100 most common idioms for English learners
| Something that is very easy to do.
|
| Example: Don't worry about the test; it's a piece of cake.
|
|
| Something that is very common and easy to find.
|
| Example: Those cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen in the tourist area.
|
|
| To start over again because a previous attempt failed.
|
| Example: The first design was not accepted, so it's back to the drawing board for the team.
|
|
| To endure a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining.
|
| Example: The dentist told me I need a root canal, so I guess I'll have to bite the bullet.
|
|
| A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or event.
|
| Example: Break a leg! I know you'll do great in the audition.
|
|
| Working late into the night.
|
| Example: He has been burning the midnight oil to finish his research paper.
|
|
| To be very expensive.
|
| Example: The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg, but people still buy it.
|
|
| To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
|
| Example: I made a mistake, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
|
|
| To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often resulting in lower quality.
|
| Example: They finished the project quickly by cutting corners, and now it's full of errors.
|
|
| To not make false alarms or give false warnings.
|
| Example: He keeps complaining about small issues, but we have to tell him not to cry wolf.
|
|
| To not rely too much on one thing or one plan.
|
| Example: Invest wisely and diversify your portfolio; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
|
|
| There is something positive in every negative situation.
|
| Example: She didn't get the job, but she's still optimistic because every cloud has a silver lining.
|
|
| Someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place in their surroundings.
|
| Example: Being in a foreign country made him feel like a fish out of water.
|
|
| To experience the same treatment or negative consequences that one has given to others.
|
| Example: He's always making fun of people. I'm glad he finally got a taste of his own medicine.
|
|
| To suddenly become afraid or anxious about something one was previously enthusiastic about.
|
| Example: He got cold feet and canceled the wedding at the last minute.
|
|
| To describe or do something exactly right.
|
| Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.
|
|
| Facing the same challenge or difficulty as others.
|
| Example: We're all in the same boat, dealing with this difficult situation.
|
|
| Used to express surprise or amusement when encountering someone unexpectedly.
|
| Example: I ran into my old friend in a foreign country. It's a small world!
|
|
| To follow a popular trend or join a cause that is already successful.
|
| Example: After the team won the championship, everyone started jumping on the bandwagon.
|
|
| To watch or monitor something closely.
|
| Example: Keep an eye on the children while they play in the park.
|
|
| To accomplish two tasks with a single action.
|
| Example: By shopping on the way home, she killed two birds with one stone.
|
|
| To reveal a secret or confidential information.
|
| Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
|
|
| To miss an opportunity or chance.
|
| Example: I missed the boat to apply for that scholarship.
|
|
| Being alert, competent, and quick to understand or respond.
|
| Example: She's always on the ball in meetings; she never misses any important details.
|
|
| Something that happens unexpectedly or without any warning.
|
| Example: He received a job offer out of the blue.
|
|
| Used to describe someone who is difficult, unusual, or eccentric.
|
| Example: She's quite a piece of work; you never know what to expect from her.
|
|
| To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
|
| Example: He was talking loudly in the library, so I told him to put a sock in it.
|
|
| To rain heavily.
|
| Example: Bring an umbrella; it's raining cats and dogs outside.
|
|
| To be saved from a difficult situation by a timely intervention.
|
| Example: He was about to get into trouble, but the phone rang and he was saved by the bell.
|
|
| To be undecided or neutral in a dispute or controversy.
|
| Example: I can't decide which car to buy; I'm sitting on the fence for now.
|
|
| To decline an invitation or offer but suggest doing it another time.
|
| Example: I can't make it to the party tonight, but can I take a rain check?
|
|
| Feeling unwell or not in good health.
|
| Example: I won't be able to come to the meeting; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
|
|
| To disappear or be absent without a trace.
|
| Example: He pulled a vanishing act after the party and no one knew where he went.
|
|
| To be very cautious in one's words or actions to avoid upsetting someone.
|
| Example: He's so sensitive; I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around him.
|
|
| You cannot form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearance.
|
| Example: He may seem shy, but you can't judge a book by its cover; he's actually very talented.
|
|
| To keep quiet or stop talking.
|
| Example: He was about to reveal the surprise, but we asked him to zip his lip.
|
|
| Something that appears to be bad but turns out to be beneficial in the end.
|
| Example: Losing the job was a blessing in disguise as it led to better opportunities.
|
|
| Used to ask someone what they are thinking about.
|
| Example: You seem lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?
|
|
| What people do is more important than what they say.
|
| Example: He promised to help, but his actions speak louder than words; he hasn't done anything.
|
|
| Listening attentively and with interest.
|
| Example: I'm all ears; tell me your story.
|
|
| Clumsy or awkward, especially with one's hands.
|
| Example: I'm all thumbs when it comes to fixing things.
|
|
| Without any hesitation or delay.
|
| Example: He's always ready to help at the drop of a hat.
|
|
| Returning to work or a routine after a break or vacation.
|
| Example: Vacation was great, but now it's back to the salt mines.
|
|
| To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.
|
| Example: If you think I'm the one who took your book, you're barking up the wrong tree.
|
|
| To avoid getting to the point or being direct.
|
| Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
|
|
| To have the advantages of two different things at the same time.
|
| Example: Living in the suburbs gives you the best of both worlds - city access and peacefulness.
|
|
| Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
|
| Example: He finally apologized for his behavior, but better late than never.
|
|
| To take on more responsibility or work than one can handle.
|
| Example: He volunteered for three committees, but I think he's bitten off more than he can chew.
|
|
| A common expression of well-wishing after someone sneezes.
|
| Example: Bless you! I hope you feel better soon.
|
|
| To exhaust oneself by working or being active late into the night and early in the morning.
|
| Example: He's been burning the candle at both ends to finish his project on time.
|
|
| By any means necessary, even if they are illegal or unethical.
|
| Example: He was determined to win by hook or by crook.
|
|
| To take actions that destroy one's relationships or opportunities.
|
| Example: Quitting the job without notice was like burning bridges with the company.
|
|
| To not judge someone or something solely based on outward appearances.
|
| Example: She may seem quiet, but you can't judge a fish by its scales; she's actually very talented.
|
|
| To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
|
| Example: The police caught the thief red-handed with stolen goods.
|
|
| To have a casual and leisurely conversation.
|
| Example: We sat by the fireplace, chewing the fat over old times.
|
|
| To treat someone with intentional coldness or indifference.
|
| Example: After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.
|
|
| To be very expensive.
|
| Example: The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg, but people still buy it.
|
|
| To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
|
| Example: I made a mistake, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
|
|
| Being too curious can lead to trouble.
|
| Example: He couldn't resist opening the package, but curiosity killed the cat when the alarm went off.
|
|
| To meet expectations or perform satisfactorily.
|
| Example: He thought he could join the team, but he didn't cut the mustard.
|
|
| To get to the main point without wasting time.
|
| Example: Let's cut to the chase and discuss the most important issue.
|
|
| To not make plans based on something that may not happen.
|
| Example: He's already planning his victory speech, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.
|
|
| To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
|
| Example: I made a mistake, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
|
|
| To not rely on a particular activity or talent to make a living.
|
| Example: He tried singing, but his voice was terrible. Don't give up your day job, they said.
|
|
| To not rely too much on one thing or one plan.
|
| Example: Invest wisely and diversify your portfolio; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
|
|
| A small and insignificant amount compared to what is needed.
|
| Example: The money he donated was a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost of the project.
|
|
| To be much more difficult to do than to talk about.
|
| Example: He said he would climb the mountain, but it's easier said than done.
|
|
| Hard physical effort, especially in cleaning or manual labor.
|
| Example: The car needs a good wash, so get some elbow grease and start scrubbing.
|
|
| There is something positive in every negative situation.
|
| Example: She didn't get the job, but she's still optimistic because every cloud has a silver lining.
|
|
| An achievement or honor to be proud of.
|
| Example: Winning the tournament was a feather in his cap.
|
|
| Someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place in their surroundings.
|
| Example: Being in a foreign country made him feel like a fish out of water.
|
|
| To be in very good physical health.
|
| Example: He exercises regularly and eats well, so he's fit as a fiddle.
|
|
| To do something contrary to what is usual or natural.
|
| Example: He's independent and likes to go against the grain.
|
|
| To put in extra effort or go beyond what is expected.
|
| Example: He always goes the extra mile to help others.
|
|
| Used to describe the belief that others have it better in some way.
|
| Example: She thinks life would be better in a big city, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
|
|
| Doing things too quickly can result in mistakes and waste of time or resources.
|
| Example: Slow down and check your work; haste makes waste.
|
|
| To describe or do something exactly right.
|
| Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.
|
|
| Facing the same challenge or difficulty as others.
|
| Example: We're all in the same boat, dealing with this difficult situation.
|
|
| Used to express surprise or amusement when encountering someone unexpectedly.
|
| Example: I ran into my old friend in a foreign country. It's a small world!
|
|
| To follow a popular trend or join a cause that is already successful.
|
| Example: After the team won the championship, everyone started jumping on the bandwagon.
|
|
| To watch or monitor something closely.
|
| Example: Keep an eye on the children while they play in the park.
|
|
| To accomplish two tasks with a single action.
|
| Example: By shopping on the way home, she killed two birds with one stone.
|
|
| To reveal a secret or confidential information.
|
| Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
|
|
| To miss an opportunity or chance.
|
| Example: I missed the boat to apply for that scholarship.
|
|
| Being alert, competent, and quick to understand or respond.
|
| Example: She's always on the ball in meetings; she never misses any important details.
|
|
| Something that happens unexpectedly or without any warning.
|
| Example: He received a job offer out of the blue.
|
|
| Used to describe someone who is difficult, unusual, or eccentric.
|
| Example: She's quite a piece of work; you never know what to expect from her.
|
|
| To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
|
| Example: He was talking loudly in the library, so I told him to put a sock in it.
|
|
| To rain heavily.
|
| Example: Bring an umbrella; it's raining cats and dogs outside.
|
|
| To be saved from a difficult situation by a timely intervention.
|
| Example: He was about to get into trouble, but the phone rang and he was saved by the bell.
|
|
| To be undecided or neutral in a dispute or controversy.
|
| Example: I can't decide which car to buy; I'm sitting on the fence for now.
|
|
| To decline an invitation or offer but suggest doing it another time.
|
| Example: I can't make it to the party tonight, but can I take a rain check?
|
|
| Feeling unwell or not in good health.
|
| Example: I won't be able to come to the meeting; I'm feeling a bit under the weather.
|
|
| To disappear or be absent without a trace.
|
| Example: He pulled a vanishing act after the party and no one knew where he went.
|
|
| To be very cautious in one's words or actions to avoid upsetting someone.
|
| Example: He's so sensitive; I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around him.
|
|
| You cannot form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearance.
|
| Example: He may seem shy, but you can't judge a book by its cover; he's actually very talented.
|
|
| To keep quiet or stop talking.
|
| Example: He was about to reveal the surprise, but we asked him to zip his lip.
|
|
| Something that appears to be bad but turns out to be beneficial in the end.
|
| Example: Losing the job was a blessing in disguise as it led to better opportunities.
|
|
| Used to ask someone what they are thinking about.
|
| Example: You seem lost in thought; a penny for your thoughts?
|
|
| What people do is more important than what they say.
|
| Example: He promised to help, but his actions speak louder than words; he hasn't done anything.
|
|