{"id":15827,"date":"2023-04-25T21:36:24","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T04:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">30 Common English Idioms<\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>English <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.co"},"modified":"2023-04-25T21:36:24","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T04:36:24","slug":"30-common-english-idioms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/30-common-english-idioms\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Common English Idioms and their meanings"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"words-head\" id=\"words-1823847787\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5017566440575750\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5017566440575750\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3340569236\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">30 Common English Idioms<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>English <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/idioms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">idioms<\/a> 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.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Here are 30 common English idioms and their meanings and examples:<\/mark><\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Bite the bullet &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to face a difficult situation bravely <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I know it&#8217;s scary, but you need to bite the bullet and tell your boss you made a mistake.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Break a leg &#8211; <\/mark><\/strong>used to wish someone good luck, often in a performance or competition <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Break a leg tonight at the concert!&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Cat got your tongue? &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> a question asked to someone who is unusually quiet and not speaking <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Why are you so quiet? Cat got your tongue?&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Don&#8217;t cry over spilled milk &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> don&#8217;t worry about something that can&#8217;t be changed <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m sorry I broke your vase, but there&#8217;s no use crying over spilled milk.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">A dime a dozen &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> very common and easy to find <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Those cheap sunglasses are a dime a dozen at the flea market.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Actions speak louder than words &#8211; <\/mark><\/strong>what someone does is more important than what they say <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;He promised to help me, but his actions speak louder than his words.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Barking up the wrong tree &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> pursuing a wrong idea or course of action <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;If you think I&#8217;m the one who took your phone, you&#8217;re barking up the wrong tree.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Beat around the bush &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to avoid talking directly about something <br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Don&#8217;t beat around the bush, just tell me what you want to say.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Better late than never &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> it&#8217;s better to do something late than not at all<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I know I&#8217;m late with your birthday gift, but better late than never, right?&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Break the ice &#8211; <\/mark><\/strong>to start a conversation or ease an awkward situation<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I always feel nervous at parties, but I try to break the ice by introducing myself to new people.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Burn the midnight oil &#8211; <\/mark><\/strong>to work late into the night<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I have a big project due tomorrow, so I&#8217;ll be burning the midnight oil tonight.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Caught between a rock and a hard place &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to be in a difficult situation with no good options<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m caught between a rock and a hard place &#8211; if I quit my job, I won&#8217;t have any income, but if I stay, I&#8217;m miserable.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Chip on your shoulder &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> a grudge or a bad attitude caused by past experiences<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Ever since he got fired, he&#8217;s had a chip on his shoulder about the company.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Close but no cigar &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to be almost successful but not quite<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I almost won the race, but close but no cigar.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Cold feet &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to become nervous or hesitant before doing something<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m getting cold feet about skydiving &#8211; maybe I&#8217;ll just watch from the ground.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Cut to the chase &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to get to the point quickly<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I don&#8217;t have much time, so let&#8217;s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Devil&#8217;s advocate &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to take a position or argue for an idea that you don&#8217;t actually believe in, in order to explore different perspectives<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I know it sounds crazy, but let me play devil&#8217;s advocate and argue for the other side.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Don&#8217;t put all your eggs in one basket &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to not depend on one thing or one opportunity<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m applying for several jobs because I don&#8217;t really want to put all my eggs in one basket.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Elephant in the room &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> an obvious problem or issue that people are avoiding talking about<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;We need to address the elephant in the room &#8211; our sales have been declining for months.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Fit as a fiddle &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to be in good physical health<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;ve been working out and eating well, so I feel fit as a fiddle these days.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Get off your high horse &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to stop acting superior or arrogant<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;You need to get off your high horse and start treating your coworkers with respect.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Hit the nail on the head &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to be exactly right about something<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;You hit the nail on the head &#8211; that&#8217;s exactly what I was thinking.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Jump the gun &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to start something too early, before it&#8217;s appropriate<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I think we&#8217;re jumping the gun by announcing the new product before it&#8217;s fully developed.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Kick the bucket &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to die<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m not ready to kick the bucket just yet &#8211; I still have so much I want to do.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Let the cat out of the bag &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to reveal a secret<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Piece of cake &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> something that is very easy to do<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I thought the exam was going to be hard, but it turned out to be a piece of cake.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Pull someone&#8217;s leg &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> to tease or joke with someone<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;m just pulling your leg &#8211; I didn&#8217;t really eat all of your pizza.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Speak of the devil &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> used when someone you were just talking about shows up unexpectedly<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;Speak of the devil &#8211; there&#8217;s John, just as we were discussing him.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">The ball is in your court &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> it&#8217;s your turn to take action or make a decision<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;ve given you all the information you need, so now the ball is in your court.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">When pigs fly &#8211;<\/mark><\/strong> used to describe something that is impossible or unlikely to happen<br><strong>Example: <\/strong>&#8220;I&#8217;ll clean my room when pigs fly &#8211; it&#8217;s never going to happen.&#8221;<br><br><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.users.wordsdaily\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download Word Coach Application<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.english.app.wordsearch\" target=\"_blank\">English Word Search Game<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>30 Common English Idioms &#8211; 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[13278,956,82],"class_list":["post-15827","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-idioms","tag-30-common-english-idioms","tag-common-english-idioms","tag-idioms"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/30-Common-English-Idioms-wordscoach.com_.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15827\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}