Common English idioms & expressions

Common English idioms & expressions

The English language is full of surprises, and idioms and expressions are a prime example. These quirky phrases can leave learners scratching their heads, wondering what on earth a “red herring” is or why someone would want to “kick the bucket.” But fear not, language enthusiasts! This blog is your one-stop guide to understanding and using common English idioms and expressions.

What are idioms and expressions?

Idioms and expressions are groups of words that have a figurative meaning – their meaning goes beyond the literal definition of the individual words.

Common English idioms & expressions with Meaning and Example

A blessing in disguise
Meaning: A good thing that initially seemed bad.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it pushed me to pursue my passion.

A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common and not special.
Example: Cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen in tourist areas.

Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoid saying something directly.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened.

Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
Example: He finally apologized—better late than never.

Bite the bullet
Meaning: To endure a painful experience.
Example: I’ll have to bite the bullet and get the surgery done.

Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the party.

Bury the hatchet
Meaning: To make peace.
Example: They decided to bury the hatchet and work together.

Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: Let’s call it a day and go home.

Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase—what’s your decision?

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
Example: She planned a celebration before getting the job, but I told her not to count her chickens before they hatch.

Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There’s something good in every bad situation.
Example: Losing the contract was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining—we’ve learned valuable lessons.

Get out of hand
Meaning: To become uncontrolled.
Example: The situation got out of hand when the crowd started protesting.

Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To be exactly correct.
Example: She hit the nail on the head with her analysis of the problem.

In the heat of the moment
Meaning: Acting impulsively.
Example: He said some things in the heat of the moment that he later regretted.

It takes two to tango
Meaning: Both parties are responsible.
Example: The argument wasn’t his fault alone; it takes two to tango.

Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To follow a trend.
Example: Everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon and buying that new phone.

Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with one effort.
Example: By taking a walk, I kill two birds with one stone—I get exercise and clear my mind.

Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Make a long story short
Meaning: To summarize.
Example: To make a long story short, we got lost but eventually found our way.

Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity.
Example: He missed the boat by not applying for the job sooner.

Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: We only see each other once in a blue moon.

Piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy.
Example: The test was a piece of cake for her.

Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke with someone.
Example: Don’t worry, I’m just pulling your leg.

Speak of the devil
Meaning: The person we were talking about just appeared.
Example: Speak of the devil, there’s John now.

The best of both worlds
Meaning: A situation where you can enjoy the advantages of two different things.
Example: Working from home offers the best of both worlds—more family time and less commute.

The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your decision now.
Example: I’ve made my offer, now the ball is in your court.

Under the weather
Meaning: Not feeling well.
Example: I can’t come to work today; I’m feeling under the weather.

Wrap your head around something
Meaning: To understand something complex.
Example: It took a while to wrap my head around the new software.

You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t judge by appearances.
Example: He looks rough, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: She burned the midnight oil to finish the project.

Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck.
Example: Break a leg in your performance tonight!

Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed.
Example: I’m exhausted; I’m going to hit the sack.

Through thick and thin
Meaning: In good and bad times.
Example: They’ve been friends through thick and thin.

A picture is worth a thousand words
Meaning: An image can convey more than words.
Example: Her smile in the photo said it all—a picture is worth a thousand words.

Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.
Example: He always promises to help, but actions speak louder than words.

Add fuel to the fire
Meaning: To make a situation worse.
Example: Her comments only added fuel to the fire.

All ears
Meaning: Fully listening.
Example: I’m all ears; tell me what happened.

Back to the drawing board
Meaning: Start over.
Example: The plan failed, so it’s back to the drawing board.

Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: To take on more than you can handle.
Example: He bit off more than he could chew with that project.

Burn the bridges
Meaning: To destroy relationships.
Example: Leaving without notice burned his bridges with the company.

Caught red-handed
Meaning: Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Example: He was caught red-handed stealing the money.

Cut corners
Meaning: To do something the cheapest or easiest way.
Example: The builders cut corners and used cheap materials.

Devil’s advocate
Meaning: To argue against something for the sake of argument.
Example: I’ll play devil’s advocate to see if the plan has any weaknesses.

Elephant in the room
Meaning: An obvious problem no one wants to discuss.
Example: The elephant in the room was his addiction, which no one mentioned.

Eye for an eye
Meaning: Retribution in kind.
Example: He believes in an eye for an eye when it comes to justice.

Finger-licking good
Meaning: Delicious.
Example: The chicken was finger-licking good.

Go the extra mile
Meaning: To do more than expected.
Example: She always goes the extra mile for her clients.

Hit the road
Meaning: To leave.
Example: It’s late, we should hit the road.

In a nutshell
Meaning: In summary.
Example: In a nutshell, we won the game because of our teamwork.

Jump the gun
Meaning: To start something too early.
Example: He jumped the gun by announcing the news prematurely.

Keep your chin up
Meaning: Stay positive.
Example: Keep your chin up; things will get better.

Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Don’t disturb a situation as it is.
Example: Just let sleeping dogs lie and don’t bring up the argument again.

Make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning: To exaggerate a minor issue.
Example: Stop making a mountain out of a molehill; it’s just a small mistake.

Not a spark of decency
Meaning: No manners.
Example: He showed not a spark of decency during the meeting.

On the ball
Meaning: Alert and effective.
Example: She’s really on the ball and completes her work efficiently.

Out of the blue
Meaning: Unexpectedly.
Example: He called me out of the blue after years of silence.

Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture.
Example: Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: To spoil someone’s plans.
Example: I hate to rain on your parade, but the event is canceled.

See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree.
Example: They finally saw eye to eye on the new policy.

Sit on the fence
Meaning: To remain neutral.
Example: He tends to sit on the fence during debates.

Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret.
Example: She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.

Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s achievements.
Example: He stole my thunder by announcing the project before I could.

The last straw
Meaning: The final problem in a series that causes one to lose patience.
Example: Her lateness was the last straw; I had to talk to her about it.

Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up.
Example: After hours of trying, I threw in the towel and admitted defeat.

Under your nose
Meaning: In plain sight but unnoticed.
Example: The keys were under your nose the whole time.

Walk in someone’s shoes
Meaning: To understand another person’s perspective.
Example: Before criticizing him, try to walk in his shoes.

Wild goose chase
Meaning: A hopeless pursuit.
Example: Searching for the lost ring turned out to be a wild goose chase.

Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: I don’t know.
Example: When asked about the weather forecast, she replied, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Burn the candle at both ends
Meaning: To work excessively hard.
Example: Burning the candle at both ends finally caught up with him; he fell ill.

Call the shots
Meaning: To make decisions.
Example: As the team leader, she gets to call the shots.

Cut someone some slack
Meaning: To be less critical of someone.
Example: He’s new here; cut him some slack.

Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance to succeed.
Example: Despite his failures, he knew every dog has its day.

Face the music
Meaning: To accept the consequences.
Example: After breaking the vase, he had to face the music.

Give the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: To believe someone’s statement without proof.
Example: I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt until I have evidence otherwise.

Have an axe to grind
Meaning: To have a personal agenda or grievance.
Example: He criticized the company, but he has an axe to grind after being passed over for promotion.

In the nick of time
Meaning: Just in time.
Example: They arrived in the nick of time for the concert.

Keep an eye on something
Meaning: To watch something carefully.
Example: Keep an eye on the cake; it’s almost done baking.

Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: To search thoroughly.
Example: They left no stone unturned in their investigation.

Make ends meet
Meaning: To manage financially.
Example: With two jobs, they barely make ends meet.

Off the top of your head
Meaning: To say something without much thought.
Example: I can’t recall his phone number off the top of my head.

Put your foot down
Meaning: To assert oneself.
Example: She had to put her foot down about the curfew.

Right off the bat
Meaning: Immediately.
Example: Right off the bat, he knew the answer to the question.

Skeletons in the closet
Meaning: Hidden secrets from the past.
Example: She uncovered some skeletons in the closet while researching her family history.

The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything possible.
Example: She wanted decorations, music, and catering—the whole nine yards—for her birthday party.

Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To take a risk.
Example: They decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in the startup.

Under the table
Meaning: Illegally or secretly.
Example: They paid him under the table to avoid taxes.

When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen.
Example: He said he’d clean his room when pigs fly.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t have everything.
Example: You can’t stay up all night and expect to feel great the next day.

A little bird told me
Meaning: I heard from someone.
Example: A little bird told me you’re getting married—congratulations!

Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: To pursue the wrong course of action.
Example: If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Caught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: Facing a difficult decision.
Example: She was caught between a rock and a hard place—stay in a job she hated or quit with no backup plan.

Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To lament something that can’t be fixed.
Example: Stop crying over spilled milk; the project is overdue, but we need to move forward.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on one venture.
Example: Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In excellent health.
Example: Despite his age, he’s fit as a fiddle.

Go with the flow
Meaning: To accept things as they happen.
Example: When plans change, just go with the flow.

Hit the ground running
Meaning: To start something quickly and with energy.
Example: She hit the ground running on her first day at the new job.

In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: He’s in hot water after missing the deadline.

Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: Similar people often associate with each other.
Example: They say birds of a feather flock together; he and his friends all enjoy hiking.

Comparing apples to oranges
Meaning: Comparing two things that are not alike.
Example: Comparing his salary to hers is like comparing apples to oranges—they work in different fields.

Do something at the drop of a hat
Meaning: To do something immediately.
Example: He’s always ready to help; he’ll fix your car at the drop of a hat.

Don’t cry over spilt milk
Meaning: Don’t be upset about something that can’t be undone.
Example: I know you made a mistake, but don’t cry over spilt milk; let’s focus on fixing it.

Get a taste of your own medicine
Meaning: Experience something negative that you have inflicted on others.
Example: After teasing his brother for years, he finally got a taste of his own medicine.

He has bigger fish to fry
Meaning: He has more important things to do.
Example: I’d love to chat, but right now, I have bigger fish to fry—I have a deadline to meet.

Ignorance is bliss
Meaning: Not knowing about something allows you to be happier.
Example: She chose not to read the news because ignorance is bliss, and she didn’t want to worry about the world’s problems.

Look before you leap
Meaning: Consider the consequences before acting.
Example: Before investing in that business, look before you leap and research its stability.

Play devil’s advocate
Meaning: Argue against something to test its validity.
Example: He enjoys playing devil’s advocate in meetings to explore different viewpoints.

Saving for a rainy day
Meaning: Saving money for future needs or emergencies.
Example: They always put aside some savings for a rainy day, just in case of unexpected expenses.

Take a rain check
Meaning: Decline an offer now but accept it later.
Example: I’m too busy to go out tonight; can I take a rain check and join you next week?

The best thing since sliced bread
Meaning: Something excellent or innovative.
Example: She thinks her new phone is the best thing since sliced bread.

The elephant in the room
Meaning: An obvious issue that everyone ignores.
Example: The tension between them was the elephant in the room that no one wanted to discuss.

There’s a method to his madness
Meaning: His actions may seem crazy, but there’s a reason behind them.
Example: His unconventional teaching methods might seem odd, but there’s a method to his madness—they improve student engagement.

You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: You shouldn’t judge someone or something based on appearance alone.
Example: The old car looked rough, but after some repairs, it runs perfectly—proof you can’t judge a book by its cover.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch
Meaning: Everything has a cost, even if not immediately apparent.
Example: The seminar offered free entry, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch—you’re expected to buy their products.

The devil is in the details
Meaning: Small details can cause problems or complications.
Example: Building the model seemed straightforward, but the devil is in the details—it took hours to align the tiny parts.

On thin ice
Meaning: In a risky or uncertain situation.
Example: After missing two deadlines, he’s on thin ice with the boss.

It takes one to know one
Meaning: Only someone with a similar fault can recognize it in another person.
Example: She called him lazy, but it takes one to know one—she often procrastinates too.

He’s a chip off the old block
Meaning: He resembles his father (or mother) in character or behavior.
Example: His son’s talent for music proves he’s a chip off the old block.

Go on a wild goose chase
Meaning: To pursue something that is unlikely to succeed.
Example: Searching for her lost earring in the park was like going on a wild goose chase—it was already at home.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t risk everything on one venture.
Example: Diversify your investments; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Meaning: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Example: She believes in the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Add insult to injury
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: After losing his job, adding insult to injury, his car broke down.

A penny saved is a penny earned
Meaning: Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.
Example: By budgeting carefully, she lives by the motto that a penny saved is a penny earned.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It’s better to have something tangible now than the possibility of something better in the future.
Example: I was offered a new job, but I decided to stay at my current job—after all, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking about.
Example: You look deep in thought—care to share? A penny for your thoughts.

A picture is worth 1000 words
Meaning: An image can convey complex ideas more effectively than words.
Example: The photograph of the old couple spoke volumes—a picture is worth a thousand words.

By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: Just barely; narrowly.
Example: He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth; he got the minimum passing score.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen until it actually happens.
Example: He’s already planning his victory celebration, but I told him not to count his chickens before they hatch.

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings
Meaning: Don’t assume the outcome until the end.
Example: We were losing, but I reminded them it ain’t over till the fat lady sings—we can still win.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t enjoy two conflicting benefits at the same time.
Example: He wants to retire early and buy a new car, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too—choose one.

There are other fish in the sea
Meaning: There are other options or opportunities.
Example: She was heartbroken after the breakup, but I reminded her there are other fish in the sea.

The early bird gets the worm
Meaning: The person who acts first has the best chance of success.
Example: He arrived at the store as soon as it opened; the early bird gets the worm.

Take it with a grain of salt
Meaning: Be skeptical or not take something too seriously.
Example: He tends to exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.

Slow and steady wins the race
Meaning: Consistent and persistent effort leads to success.
Example: She wasn’t the fastest, but slow and steady wins the race—she finished the marathon.

Rain on someone’s parade
Meaning: To spoil someone’s plans or enjoyment.
Example: I hate to rain on your parade, but the concert is canceled.

Put something on ice
Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
Example: Let’s put the project on ice until we have more information.

Live and learn
Meaning: Gain knowledge from experience.
Example: He made mistakes but lived and learned from them.

It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining heavily.
Example: We had to cancel the picnic; it’s raining cats and dogs.

It’s a piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy.
Example: After studying hard, the exam was a piece of cake.

Good things come to those who wait
Meaning: Patience leads to positive outcomes.
Example: I know waiting is hard, but good things come to those who wait.

Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: Ignore or reject someone.
Example: After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.

Don’t give up your day job
Meaning: Don’t quit your main source of income.
Example: He’s a good singer, but don’t give up your day job just yet.

Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: The new car costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.

A perfect storm
Meaning: A rare combination of events leading to a crisis.
Example: The economic downturn and natural disasters created a perfect storm for the company.

List of Common English idioms & expressions

Learning idioms and expressions takes time and practice, but with a little effort, you’ll be using them like a pro in no time! So, go forth and add some spice to your English conversations.

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