30 Common English Idioms
English idioms are a common aspect of the language, and they can be both fun and challenging to learn. Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal meaning. They are often used in everyday conversations, and knowing some of the most common idioms can help you understand native speakers better.
Here are 30 common English idioms and their meanings and examples:
- Bite the bullet – to face a difficult situation bravely
Example: “I know it’s scary, but you need to bite the bullet and tell your boss you made a mistake.” - Break a leg – used to wish someone good luck, often in a performance or competition
Example: “Break a leg tonight at the concert!” - Cat got your tongue? – a question asked to someone who is unusually quiet and not speaking
Example: “Why are you so quiet? Cat got your tongue?” - Don’t cry over spilled milk – don’t worry about something that can’t be changed
Example: “I’m sorry I broke your vase, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk.” - A dime a dozen – very common and easy to find
Example: “Those cheap sunglasses are a dime a dozen at the flea market.” - Actions speak louder than words – what someone does is more important than what they say
Example: “He promised to help me, but his actions speak louder than his words.” - Barking up the wrong tree – pursuing a wrong idea or course of action
Example: “If you think I’m the one who took your phone, you’re barking up the wrong tree.” - Beat around the bush – to avoid talking directly about something
Example: “Don’t beat around the bush, just tell me what you want to say.” - Better late than never – it’s better to do something late than not at all
Example: “I know I’m late with your birthday gift, but better late than never, right?” - Break the ice – to start a conversation or ease an awkward situation
Example: “I always feel nervous at parties, but I try to break the ice by introducing myself to new people.” - Burn the midnight oil – to work late into the night
Example: “I have a big project due tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.” - Caught between a rock and a hard place – to be in a difficult situation with no good options
Example: “I’m caught between a rock and a hard place – if I quit my job, I won’t have any income, but if I stay, I’m miserable.” - Chip on your shoulder – a grudge or a bad attitude caused by past experiences
Example: “Ever since he got fired, he’s had a chip on his shoulder about the company.” - Close but no cigar – to be almost successful but not quite
Example: “I almost won the race, but close but no cigar.” - Cold feet – to become nervous or hesitant before doing something
Example: “I’m getting cold feet about skydiving – maybe I’ll just watch from the ground.” - Cut to the chase – to get to the point quickly
Example: “I don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.” - Devil’s advocate – to take a position or argue for an idea that you don’t actually believe in, in order to explore different perspectives
Example: “I know it sounds crazy, but let me play devil’s advocate and argue for the other side.” - Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – to not depend on one thing or one opportunity
Example: “I’m applying for several jobs because I don’t really want to put all my eggs in one basket.” - Elephant in the room – an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding talking about
Example: “We need to address the elephant in the room – our sales have been declining for months.” - Fit as a fiddle – to be in good physical health
Example: “I’ve been working out and eating well, so I feel fit as a fiddle these days.” - Get off your high horse – to stop acting superior or arrogant
Example: “You need to get off your high horse and start treating your coworkers with respect.” - Hit the nail on the head – to be exactly right about something
Example: “You hit the nail on the head – that’s exactly what I was thinking.” - Jump the gun – to start something too early, before it’s appropriate
Example: “I think we’re jumping the gun by announcing the new product before it’s fully developed.” - Kick the bucket – to die
Example: “I’m not ready to kick the bucket just yet – I still have so much I want to do.” - Let the cat out of the bag – to reveal a secret
Example: “I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.” - Piece of cake – something that is very easy to do
Example: “I thought the exam was going to be hard, but it turned out to be a piece of cake.” - Pull someone’s leg – to tease or joke with someone
Example: “I’m just pulling your leg – I didn’t really eat all of your pizza.” - Speak of the devil – used when someone you were just talking about shows up unexpectedly
Example: “Speak of the devil – there’s John, just as we were discussing him.” - The ball is in your court – it’s your turn to take action or make a decision
Example: “I’ve given you all the information you need, so now the ball is in your court.” - When pigs fly – used to describe something that is impossible or unlikely to happen
Example: “I’ll clean my room when pigs fly – it’s never going to happen.”
Learning and using English idioms can make your language more colorful and expressive. While idioms can be challenging to learn at first, the more you use them in conversation, the more comfortable you will become with them.
