Most Common English Idioms: Meanings, Examples & Sentences
What are Idioms?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative or metaphorical meaning, which is different from the literal interpretation of the words used. Idioms are an essential part of English language proficiency, as they add depth, richness, and color to communication.
The Importance of Idioms in English Proficiency
Using idiomatic expressions in English conversation or writing helps to convey a more precise and nuanced meaning. Idioms are often used to express a specific emotion, situation, or idea, which can be challenging to articulate with literal language. For example, the idiom “break a leg” is used to wish someone good luck before a performance, and the phrase “the ball is in your court” means that it is someone’s turn to take action.
Moreover, idioms are an integral part of native English speakers’ everyday language and can help learners understand and connect with English-speaking communities. It is essential to understand idiomatic expressions to communicate effectively with native speakers and to avoid misunderstandings caused by literal translations.
In conclusion, learning and using idioms is crucial for English proficiency as they add depth and richness to communication. Idioms help learners to understand native speakers and communicate with them more effectively while also providing a way to express specific emotions, situations, and ideas with greater accuracy and nuance.
Below, you will find a comprehensive list of the most commonly used English idioms, each with its respective meaning. In addition, you can follow the provided link to each idiom to access numerous examples of sentences that will help you understand and incorporate these idioms into your daily communication.
A Blessing in Disguise
A situation that appears to be negative but turns out to have positive outcomes in the long run.
A Dime a Dozen
Something that is very common and easy to find.
A Piece of Cake
A task that is very easy to accomplish.
All Ears
To be fully attentive and ready to listen.
All Thumbs
To be clumsy or awkward.
Apple of My Eye
Something or someone that is cherished above all else.
As Easy as Pie
A task that is very easy to accomplish.
Back to the Drawing Board
To start over again after a failed attempt.
Beat Around the Bush
To avoid addressing the main topic and speak indirectly.
Bite the Bullet
To endure a difficult or painful situation.
Break a Leg
An expression of good luck, commonly used before a performance.
Butterflies in My Stomach
To feel nervous or anxious.
By the Skin of Your Teeth
To barely avoid a negative outcome.
Caught Red-Handed
To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Come Rain or Shine
No matter the circumstances or conditions.
Cool as a Cucumber
To remain calm and composed under pressure.
Cry over Spilled Milk
To worry or complain about something that cannot be changed.
Cut the Mustard
To meet expectations or perform adequately.
Devil’s Advocate
To argue against a particular viewpoint or belief, not necessarily because of personal opinion, but to encourage discussion or debate.
Down to the Wire
Until the last minute or deadline.
Drink Like a Fish
To drink alcohol or any liquid excessively.
Drop in the Bucket
A small amount that has little or no impact.
Fit as a Fiddle
To be in excellent physical health.
Flat as a Pancake
Completely flat or level.
Flying off the Handle
To become suddenly and uncontrollably angry.
Foot in the Door
To gain an initial advantage or opportunity.
Get a Taste of Your Own Medicine
To experience the same negative treatment that one has inflicted on others.
Get cold Feet
To become nervous or hesitant about a decision or action.
Give the Benefit of the Doubt
To assume someone’s innocence or good intentions.
Go the Extra Mile
To put forth extra effort or go beyond what is expected.
Head Over Heels
To be completely infatuated or deeply in love with someone.
Hit the Nail on the Head
To accurately identify or describe the main point or issue.
In a Nutshell
To summarize something briefly and concisely.
In the Bag
To be certain or assured of success.
It’s a Piece of Piss
A task that is very easy to accomplish.
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs
To rain heavily.
Jump on the Bandwagon
To join or support a popular trend or movement.
Kick the Bucket
To die.
Let the Cat out of the Bag
To reveal a secret or confidential information.
Like a Bat out of Hell
To move extremely fast or with great urgency.
Like a Bull in a China Shop
To be clumsy or careless in a delicate or sensitive situation.
Like a Fish out of Water
To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a situation.
Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel
To do something very easy, often at the expense of others.
Long in the Tooth
To be old or aging.
Make a Long Story Short
To shorten a story or explanation.
Make Ends Meet
To manage finances and make enough money to cover expenses.
Miss the Boat
To miss an opportunity.
More than One Way to Skin a Cat
There are multiple ways to achieve the same result.
Needle in a Haystack
To search for something that is difficult or almost impossible to find.
No Pain, No Gain
To achieve success, one must be willing to endure hardships and difficulties.
Off the Top of My Head
To give an answer without thinking deeply or extensively.
On the Ball
To be attentive, alert and efficient.
On the Same Page
To be in agreement or understanding of a situation.
On thin Ice
To be in a risky or unstable situation.
Out of the Blue
To occur unexpectedly, without warning.
Over the Moon
To be extremely happy or delighted.
Peace of Mind
A feeling of calm or not being worried.
Play it by Ear
To make decisions or handle situations as they arise, rather than planning ahead.
Pulling Someone’s Leg
To tease or joke with someone.
Put All Your Cards on the Table
To be completely honest and transparent.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
To make a good impression and perform to the best of one’s ability.
Quick on the Draw
To be quick to respond or act.
Raining Buckets
To rain heavily.
Read Between the Lines
To understand the true meaning or intention behind something that is not explicitly stated.
Right as Rain
To be in good health or condition.
See Eye to Eye
To agree with someone on a particular issue or topic.
Shoot the Breeze
To have a casual conversation or chat, usually about unimportant matters.
Sick as a Dog
To feel very sick or ill.
Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other
Two options that are essentially the same and have no significant difference between them.
So Far, So Good
An expression used to indicate that things are going well up to the current point in time.
Spill the Beans
To reveal or disclose a secret or confidential information.
Steal Someone’s Thunder
To take credit for someone else’s achievement or success.
Take a Rain Check
To decline an invitation or offer, but with the intention of accepting it at a later time.
The Ball is in Your Court
It is now someone else’s turn to take action or make a decision.
The whole Nine Yards
To do something with maximum effort or completeness.
There’s No Place Like Home
To express the feeling that one’s home is the best place in the world.
Third Time’s a Charm
The belief that after two failed attempts, success is likely to come on the third try.
Throw in the Towel
To give up or surrender, usually after a prolonged struggle or effort.
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
An expression used to indicate that time seems to pass quickly when you’re enjoying something.
Top Banana
A person in charge or with a higher level of authority, often used in a humorous or informal manner.
Under the Weather
To feel unwell or sick.
Up in the Air
Something that is uncertain or undecided.
Water Under the Bridge
A past event or situation that has been resolved and is no longer a concern.
Your Guess is as Good as Mine
A way of saying that you do not know the answer to a question.
Zip Your Lip
To be quiet or keep silent.
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