning: Used to describe something that isn’t complicated or difficult

Example: All you have to do is put the books back on the right shelf. It’s not rocket science!

34. It’s raining cats and dogs

It's raining cats and dogs

Meaning: To rain very hard

Example: I hope you brought your umbrella. It’s raining cats and dogs out there!

35. Let someone off the hook

Let someone off the hook

Meaning: To not hold someone responsible for something

Example: Logan was caught running in the hallway, but Ms. Walker let him off the hook because she knew he was late for the bus.

36. Miss the boat

Idiom of the day: Miss the boat

Meaning: To be too late for something that’s already started or is over

Example: Sarah wanted to join the lacrosse team, but she was too late to sign up and missed the boat.

37. On cloud nine

On cloud nine

Meaning: Extremely happy about something

Example: When Wyatt learned he’d gotten a perfect score on both his math and science tests, he was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.

38. On the ball

On the ball

Meaning: To be quick and alert, dealing with things right away

Example: Alice got all her homework done and practiced her clarinet before dinner. She’s really on the ball today!

39. On thin ice

On thin ice

Meaning: In a risky situation or position

Example: When Mrs. Chen had to ask Ava and Noah to stop talking for the fourth time that day, she warned them both that they were on thin ice.

40. Play it by ear

Play it by ear Meaning: To figure things out as you go Example: We didn’t get a schedule in advance, so we’ll just have to play it by ear as the day goes along.

Meaning: To figure things out as you go

Example: We didn’t get a schedule in advance, so we’ll just have to play it by ear as the day goes along.

41. Pull someone’s leg

Pull someone's leg

Meaning: To tease someone or try to fool them

Example: No, the cafeteria isn’t really giving away free ice cream. I was just pulling your leg!

42. Pull yourself together

Pull yourself together

Meaning: To calm yourself down when you’re very upset

Example: I know you’re upset that your team lost the game, but you need to pull yourself together and go congratulate the winners.

43. Second wind

Second wind

Meaning: A fresh burst of energy

Example: Quinn thought she was too tired to go to the party after playing soccer all afternoon, but then she got a second wind.

44. Spill the beans

Spill the beans

Meaning: To give away a secret

Example: Isabella’s surprise party was ruined when Sarah spilled the beans a few days before.

45. Take a rain check

Take a rain check

Meaning: To postpone a plan until another time

Example: I’d love to play basketball after school, but I’ve got to go home to mow the lawn. Can I take a rain check?

46. The ball is in your court

Idiom of the day: The ball is in your court

Meaning: The decision or next step is up to you

Example: Nick’s mom told him he could either join the basketball team or sign up for karate class, so he had to choose one. “The ball is in your court,” she said.

47. The early bird gets the worm

The early bird gets the worm

Meaning: Those who arrive first have the best chance for success or receive the best things

Example: Grayson and Jayden showed up to find the best seats in the room already taken. “The early bird gets the worm!” said Maya with a grin.

48. The elephant in the room

Idiom of the day: The elephant in the room

Meaning: A large, obvious issue or problem that people are avoiding mentioning or dealing with

Example: After waiting for Joseph to explain his bright green hair all through dinner, his mom finally decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.

49. The icing on the cake

The icing on the cake

Meaning: Something that makes a good situation even better

Example: The band was excited to learn they’d earned a place in the regional competition. Finding out it would take place at Disney World was the icing on the cake.

50. The last straw

Idiom of the day: The last straw idioms examples

Meaning: The last in a series of events that causes someone to run out of patience

Example: “That’s the last straw!” said Elena after her little brother’s ball landed in her cereal bowl. “Go play outside!”

51. The whole nine yards

The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything, all the way

Example: Grace and Nora went the whole nine yards to make sure Hannah’s birthday party was really special.

52. Through thick and thin

Idiom of the day: Through thick and thin

Meaning: When things are good and also when they’re bad

Example: Sophie and Chloe had been best friends since first grade, sticking together through thick and thin.

53. Time flies when you’re having fun

Time flies when you're having fun

Meaning: When you’re having a good time, you don’t notice how quickly the time is passing

Example: “Recess is over already?” said Ben. “I guess time flies when you’re having fun!”

54. To get bent out of shape

Idiom of the day: To get bent out of shape

Meaning: To get upset about something

Example: I didn’t mean to step on your foot—there’s no need to get bent out of shape about it.

55. To make a long story short

To make a long story short

Meaning: To give the basic facts about something instead of a long explanation

Example: To make a long story short, Liam tripped over his shoelace and that’s how he broke his wrist.

56. Under the weather

Idiom of the day: Under the weather idioms examples

Meaning: To be sick

Example: Miguel won’t be at the scout meeting today because he’s feeling a little under the weather.

57. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it

Meaning: If that problem comes up, we’ll deal with it then, not right now

Example: We might have a snow day on Monday, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

58. Wrap your head around something

Idiom of the day: Wrap your head around something

Meaning: To understand something complicated or surprising

Example: It’s hard to wrap your head around just how big the universe is.

59. You can say that again

Meaning: I completely agree with what you just said Example: "This pizza is the best food I ever ate!" exclaimed Mateo. "You can say that again!" Dylan agreed.

Meaning: I completely agree with what you just said

Example: “This pizza is the best food I ever ate!” exclaimed Mateo. “You can say that again!” Dylan agreed.

60. Your guess is as good as mine

Idiom of the day: our guess is as good as mine

Meaning: When you have no idea what the answer is to a question or problem

Example: “Do you know how to solve number four in our math homework?” Maria asked. “Your guess is as good as mine,” David replied, shrugging his shoulders.

What other idioms do you teach in your Idiom of the Day lessons? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus if you like this Idiom of the Day article, check out 13 puns and jokes only a true grammar nerd will get.

Idioms are expressions that don't always make sense literally. Use these examples in Idiom of the Day lessons for students.

Category: Idioms

Everyday English Idioms

July 18, 2015July 20, 2015wordofthedayfb

Today’s Idiom: “dog days of summer”

July 13, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Idiom of the day: IN A NUTSHELL

June 28, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Today’s English Idiom: a leopard can’t change his spots

June 27, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Today’s English Idiom: a house divided against itself cannot stand

June 26, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Today’s English Idiom: a fool and his money are easily parted

June 25, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Today’s English Idiom: a drop in the bucket

June 24, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Idiom: a doubting Thomas

June 23, 2015July 14, 2015wordofthedayfb

Idiom: a dime a dozen

If improving English is one of your resolutions for 2019, you are at the right place. Bookmark our site www.addicted2learn.com to read and learn Idiom every day.

Idiom of the day

Idiom of the day

And that’s a wrap for the month of May series. To continue reading Idioms for the month of June visit: Idioms Every day: June Series: Learn a new idiom every day


Idiom of the day: 31-05-2019

To mind (one’s) p’s and q’s

Meaning: To behave courteously and politely.

Example Sentence: Be sure to mind your p’s and q’s when you visit the parliamentarian next week.

Idiom the day: to mind (one's) p's and q's

Idiom of the day: to mind (one’s) p’s and q’s

30-05-2019

Ballpark figure

Meaning: The term ‘ballpark figure’ is used to describe an estimation of something; an estimation of a figure or number.

Example Sentence: That’s just a ballpark figure- the organizers don’t even know how many guests actually attended the event.

Idiom of the day: ballpark figure
Idiom of the day: ballpark figure

29-05-2019

Food for thought

Meaning: The term ‘food for thought’ may be used in context to say that one must consider thinking about something carefully and deeply.

Example Sentence: After reading and understanding the law of attraction, it gave me food for thought on how thoughts impact the quality of our life.

Idiom of the day: Food for thought
Idiom of the day: Food for thought

28-05-2019

Up to the mark

Meaning: The term ‘up to the mark’ is used to describe something that is good, excellent and meets or exceeds the standards or expectations.

Example Sentence: Tim’s performance in the grand-finale was up to the mark.

Idiom of the day: Up to the mark
Idiom of the day: Up to the mark

27-05-2019

a goody-goody

Meaning: The term ‘goody-goody’ is used to describe someone who behaves like an extremely well mannered and well behaved person in order to please the person in authority.

Example Sentence: Tim’s colleagues called him a goody-goody after he agreed to work overtime to please his manager.

a goody-goody
a goody-goody

26-05-2019

Straight talk

Meaning: The term ‘straight talk’ is used to describe a talk or discussion that is fair, frank and honest.

Example Sentence: The anchor is popular for his straight talk and engaging discussions with the guests.

straight talk
straight talk

25-05-2019

Step up (one’s) game

Meaning: To describe someone’s attempt to improve the skills, talents to perform better than anyone else

Example Sentence: Tim really needs to step up his game if he really wants to get selected and play for the National team.

Step up (one's) game
Step up (one’s) game

16-05-2019

On a silver platter

Meaning: Something that is delivered with ease to someone without any effort.

Example Sentence: Tim doesn’t need to apply for a job. His father has a huge business, he would get everything served on a silver platter.

Idiom of the day: On a silver platter
Idiom of the day: On a silver platter

15-05-2019

Dabble in (Something)

Meaning: To do something occasionally or as a hobby or interest.

Example Sentence: Kim only dabbled in photography since she always loved clicking pictures.

Idiom of the day: Dabble in (Something)
Idiom of the day: Dabble in (Something)

14-05-2019

Bossyboots

Meaning: Someone who is bossy and always tries to control the behavior of others.

Example Sentence: Everyone in the office hates Kim. She is such a bossy boots, always taking control of every activity in the office.

Idiom of the day: Boosyboots
Idiom of the day: Boosyboots

13-05-2019

as (gentle) as a lamb

Meaning: Used to describe someone who is caring, pleasant calm and composed.

Example Sentence: The lady at the childcare center was as gentle as lamb with the children.

Idiom of the day: as (gentle) as lamb
Idiom of the day: as (gentle) as lamb

12-05-2019

be like two peas in a pod

Meaning: Used to describe two people who have similar interests, thoughts, tastes, appearances, etc.

Example Sentence: Tim and Ted have the same sense of humor. They are exactly like two peas in a pod.

Idiom of the day: be like two peas in a pod
Idiom of the day: be like two peas in a pod

11-05-2019

To poke fun at someone

Meaning: To taunt, laugh or to make fun of someone to ridicule them.

Example Sentence: His friends poke fun at him because he cannot even ride a bicycle.

Idiom of the day: To poke fun at (someone)
Idiom of the day: To poke fun at (someone)

10-09-2019

Talk Turkey

Meaning: To talk something which is straight-forward and to the point.; To engage in some serious and worthy conversation.

Usage: We have to complete the project by the end of the week. So, instead of wasting time discussing the hurdles and difficulties, let’s talk turkey

Idiom of the day: Talk Turkey
Idiom of the day: Talk Turkey

09-05-2019

Kick the tires

Meaning: To test someone or something against a standard before taking a decision.

Usage: Ted is too smart. He doesn’t buy anything online quickly before he kicks the tires of something he wants to buy

Idiom of the day: Kick the tires
Idiom of the day: Kick the tires

08-05-2019

The Bee’s Knees

Meaning: Something that is extremely great and of a high-standard; Someone who is outstanding, excellent or great.

Usage: Hey you should try mango shake at this place. It’s truly the bee’s knees!

Idiom of the day: the Bee's Knees
Idiom of the day: the Bee’s Knees

07-05-2019

To have (something) at (ones) fingertips

Meaning: To have something within one’s reach; To have something handy; To carry something everywhere.

Example Sentence: I always have a dictionary at my fingertips, so that I can improve my vocabulary.

Idiom of the day: to have (something) at (one's) fingertips
Idiom of the day: to have (something) at (one’s) fingertips

06-05-2019

Through thick and thin

Meaning: To stay together under all circumstances no matter how difficult the situation is.

Example Sentence: Our pets – Kukkie and Mickey were with us through thick and thin. May God now grant them peace.

Idiom of the day: Through Thick and thin
Idiom of the day: Through Thick and thin

05-05-2019

to drink like a fish

Meaning: The term “to drink like a fish”, is used in a context to describe someone who takes alcohol frequently.

Usage: Tim really drank like a fish at Nikki’s engagement party last night.

Idiom of the day: to drink like fish

Idiom of the day: to drink like fish

04-05-2019

have the advantage of

Meaning: To have an advantageous or good opportunity in comparison to other people, situation or things.

Usage: I am confident about my job selection since I have the advantage of my work experience which is considered an important factor in the selection process.

Idiom of the day: Have the advantage of
Idiom of the day: Have the advantage of

03-05-2019

an eager beaver

Meaning: It is used in a context to describe someone who is industrious, hardworking, enthusiastic and eager to learn, adapt and work.

Example Sentence: Tim is such an eager beaver that he arrives to work an hour early.

Idiom of the day: an eager beaver

Idiom of the day: an eager beaver

02-05-2019

Psyched up

Meaning: It means mentally prepared and excited about something. It can also mean to describe the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm.

Example Sentence: Or team was actually a bit nervous but as our coach motivated, we psyched up to participate in the final football match.

Idiom of the day: Psyched up
Idiom of the day: Psyched up

01-05-2019

Brownie Points

Meaning: Appreciation that one earns for doing some good work

Example Sentence: You are going to get some brownie points from your manager for accepting his overtime tasks and duties.

Idiom of the day: Brownie points
Idiom of the day: Brownie pointsIdiom of the day

For April Vocabulary Series: Visit: Idiomatic Expressions: Learn a new idiom every day

We would like to thank our readers for showing us their commendable support. We have received emails from our lovely readers stating that they enjoyed learning new words every day. Some of them even stated saying that they started implementing it in their daily routine. With many requests from our readers, we have decided to start the same series for this month.

Some Tips to improve vocabulary:

  1. Learn new words every day
  2. Learning new words will not be sufficient, try to include those words in your daily conversations.
  3. Keep discussing those words with someone who is interested in vocabulary.
  4. Carry a dictionary. Wait, that doesn’t mean that you carry a huge bulky dictionary, You have many apps available on both android and ios platforms. Download them.
  5. Understand the root words. This will make your job easier.
  6. Use flashcards to memorize the new words.
  7. Read everyday
  8. Make a note of word that you don’t know and refer that in a dictionary.
  9.  And you can visit us and bookmark our site: www.addicted2learn.com to learn a new word every day.
  10. You can also find many apps that notify you of a new word every day.

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Word of the Day

wailful

Definition: Vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression.
Synonyms: lamenting

Idiom of the Day

shotgun house

(chiefly Southern United States slang) A one-story house in which each room is in a straight alignment with the others, connected by a continuous hallway running from the front to the back of the residence.

Today’s Holiday

Paul Bunyan Show

Paul Bunyan is the mythical hero of lumberjacks in the United States. Since 1952, the Paul Bunyan Festival, sponsored by the Ohio Forestry Association and Hocking College in Nelsonville, has focused on wood products and forestry conservation and is an opportunity for lumberjacks to test their skills. Teams of draft horses compete in a log-skidding contest—an operation that is performed today by heavy machines—and turn-of-the-century steam logging equipment is on display. The show gives visitors an opportunity to see both traditional and modern logging techniques in action.
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Quote of the Day

Virtue never has been as respectable as money.
Mark Twain
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Word Trivia

Today’s topic: terrier

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Dobermann, pinscher — Dobermanns are named for German dog breeder Ludwig Dobermann; pinscher means «terrier» in German. More…

Jack Russell — A type of terrier—not recognized as a distinct breed— named for the Rev. John Russell (1795-1883) of Devonshire. More…


Date: October 7, 2022

To Have The Time Of One’s Life

To have the time of one’s life simply means to have a really good time. A very enjoyable experience.

Example Sentence:

“I had the time of my life backpacking Europe. I would recommend that experience to everyone.”


Date: October 6, 2022

To Paint The Town Red

To paint the town red means to go downtown and have a good time. It usually refers to going to bars or restaurants. Usually, drinking alcohol and dancing are involved.

Example Sentence:

“Hey Tom, do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Well, we had such a successful work week that we plan to go out and paint the town red this weekend!”


Date: October 5, 2022

Jet Black

The expression jet black is used to describe the darkest shade of black. Something that is very, very black.

Example Sentence:

I love this car, do you think they have it in jet black?”


Date: October 4, 2022

To Be Bull-Headed

When a person is stubborn and unwilling to change, we say that they are being bull-headed. It means that they are unflexible.

Example Sentence:

“Have fun trying to convince Paul, I am afraid you will not have much success. He can be so bull-headed. Once he has made up his mind about something, no one is going to be able to change it.


Date: October 3, 2022

To Pull The Rug Out From Under Someone’s Feet

To pull the rug out from under someone means that someone has suddenly stopped offering support or help to that person. Usually, it conveys the idea of doing so without warning.

Example Sentence:

“I feel like someone has just pulled the rug from under my feet. I have no support and the deadline is coming up quickly.


Date: October 2, 2022

To Pig Out

When a person eats too much we say that they are pigging out. By saying that we are saying that they are making a pig out of themselves.

Example Sentence:

“I don’t want to pig out on all of this food, but everything looks amazing. Plus, barbeque ribs are my favorite.”


Date: October 1, 2022

To Scratch One’s Head About Something

To scratch, one’s head about something means that a person is puzzled or confused about something to the point that they are scratching their head trying to think of a solution. A situation can also be called a head-scratcher meaning that it is a confusing situation or that it is a difficult problem to solve.

Example Sentence:

“Here I am scratching my head about what Tom did. Why did he do that? What was he thinking? I am so confused.”


Date: September 30, 2022

To Be In A Flutter

When a person is very nervous or confused, we say that they are in a flutter.

Example Sentence:

That meeting wasn’t very productive. Everyone talking at the same time got me in a flutter. I am so confused. Are we going to start this project this quarter or are we going to wait? What was the final decision?”


Date: September 29, 2022

To Have A Ray Of Hope

We can say that one has a ray of hope when we see a sign that things are going to get better in a difficult situation.

Example Sentence:

“I am not sure how we are going to win, our only ray of hope is our starting quarterback. However, he can bring us back for the win!”


Date: September 28, 2022

To Pay Someone Under The Table

To pay someone under the table means to give them money in a way that the employer avoids paying taxes.

Example Sentence:

“I can’t legally work in this country, so I will need to find someone who can pay me under the table.”


Date: September 27, 2022

To Force Someone’s Hand

To force someone’s hand means to push them or to encourage them to do something that normally, they wouldn’t be inclined to do.

Example Sentence:

“I don’t think dad will want to go to the theme part, but I think if we force his hand a little, we can get him to come with us.”


Date: September 26, 2022

A Whole Different Ball Of Wax

A whole different ball of wax is used to describe something that is completely different from something else, perhaps what a person is used to.

Example Sentence:

“Perhaps you know a thing or two about computer programming, but this type of work is a whole different ball of wax.”


Date: September 25, 2022

To Drape (Someone or Something) With Something

To drape someone with something means to completely cover them with something.

Example Sentence:

“Before we painted the living room, they draped the couch with a sheet.”


Date: September 24, 2022

To Be A Two-Way Street

A situation in which both sides need to put forth an equal amount of work to achieve the desired results.

Example Sentence:

“Well, marriage is a two-way street. Both the husband and the wife need to work hard to make it work.”


Date: September 23, 2022

To Be As Clean As A Whistle

To be as clean as a whistle means to be extremely clean.

Example Sentence:

“I don’t think he was playing in the mud. His pants are as clean as a whistle.”


Date: September 22, 2022

To Be A Guinea Pig

A guinea pig is a person that is used in an experiment.

Example Sentence:

“Mary used her children as guinea pigs to try out her new cookie recipe. It was a success!”


Date: September 21, 2022

The Elephant In The Room

A serious problem that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to talk about is the elephant in the room.

Example Sentence:

“Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Why is dad’s car not in the driveway? What happened to his car?”


Date: September 20, 2022

To Be In The Same Boat

When two people are in the same situation, we say that they are in the same boat.

Example Sentence:

“If you don’t do your homework, you will be in the same boat as Andrew. He is struggling to pass his tests.”


Date: September 19, 2022

To Be As Strong As A Lion

We say that a person is as strong as a lion to express that they are either really strong or that they are in really good physical condition.

Example Sentence:

“Harry is as strong as a lion, no one can beat him at arm wrestling.”


Date: September 18, 2022

To Be A Class Clown

A person that is said to be a class clown is a student who acts silly in class in order to receive laughs from his fellow students.

Example Sentence:

“Tony’s teacher called me today. She said that lately, he has been acting like a class clown. He won’t listen to anything his teacher says.


Date: September 17, 2022

To See Eye To Eye

To see eye to eye with someone means to agree with them or to share the same opinion about something.

Example Sentence:

“I tried to talk to Tony, but it seems like we can’t see eye to eye on anything. He likes to do things his way I guess”


Date: September 16, 2022

Run Like The Wind

To run like the wind refers to someone that runs really quickly.

Example Sentence:

“Run like the wind, Jerry! You can win this race!”


Date: September 15, 2022

To Be On Cloud Nine

When someone says that a person is on cloud nine, they are saying that that person is extremely happy.

Example Sentence:

“Wow, Anne is in a really good mood today.”

“Yes, she is on cloud nine today, because tomorrow she goes on vacation for two weeks.”


Date: September 14, 2022

It Takes Two To Tango

When a wrong is committed it is very rare that only one person is at fault, but rather it takes two to tango, in other words, usually, both people involved are responsible.

Example Sentence:

“Josh has been getting into a lot of fights at school. The teacher talked to me about it, but I told her it takes two to tango. He can’t be the only one at fault.”


Date: September 13, 2022

To Be Off One’s Rocker

When someone says that a person is off their rocker, they are saying that that person is crazy or mentally unsound.

Example Sentence:

“I think Jack’s grandma is a little off her rocker. Yesterday, she called me and asked me if I delivered her mail. I am not even a mailman.


Date: September 12, 2022

Live and Learn

We say live and learn when referring to learning from past mistakes or experiences.

Example Sentence:

“I knew I shouldn’t have invested in his company. I had a feeling it was going to go under. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. The next time, I will try to follow my gut instincts.”


Date: September 11, 2022

To Take A Raincheck

When someone says they want to take a rain check, it means they want to postpone an offer or an invitation for a later date.

Example Sentence:

“Im sorry, but I am busy this weekend. Can I take a rain check? Can we have dinner together next weekend?


Date: September 10, 2022

Live and Learn

We say live and learn when referring to learning from past mistakes or experiences.

Example Sentence:

“I knew I shouldn’t have invested in his company. I had a feeling it was going to go under. Oh well. Live and learn I guess. The next time, I will try to follow my gut instincts.”


Date: September 9, 2022

To Give Someone The Cold Shoulder

To give someone the cold shoulder means to ignore them for something they did to you that upset you. To snub them.

Example Sentence:

“Did I do something to upset you? I feel like you have been giving me the cold shoulder all day today.”


Date: September 8, 2022

“Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk”

Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that happened and you can’t do anything to change it now.

Example Sentence:

“I know you are pretty upset about losing the football game, but don’t cry over spilled milk. The best thing you can do now is prepare well the next game.”


Date: September 7, 2022

“Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk”

Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that happened and you can’t do anything to change it now.

Example Sentence:

“I know you are pretty upset about losing the football game, but don’t cry over spilled milk. The best thing you can do now is prepare well for the upcoming game.”


Date: September 6, 2022

To Bite Off More Than One Can Chew

Meaning: To take on more responsibility than one can handle. It can also be used to refer to someone who is overconfident.

Example Sentence:

“By taking on this new project, I think I bit off more than I can chew. I am swamped! I need to see if someone else can give me a hand.”


Date: September 5, 2022

To Be As Blind As A Bat

Meaning: Used to refer to someone that is not able to see very well.

Example Sentence:

“Steve is as blind as a bat. He didn’t even see the ball coming his way. We need someone else to play first base.”


Date: September 4, 2022

To End On A Sour Note

Meaning: To conclude something with bad news.

Example Sentence:

“The meeting ended on a sour note when the CEO announced that over the next 6 months, they will be letting go of 100 employees.”


Date: September 3, 2022

A Race Against Time

Meaning: To try to do something in a very short amount of time.

Example Sentence:

“It was a race against time, but I finished my homework 2 hours before it was due.


Date: September 2, 2022

To Be Under The Weather

Meaning: a nice way to say that someone isn’t feeling good.

Example Sentence:

“We missed seeing Judy? Is she okay?

“She is feeling a bit under the weather, so she decided to stay home tonight, but she will be here next week. Thank you for asking.


Date: September 1, 2022

It’s a piece of cake

Meaning: Saying that something is a piece of cake means that it is extremely easy to do.

Example Sentence:

“How do you like your new job?”

“I love it! It is a piece of cake”

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