Let’s study idioms + examples of how they’re used!

Listed here are 100 frequent English idioms with meanings and instance sentences:

1. A blessing in disguise

That means: One thing that appears unhealthy or unfortunate at first however seems to be good.

Instance: Shedding that job was a blessing in disguise as a result of it pushed me to start out my very own enterprise.

2. A dime a dozen

That means: Quite common and straightforward to search out.

Instance: These memento keychains are a dime a dozen on the vacationer retailers.

3. All ears

That means: Totally listening and paying consideration.

Instance: Go forward, I’m all ears. Inform me what’s been in your thoughts.

4. All in the identical boat

That means: In the identical scenario or predicament.

Instance: Everyone on workers obtained a pay lower – we’re all in the identical boat.

5. Barking up the mistaken tree

That means: Accusing or blaming the mistaken particular person.

Instance: In the event you suppose I took your guide, you’re barking up the mistaken tree. I haven’t seen it.

6. Beat across the bush

That means: Avoiding the principle subject or being oblique.

Instance: Cease beating across the bush and inform me why you didn’t present as much as my party.

7. Chew the bullet

That means: To face a tough or disagreeable scenario bravely.

Instance: I’ve to chunk the bullet and inform him the reality, though it would damage him.

8.Bury the hatchet

That means: To reconcile or make peace after a battle.

Instance: After years of not talking to one another, they lastly determined to bury the hatchet and develop into mates once more.

9. By the pores and skin of your enamel

That means: Simply barely or narrowly escaping a tough scenario.

Instance: I handed the examination by the pores and skin of my enamel; I obtained the minimal required rating.

10. Name it a day

That means: To cease working or to finish an exercise.

Instance: We’ve been portray all afternoon; let’s name it a day and proceed tomorrow.

11. Chilly ft

That means: Feeling nervous or hesitant about doing one thing.

Instance: I used to be going to ask her out, however I obtained chilly ft on the final second.

12. Price an arm and a leg

That means: To be very costly.

Instance: That luxurious automotive will need to have price him an arm and a leg.

13. Cry over spilled milk

That means: To fret or complain about one thing that has already occurred and can’t be modified.

Instance: Sure, we made a mistake, however there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s give attention to discovering an answer.

14. Lower corners

That means: To do one thing rapidly or take shortcuts, typically sacrificing high quality.

Instance: Don’t lower corners on this mission; it must be glorious to impress the brand new consumer.

15. Drive somebody up the wall

That means: To annoy or annoy somebody vastly.

Instance: Her fixed buzzing drives me up the wall; I can’t focus with that noise.

16. Silver lining

That means: one thing optimistic in a tough scenario.

Instance: Shedding my job was powerful, however the silver lining was that I discovered a brand new profession alternative.

17. Face the music

That means: To confront the implications of 1’s actions.

Instance: You made a mistake, and now you need to face the music and settle for the criticism.

18. Get a style of your personal medication

That means: Expertise the identical unfavorable remedy you might have given to others.

Instance: After consistently making enjoyable of others, he lastly obtained a style of his personal medication after they began teasing him.

19. Get the ball rolling

That means: To start out a course of or exercise.

Instance: Let’s get the ball rolling on this mission and assign duties to the group members.

20. Give somebody the good thing about the doubt

That means: To imagine somebody’s assertion or excuse with out being too suspicious.

Instance: I don’t have any proof, however I’ll give him the good thing about the doubt and belief his rationalization.

21. Go the additional mile

That means: To place in additional effort or do greater than what is predicted.

Instance: If you wish to succeed on this aggressive trade, you want to go the additional mile.

22. Hit the nail on the top

That means: To establish or describe one thing precisely.

Instance: She hit the nail on the top when she mentioned that our group wants higher communication.

23. Within the warmth of the second

That means: In a second of intense emotion, once we act or converse impulsively with out considering.

Instance: I didn’t imply to say these hurtful phrases; I mentioned them within the warmth of the second.

24. It’s a chunk of cake

That means: One thing could be very simple or easy to do.

Instance: Don’t fear concerning the take a look at; it’s a chunk of cake. You’ll do fantastic.

25. Preserve your chin up

That means: To stay optimistic and optimistic throughout tough instances.

Instance: Despite the fact that he confronted many rejections, he stored his chin up and continued to pursue his dream.

26. Kill two birds with one stone

That means: Accomplish two issues on the similar time with a single motion.

Instance: By taking the practice as a substitute of driving, she kills two birds with one stone – saves cash and helps the atmosphere.

27. Let the cat out of the bag

That means: To disclose a secret or confidential info.

Instance: She by accident let the cat out of the bag and spoiled the shock get together.

28. Like a fish out of water

That means: Feeling uncomfortable or misplaced in a selected scenario.

Instance: As a metropolis particular person, I really feel like a fish out of water once I go to rural areas.

29. Make a protracted story brief

That means: To offer a quick abstract or conclusion.

Instance: He rambled on about his journey, however to make a protracted story brief, he had an incredible time.

30. Miss the boat

That means: To overlook a chance or probability.

Instance: I didn’t apply for the scholarship on time, so I missed the boat.

31. Not my cup of tea

That means: One thing that isn’t to your liking or choice.

Instance: I attempted snowboarding, however it’s not my cup of tea – I don’t benefit from the chilly.

32. On cloud 9

That means: Feeling extraordinarily joyful or joyful.

Instance: When she obtained the job supply, she was on cloud 9; it was her dream job.

33. As soon as in a blue moon

That means: Occurs very hardly ever.

Instance: We eat at house more often than not; we go to eating places as soon as in a blue moon – for particular events.

34. Out of the blue

That means: Unexpectedly or with none warning.

Instance: I hadn’t spoken to her in years, after which out of the blue, she referred to as me yesterday.

35. Over the moon

That means: Delighted or extraordinarily joyful.

Instance: She was over the moon when she obtained her acceptance letter from the college.

36. Pull somebody’s leg

That means: To tease or joke with somebody.

Instance: He’s simply pulling your leg; he doesn’t actually imply what he mentioned.

37. Put the cart earlier than the horse

That means: Doing issues within the mistaken order.

Instance: You’re placing the cart earlier than the horse by shopping for furnishings earlier than discovering a spot to stay.

38. Raining cats and canine

That means: Raining closely.

Instance: We will’t go outdoors; it’s raining cats and canine.

39. Not ring a bell

That means: Not sound acquainted or set off a obscure reminiscence.

Instance: I don’t suppose I do know him – his title doesn’t ring a bell.

40. Rule of thumb

That means: A normal precept or guideline.

Instance: As a rule of thumb, it’s higher to reach early for conferences.

41. Shoot your self within the foot

That means: To do one thing that harms oneself unintentionally.

Instance: He shot himself within the foot by quitting his job with out having one other one lined up.

42. On the fence

That means: To stay impartial or undecided in a dispute or subject.

Instance: I can’t resolve which automotive to purchase, so I’m on the fence for now.

43. Skeletons within the closet

That means: Hidden or embarrassing secrets and techniques from the previous.

Instance: The journalist investigated the well-known singer, looking for some skeletons within the closet.

44. Take a rain examine

That means: To postpone or reschedule a plan or invitation.

Instance: I’m sorry, I can’t make it to the live performance tonight. Can I take a rain examine?

45. The ball is in your court docket

That means: It’s your flip to take motion or decide.

Instance: I’ve given you all the data; now the ball is in your court docket.

46. The most effective of each worlds

That means: Having fun with the advantages of two various things on the similar time.

Instance: Working part-time permits me to have a profession and spend time with my household. It’s one of the best of each worlds.

47. Present somebody the ropes

That means: train somebody the small print of a process or process

Throughout my first week on the job, my co-workers confirmed me the ropes.

48. The entire 9 yards

That means: Every thing, or the complete extent of one thing.

Instance: I’ll be sure you have every thing you want—gear, assets, the entire 9 yards.

49. By thick and skinny

That means: Supporting or being loyal to somebody throughout good instances and unhealthy instances.

Instance: We’ve been mates for over 20 years, by way of thick and skinny.

50. Throw within the towel

That means: To surrender or give up.

Instance: After scuffling with the homework for hours, he lastly threw within the towel.

51. Flip a blind eye

That means: To disregard or faux to not discover one thing.

Instance: The instructor turned a blind eye to the scholars whispering through the examination.

52. Below the climate

That means: Feeling sick.

Instance: I received’t be capable to come to work in the present day; I’m feeling underneath the climate.

53. Off The Hook

That means: Free of an obligation

Instance: I used to be going to offer a category on Saturday, however they discovered one other instructor to do it, so I’m off the hook.

54. Up within the air

That means: Unsure or not confirmed.

Instance: The date for the assembly continues to be up within the air; we have to schedule it.

55. When it rains, it pours

That means: Unhealthy issues typically occur in clusters or unexpectedly.

Instance: First, my automotive broke down, then I misplaced my pockets. When it rains, it pours!

56. Wrap your head round one thing

That means: To grasp or comprehend one thing complicated or tough.

Instance: It took me some time to wrap my head round the brand new software program, however now I perceive how one can use it.

57. Throw somebody for a loop

That means: Distract, confuse, or shock somebody all of the sudden.

Instance: I feel I answered all of the questions within the job interview fairly nicely – apart from the random one about my private life. I wasn’t anticipating it, so it threw me for a loop.

58. On the drop of a hat

That means: Instantly or with out hesitation.

Instance: He’s at all times prepared to assist on the drop of a hat.

59. On the finish of your rope

That means: Fully irritated, exhausted, or determined, with no extra endurance or power.

Instance: After coping with two disobedient youngsters all day, I used to be on the finish of my rope. 

60. Pipe down!

That means: Be quiet!

Instance: Hey youngsters, pipe down! This can be a library and persons are attempting to check.

61. Cross that bridge once you come to it

That means: To cope with an issue or fear about one thing when it really occurs.

Instance: I’m unsure what to do if I fail the take a look at, however I’ll cross that bridge once I come to it.

62. Drop the ball

That means: To make a mistake or fail to do one thing correctly.

Instance: He dropped the ball by forgetting to ship the vital electronic mail on time.

63. Elephant within the room

That means: An apparent downside or subject that nobody needs to deal with.

Instance: We have to speak concerning the finances cuts; it’s the elephant within the room.

64. Get off on the mistaken foot

That means: To start out a relationship or scenario poorly or with a misunderstanding.

Instance: We obtained off on the mistaken foot, however we are able to nonetheless work issues out and enhance our communication.

65. Go down in flames

That means: To fail spectacularly or expertise a big defeat or failure.

Instance: Their new product launch went down in flames, they usually misplaced some huge cash.

66. Flow

That means: To adapt to a scenario or settle for issues as they arrive.

Instance: I don’t have a selected plan for the weekend; I’ll simply waft and see what occurs.

67. Cling in there

That means: To persevere or maintain going regardless of difficulties or challenges.

Instance: I do know it’s powerful, however grasp in there; issues will get higher.

68. In sizzling water

That means: In hassle or going through difficulties attributable to a mistake or wrongdoing.

Instance: He discovered himself in sizzling water after lacking an vital deadline.

69. Leap on the bandwagon

That means: To affix or assist one thing that’s at the moment fashionable or profitable.

Instance: Everyone seems to be utilizing that new social media platform, so I made a decision to bounce on the bandwagon.

70. Kick the bucket

That means: Die (very casual)

Instance: I’d love to go to Jamaica sometime earlier than I kick the bucket.

71. Swallow one thing hook, line, and sinker

That means: To imagine one thing fully – normally one thing that isn’t true.

Instance: Once I obtained again late from the get together, I informed my mother I had been finding out for a remaining examination at a pal’s home. She swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

72. Present your true colours

That means: Reveal the true nature of your character

Instance: When issues get tense, that’s when individuals begin to present their true colours

73. On skinny ice

That means: In a harmful scenario.

Instance: He’s on skinny ice together with his boss after making a number of errors.

74. Play it by ear

That means: To resolve or act primarily based on the scenario because it develops, relatively than having a hard and fast plan.

Instance: We don’t have a selected itinerary; we’ll simply play it by ear and see what we really feel like doing.

75. Save your breath

That means: To cease losing your effort and time saying issues that received’t have any impact.

Instance: Attempting to persuade him to alter his thoughts is pointless; save your breath.

76. Steal the present

That means: To draw probably the most consideration or reward.

Instance: Her efficiency was unimaginable; she stole the present together with her singing and dancing.

77. Take it with a grain of salt

That means: To obtain/contemplate info with skepticism or doubt.

Instance: I heard a rumor, however I took it with a grain of salt till I had extra info.

78. clear as mud

That means: info or communication is NOT clear in any respect.

Instance: My pal tried to clarify how one can get to his home, however his instructions had been as clear as mud and we obtained misplaced.

79. bounce the gun

That means: Do one thing too early, earlier than the suitable time

Instance: She jumped the gun and introduced the winner earlier than the ultimate outcomes had been formally declared.

80. get your wires crossed

That means: Have a miscommunication

Instance: We will need to have gotten our wires crossed – I wished you to return at 7 PM, not 7 AM.

81. Throw warning to the wind

That means: To take a danger or act with out contemplating the potential penalties.

Instance: Regardless of her mates’ warnings, she determined to throw warning to the wind and stop her job to pursue her ardour.

82. Lose your contact

That means: To lose the ability or skill that one as soon as had.

Instance: After years of not enjoying the piano, he realized he had misplaced his contact and struggled to play a easy melody.

83. Off the chain

That means: Refers to one thing that’s thrilling, distinctive, or uncontrolled.

Instance: The live performance final night time was off the chain! The power within the crowd was unbelievable.

84. Eyeball it

That means: To estimate or measure one thing through the use of one’s judgment or visible evaluation.

Instance: We didn’t have a ruler, so we needed to eyeball the size of the desk and hope it would slot in the room.

85. Spice issues up

That means: So as to add pleasure or selection to a scenario or relationship.

Instance: Let’s attempt a brand new restaurant tonight to spice issues up.

86. Convey house the bacon

That means: To earn a dwelling or present monetary assist for one’s household.

Instance: She works two jobs to carry house the bacon and assist her youngsters.

87. Nip one thing within the bud

That means: To cease or forestall an issue or scenario from creating additional.

Instance: My 5-year-old began telling lies; we needed to self-discipline her to nip that behavior within the bud.

88. The final straw

That means: The ultimate occasion or motion that makes a scenario insufferable or prompts a powerful response.

Instance: When he forgot their anniversary, it was the final straw for her, and he or she determined to finish the connection.

89. A complete new ballgame

That means: A very totally different scenario or set of circumstances.

Instance: We needed to change our way of life after we had youngsters – it was a complete new ballgame.

90. Burn the midnight oil

That means: To work or research late into the night time.

Instance: I’m exhausted as a result of I used to be burning the midnight oil yesterday.

91. Between a rock and a tough place

That means: Trapped in a tough or unimaginable scenario, having to decide on between two unfavorable choices.

Instance: She was between a rock and a tough place when each job presents required her to relocate.

92. Play satan’s advocate

That means: Argue an opposing perspective as a way to generate crucial considering or debate.

Instance: I do know everybody’s in favor of this plan, however let me play satan’s advocate – what is going to we do if all of it goes mistaken?

93. Put your foot in your mouth

That means: To say one thing embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive by chance.

Instance: I put my foot in my mouth once I requested her if she was pregnant, however she wasn’t.

94. Get a grip

That means: To regain management over one’s feelings or conduct.

Instance: He must get a grip and cease letting his anger have an effect on his relationships.

95. Piece of labor

That means: Used to explain somebody who’s tough, eccentric, or difficult to cope with.

Instance: I like my cousin, however she’s an actual piece of labor – she will get offended over the slightest issues.

96. Put somebody on the spot

That means: To ask somebody a tough query or request an instantaneous response, typically in a public or difficult scenario.

Instance: In the course of the assembly, the boss put him on the spot by asking him to current his thought with none preparation.

97. an evening owl

That means: Somebody who likes to remain up late.

Instance: My son’s an evening owl – he by no means goes to mattress earlier than 2 AM.

98. has seen higher days

That means: One thing is previous and in not-so-great situation.

Instance: I’ve had this automotive for over fifteen years… it’s seen higher days.

99. get bent out of form

That means: Grow to be indignant, upset or offended, particularly about one thing which in your opinion doesn’t justify such a response.

Instance: My roommate is a neat freak, and he will get bent out of form if I depart a single spoon on the kitchen counter.

100. Play your playing cards proper

That means: Use your assets in a manner that results in success.

Instance: Your supervisor actually likes you. In the event you play your playing cards proper, you may get promoted quickly.

Now you realize 100 frequent idiomatic expressions and their meanings. I hope these idioms + examples are useful!

You’ll study heaps extra idioms & examples in my 300+ Idioms Course!

This course is an EFFECTIVE approach to study and observe frequent idiomatic expressions within the English language. It’s not only a listing of idioms – as a substitute, every lesson helps you study the expressions extra actively.

The teachings begin by exhibiting you examples of idioms in sentences, and also you’ll attempt to guess what they imply from the context. Then, you possibly can watch a video the place I train the idioms’ meanings. Subsequent, attempt a quiz to see how nicely you keep in mind the idiomatic expressions. Lastly, there are short-answer questions that will help you observe utilizing these frequent idioms your self – and you will get suggestions and correction from an Espresso English instructor!