Phrases Beginning With I

Phrases Beginning With I

English Phrases, proverbs, and expressions are an important part of everyday English. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English. Because Phrases don’t always make sense literally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning Phrases is fun, especially when you compare English Phrases to the Phrases in your own language.

List of Phrases Beginning With I

Phrases Beginning With I with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Phrases Beginning With I” in English:

Sure! Here’s a list of phrases beginning with “I” along with their meanings and examples:

Icing on the cake

Meaning: An additional benefit or positive aspect.
Example: Winning the award was great, but getting a bonus was the icing on the cake.

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop

Meaning: If you have nothing to do, you are more likely to get into trouble.
Example: It’s important to keep children busy during the summer, as idle hands are the devil’s workshop.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Meaning: Don’t try to improve something that already works well.
Example: My computer is running smoothly, so I believe if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If looks could kill

Meaning: Used when someone gives a very angry look.
Example: She was so furious; if looks could kill, I’d be dead by now.

If the shoe fits, wear it

Meaning: If a remark applies to you, accept it.
Example: “I’m not saying you’re lazy, but if the shoe fits, wear it.”

In a heartbeat

Meaning: Very quickly; without hesitation.
Example: I’d move to Paris in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

In a nutshell

Meaning: In summary; briefly.
Example: In a nutshell, the project was a success because of teamwork.

In hot water

Meaning: In trouble or difficulty.
Example: He’s in hot water with his boss for missing the deadline.

In the bag

Meaning: Assured of success.
Example: With his experience, the job is in the bag.

In the ballpark

Meaning: Approximately correct.
Example: The estimate for the renovation is in the ballpark of $10,000.

In the blink of an eye

Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: The car sped past in the blink of an eye.

In the driver’s seat

Meaning: In control of a situation.
Example: With her promotion, she’s now in the driver’s seat at the company.

In the limelight

Meaning: At the center of public attention.
Example: The actor has been in the limelight since winning the award.

In the nick of time

Meaning: Just at the right moment.
Example: We arrived in the nick of time to catch the last train.

In the same boat

Meaning: In the same situation.
Example: We’re all in the same boat, trying to make ends meet.

In the zone

Meaning: Fully focused or immersed in an activity.
Example: She was in the zone during the game and scored a career-high.

In your face

Meaning: Confrontational or assertive.
Example: His in-your-face attitude made him many enemies.

It takes two to tango

Meaning: Both parties involved in a situation are responsible.
Example: Don’t blame her alone for the argument; it takes two to tango.

It’s a small world

Meaning: Encountering someone you know unexpectedly in an unexpected place.
Example: I met my old school friend in Japan—it’s a small world!

It’s all Greek to me

Meaning: Something is not understandable.
Example: I tried reading the manual, but it’s all Greek to me.

It’s an ill wind that blows no good

Meaning: Even bad things can bring positive outcomes.
Example: The storm destroyed many homes, but it’s an ill wind that blows no good, as it led to improvements in infrastructure.

It’s not rocket science

Meaning: It’s not difficult to understand.
Example: Programming isn’t rocket science; anyone can learn it with practice.

Ivory tower

Meaning: A state of intellectual isolation.
Example: Academics in their ivory tower often miss the practical applications of their research.

I can’t complain

Meaning: Everything is fine.
Example: Life’s been good lately; I can’t complain.

I don’t buy it

Meaning: I don’t believe it.
Example: He says he didn’t take the money, but I don’t buy it.

I rest my case

Meaning: I have proven my point.
Example: She couldn’t find any more arguments, so I rest my case.

I smell a rat

Meaning: I suspect something is wrong.
Example: When he denied knowing about the plan, I smelled a rat.

I wash my hands of it

Meaning: To refuse to be involved with something.
Example: After their constant bickering, I wash my hands of it.

I’ve got a bone to pick with you

Meaning: I have a grievance to discuss.
Example: I’ve got a bone to pick with you about how you handled the meeting.

I’ve got you covered

Meaning: I will take care of it.
Example: Don’t worry about the snacks for the party—I’ve got you covered.

I Spy With My Little Eye

Meaning: A guessing game often played with children.
Example: During the long car ride, we played “I Spy with My Little Eye” to pass the time.

If You Can’t Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Kitchen

Meaning: If you can’t handle the pressure, leave the situation.
Example: Being a doctor is stressful; if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

In a Pickle

Meaning: In a difficult situation.
Example: I’m in a pickle because I lost my passport right before my flight.

In One Fell Swoop

Meaning: All at once.
Example: The storm knocked out power and flooded the streets in one fell swoop.

In The Red

Meaning: In debt.
Example: After buying the new car, I’m in the red until next month’s paycheck.

It Ain’t Over Till The Fat Lady Sings

Meaning: Don’t assume the outcome until it happens.
Example: The game isn’t over yet; it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

It’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be

Meaning: Something is not as good as people say.
Example: The movie was disappointing; it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

It’s Not Brain Surgery

Meaning: It’s not very difficult.
Example: Installing this software is easy; it’s not brain surgery.

I Have No Clue

Meaning: I don’t know.
Example: I have no clue where she went after the party.

I Haven’t Slept a Wink

Meaning: I haven’t slept at all.
Example: I was so worried about the exam that I haven’t slept a wink.

I’m Stumped

Meaning: I am unable to figure something out.
Example: I’ve tried everything, but I’m stumped on this puzzle.

In For a Penny, In For a Pound

Meaning: If you’re going to take a risk, you might as well go all the way.
Example: I’ve already started the project, so in for a penny, in for a pound.

In Spades

Meaning: To a great degree.
Example: He has talent in spades and is sure to succeed.

In The Bag

Meaning: Certain to be won or achieved.
Example: With their best player back, the match is in the bag.

In The Nick Of Time

Meaning: Just in time.
Example: We made it to the airport in the nick of time.

In The Driver’s Seat

Meaning: In control of a situation.
Example: After her promotion, she is in the driver’s seat at the company.

In The Limelight

Meaning: At the center of public attention.
Example: The actor has been in the limelight since winning the award.

In Hot Water

Meaning: In trouble.
Example: He is in hot water for missing the deadline.

In a Nutshell

Meaning: In summary.
Example: In a nutshell, the project was a success because of teamwork.

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