Idioms are the lifeblood of everyday English, infusing conversations with color, humor, and nuance. Whether you love them or find them perplexing, idioms are essential for anyone aiming to sound natural and fluent in English. This article dives deep into the world of English idioms, exploring their meanings, usage, and the cultural context behind them. We’ll cover over 150 of the most common idioms, grouped by theme, and provide examples to help you master them in real-life situations.
What Are Idioms and Why Do They Matter?
Idioms are phrases whose meanings aren’t immediately obvious from the individual words. For example, “bite the bullet” doesn’t literally mean to bite a piece of ammunition—it means to face a difficult situation bravely. Idioms are often colloquial, used in informal speech, and can be confusing for learners because their meanings are figurative rather than literal.
Learning idioms is crucial for several reasons:
- Natural Communication: Native speakers use idioms constantly, often without realizing it. Understanding them helps you follow conversations and participate more naturally.
- Cultural Insight: Idioms reflect cultural values, humor, and history.
- Expressiveness: Idioms allow you to express ideas more vividly and succinctly.
Let’s explore some of the most common idioms, grouped by theme, with explanations and examples.
Everyday Idioms: 10 Must-Know Expressions
1. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling ill.
Example: “I’m not coming to work today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
2. The Ball Is in Your Court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action.
Example: “I’ve made a counter-offer, the ball is in your court now.”
3. Spill the Beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
Example: “Come on, Sally, spill the beans! Did you kiss him or not?”
4. Pull Someone’s Leg
Meaning: Play a joke on someone.
Example: “No way you won the lottery, you’re pulling my leg!”
5. Take It with a Grain of Salt
Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
Example: “I take these numbers with a grain of salt, polls aren’t always accurate.”
6. You Can Say That Again
Meaning: Strongly agree.
Example: “We need this launch to work or the company will fail.”
“You can say that again.”
7. See Eye to Eye
Meaning: Agree.
Example: “James and Stuart never see eye to eye on anything.”
8. Beat Around the Bush
Meaning: Avoid getting to the point.
Example: “Juan never gets to the point, he always beats around the bush.”
9. Miss the Boat
Meaning: Miss an opportunity.
Example: “I wanted to go to the concert but I missed the boat—tickets are sold out.”
10. By the Skin of Your Teeth
Meaning: Barely succeed.
Example: “The team won that match by the skin of their teeth.”
Time Idioms: 30 Expressions to Master
Time idioms are used in both formal and informal contexts. Here are some of the most useful ones:
1. It’s About Time
Meaning: Something should have happened already.
Example: “You’ve struggled with math for months, it’s about time we got you a tutor.”
2. Against the Clock
Meaning: Working as fast as possible to meet a deadline.
Example: “We’re working against the clock to get everything ready before the party.”
3. At the Eleventh Hour
Meaning: At the last possible moment.
Example: “I remembered the answer at the eleventh hour, just before the test ended.”
4. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: Do something more to compensate for previous inactivity.
Example: “We couldn’t see our family last year, so this year we’re making up for lost time.”
5. In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in time.
Example: “We almost missed the train but arrived in the nick of time.”
6. That Ship Has Sailed
Meaning: The opportunity is gone.
Example: “I thought about running the marathon, but I haven’t trained—so that ship has sailed.”
7. Around the Clock
Meaning: All day and night.
Example: “We have security around the clock.”
8. Call It a Day
Meaning: Stop working for now.
Example: “I’m too tired to finish my homework, I’ll call it a day and do it tomorrow.”
9. In the Blink of an Eye
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: “The calculator solves problems in the blink of an eye.”
10. Kill Time
Meaning: Do something unimportant while waiting.
Example: “We’ll go shopping at the airport to kill time before the flight.”
11. Like Clockwork
Meaning: Smoothly and predictably.
Example: “The presentation went like clockwork.”
12. On the Dot
Meaning: Exactly on time.
Example: “She starts work at 9:00 on the dot.”
13. Do Time / Serve Time
Meaning: Be in prison.
Example: “He’s doing time for money laundering.”
14. Turn Back Time
Meaning: Recreate or remember the past.
Example: “I wish I could turn back time.”
15. Have a Whale of a Time
Meaning: Have a great time.
Example: “I had a whale of a time learning to ski until I broke my leg.”
16. Lose Track of Time
Meaning: Be unaware of how much time has passed.
Example: “Sorry I’m late, I lost track of time.”
17. Spare Time
Meaning: Free time.
Example: “I like to play football in my spare time.”
18. On the Spur of the Moment
Meaning: Do something suddenly, without planning.
Example: “We decided to go to Switzerland on the spur of the moment.”
19. Behind the Times
Meaning: Old-fashioned.
Example: “This library is behind the times—they don’t have computers.”
20. Hit the Big Time
Meaning: Become very successful.
Example: “She hit the big time with a role in a blockbuster movie.”
21. Hour of Need
Meaning: Time when help is most needed.
Example: “Thank you for helping us in our hour of need.”
22. Laugh a Minute
Meaning: Very funny.
Example: “John is a laugh a minute.”
23. Like There’s No Tomorrow
Meaning: Do something quickly or recklessly.
Example: “He spends money like there’s no tomorrow.”
24. Long Time No See
Meaning: Haven’t seen someone for a long time.
Example: “Christopher, long time no see!”
25. Mile a Minute
Meaning: Very fast.
Example: “Connor talks a mile a minute.”
26. Every Now and Then
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example: “We go out for coffee every now and then.”
27. Moment of Truth
Meaning: Time when something is tested or decided.
Example: “Now comes the moment of truth—let’s taste the cake.”
28. Have Time on Your Hands
Meaning: Have a lot of free time.
Example: “She gossips a lot, she must have time on her hands.”
29. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: “Fernando calls me once in a blue moon.”
30. Donkey’s Years
Meaning: A very long time.
Example: “Adam and I have been friends for donkey’s years.”
Hot Idioms: Expressions for Summer and Beyond
1. Hot off the Press
Meaning: Fresh news.
Example: “This is hot off the press—nobody’s talking about it yet.”
2. Blow Hot and Cold
Meaning: Change between two opposite states.
Example: “She blows hot and cold—one day she’s friendly, the next she’s distant.”
3. Strike While the Iron Is Hot
Meaning: Act when the opportunity is good.
Example: “Now is the time to buy a house—strike while the iron is hot.”
4. In Hot Water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: “He forgot his anniversary and went out with friends—he’s in hot water now.”
5. Had More Than a Hot Dinner
Meaning: Have more experience than someone else.
Example: “I’ve had more online stalkers than you’ve had hot dinners.”
6. Hot Under the Collar
Meaning: Angry or embarrassed.
Example: “I’m feeling a bit hot under the collar.”
7. Have the Hots for Someone
Meaning: Be attracted to someone.
Example: “I’ve got the hots for you.”
Weather Idioms: 20 Common Expressions
1. Brighten Up
Meaning: Become happier.
Example: “Let’s brighten up this room.”
2. Take a Shine to
Meaning: Develop a liking for.
Example: “Philip took a shine to Yorkshire tea.”
3. Chase Rainbows
Meaning: Pursue something impossible.
Example: “Georgia wants to be a famous singer, but she’s chasing rainbows.”
4. Save for a Rainy Day
Meaning: Save something for future need.
Example: “I’ll save my lottery winnings for a rainy day.”
5. Right as Rain
Meaning: In perfect health.
Example: “I was ill yesterday, but today I’m right as rain.”
6. Rain Check
Meaning: Postpone with intent to do later.
Example: “Let’s take a rain check on coffee—maybe next week?”
7. Weather the Storm
Meaning: Survive difficulties.
Example: “I told myself to weather the storm, and things got better.”
8. Rain on Someone’s Parade
Meaning: Spoil someone’s enjoyment.
Example: “I don’t want to rain on your parade, but could you be quieter?”
9. Shoot the Breeze
Meaning: Have a casual conversation.
Example: “Let’s go for a walk and shoot the breeze.”
10. Catch Wind of
Meaning: Hear a rumor.
Example: “I caught wind of the news yesterday.”
11. Throw Caution to the Wind
Meaning: Take a risk.
Example: “I’m going to throw caution to the wind and tell him how I feel.”
12. Storm on the Horizon
Meaning: Trouble is coming.
Example: “Francis is always in trouble—there’s a storm on the horizon.”
13. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: Good comes from bad situations.
Example: “Lockdown was tough, but I spent more time with family—every cloud has a silver lining.”
14. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: “I got the job—I’m on cloud nine!”
15. Head in the Clouds
Meaning: Unrealistic or dreamy.
Example: “Grace is lovely, but she has her head in the clouds.”
16. Not Have the Foggiest
Meaning: Have no idea.
Example: “I don’t have the foggiest idea where I am.”
17. Under the Weather
Meaning: Not feeling well.
Example: “I’m staying home today, I’m under the weather.”
18. The Calm Before the Storm
Meaning: Peace before chaos.
Example: “Before the shop opened, it was the calm before the storm.”
19. Break the Ice
Meaning: Ease tension or awkwardness.
Example: “It didn’t take long to break the ice when we met.”
20. Face Like Thunder
Meaning: Look very angry or upset.
Example: “She was upset—her face was like thunder.”
Color Idioms: Adding Vibrancy to Your English
1. Caught Red-Handed
Meaning: Discovered doing something wrong.
Example: “The police caught the thief red-handed.”
2. Grey Area
Meaning: Unclear situation.
Example: “Is using a movie clip in a video copyright infringement? It’s a grey area.”
3. Give the Green Light
Meaning: Give permission.
Example: “My parents gave me the green light to start a club.”
4. In the Red
Meaning: Owe money.
Example: “We’re in the red after overspending.”
5. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: “We go on holiday once in a blue moon.”
6. Out of the Blue
Meaning: Unexpectedly.
Example: “My brother arrived out of the blue.”
7. Red Tape
Meaning: Bureaucratic obstacles.
Example: “It took ages to get a work visa because of red tape.”
8. Rose-Colored Glasses
Meaning: See things too positively.
Example: “I remember school through rose-colored glasses.”
9. Show Your True Colors
Meaning: Reveal your real character.
Example: “Nicole showed her true colors by being patient with the kids.”
10. Golden Opportunity
Meaning: Excellent chance.
Example: “Going to Oxford is a golden opportunity.”
11. White Lie
Meaning: Small, harmless lie.
Example: “I told a white lie about not being able to go to the party.”
12. Pass with Flying Colors
Meaning: Succeed brilliantly.
Example: “She passed the exam with flying colors.”
13. See Red
Meaning: Become very angry.
Example: “When I realized he lied, I saw red.”
14. Blue-Collar
Meaning: Manual worker.
Example: “He got a blue-collar job as an electrician.”
15. White-Collar
Meaning: Office worker.
Example: “She got a white-collar job as a lawyer.”
16. Red Flag
Meaning: Warning sign.
Example: “Nobody enjoys working there—it’s a red flag.”
17. Red-Letter Day
Meaning: Special or memorable day.
Example: “Her return from a two-year trip will be a red-letter day.”
18. Paint the Town Red
Meaning: Celebrate wildly.
Example: “On my birthday, we’ll paint the town red.”
19. Roll Out the Red Carpet
Meaning: Give special treatment.
Example: “We’ll roll out the red carpet when you come home.”
20. Red Carpet Treatment
Meaning: Treat someone as special.
Example: “This hotel gives all guests the red carpet treatment.”
Work and Effort Idioms: Motivating Success
1. Back to the Grindstone
Meaning: Return to hard work.
Example: “Break’s over, back to the grindstone.”
2. On a Roll
Meaning: Experiencing success.
Example: “We’ve signed several new clients—on a roll!”
3. Snowed Under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with work.
Example: “I’m snowed under with exams and meetings.”
4. Bend Over Backwards
Meaning: Make extra effort to help.
Example: “He keeps bending over backwards for Julia.”
5. Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Meaning: Hard work and effort.
Example: “Building this business took blood, sweat, and tears.”
6. Burn the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: Overwork yourself.
Example: “He burned the candle at both ends and had a breakdown.”
7. Get Cracking
Meaning: Start working.
Example: “Let’s get cracking on the project.”
8. Give 110%
Meaning: Try your absolute best.
Example: “Go out there and give it 110%!”
9. Go the Extra Mile
Meaning: Do more than expected.
Example: “Nick went the extra mile during the pandemic.”
10. Hang in There
Meaning: Don’t give up.
Example: “Hang in there, things will get better.”
11. Jump Through Hoops
Meaning: Go through complex procedures.
Example: “We had to jump through hoops to get a mortgage.”
12. Buckle Down
Meaning: Focus and work hard.
Example: “Buckle down and you’ll pass with flying colors.”
13. Make Up for Lost Time
Meaning: Catch up on missed opportunities.
Example: “We’re going on holiday to make up for lost time.”
14. Move Mountains
Meaning: Do the impossible.
Example: “I’ll move mountains to make sure you’re happy.”
15. No Pain, No Gain
Meaning: Effort is necessary for success.
Example: “No pain, no gain—training is tough but worth it.”
16. Pull Your Weight
Meaning: Do your fair share.
Example: “We need you to pull your weight or we’ll have to let you go.”
17. Raise the Bar
Meaning: Increase standards.
Example: “Apple has raised the bar with its new iPhone.”
18. Stay Ahead of the Game
Meaning: Maintain an advantage.
Example: “We need to stay ahead of the game with our marketing.”
19. Stay the Course
Meaning: Continue until the end.
Example: “We’ll stay the course and finish the project.”
20. Take the Bull by the Horns
Meaning: Confront a difficult situation directly.
Example: “I need to take the bull by the horns and talk to the landlord.”
Animal Idioms: Bringing English to Life
1. Fly on the Wall
Meaning: Observe unnoticed.
Example: “I’d love to be a fly on the wall during their argument.”
2. Bee’s Knees
Meaning: Excellent.
Example: “This chocolate cake is the bee’s knees!”
3. Make a Beeline
Meaning: Go directly toward something.
Example: “I made a beeline for Harry when I saw him.”
4. Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Meaning: Achieve two things at once.
Example: “Booked a table for both of us—kill two birds with one stone.”
5. Sitting Duck
Meaning: Easy target.
Example: “Leaving the doors open makes us a sitting duck.”
6. Chicken Out
Meaning: Back out due to fear.
Example: “James chickened out of the rollercoaster.”
7. Wild Goose Chase
Meaning: Pointless pursuit.
Example: “Buying socks at the supermarket was a wild goose chase.”
8. Take the Bull by the Horns
Meaning: Face a problem directly.
Example: “I’m angry, so I’ll take the bull by the horns and tell her.”
9. Horse Around
Meaning: Play or act silly.
Example: “Stop horsing around, I’m trying to focus.”
10. Until the Cows Come Home
Meaning: For a long time.
Example: “I could read until the cows come home.”
11. Dark Horse
Meaning: Unexpectedly skilled person.
Example: “Beth is a dark horse—she bakes really well.”
12. Hold Your Horses
Meaning: Wait.
Example: “Hold your horses, I’ve just arrived.”
13. Straight from the Horse’s Mouth
Meaning: From the original source.
Example: “I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.”
14. In Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: “I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
15. Go the Whole Hog
Meaning: Do something completely.
Example: “Anna goes the whole hog for Halloween every year.”
16. Cat’s Pajamas
Meaning: The best.
Example: “My new teacher is the cat’s pajamas.”
17. Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
Example: “It’s time to let the cat out of the bag—I’m pregnant!”
18. Cat Got Your Tongue
Meaning: Someone is unusually quiet.
Example: “What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?”
19. Raining Cats and Dogs
Meaning: Raining heavily.
Example: “It’s raining cats and dogs outside.”
20. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: Leave a situation alone.
Example: “Better to let sleeping dogs lie than start an argument.”
21. In the Doghouse
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: “He forgot her birthday, now he’s in the doghouse.”
22. Dog Eat Dog
Meaning: Ruthlessly competitive environment.
Example: “It’s dog-eat-dog in that office.”
23. Ants in Your Pants
Meaning: Restless or excited.
Example: “You’ve got ants in your pants today!”
24. Smell a Rat
Meaning: Suspect something is wrong.
Example: “I smell a rat—her excuse doesn’t add up.”
25. Fishy
Meaning: Suspicious.
Example: “Something fishy is going on in that office.”
26. Bigger Fish to Fry
Meaning: More important things to do.
Example: “Don’t worry about invitations, you’ve got bigger fish to fry.”
27. Another Kettle of Fish
Meaning: A different matter.
Example: “Moving house is stressful, but my mum’s situation is another kettle of fish.”
28. Crocodile Tears
Meaning: Fake tears.
Example: “Those are just crocodile tears, he doesn’t care.”
29. Elephant in the Room
Meaning: Obvious problem no one talks about.
Example: “There’s an elephant in the room—nobody mentions what he said.”
30. Lion’s Share
Meaning: The largest portion.
Example: “Daniel Radcliffe gets the lion’s share of praise in Harry Potter.”
Money Idioms: Talking About Finances
1. A Penny for Your Thoughts
Meaning: What are you thinking?
Example: “You look confused—a penny for your thoughts?”
2. Cost a Pretty Penny
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: “That dress cost a pretty penny.”
3. Quick Buck
Meaning: Easy money.
Example: “Selling my old bike was a quick buck.”
4. Daylight Robbery
Meaning: Unfairly expensive.
Example: “Cinema drinks are daylight robbery.”
5. From Rags to Riches
Meaning: From poverty to wealth.
Example: “She went from rags to riches.”
6. Not Have Two Pennies to Rub Together
Meaning: Very poor.
Example: “I don’t have two pennies to rub together.”
7. If I Had a Penny for Every Time
Meaning: Something happens often.
Example: “If I had a penny for every time you were late, I’d be rich.”
8. Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
Meaning: Money is hard to get.
Example: “Money doesn’t grow on trees—you have to earn it.”
9. On the Money
Meaning: Exactly right.
Example: “My instinct was on the money—she was a great hire.”
10. Two Sides of the Same Coin
Meaning: Two related but different things.
Example: “We both want to buy mum a gift, but have different ideas—two sides of the same coin.”
11. Strapped for Cash
Meaning: Short of money.
Example: “I’m strapped for cash, let’s go somewhere cheaper.”
12. Ten a Penny / Dime a Dozen
Meaning: Very common.
Example: “Those shoes are ten a penny.”
13. Cut Your Losses
Meaning: Abandon a failing plan.
Example: “We cut our losses and ordered takeaway when it rained.”
14. Earn a Living
Meaning: Make enough money to live.
Example: “He earns a living by selling art.”
15. Feel the Pinch
Meaning: Experience financial hardship.
Example: “January is tough after Christmas—many feel the pinch.”
16. Foot the Bill
Meaning: Pay for everyone.
Example: “It’s Johnny’s birthday, I’ll foot the bill.”
17. Give Someone a Run for Their Money
Meaning: Be a strong competitor.
Example: “Joe could give Florence a run for her money in baking.”
18. The Penny Drops
Meaning: Finally understand.
Example: “The penny dropped—now I get it!”
19. Spend a Penny
Meaning: Go to the toilet (British, polite).
Example: “Excuse me, I’m just going to spend a penny.”
20. Your Two Cents
Meaning: Your opinion.
Example: “Can I put my two cents in? I think this…”
How to Learn and Use Idioms Effectively
1. Learn Idioms in Context
Memorizing lists is helpful, but using idioms in real conversations is the key to mastery. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and try to incorporate them into your own speech.
2. Practice with Examples
Create your own sentences using new idioms. This helps you remember their meanings and use them naturally.
3. Group Idioms by Theme
Learning idioms by category—such as time, money, animals, or colors—makes them easier to remember and use appropriately.
4. Be Aware of Formality
Some idioms are informal and best used with friends, while others are suitable for professional settings. Pay attention to context.
5. Download Resources
Many teachers offer free resources, such as PDFs with idioms, meanings, and examples. Use these to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion
Idioms are a fascinating and essential part of English. They add depth, humor, and expressiveness to your language, helping you sound more like a native speaker. By learning idioms in context, practicing regularly, and understanding their cultural significance, you’ll unlock a new level of fluency and confidence in English. So, next time you hear someone “spill the beans” or “call it a day,” you’ll know exactly what’s going on—and maybe you’ll even use an idiom or two yourself!
