One word idioms list

Most Common Idioms and Phrases PDF! An idiom is a combination of words or a phrase, which has a proper meaning but this combination does not make a literal meaning (word by word meaning). Common idioms Or we can say if we try to translate an idiom word by word its meaning will be different.

For example A white elephant – which means a Useless person or a person having no benefit. But if we try to translate it word by word it would become an elephant of white color.

The most Common Idioms List:

1. A bone of contention: Reason of Conflict

This land is a bone of contention among the brothers.

2. Bear out: confirm

He will bear out my honesty.

3. Break out: Blow up

War broke out between India and China.

Most common Idioms with Meaning and Sentences – Video

Idioms	Meaning	Phrases
1.       A bone of contention	Reason of Conflict	This land is a bone of contention among the brothers.
2.       Above Board	Honest and fair	His Honesty is above board.
3.       A Birds Eye View	Overview	You can get a birds-eye view of the city from the hills.
4.       A curtain lecture	Wife conflict with husband	His wife often gives him a curtain lecture.
5.       A far cry	Far away	It is a far cry from here to Karachi
6.       A jailbird	convicted criminal	He is a jailbird and does not care for the law.
7.       A red-letter day	Good day	Fourteen August (Pakistan Independence Day) is a red-letter day for us.
8.       A white elephant	Useless with no benefit	This old car is a wild elephant for me
9.       A wild goose chase	No gain	To pass BA examination without effort is a wild goose chase.
10.   All and sundry	Everyone	All and sundry were invited to the party.

A Long List of Essential Idioms in English

Idioms	Meaning	Examples
11.   All at sea	Worried	He was all at sea and could not answer a single question.
12.   All in all	All things considered	A principle is all in all in college.
13.   An ax to grind	Private purpose	Asim will help you only when he has an ax to grind.
14.   An eyewash	Cheating	Her tears were nothing but an eyewash.
15.   Animal spirits	Full of cheers	The actor was full of animal spirits.
16.   At daggers drawn	Conflictions	The two friends are at dagger dawn these days.
17.   At sixes and seven	Without  proper arrangement	His books were lying at six and seven.
18.   At a stone through	Near	Our house is a stone through from Salma’s.
19.   Back out	U-turn	He promised to help me but know he has backed out.
20.   Back up	Care for	We back up the rights of Kashmiris.

 Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Idioms	Meaning	Examples
21.   Bag and baggage	With everything they have	He left the city bag and baggage.
22.   Bear out	Confirm	He will bear out my honesty.
23.   Beat about the bush	Rubbish talking	Do not beat about the bush come to point.
24.   Better half	Wife	Salma is my better half.
25.   Bird of passage	Vagabond	He does not stop at one place, he is a bird of passage.
26.   Birds of features	Same thoughts	Birds of feature flick together.
27.   Black sheep	Fake actors	Get rid of black sheep if you want to succeed.
28.   Bluestocking	Women fond of studying	She is a bluestocking lady of our family.
29.   Bone of contention	Reason of conflict	This land is a bone of contention among them.
30.   Bosom Friend	True friend	Aslam is my bosom friend.

Most Frequently Used English Idioms

Idioms	Meaning	Examples
31.   Bread and butter	Income	He works hard to earn his bread and butter
32.   Break out	Blow up	War broke out between India and China.
33.   Bring to book	Take to task	The criminal must be brought to book.
34.   Bring to light	Reveal	His crimes were brought to light
35.   Burn the midnight oil	Great hard work	He burnt the midnight oil and got success.
36.   Burn the candle at both ends	Consume uselessly	He burnt the candle at both ends and soon came to grief.
37.   Bury the hatchet	End up fight	Let us bury the hatchet and be friends again.
38.   By and by	Slowly slowly	By and by, she will recover.
39.   By and large	Totally	By and large, he is going well.
40.   Capital punishment	Sentence of death	The terrorist was given capital punishment.

American English Idioms

Idioms	Meaning	Examples
41.   Carry the day	Be successful	Our hockey team carried the day.
42.   Cat and dog life	Always in a fight	The husband and wife are leading a cat and dog life.
43.   Cat’s paw	Instrument	He is a cat’s paw in the hands of his wife.
44.   Cheeks by jowl	Close	The two friends were sitting cheeks by jowl.
45.   Cold-blooded murder	Cruel murder	Everybody lamented her cold-blooded murder.
46.   Cocks and bull story	Fake story	I could not believe her cocks and bull story.
47.   Chicken hearted fellow	Coward man	He proved a chicken-hearted fellow in the fight.
48.   Come of	Have a relation to	He comes of a very noble family.
49.   Come off	Happens	Her marriage will come off next month.
50.   Crocodile tears	Fake tears	She shed crocodile tears before her husband.

Idioms With Their Meaning

Idioms	Meaning	Examples
51.   Cut a sorry figure	Apologetic	He cut a sorry figure in the debate.
52.   Cut and dried	Clear and well planned	There are no cut and dried rules in this office.
53.   Cut to quick	Hurt someone feeling	His insulting remarks cut her to the quick.
54.   Darkhorse	Hidden gem	He proved a dark horse in the election.
55.   Dead letter	Ended law	This law now has become a dead letter.
56.   Die in harness	Killed in effort	The poor worker died in harness.
57.   Do away with	End something	He did away with his weakness in English.
58.   Dog in manger	One who creates a disturbance	Selfish people follow a dog in the manger’s policy.
59.   Drawn game	Equal play	The two teams played a drawn game.
60.   Face the music	Will bear	If you fail you have to face the music.
61.   Fall foul of	Having a fight	We should not fall foul of someone.

Infographics (Most common Idioms and Phrases)

Most Common Idioms and Phrases PDF

About The Author

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Once in a blue moon
   Meaning: Not very often
   Example: I visit her place once in a blue moon.
3. Call a spade a spade
   Meaning: Talking frankly
   Example: I will not lie about it and call a spade a spade.
4. 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.
5. Jam on the brakes
   Meaning: Press brakes of a vehicle suddenly
   Example: I had to jam on the brakes when I saw the deer.
6. Notch up
   Meaning: To win or create a record
   Example: One Direction notched up the finale with their amazing voice!
7. 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.
8. Knee Jerk Reaction
   Meaning: A quick response
   Example: The statement was just a knee jerk reaction.
9. Once bitten, twice shy
   Meaning: Afraid of doing something again
   Example: Once bitten twice shy, he can’t ski.
10. Forty winks
    Meaning: A short nap
    Example: I will be just in for forty winks, I promise.
11. Up for grabs
    Meaning: Available for everyone
    Example: This pizza slice is up for grabs!
12. Old as the hills
    Meaning: Someone very old
    Example: The man looks as old as the hills.
13. Back to square one
    Meaning: Start all over again
    Example: Your mistake brought us back to square one.
14. Round the bend
    Meaning: Crazy
    Example: My neighbour is round the bend, don’t try to mess with her.
15. Against the clock
    Meaning: Rushed
    Example: I have to hurry for the meeting, I am against the clock.
16. Black and blue
    Meaning: Something bruised
    Example: What happened? Your eyes look black and blue.
17. Have the blues
    Meaning: Sad
    Example: After meeting her, I am feeling the blues.
18. Be glad to see the back of
    Meaning: Happy when someone leaves
    Example: Tomorrow, I will be glad to see the back of her.
19. Black out
    Meaning: Faint
    Example: I blacked out after two drinks.
20. 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:

1. 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
2.  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.
3.  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. 
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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.
13.  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
14. 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.
15. 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
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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. 
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. Miss the boat/ bus
    Meaning: To miss an opportunity
    Example: He missed the boat when he did not apply for the job in time. 
26. 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. 
27. 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.
28. 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?
29. 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
30.  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

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.

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

1. A hot potato

Meaning: A difficult task or something difficult to deal

Example: Learning how to drive a car is not a hot potato.

1. 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. 

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Back to the drawing board

Meaning: Starting something again.

Example: We loss this match, but now we are back to the drawing board.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Beat around the bush

Meaning: Not speaking directly about the issue.

Example: Tell your problem don’t beat around the bush.

1. 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. 

1. Best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: A good plan or idea

Example: I prefer your idea. It’s the best thing since sliced bread.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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. 

1. 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.

1. Curiosity killed the cat

 Meaning: Being too curious can get you into trouble.

 Example: Don’t ask about his divorce-curiosity killed the cat!

1. 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.

1. Cut the mustard

Meaning: Perform satisfactorily; to succeed.

Example: We need a better catcher; this one just doesn’t cut the mustard.

1. 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.

1. Devil’s advocate

Meaning: To present a counter argument

Example: The professor always played devil’s advocate to provoke discussion in the classroom.

1. 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!

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Keep something at bay

Meaning: Keep something away

Example: A good way to keep your anxiety at bay is through meditation.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Last straw

Meaning: The last problem in a series of problems

Example: This is the last straw. I’m calling the police.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Live on the breadline

Meaning: Having very little income.

Example: The war in Kashmir caused many natives live on the breadline.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Mean business

Meaning: Being serious about what you announce.

Example: We mean business when we posted announcement on the internet site.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. Miss the boat

Meaning: To miss out on something.

Example: Pay attention, John, or you’ll miss the boat and never learn algebra.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. On the ball

Meaning: When someone understands a situation well; attentive.

Example: If you were on the ball, this wouldn’t have happened.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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. 

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Sink your teeth into

Meaning: Do something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Example: Robin immediately sank his teeth into his new job.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.  

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Zero in on something

Meaning: Focus all attention onto one thing

Example: The teacher immediately zeroed in on the weaker students of the class.

Break the ice

Meaning: To get the conversation going. Provide a conversation prompt.

Example: Starting class with a joke or subjects students like will help to break the ice.

A dime a dozen

Meaning: Very common: quite ordinary

Example: I thought it was something special but it turns out they’re a dime a dozen.

Beat around the bush

Meaning: To avoid saying something

Example: Don’t beat around the bush. Just tell me what happened.

Back against the wall

Meaning: Forced to do something that you would rather not.

Example: I really don’t want to do this but my back is against the wall.

Bite the bullet

Meaning: Doing something you don’t want to but also expressing that you’re making a proactive choice.

Example: I’m going to go ahead and bite the bullet rather than waiting around.

Wrap one’s head around something

Meaning: To understand something that may take a bit of time and effort.

Example: That’s really complicated. It’s going to take a moment to wrap my head around that.

Under the weather

Meaning: Sick. Typically used to describe minor illnesses like a cold.

Example: Sorry I’m feeling a bit under the weather and won’t be able to come in today.

Better late than never

Meaning: Describes things that are better done than not, even if it takes a long time.

Example: I went back to college at 30 years old and figured better late than never.

Cut corners

Meaning: To skip steps or not do things completely.

Example: This is an important project so don’t cut any corners on this one.

Get out of hand

Meaning: When a situation gets out of control.

Example: I meant to just have a small party but too many people came and it quickly got out of hand.

A snowball effect

Meaning: Something that can continue to get more and more out of control

Example: I just invited a couple of people over but there was a bit of a snowball effect and now there’s a giant party at my house.

We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it

Meaning: Let’s avoid addressing the problem until later on.

Example: We won’t find out until next month so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

To cut someone some slack

Meaning: To not manage someone very strictly or to not be critical.

Example: Cut me some slack. I’m trying.

To be hard on someone

Meaning: To criticize or to manage someone very strictly.

Example: You don’t have to be so hard on your employees to be successful.

Get something out of one’s system

Meaning: To do something you really want to and have been waiting to.

Example: I really want to go to karaoke, sing a few songs and just get it out of my system.

Burn bridges

Meaning: To do something or anger someone to where you cannot go back to how things were and cannot expect help in the future.

Example: Don’t burn bridges with your employer. You may need their help in the future.

Sell like hotcakes

Meaning: To sell very quickly or be in high demand.

Example: I didn’t think my crafts would be that popular but they’re selling like hotcakes.

Fish out of water

Meaning: To be in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable place.

Example: I don’t want to change schools and be a fish out of water.

Step up one’s game

Meaning: To work harder or perform better.

Example: You need to step up your game if you want a promotion this year.

Your guess is as good as mine

Meaning: I don’t know either.

Example: I haven’t found out anything so your guess is as good as mine.

Leave out in the cold

Meaning: To be ignored or not considered.

Example: Not being invited to any of the meetings lately has me feeling left out in the cold.

Keep an ear to the ground

Meaning: To listen for new information.

Example: I’ll keep an ear to the ground for any updates on the project.

Up in arms

Meaning: To be angry or overreact.

Example: Don’t get up in arms. I’m just telling you what happened.

Run around in circles

Meaning: To put effort into something while making little or no progress.

Example: My boss has me running around in circles with unnecessary tasks that aren’t getting us anywhere.

Scrape the barrel

Meaning: To make choices you don’t want to or normally wouldn’t.

Example: They’re not great but I was really scraping the barrel to find something.

Blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad but provides some benefit.

Example: I hated that assignment but it was a blessing in disguise since it taught me things that I use for the job I have now.

Having an Ace up the sleeve

Meaning: To have a hidden or untold advantage.

Example: I thought he was definitely going to lose but he had an ace up his sleeve and caught up in points.

Buy it

Meaning: To believe something.

Example: That guy told me he’s related to the president but I don’t buy it.

Hook line and sinker

Meaning: To be deceived completely.

Example: I told him that I would pay him $1,000,000 and he bought it hook line and sinker.

Piece of cake

Meaning: Very Easy.

Example: Winning the game is a piece of cake once you understand how to play.

Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rare.

Example: She doesn’t like it here and only comes once in a blue moon.

On the line

Meaning: To risk something or have something at risk.

Example: I invested my life savings in this business and have everything on the line.

A quick buck

Meaning: An easy way to make money quickly.

Example: Translation work is kind of boring for me but it’s a quick buck.

Sights set on | Set sights on

Meaning: To desire something or to make a goal.

Example: I have my sights set on going to France next year. | I set my sights on going to France next year.

Add fuel to the fire

Meaning: To make a situation worse.

Example: You should wait until later to say something. Sometimes arguing just adds fuel to the fire.

Bone to pick

Meaning: To be angry about something and want to discuss it.

Example: You might not think you did anything wrong but I have a bone to pick with you about that.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: To do extra work or put in extra effort.

Example: She went the extra mile and got our seats upgraded even though she didn’t have to.

Hang in there

Meaning: To not give up.

Example: I know things are hard but hang in there.

Down for the count

Meaning: To give up or not be able to keep going.

Example: I tried everything and it took so much out of me. I’m down for the count on this one.

Rest on your laurels

Meaning: To stop trying as hard because of your past achievements.

Example: The work still isn’t finished and things are just going to get more difficult. This is no time to rest on your laurels.

Give it a whirl

Meaning: To try something.

Example: I’m willing to give it a whirl even though I’ve never done it before.

It’s not rocket science

Meaning: It’s not as difficult as you might think.

Example: Of course, I figured it out. It’s not rocket science.

Get bent out of shape

Meaning: To get upset at times when others don’t think you should.

Example: Hey it’s just a joke. Don’t get bent out of shape.

Spill the beans

Meaning: To tell a secret.

Example: I already know you did it. Your best friend spilled the beans.

Sit on the fence

Meaning: To be undecided.

Example: I’m still sitting on the fence about whether I’m going to buy that car.

Don’t cry over spilled milk/ No use in crying over spilled milk

Meaning: What has already happened cannot be undone so you shouldn’t cry but you should think of what to do going forward.

Example: I know it wasn’t your fault but there’s no use in crying over spilled milk. Think of what you’re going to do next.

Fair and square

Meaning: To do things in a fair way with no advantages given to either side.

Example: No do-overs. I won fair and square.

Straight from the horse’s mouth

Meaning: To hear information directly from the person involved.

Example: I already know the truth. I heard straight from the horse’s mouth.

Bigger fish to fry

Meaning: There is something more important to take care of.

Example: I can’t think about that right now. I have bigger fish to fry.

At face value

Meaning: As something seems or as one claims it to be.

Example: Don’t take what he says at face value. He’s been known to lie.

Read between the lines

Meaning: To look for the real meaning when something is said.

Example: I don’t just listen to what people tell me. I know how to read between the lines.

Wild goose chase

Meaning: To waste time trying to do something you cannot.

Example: My mom sent me on a wild goose chase trying to find things that aren’t available anywhere.

Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working.

Example: Hey let’s go home. It’s time to call it a day.

Chip off the old block

Meaning: To be similar to one’s parents in one way or overall.

Example: She’s a really higher achiever like her mom. A real chip off the old block.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Meaning: Similar to one’s parents. This is used at the time when you observe that someone is doing something their parents would.

Example: Of course, he got into Harvard. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

In for a penny in for a pound

Meaning: To make sure a task is complete no matter what once someone has spent any effort or money towards the goal.

Example: I’m in for a penny in for a pound on this one. I’ve already spent seven hours getting this project off the ground.

By the skin of one’s teeth

Meaning: To barely get something done.

Example: I passed that test by the skin of my teeth with a 61/100.

Draw the line

Meaning: To decide on a stopping past which you will not let something continue.

Example: I’m going to have to draw the line here. I can’t do any more work until you pay your balance.

To not see/to lose the forest for the trees

Meaning: To fixate on trivial details to the point of ignoring the overall meaning or more important facts.

Example: Don’t lose the forest for the trees here. The first few questions are only worth one point each so make sure you leave enough time for the open-ended questions.

Penny wise and pound foolish

Meaning: To worry about or obsess over unimportant details while ignoring the important ones.

Example: He did every homework assignment but didn’t submit his major project. Absolutely penny wise and pound foolish.

Cry wolf

Meaning: To ask for help or attention by lying about a situation.

Example: If you keep crying wolf, nobody is going to help you when you really need it.

Play devil’s advocate

Meaning: To present the other side or both sides of an argument.

Example: I just need you to support me, not to keep trying to play devil’s advocate.

On thin ice

Meaning: In a dangerous or risky situation with much margin for error.

Example: I used 9 out of my 10 absences so my teacher told me I’m on thin ice.

The best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: Really, really good.

Example: The iPhone was the best thing since sliced bread. It really changed the world.

Take it with a pinch of salt

Meaning: Don’t believe it to be 100% true.

Example: He lies a lot so take what he says with a pinch of salt.

The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything to the greatest extent.

Example: I want everything on the menu. Appetizers, entrees, desserts, the whole nine yards.

Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: To take on a task that is more difficult than you can handle.

Example: I regret agreeing to cook dinner for 100 people. I really bit off more than I could chew.

A second wind

Meaning: To have more energy or more appetite after being tired or full.

Example: I was completely full but once the dessert came, I had a second wind.

Play it by ear

Meaning: To improvise or wait for more information to come to a decision.

Example: I can’t decide on what to do until I know what my manager’s decision will be so I have to play it by ear.

Put something on ice

Meaning: To stop progress on something or put it on hold.

Example: Hey I need you to work on this project that’s due today so you’re going to have to put what you’re doing on ice.

24/7

Meaning: All the time, always. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Example: I didn’t invite him to my party because he’s in medical school and studying 24/7.

Lose one’s touch

Meaning: To not be as good at something as one used to be.

Example: It took me 10 tries to get a basket. I’m really losing my touch.

Sit tight

Meaning: Please wait patiently.

Example: Hey I still have a few tasks to do before I can head out to dinner so sit tight and I’ll be there soon.

Twist my arm

Meaning: To convince someone with persistence.

Example: Alright I wasn’t planning on buying a new car today but you twisted my arm. I’ll take it.

Turn a deaf ear

Meaning: To ignore someone.

Example: I could really use some help but everyone around me has turned a deaf ear.

Hit the books

Meaning: To study (more often used to imply studying hard)

Example: Final exams are coming up and I need a high score to maintain my A. I’m going to hit the books hard today.

Cold turkey

Meaning: To quit suddenly rather than gradually.

Example: If I start playing video games at all, I won’t stop for hours so I had to quit cold turkey.

Go down in flames

Meaning: To fail suddenly and severely.

Example: A couple of scandals after her debut caused her career to go down in flames.

Pitch in

Meaning: To put in effort or to make a contribution.

Example: It’s a lot of work but if everyone pitches in, we’ll be done in no time.

Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get directly to the point.

Example: I’m in a rush so I need you to cut to the chase and just tell me what the problem is.

Off the table

Meaning: Unavailable, the offer has been revoked.

Example: If your offer is still on the table, I’d like to accept the job.

Ship has sailed

Meaning: It is too late for the opportunity. You waited too long for the opportunity and it is no longer available.

Example: You waited too long and the job isn’t available anymore. That ship has sailed so keep looking.

Blow off steam

Meaning: To do fun activities to help relieve stress.

Example: I had a long day at work and went to the batting cages to blow off some steam.

Come rain or shine

Meaning: No matter what.

Example: I promise, come rain or shine, I’ll be at your graduation. You can count on it.

See eye to eye

Meaning: To agree, compromise or understand the other person’s perspective.

Example: It’s been six weeks and they can’t come to any agreement because they just can’t see eye to eye.

Rings a bell

Meaning: Sounds familiar or reminds you of something.

Example: What you just said rings a bell. There’s this thing I forgot to tell you earlier.

A class act

Meaning: Of great character or able to perform to high standards.

Example: He puts on a good show every time and then shakes hands and takes pictures with fans. He’s a real class act.

Break the bank

Meaning: To be very expensive.

Example: I got the car I wanted but it really broke the bank.

Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: To be very expensive. (Typically less used for items less expensive than ones that you would use «break the bank» for).

Example: Replacing my broken car stereo cost me an arm and leg.

Face the music

Meaning: To accept reality.

Example: You failed every audition. It’s time to face the music and accept that you’re not a very good actor.

Darkest before the dawn

Meaning: Things will get better (Useful for when several bad things happen at once)

Example: I know that a lot of bad things happened to you this week but it’s darkest before the dawn.

Through thick and thin

Meaning: Throughout good times and bad times.

Example: It doesn’t matter if it’s difficult or if bad things happen. I said I would help you through thick and thin.

Fortune favors the bold

Meaning: Taking a risk can pay off.

Example: There’s only a 10% chance of success but the payout is 20 times higher if I win. You know what they say, fortune favors the bold.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: You’re taking too big of a risk or putting too much effort and resources into one risky option.

Example: I’m really glad that people like my art but I’m not going to make art full time. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.

Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To stop thinking about something and take the risk.

Example: My parents told me not to put all my eggs in one basket but I decided to throw caution to the wind and be a full-time artist.

Look before you leap

Meaning: To think before you do something.

Example: The opportunity to move to another country is really exciting but I want you to look before you leap.

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: To follow a trend or not to do something until it’s popular.

Example: She didn’t care about K-pop before but now that it’s popular, she’s jumped on the bandwagon.

Pour one’s heart out

Meaning: To tell or confess something emotional.

Example: I don’t like soap operas. They’re so unrealistic with the way everyone pours their heart out about everything.

Right as rain

Meaning: There is nothing that can be improved.

Example: The dish was right as rain. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Pull one’s leg

Meaning: To lie.

Example: That doesn’t sound right. Are you pulling my leg?