Common English Idioms

The English language can be a tricky beast, filled with hidden meanings and unexpected turns. Idioms are a prime example! These colorful phrases can leave learners bewildered, unsure if someone literally kicked a bucket or spilled actual beans. But fear not, language warriors! This blog is your shield and sword in the battle to understand and use common English idioms.

Common English Idioms with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Common English Idioms” in English:

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 start my own business.

A dime a dozen

Meaning: Something common and not special.
Example: Those kind of mistakes are a dime a dozen.

Beat around the bush

Meaning: Avoiding the main topic.
Example: Don’t beat around the bush; just tell me the truth.

Better late than never

Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example: He finally paid his debt, better late than never.

Bite the bullet

Meaning: To endure a painful situation bravely.
Example: I had to bite the bullet and admit I made a mistake.

Break the ice

Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting.
Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting.

Bury the hatchet

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

Call it a day

Meaning: To stop working on something.
Example: We’ve done enough work today; let’s call it a day.

Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase; what’s the problem?

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
Example: He was already planning his victory speech before the competition even started; don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: Every difficult situation has a positive side.
Example: I know you’re upset about losing your job, but remember, every cloud has a silver lining.

Get out of hand

Meaning: To become uncontrolled.
Example: The party got out of hand and the police were called.

Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To be exactly correct about something.
Example: She hit the nail on the head when she said the company was in trouble because of its management.

In the heat of the moment

Meaning: Overwhelmed by what is happening in the moment.
Example: He didn’t mean to say that; he was just in the heat of the moment.

It takes two to tango

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

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: To join others in doing something that is currently popular.
Example: She didn’t really like that genre of music, but she jumped on the bandwagon because all her friends did.

Kill two birds with one stone

Meaning: To accomplish two things at once.
Example: By taking the business trip to New York, I killed two birds with one stone; I visited family and signed a new client.

Let the cat out of the bag

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

Make a long story short

Meaning: To tell something briefly.
Example: To make a long story short, we won the game.

Miss the boat

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

Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: I only see her once in a blue moon.

Piece of cake

Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: That test was a piece of cake.

Pull someone’s leg

Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: I was just pulling your leg about the ghost story.

Speak of the devil

Meaning: When the person you’re talking about appears.
Example: Speak of the devil, here comes John.

The best of both worlds

Meaning: An ideal situation.
Example: She gets to work from home and travel; it’s the best of both worlds.

The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility to take action next.
Example: I’ve done all I can; the ball is in your court now.

Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling ill.
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.

Wrap your head around something

Meaning: To understand something complicated.
Example: It took me a while to wrap my head around the new system.

You can’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: Don’t judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
Example: She may look shy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.

Break a leg

Meaning: Good luck (especially said to performers).
Example: Break a leg tonight at your performance!

Hit the sack

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

Through thick and thin

Meaning: Through good times and bad times.
Example: They’ve stayed together through thick and thin.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Meaning: A visual presentation is more descriptive than words.
Example: The photograph was stunning; truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Actions speak louder than words

Meaning: What people do is more important than what they say.
Example: He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.

Add fuel to the fire

Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: His remarks just 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: To start over.
Example: Our plan didn’t work out, so it’s back to the drawing board.

Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: To take on a task that is too big.
Example: She realized she’d bitten off more than she could chew with the new project.

Burn the bridges

Meaning: To destroy one’s path, connections, or opportunities.
Example: Be careful not to burn bridges with your previous employer.

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: They cut corners to finish the project on time.

Devil’s advocate

Meaning: To argue against something for the sake of debate.
Example: I’ll play devil’s advocate to see if there’s a flaw in your argument.

Elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing.
Example: The elephant in the room was the budget deficit.

Eye for an eye

Meaning: Justice in which punishment equals the offense.
Example: He believes in an eye for an eye when it comes to crime.

Finger-licking good

Meaning: Extremely tasty.
Example: The fried chicken was finger-licking good.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: To make an extra effort.
Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her customers.

Hit the road

Meaning: To leave or start a journey.
Example: We need to hit the road if we want to reach on time.

In a nutshell

Meaning: To summarize.
Example: In a nutshell, the project was a success.

Jump the gun

Meaning: To start something too soon.
Example: He jumped the gun and announced 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, as it would result in trouble.
Example: He decided to let sleeping dogs lie and didn’t bring up the old argument.

Make a mountain out of a molehill

Meaning: To exaggerate a small problem into something big.
Example: She made a mountain out of a molehill when she complained about the small scratch on her car.

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 efficient.
Example: She’s really on the ball and always finishes her work on time.

Out of the blue

Meaning: Unexpectedly.
Example: She called me out of the blue after five years.

Put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture.
Example: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket with this investment.

Rain on someone’s parade

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

See eye to eye

Meaning: To agree fully.
Example: They finally saw eye to eye on the issue.

Sit on the fence

Meaning: To remain neutral.
Example: He tends to sit on the fence during family arguments.

Spill the beans

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

Steal someone’s thunder

Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s achievement.
Example: He stole my thunder by announcing my idea as his own.

The last straw

Meaning: The final problem in a series of problems.
Example: Losing his job was the last straw.

Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up.
Example: After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.

Under your nose

Meaning: Clearly visible but unnoticed.
Example: The missing keys were right under my nose the whole time.

Walk in someone’s shoes

Meaning: To understand someone’s perspective by experiencing what they experience.
Example: Before you judge, try walking in her shoes for a day.

Wild goose chase

Meaning: A futile pursuit of something unattainable.
Example: Searching for the rare book was like a wild goose chase.

Your guess is as good as mine

Meaning: I don’t know either.
Example: Where did he go? Your guess is as good as mine.

Burn the candle at both ends

Meaning: To overwork yourself.
Example: She’s been burning the candle at both ends, working two jobs.

Call the shots

Meaning: To be in control and make decisions.
Example: In this project, she’s the one calling the shots.

Cut someone some slack

Meaning: To go easy on someone.
Example: She was late but cut her some slack; she just had a baby.

Every dog has its day

Meaning: Everyone gets a chance eventually.
Example: Don’t worry, you’ll succeed eventually; every dog has its day.

Face the music

Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: After failing his exams, he had to face the music and explain his poor performance to his parents.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Meaning: To believe someone’s statement without proof.
Example: I didn’t believe her at first, but I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Have an axe to grind

Meaning: To have a personal stake or grievance in a matter.
Example: He keeps bringing up that old argument because he has an axe to grind.

In the nick of time

Meaning: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
Example: We arrived at the airport in the nick of time; our flight was about to leave.

Keep an eye on something

Meaning: To watch or monitor something carefully.
Example: Can you keep an eye on the soup while I answer the phone?

Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: To do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Example: The detectives left no stone unturned in their search for the missing child.

Make ends meet

Meaning: To manage financially with the resources one has.
Example: It’s hard to make ends meet with the rising cost of living.

Off the top of your head

Meaning: Without thinking about it too much; immediately.
Example: I don’t know the exact figures off the top of my head, but I can look them up for you.

Put your foot down

Meaning: To be firm and assertive about something.
Example: She put her foot down and refused to let her kids stay out past midnight.

Right off the bat

Meaning: Immediately; from the beginning.
Example: Right off the bat, he knew that the new job was going to be a challenge.

Skeletons in the closet

Meaning: Hidden and potentially embarrassing secrets.
Example: Every politician has a few skeletons in the closet.

The whole nine yards

Meaning: Everything possible or available.
Example: They went the whole nine yards for their daughter’s wedding, including a live band and a fireworks display.

Throw caution to the wind

Meaning: To take a risk without worrying about the consequences.
Example: They decided to throw caution to the wind and invest all their savings in the new business.

Under the table

Meaning: Secretly and often illegally.
Example: He was paid under the table to avoid paying taxes.

When pigs fly

Meaning: Something that will never happen.
Example: He’ll get the job done on time when pigs fly.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

Meaning: You can’t have everything; you must make choices.
Example: He wants to live in the city but also have a big garden. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

A little bird told me

Meaning: Someone told me a secret.
Example: A little bird told me that you’re planning a surprise party for Jane.

Barking up the wrong tree

Meaning: 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.

Blessing in disguise

Meaning: A good thing that seemed bad at first.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it led me to a much better opportunity.

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: In a difficult situation with no easy way out.
Example: She was caught between a rock and a hard place, having to choose between her job and her family.

Cry over spilled milk

Meaning: To waste time worrying about something that has already happened and can’t be changed.
Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk; we need to focus on fixing the problem.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: Don’t risk everything on a single venture.
Example: It’s smarter to diversify your investments rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

Fit as a fiddle

Meaning: In very good health.
Example: Even at 70, he is as fit as a fiddle.

Go with the flow

Meaning: To accept things as they come and adapt to them.
Example: Instead of planning every detail, just go with the flow and enjoy your vacation.

Hit the ground running

Meaning: To begin a task with energy and enthusiasm.
Example: She hit the ground running on her first day at the new job.

In hot water

Meaning: In trouble or difficulty.
Example: He found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.

Birds of a feather flock together

Meaning: People who are similar tend to spend time together.
Example: Those two have been best friends since childhood—birds of a feather flock together.

Comparing apples to oranges

Meaning: Comparing two things that are completely different.
Example: Comparing a luxury car to an economy car is like comparing apples to oranges.

Do something at the drop of a hat

Meaning: To do something immediately without hesitation.
Example: She’s ready to go on a trip at the drop of a hat.

Don’t cry over spilt milk

Meaning: Don’t be upset over something that cannot be undone.
Example: We made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilt milk.

Get a taste of your own medicine

Meaning: To experience the same bad treatment that one has given to others.
Example: After years of bullying others, he finally got a taste of his own medicine.

He has bigger fish to fry

Meaning: He has more important things to do.
Example: He didn’t attend the meeting because he had bigger fish to fry.

Ignorance is bliss

Meaning: Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it.
Example: She decided not to read the negative comments; sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Look before you leap

Meaning: Consider the consequences before taking action.
Example: Investing all your money without proper research is risky; look before you leap.

Play devil’s advocate

Meaning: To argue against something for the sake of debate.
Example: I don’t actually disagree, but I’ll play devil’s advocate to explore the issue further.

Saving for a rainy day

Meaning: To save money for a time when it might be needed unexpectedly.
Example: She always puts aside some of her salary, saving for a rainy day.

Take a rain check

Meaning: To postpone an invitation or offer to a later time.
Example: I’m busy tonight, but can I take a rain check on that dinner?

The best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: A great invention or idea.
Example: Her new app is the best thing since sliced bread.

The elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing.
Example: The budget cuts were the elephant in the room during the meeting.

There’s a method to his madness

Meaning: There is a purpose in what appears to be chaotic behavior.
Example: His desk looks disorganized, but there’s a method to his madness.

You can’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: Don’t judge something based solely on appearance.
Example: She may seem quiet, but 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 it isn’t immediately obvious.
Example: The offer seemed great, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

The devil is in the details

Meaning: Small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems.
Example: The proposal looks good, but the devil is in the details.

On thin ice

Meaning: In a precarious or risky situation.
Example: After his last mistake, he’s on thin ice with his boss.

It takes one to know one

Meaning: Someone must have a particular quality themselves to recognize it in others.
Example: She called him a perfectionist, and he replied, “It takes one to know one.”

He’s a chip off the old block

Meaning: He resembles his father in behavior or appearance.
Example: Just like his dad, he’s a chip off the old block with his passion for football.

Go on a wild goose chase

Meaning: To pursue something that is impossible to achieve.
Example: Looking for that rare coin was a wild goose chase.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Meaning: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Example: The golden rule in life is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Add insult to injury

Meaning: To make a bad situation worse.
Example: Firing him on his birthday added insult to injury.

A penny saved is a penny earned

Meaning: Saving money is just as important as earning it.
Example: He always reminded his children 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 a small but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one.
Example: Selling the house now is a bird in the hand rather than waiting for a better offer.

A penny for your thoughts

Meaning: A way of asking what someone is thinking.
Example: You look deep in thought. A penny for your thoughts?

A picture is worth 1000 words

Meaning: A visual image can convey more than words can.
Example: The photograph of the homeless child was heart-wrenching; truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.

By the skin of your teeth

Meaning: Just barely.
Example: He escaped the burning building by the skin of his teeth.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning: Don’t assume success before it happens.
Example: She was already planning how to spend the money before winning the lottery. I told her, don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings

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

You can’t have your cake and eat it too

Meaning: You can’t have it both ways.
Example: You can’t expect to eat junk food and stay healthy. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

There are other fish in the sea

Meaning: There are other opportunities.
Example: Don’t be upset about the breakup. There are other fish in the sea.

The early bird gets the worm

Meaning: The first to arrive will get the best opportunities.
Example: He always wakes up at 5 AM to start his day. The early bird gets the worm.

Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
Example: He tends to exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.

Slow and steady wins the race

Meaning: Consistency leads to success.
Example: He worked on his project every day, and slow and steady won the race.

Rain on someone’s parade

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

Put something on ice

Meaning: To postpone something.
Example: Let’s put the project on ice until we get more information.

Live and learn

Meaning: To learn from experience.
Example: I made a mistake, but you live and learn.

It’s raining cats and dogs

Meaning: It’s raining heavily.
Example: We can’t go out now; it’s raining cats and dogs.

It’s a piece of cake

Meaning: It’s very easy.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake for her.

Good things come to those who wait

Meaning: Patience will be rewarded.
Example: He waited for the right opportunity, and it paid off. Good things come to those who wait.

Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning: To ignore someone.
Example: After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder.

Don’t give up your day job

Meaning: Don’t quit your regular job to pursue something risky.
Example: Your comedy is funny, but don’t give up your day job just yet.

Costs an arm and a leg

Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: That new car costs an arm and a leg.

A perfect storm

Meaning: A combination of bad circumstances.
Example: The economic crisis was a perfect storm of financial mismanagement and bad policy.

Comparing apples to oranges

Meaning: Comparing two things that are completely different.
Example: Comparing a luxury car to an economy car is like comparing apples to oranges.

Do something at the drop of a hat

Meaning: To do something immediately without hesitation.
Example: She’s ready to go on a trip at the drop of a hat.

Don’t cry over spilt milk

Meaning: Don’t be upset over something that cannot be undone.
Example: We made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilt milk.

Get a taste of your own medicine

Meaning: To experience the same bad treatment that one has given to others.
Example: After years of bullying others, he finally got a taste of his own medicine.

He has bigger fish to fry

Meaning: He has more important things to do.
Example: He didn’t attend the meeting because he had bigger fish to fry.

Ignorance is bliss

Meaning: Not knowing something is often more comfortable than knowing it.
Example: She decided not to read the negative comments; sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Look before you leap

Meaning: Consider the consequences before taking action.
Example: Investing all your money without proper research is risky; look before you leap.

Play devil’s advocate

Meaning: To argue against something for the sake of debate.
Example: I don’t actually disagree, but I’ll play devil’s advocate to explore the issue further.

Saving for a rainy day

Meaning: To save money for a time when it might be needed unexpectedly.
Example: She always puts aside some of her salary, saving for a rainy day.

Take a rain check

Meaning: To postpone an invitation or offer to a later time.
Example: I’m busy tonight, but can I take a rain check on that dinner?

The best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: A great invention or idea.
Example: Her new app is the best thing since sliced bread.

The elephant in the room

Meaning: An obvious problem or issue that people avoid discussing.
Example: The budget cuts were the elephant in the room during the meeting.

There’s a method to his madness

Meaning: There is a purpose in what appears to be chaotic behavior.
Example: His desk looks disorganized, but there’s a method to his madness.

You can’t judge a book by its cover

Meaning: Don’t judge something based solely on appearance.
Example: She may seem quiet, but 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 it isn’t immediately obvious.
Example: The offer seemed great, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

The devil is in the details

Meaning: Small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems.
Example: The proposal looks good, but the devil is in the details.

On thin ice

Meaning: In a precarious or risky situation.
Example: After his last mistake, he’s on thin ice with his boss.

It takes one to know one

Meaning: Someone must have a particular quality themselves to recognize it in others.
Example: She called him a perfectionist, and he replied, “It takes one to know one.”

He’s a chip off the old block

Meaning: He resembles his father in behavior or appearance.
Example: Just like his dad, he’s a chip off the old block with his passion for football.

Go on a wild goose chase