Most Popular Idioms And Their Meanings With Example Sentences
- No Comments
-
Teacher Mei
LIST OF 25 COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS AND THEIR MEANINGS THAT ALL ENGLISH LEARNERS SHOULD KNOW
What is English Idioms?
Definition of English Idioms: English Idioms are phrases that mean something different than their actual words. They express a message beyond their literal meaning. Phrases that have a figurative meaning rather than a literal one are called idioms. Idioms can be difficult to understand if you are not familiar with them. Take the idiom “to kill two birds with one stone” for example. This doesn’t actually mean that you go and murder two birds. It simply means that you manage to do two tasks at the same time. We can take a look at another example of an idiom; the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” implies that it is pouring(raining) heavily – not that cats and dogs are literally falling from the heavens!
Why do we use English Idioms?
English idioms are commonly used in both spoken and written communication. There are several reasons why we use idioms. They can help us convey more meaning with fewer words, adding humor and flair to our language. In some cases, idioms can even enable us to express ourselves more precisely. In certain situations, using an idiom can replace a more literal phrase. For example, instead of saying “I am going to bed,” you could say “I am hitting the hay.” This is a more concise way of conveying the same meaning. To emphasize a point, idioms can also be employed. For instance, if someone wants to emphasize how cold it is outside, they might say “it’s freezing out there!”
The History of English Idioms
The Origin of English Idioms
The Importance of knowing commonly used English Idioms for Non-Native English Learners
25 popular idiomatic expressions and their meanings with examples of how we can use them correctly:
- “Once in a blue moon” – Something that does not happen often.
Example sentence – I read a book once in a blue moon.
- “The best of both worlds” – A situation where one can enjoy the benefit of two different opportunities.
Example sentence – If you relocate to this area you get the beauty of the countryside and the amenities of urban life. Itʻs the best of both worlds, really.
- “Speak of the devil” – When the person you are talking about suddenly appears.
Example sentence – Do you know what Sally did yesterday? – Oh, speak of the devil, here she comes!
- “A piece of cake” – When something is very easy.
Example sentence – I got 100% on my test yesterday – itʻs not surprising as the test was a piece of cake!
- “To feel under the weather” – When you are ill or feel ill (sick).
Example sentence – I feel a bit under the weather today, so I am just going to stay home. I hope I don’t have COVID!
- “Cost an arm and a leg” – When something is very expensive (costs a lot of money).
Example sentence – I would love to have the new iPhone, but it costs an arm and a leg! I just cannot afford it right now.
- “When pigs fly” – Something that will never happen (itʻs impossible).
Example sentence – I asked my parents if I could go to the party tonight, they said yes, when pigs fly!
TIP ON HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH IDIOMS:
A helpful tip is to watch English-language movies and television shows. Idiomatic expressions are often used in everyday conversation, so by watching these shows, you can get a feel for how they are used. Pay attention to the context in which the expressions are used and try to memorize them.
“See eye to eye” – When you agree with someone.
Example sentence – Tom and Stacey finally saw eye to eye on the building plans for the new supermarket. Now they can finally start the building process.
“No pain, no gain” – You cannot achieve something without some difficulty.
Example sentence – I know that studying is hard, but you must do it if you want to pass the test tomorrow. No pain, no gain!
- “Let the cat out of the bag” – To reveal a secret.
Example sentence – He let the cat out of the bag and finally told his parents about his plans to leave the country.
“Kill two birds with one stone” – When you achieve two things with one single action.
Example sentence – If I go to the supermarket and pick up the kids from school on my way back, I can kill two birds with one stone.
“Break a leg” – To wish someone good luck.
Example Sentence – You have your first acting performance tonight, break a leg!
“It’s raining cats and dogs” – This idiom is used to describe heavy rain.
Example Sentence – Itʻs raining cats and dogs outside! The whole house is almost underwater!
TIP ON HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH IDIOMS:
First, try to find examples of the idiom in use. This can help you understand what the idiom means and how it's used. Second, try to use the idiom yourself in conversation. This will help you remember it and get a feel for how it's used. Finally, don't be afraid to ask native speakers for help. They can give you insight into the meaning of the idiom and how to use it correctly.
“Cut corners” – Not doing something properly (leaving steps out and doing something cheaply and in an easy way).
Example sentence – We cannot afford to cut corners on this project, it must be perfect!
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” – You should not judge (have an opinion) of someone or something based on appearance.
Example sentence – I thought that the lady behind the counter was incompetent by the way she looks but she was very good at her job, I guess you cannot judge a book by its cover!
“Call it a day” – To stop doing something.
Example sentence – I have worked very hard today and I am exhausted, itʻs time to call it a day and go home.
“Hit the nail on the head” – To have the exact answer to something (to be accurately right).
Example sentence – My friend said that to gain more followers on social media, I must create more engaging posts, seems like he hit the nail on the head!
“Let someone off the hook” – To not punish someone who has been caught.
Example sentence – I still think he is guilty, but I need to let him off the hook as I do not have any evidence of him committing the crime.
TIP ON HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH IDIOMS:
One great way to learn English idioms is to read as much as you can. Try to find books, articles, and other reading materials that contain a lot of idiomatic expressions. As you encounter these expressions, take note of them and try to memorize their meaning and usage.
“A blessing in disguise” – A good outcome from a bad situation.
Example sentence – It was a blessing in disguise when John missed his flight to London as he never would have met his wife at the party he decided to go to that night after missing his flight.
“Bite the bullet” – To go through a painful or unpleasant situation.
Example sentence – I will just have to bite the bullet and get over my fear of heights.
“Taste of own medicine” – To do the same bad thing to someone who has been doing it to you.
Example sentence – He has been rude to the people he works with, now they are being rude to him, I guess he deserves a taste of his own medicine.
“The elephant in the room” – There is an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about.
Example sentence – The fact that Suzy fell pregnant at 16 years of age was a big elephant in the room at each family reunion.
“Give someone the cold shoulder” – To ignore someone.
Example sentence – He is not replying to any of my messages, he is obviously giving me the cold shoulder.
“The last straw” – The final unpleasant thing before taking action.
Example sentence – My best friend stole from me again, this is the last straw, I am going to end this relationship.
“To steal someone’s thunder” – To take credit for someone else’s work.
Example sentence – Suzy stole my thunder when she presented my ideas as her own to the board.
This was just my short list of 25 most commonly used Idioms and their meanings in everyday conversation. I will be adding more soon! Hopefully my explanations and examples have helped to clarify any confusion you may have had regarding these idioms. Keep learning and improving!
What is your favorite English idiom? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Support me by sharing this post:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Receive language learning tips, helpful resources, special offers and more!
