Idiom Examples (What Are Idioms?)
Idioms are expressions whose meanings differ from the literal meanings of the words involved. They are figurative phrases or sayings that convey ideas in a culturally specific way. Understanding idioms is essential to mastering any language as they are common in everyday conversation.
Common Examples of Idioms
- A blessing in disguise – A good thing that seemed bad at first.
- Beat around the bush – Avoid saying something directly.
- Better late than never – It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
- Bite off more than you can chew – Take on a task that’s too big.
- Break a leg – Good luck.
- Call it a day – Stop working on something.
- Cut somebody some slack – Don’t be so critical.
- Cut to the chase – Get to the point.
- Easy does it – Slow down.
- Get out of hand – Get out of control.
- Get your act together – Behave properly.
- Give someone the benefit of the doubt – Trust what someone says.
- Go back to the drawing board – Start over.
- Hang in there – Don’t give up.
- Hit the sack – Go to sleep.
- It’s not rocket science – It’s not complicated.
- Let someone off the hook – Pardon someone from a responsibility.
- Miss the boat – Miss an opportunity.
- On the ball – Doing a good job.
- Pull someone’s leg – To joke or tease someone.
- So far so good – Things are going well so far.
- Speak of the devil – The person we’re talking about shows up.
- The best of both worlds – An ideal situation.
- Time flies when you’re having fun – Time passes quickly when enjoying yourself.
- To make a long story short – Tell something briefly.
- Under the weather – Feeling sick.
- We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it – Deal with a problem when it occurs.
- Wrap your head around something – Understand something complicated.
- You can’t judge a book by its cover – Don’t judge something based on its appearance.
- Your guess is as good as mine – I have no idea.
Idiom Examples (by Categories)
Health Idioms Examples
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.
Back on your feet
Meaning: To recover from an illness or setback.
Example: After a week of rest and medication, she’s finally back on her feet and ready to return to work.
In the pink
Meaning: In very good health.
Example: After his recent health scare, he’s now in the pink and feels better than ever.
Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: Very healthy and in good physical condition.
Example: Despite his age, he’s as fit as a fiddle and still plays tennis regularly.
On the mend
Meaning: Recovering from an illness or injury.
Example: She’s been on the mend for a few weeks now and is starting to feel like herself again.
Break out in a sweat
Meaning: To start sweating due to exertion or nervousness.
Example: He broke out in a sweat during his presentation because he was so nervous.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Meaning: Eating healthy foods can prevent illness.
Example: She believes in the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so she always includes fruit in her diet.
Get a clean bill of health
Meaning: To be declared healthy by a medical professional.
Example: After several tests, the doctor gave him a clean bill of health and said he could resume his normal activities.
Under the knife
Meaning: To undergo surgery.
Example: He’ll be going under the knife next week to have his knee repaired.
Kick the habit
Meaning: To stop a bad habit, especially one related to health.
Example: She finally managed to kick the smoking habit and feels much healthier as a result.
Clothes Idioms Examples
Dress to kill
Meaning: To dress in a very stylish and impressive way.
Example: She always dresses to kill when she attends important social events.
Cut from the same cloth
Meaning: To be very similar in character or nature.
Example: The two friends are cut from the same cloth, sharing the same interests and sense of humor.
Put a sock in it
Meaning: To tell someone to stop talking or be quiet.
Example: Can you put a sock in it? I’m trying to concentrate on my work.
Keep it under wraps
Meaning: To keep something a secret or not reveal it.
Example: They’re keeping the details of the new project under wraps until the official announcement.
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: To openly show your feelings and emotions.
Example: He wears his heart on his sleeve, so it’s easy to see when he’s upset.
Pull yourself together
Meaning: To regain composure or control over your emotions.
Example: After hearing the bad news, she needed a moment to pull herself together before continuing with her work.
Fit like a glove
Meaning: To fit perfectly.
Example: That new dress fits like a glove; it’s exactly what I was looking for.
In someone’s shoes
Meaning: To be in someone else’s situation or experience their feelings.
Example: I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes right now, dealing with all that stress.
Off the cuff
Meaning: Done without preparation or spontaneously.
Example: His off-the-cuff remarks during the speech were both humorous and insightful.
Have a lot on one’s plate
Meaning: To have many responsibilities or tasks to handle.
Example: She has a lot on her plate with the new project and her ongoing commitments.
Sports Idioms Examples
Hit it out of the park
Meaning: To perform exceptionally well or achieve great success.
Example: The new marketing campaign really hit it out of the park, increasing sales by 30%.
Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
Example: After several failed attempts to fix the car, he decided to throw in the towel and take it to a mechanic.
Get a second wind
Meaning: To recover strength or energy after a period of fatigue.
Example: She was exhausted halfway through the marathon but got a second wind and finished strong.
On the ball
Meaning: Being alert and efficient; aware of what’s happening.
Example: The new team member is really on the ball, catching mistakes before they become problems.
In the home stretch
Meaning: The final part of a process or activity, close to completion.
Example: We’re in the home stretch of the project and should be done by the end of the week.
Step up to the plate
Meaning: To take on a responsibility or challenge.
Example: When the team was in trouble, he stepped up to the plate and took charge of the situation.
Play hardball
Meaning: To be aggressive or uncompromising, especially in negotiations.
Example: The company decided to play hardball with their suppliers to get a better deal.
Level playing field
Meaning: A situation where everyone has the same opportunities and conditions.
Example: The new regulations aim to create a level playing field for all businesses in the industry.
Behind the eight ball
Meaning: In a difficult or disadvantaged position.
Example: With the deadline approaching and no progress made, the team found themselves behind the eight ball.
Call the shots
Meaning: To be in charge or make decisions.
Example: As the project manager, she calls the shots and decides on the project’s direction.
Music Idioms Examples
Face the music
Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: After months of avoiding the issue, he finally had to face the music and address the company’s financial problems.
Blow your own trumpet
Meaning: To boast or brag about one’s achievements.
Example: She’s always blowing her own trumpet about her role in the project, but the team knows she was only one part of the success.
Play second fiddle
Meaning: To take a subordinate role to someone else.
Example: After years of being the team leader, he had to play second fiddle to the new manager.
Strike a chord
Meaning: To evoke an emotional response.
Example: The movie’s themes of loss and redemption struck a chord with many viewers.
Change your tune
Meaning: To change one’s attitude or opinion.
Example: He was initially against the proposal, but he changed his tune after hearing the new evidence.
March to the beat of your own drum
Meaning: To act independently and do things in one’s own way.
Example: She’s always marched to the beat of her own drum, never following trends or worrying about what others think.
In tune with
Meaning: To be in agreement or harmony with something.
Example: The new policy is in tune with the company’s values and long-term goals.
Hit the right note
Meaning: To do or say something that is appropriate or successful.
Example: His speech hit the right note with the audience, addressing their concerns and offering solutions.
All that jazz
Meaning: Everything related to or similar to what has been mentioned.
Example: She packed her bag with all the essentials: clothes, toiletries, and all that jazz.
Play by ear
Meaning: To handle a situation spontaneously without a plan.
Example: We don’t have a set itinerary for the trip; we’ll just play it by ear and see where the day takes us.
Time Idioms Examples
Time flies
Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.
Example: It’s hard to believe it’s already September—time flies when you’re having fun!
Behind the times
Meaning: Outdated or old-fashioned.
Example: The office’s technology is so outdated; we’re definitely behind the times.
In the nick of time
Meaning: Just before the last moment or right on time.
Example: They arrived at the airport in the nick of time to catch their flight before it took off.
Ahead of your time
Meaning: Having ideas or attitudes that are too advanced for the present time.
Example: His innovative approach to renewable energy was truly ahead of his time.
Kill time
Meaning: To do something to pass the time while waiting or when one is bored.
Example: I read a book to kill time while waiting for my appointment.
Race against time
Meaning: To work quickly to finish something before a deadline.
Example: They were in a race against time to complete the construction before the event.
Make up for lost time
Meaning: To do something quickly to compensate for time that was wasted or missed.
Example: After being sick for a week, she had to work hard to make up for lost time.
Time is money
Meaning: Time is a valuable resource and should be used wisely.
Example: In the business world, time is money, so efficient meetings are crucial.
Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not to do it at all.
Example: He finally submitted the report, and although it was late, it was better late than never.
On borrowed time
Meaning: Living or existing beyond the expected or usual time.
Example: After the critical surgery, he was living on borrowed time, and every day was a gift.
Number Idioms Examples
At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Immediately and without hesitation.
Example: She’s always ready for an adventure at the drop of a hat.
Two cents’ worth
Meaning: An opinion or contribution, often unsolicited.
Example: I just wanted to offer my two cents’ worth on the matter before the meeting ends.
One in a million
Meaning: Very rare or unique.
Example: Finding someone with such a kind heart is truly one in a million.
In two minds
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided about something.
Example: I’m in two minds about whether to accept the job offer or not.
Three sheets to the wind
Meaning: Very drunk.
Example: He was three sheets to the wind by the end of the party and had to be taken home.
Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted.
Example: She was over the moon when she found out she got the promotion.
On cloud nine
Meaning: Experiencing extreme happiness.
Example: They were on cloud nine after their wedding, enjoying their honeymoon.
The whole nine yards
Meaning: Everything possible or available; the full extent.
Example: For their anniversary, he went the whole nine yards with a lavish dinner and a surprise trip.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common and not valuable.
Example: In the tech industry, new apps are a dime a dozen, but few stand out.
At sixes and sevens
Meaning: In a state of confusion or disorder.
Example: The office was at sixes and sevens after the sudden departure of the manager.
Travel & Transport Idioms Examples
Hit the road
Meaning: To begin a journey or start traveling.
Example: We need to hit the road early to avoid traffic on our way to the beach.
Get a move on
Meaning: To hurry up or move faster.
Example: If we want to catch the early train, we’d better get a move on.
Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity or chance.
Example: He missed the boat on the investment opportunity because he was too slow to act.
Off the beaten track
Meaning: In a place that is not commonly visited; unusual or remote.
Example: We decided to go off the beaten track and explore some less-known trails.
At a crossroads
Meaning: Facing a decision where two or more options are available.
Example: She’s at a crossroads in her career, trying to decide between two job offers.
Steer clear of
Meaning: To avoid something or someone.
Example: It’s best to steer clear of that restaurant; the reviews aren’t very good.
On the right track
Meaning: Moving in the correct direction or making progress.
Example: Your project is on the right track, just make sure to meet the upcoming deadlines.
Break down
Meaning: For a vehicle to stop working due to a mechanical failure.
Example: We had to call for roadside assistance because the car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
Travel light
Meaning: To travel with a minimal amount of luggage.
Example: When going on a weekend trip, it’s best to travel light and only bring the essentials.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage.
Example: After weeks of delaying the decision, she finally bit the bullet and booked the flight.
Car & Driving Idioms Examples
Hit the brakes
Meaning: To slow down or stop suddenly.
Example: When the traffic light turned red, he had to hit the brakes to avoid running the light.
Put the pedal to the metal
Meaning: To drive as fast as possible; to increase speed.
Example: We were running late, so I had to put the pedal to the metal to get us to the airport on time.
In the driver’s seat
Meaning: To be in control of a situation or have the leading position.
Example: After the promotion, she’s now in the driver’s seat of the project and making all the key decisions.
Backseat driver
Meaning: Someone who gives unsolicited advice, especially while someone else is driving.
Example: He’s such a backseat driver, always telling me how to handle the car even though he’s not behind the wheel.
Take a detour
Meaning: To take a longer or alternative route than originally planned.
Example: Due to road construction, we had to take a detour and ended up discovering a charming little town.
Drive someone up the wall
Meaning: To irritate or annoy someone greatly.
Example: The constant noise from the construction site is driving me up the wall.
At a crossroads
Meaning: Facing a crucial decision or turning point.
Example: She’s at a crossroads in her career, deciding whether to accept the new job offer or stay in her current role.
Road rage
Meaning: Aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by drivers in response to being cut off or delayed.
Example: He experienced road rage when another driver cut him off on the freeway.
In the fast lane
Meaning: Living a busy, exciting, or high-pressure lifestyle.
Example: Since starting her own business, she’s been living in the fast lane, balancing numerous responsibilities.
Change gears
Meaning: To switch from one activity or approach to another.
Example: After working in finance for years, he decided to change gears and pursue a career in teaching.
Technology Idioms Examples
On the cutting edge
Meaning: At the forefront of innovation or technology; very advanced.
Example: The new smartphone model is on the cutting edge, featuring the latest in augmented reality technology.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely, often related to technology issues.
Example: We had to bite the bullet and upgrade our entire system, even though it was expensive and time-consuming.
In the driver’s seat
Meaning: To be in control or have the leading position, especially in a tech project.
Example: With the new software development project, she’s in the driver’s seat and making all the critical decisions.
Push the envelope
Meaning: To go beyond the usual limits or boundaries, often in technology or innovation.
Example: The tech company is known for pushing the envelope with its revolutionary designs and features.
Plug and play
Meaning: Easy to use or set up, with minimal configuration needed.
Example: The new printer is plug and play; just connect it to your computer, and it’s ready to go.
Get up to speed
Meaning: To become familiar with the latest developments or technologies.
Example: He needs some time to get up to speed with the new software system before he can start the project.
Ahead of the curve
Meaning: To be more advanced or innovative than others.
Example: Their approach to cybersecurity is ahead of the curve, using cutting-edge encryption techniques.
Crash and burn
Meaning: To fail spectacularly, especially in technology or business ventures.
Example: The startup crashed and burned after their app failed to attract users despite heavy marketing.
In the cloud
Meaning: Refers to storing or accessing data via online servers rather than local storage.
Example: All our documents are saved in the cloud, so we can access them from any device.
Going viral
Meaning: To quickly become very popular or widely shared on the internet.
Example: The video of the new tech gadget went viral, receiving millions of views within a few days.
Home Idioms Examples
Home is where the heart is
Meaning: One’s true home is where their loved ones are, or where they feel the most comfortable.
Example: Even though she travels frequently for work, she always says home is where the heart is, meaning her family’s presence makes her feel at home.
Bring the house down
Meaning: To perform or entertain in a way that is extremely impressive or successful.
Example: The band’s concert was so incredible that they really brought the house down.
Make yourself at home
Meaning: To act as though you are in your own home, feeling relaxed and comfortable.
Example: When you visit, please make yourself at home and help yourself to anything in the kitchen.
Home sweet home
Meaning: The feeling of comfort and contentment one experiences at their own home.
Example: After a long trip, walking through the front door felt like home sweet home.
Put your house in order
Meaning: To get things organized or sorted out, often referring to personal or work-related matters.
Example: Before starting the new project, it’s important to put your house in order to ensure everything runs smoothly.
A house divided against itself cannot stand
Meaning: A group or organization that is split internally will not be successful or survive.
Example: The company needs to resolve its internal conflicts because a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Hit home
Meaning: To have a strong impact on someone, especially emotionally.
Example: The documentary about climate change really hit home and made me think about my own carbon footprint.
Build a house of cards
Meaning: To create something that is fragile or likely to fail.
Example: The quick-fix solutions were like building a house of cards—they didn’t hold up under pressure.
Home and dry
Meaning: To be safely or successfully finished with something.
Example: After passing the final exams, she felt home and dry, ready to celebrate her graduation.
Burn the house down
Meaning: To cause a major disaster or failure, often in a metaphorical sense.
Example: His reckless handling of the project almost burned the house down, leading to severe consequences for the team.
Plant Idioms Examples
Bloom where you are planted
Meaning: To make the best of your situation or surroundings.
Example: Even though he was new to the city, he decided to bloom where he was planted and quickly made friends.
Nip in the bud
Meaning: To stop something at an early stage before it becomes a problem.
Example: We need to nip this issue in the bud before it grows into a larger conflict.
Grow like a weed
Meaning: To grow very quickly.
Example: The children are growing like weeds—every time I see them, they’re bigger!
Green thumb
Meaning: A natural talent for gardening or growing plants.
Example: She’s known for her green thumb; her garden is always full of vibrant, healthy plants.
Sow the seeds
Meaning: To begin a process or action that will develop in the future.
Example: By investing in education now, you’re sowing the seeds for future success.
Get to the root of
Meaning: To find the cause or origin of something.
Example: We need to get to the root of the problem to fix the issue effectively.
Let it all hang out
Meaning: To relax and be free or uninhibited, though not specifically related to plants, can imply letting growth or progress happen naturally.
Example: During the weekend, I like to let it all hang out in my garden and enjoy nature.
Not have a leg to stand on
Meaning: To be in a position where one has no support or evidence to back up their claim.
Example: Without proper documentation, the company didn’t have a leg to stand on during the negotiation.
Plant the seeds of doubt
Meaning: To create uncertainty or suspicion in someone’s mind.
Example: His comments about the project’s feasibility planted the seeds of doubt among the team members.
Be in full bloom
Meaning: To be at the peak of one’s development or growth.
Example: The garden is in full bloom, showcasing a stunning array of flowers and colors.
Weather Idioms Examples
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
Example: I’m going to stay home today because I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Even in difficult situations, there is always something positive.
Example: Losing that job was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining—it’s given me the chance to pursue my passion.
Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting to ease tension.
Example: At the start of the meeting, he told a joke to break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable.
Storm in a teacup
Meaning: A lot of fuss about something that is not very important.
Example: The argument over the office temperature was just a storm in a teacup.
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining heavily.
Example: We had to postpone the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
Sunny disposition
Meaning: A cheerful and optimistic attitude.
Example: Her sunny disposition makes her a pleasure to work with, even on the busiest days.
Weather the storm
Meaning: To endure a difficult or turbulent situation.
Example: The company managed to weather the storm during the economic downturn and came out stronger.
Blowing hot and cold
Meaning: To change one’s opinions or feelings frequently.
Example: He’s been blowing hot and cold about the project, which makes it hard to know where he stands.
Make hay while the sun shines
Meaning: To take advantage of favorable conditions while they last.
Example: We should make hay while the sun shines and complete the project before the deadline approaches.
Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: To take a risk or act recklessly.
Example: They decided to throw caution to the wind and invest in the new startup despite the risks.
Appearance Idioms Examples
Face the music
Meaning: To confront the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: After months of avoiding the issue, it was time for him to face the music and deal with the problem.
Put on a brave face
Meaning: To appear confident or cheerful despite feeling worried or upset.
Example: Even though she was nervous about the presentation, she put on a brave face and delivered it flawlessly.
In the limelight
Meaning: At the center of attention.
Example: The new movie has put the actress in the limelight, with all eyes on her performance.
A sight for sore eyes
Meaning: Someone or something that is very pleasant to see.
Example: After a long day at work, seeing her dog waiting at the door was a sight for sore eyes.
Keep a low profile
Meaning: To avoid attracting attention or standing out.
Example: He decided to keep a low profile after the controversial meeting to avoid further scrutiny.
Change your tune
Meaning: To change your opinion or attitude, usually in response to a situation.
Example: She changed her tune about the project after receiving positive feedback from the team.
Not the best-dressed
Meaning: Not particularly fashionable or stylish.
Example: Although he’s not the best-dressed at the office, he always brings a lot of personality to his outfits.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Meaning: An image can convey a complex idea more effectively than a description.
Example: The photograph of the disaster area spoke volumes—truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Dressed to the nines
Meaning: Dressed very elegantly or fashionably.
Example: She was dressed to the nines for the gala, making a stunning impression.
Put your best foot forward
Meaning: To make a great first impression or put in your best effort.
Example: During the job interview, he made sure to put his best foot forward by preparing thoroughly and dressing professionally.
People Idioms Examples
A people person
Meaning: Someone who is friendly and enjoys interacting with others.
Example: As a people person, she finds it easy to make new friends and connect with clients.
Behind someone’s back
Meaning: To do something secretly or without someone’s knowledge.
Example: He was upset to find out that decisions about his project were made behind his back.
Big fish in a small pond
Meaning: Someone who is important or influential within a limited scope or area.
Example: He was a big fish in a small pond at his previous job, but now he’s working in a much larger company.
A chip off the old block
Meaning: A person who resembles or has similar traits to one of their parents.
Example: The son is a chip off the old block; he has the same sense of humor and work ethic as his father.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Meaning: Children often resemble or inherit traits from their parents.
Example: She’s very talented at music, just like her father; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Throw someone under the bus
Meaning: To betray or sacrifice someone for personal gain.
Example: He threw his colleague under the bus to avoid taking responsibility for the mistake.
A lone wolf
Meaning: Someone who prefers to work or act alone rather than with others.
Example: He’s known as a lone wolf; he likes to tackle projects on his own rather than working in teams.
To have a heart of gold
Meaning: To be very kind and generous.
Example: Despite her tough exterior, she has a heart of gold and always helps those in need.
The life of the party
Meaning: A person who is very lively and entertaining at social events.
Example: He’s always the life of the party, keeping everyone entertained with his jokes and energy.
In someone’s good books
Meaning: To be in favor with someone or to be liked by them.
Example: After working late to finish the project, he’s definitely in his boss’s good books now.
Daily Routines Idioms Examples
Bright and early
Meaning: Very early in the morning.
Example: I like to wake up bright and early to get a head start on my day.
Rise and shine
Meaning: A phrase used to wake someone up, encouraging them to get out of bed and start their day.
Example: Come on, kids, it’s time to rise and shine! We have a busy day ahead.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil studying for her final exams.
Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day or to finish an activity.
Example: We’ve made good progress on the project, so let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Hit the sack
Meaning: To go to bed.
Example: I’m exhausted after a long day, so I’m going to hit the sack early tonight.
Go through the motions
Meaning: To do something in a routine way without putting in effort or thought.
Example: He’s so used to his job that he just goes through the motions every day without really thinking about it.
Up and about
Meaning: Out of bed and active, usually after being sick or resting.
Example: After a few days of rest, she was finally up and about, ready to get back to her routine.
At the crack of dawn
Meaning: Very early in the morning.
Example: We’ll need to leave at the crack of dawn if we want to catch the first train.
In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Very quickly or suddenly.
Example: The day passed by in the blink of an eye because we were so busy.
Make time for
Meaning: To arrange time in one’s schedule for a particular activity or person.
Example: No matter how busy I am, I always make time for exercise in my daily routine.
Social Life Idioms Examples
Paint the town red
Meaning: To go out and have a lively, fun time, often involving parties and celebrations.
Example: After finishing their exams, the students decided to paint the town red to celebrate.
Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting to ease tension or awkwardness.
Example: He told a funny joke to break the ice at the party and get everyone laughing.
Mingle with
Meaning: To socialize with others, especially in a group or at a party.
Example: At the wedding reception, I had the chance to mingle with people from different countries.
Rub elbows with
Meaning: To associate or interact with important or famous people.
Example: At the charity gala, I got to rub elbows with some famous actors and politicians.
A social butterfly
Meaning: Someone who is very social, likes to meet people, and thrives in social situations.
Example: She’s a social butterfly, always making new friends and enjoying every party she attends.
Throw a party
Meaning: To organize or host a social event.
Example: They decided to throw a party to celebrate their anniversary with all their friends and family.
On the same wavelength
Meaning: To have similar thoughts, opinions, or ways of thinking as someone else.
Example: We became friends immediately because we were on the same wavelength about so many things.
Hit it off
Meaning: To form a good relationship with someone right away.
Example: They hit it off from the moment they met, and now they’re inseparable.
Bump into someone
Meaning: To meet someone by chance or unexpectedly.
Example: I bumped into an old friend from school at the supermarket yesterday.
Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start something, especially a social event or a group activity.
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on planning the summer picnic so we can invite everyone in time.