50 English idioms that native speakers commonly use
Today we will learn about 50 English idioms that are commonly used by native speakers. Some people say that learning idioms in a foreign language isn’t very
important, but that is not true. You don’t need to use them yourself, but if
you want to get to an advanced level in English and want to improve your writing and speaking skills, you must improve your vocabulary with the help
of learning new words and idioms.
important, but that is not true. You don’t need to use them yourself, but if
you want to get to an advanced level in English and want to improve your writing and speaking skills, you must improve your vocabulary with the help
of learning new words and idioms.
1. The apple doesn’t
fall far from the tree.
fall far from the tree.
It means a child who has
similar qualities or talents to one of their parents. Practically it is usually
used for something negative. meta idioms
similar qualities or talents to one of their parents. Practically it is usually
used for something negative. meta idioms
For example: Just
like her father, she’s always sleepy.
2. A bad apple.
It is a person who
creates problems. It is often used if a person’s behavior has a negative influence
on others.
like her father, she’s always sleepy.
2. A bad apple.
It is a person who
creates problems. It is often used if a person’s behavior has a negative influence
on others.
For example: Joyce was
struck off from school because his teachers said that he was a bad apple.
3. To beat around the
bush.
It means speaking a lot
about unimportant things to avoid talking about the really important thing.
struck off from school because his teachers said that he was a bad apple.
3. To beat around the
bush.
It means speaking a lot
about unimportant things to avoid talking about the really important thing.
For example: Bob,
please stop beating around the bush & tell me what the problem is.
4. The best of both
worlds.
Circumstances in
which you have the benefits of two very different things.
please stop beating around the bush & tell me what the problem is.
4. The best of both
worlds.
Circumstances in
which you have the benefits of two very different things.
For example: Aleena
lives in a small village, which isn’t far from the city, so she has the best
of both worlds.
5. To bite the bullet.
To bite the bullet means forcing yourself
to do something obnoxious or difficult.
For example: I hate
to work with Mike, but I know it is important, so I’ll have to bite the bullet.
6. A blessing in
disguise.
Something looks bad or unfortunate initially but results in a good outcome.
For example: Adela got
fired from his last job, but it was a blessing in disguise because now she has
a much better job working for me.
7. Break a leg.
This is an imperative
phrase, used to wish somebody luck, especially before a performance on stage. It
looks quite negative, but we use it ironically.
For example: I heard
you had an audition later. Break a leg!
8. To burn one’s
bridges.
It means to do
something with the result that cannot return to a previous situation. Often, it’s
because you’ve offended somebody.
For example: When Melani quit
his first job, she also swore at his boss, so she definitely burnt his bridges.
9. By the skin of one’s
teeth.
Doing something by the skin of your teeth means that you did it at the edge of failure. Regardless of your all efforts and hard work, you almost failed.
For example: Bob passed
his driving test by the skin of his teeth. In other words, he almost failed.
10. To cost an arm and a
leg.
It simply means to
be very expensive.
For example: Bob
crashed my car and it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed.
lives in a small village, which isn’t far from the city, so she has the best
of both worlds.
5. To bite the bullet.
To bite the bullet means forcing yourself
to do something obnoxious or difficult.
For example: I hate
to work with Mike, but I know it is important, so I’ll have to bite the bullet.
6. A blessing in
disguise.
Something looks bad or unfortunate initially but results in a good outcome.
For example: Adela got
fired from his last job, but it was a blessing in disguise because now she has
a much better job working for me.
7. Break a leg.
This is an imperative
phrase, used to wish somebody luck, especially before a performance on stage. It
looks quite negative, but we use it ironically.
For example: I heard
you had an audition later. Break a leg!
8. To burn one’s
bridges.
It means to do
something with the result that cannot return to a previous situation. Often, it’s
because you’ve offended somebody.
For example: When Melani quit
his first job, she also swore at his boss, so she definitely burnt his bridges.
9. By the skin of one’s
teeth.
Doing something by the skin of your teeth means that you did it at the edge of failure. Regardless of your all efforts and hard work, you almost failed.
For example: Bob passed
his driving test by the skin of his teeth. In other words, he almost failed.
10. To cost an arm and a
leg.
It simply means to
be very expensive.
For example: Bob
crashed my car and it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed.
11. A couch potato.
A couch potato is a
person not very active but spends much of his time on the couch watching movies.
For example: Bob, stop
being such a couch potato and go out and get some exercise.
12. To cut corners.
It means to do something
as easily or as cheaply as possible, but in a way that usually hurts the final result.
For example: The builders cut
corners when they renovated the house and now lots of things need to be repaired.
13. Don’t count your
chickens (before they hatch).
It means you should not make plans depending on positive future events that have no guarantee to happen. It means do not assume but be practical.
For example: I think I’m going to get a promotion at my job, therefore, I’m going to buy a new
car.”, We can say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
14. The elephant in the
room.
The elephant in
the room means an obvious fact or problem that no one wants to talk about.
For example: At the
meeting today, nobody mentioned the elephant in the room, which was that our
boss was clearly drunk.
15. Fit as a fiddle.
It means in good
health or fit and strong.
For example: I had
surgery a couple of months ago, but I feel as fit as a fiddle.
16. Food for thought.
This means something
that makes you think carefully.
For example: My economics
class today definitely gave me some food for thought.
17. To give somebody the benefit
of the doubt.
It means to treat
somebody as if their words or actions are correct or honest, even if you’re not
sure about it.
For example: There was
a good chance that Bob was lying to me, but I decided to give him the benefit
of the doubt.
18. To give somebody the
cold shoulder.
This means treating
somebody in an unfriendly way or deliberately ignoring somebody.
For example: Bob
is annoyed with Joyce, so now he’s giving him the cold shoulder.
19. To go cold turkey.
This idiom means
to stop or avoid something or some habit suddenly and completely. It’s almost always used for
addiction. Sometimes. So, going cold turkey means you just avoid it all of a
sudden not gradually.
For example: She used to
smoke two packets of cigarettes a day, but then she went cold turkey and never
smoked again.
20. To go with the flow.
It means to just allow
things to happen or to do what other people want without trying to control what
happens.
For example: I’m
not going to make any plans today, I’m just going to relax and go with the flow.
21. To grin and bear it.
This means accepting something difficult or unpleasant without complaining.
For example: The flight was delayed 10 hours. Aleena had to grin and bear it.
22. To have a sweet
tooth.
It means to really
like eating sweet things like chocolate, cake or sweets.
For example: I know it
was Bob who ate all the cookies at the party because she definitely has a
sweet tooth.
23. To have one’s head in
the clouds.
It means not being
aware of what’s happening around you or not being practical or sensible about
things.
For example: I wouldn’t
start a business with him if I were you because he always has his head in the
clouds.
24. To hit the books.
It simply means to
study, usually intensely.
For example: Bob has an important exam next month, so he needs to hit the books this month.
25. To hit the nail on the
head.
A couch potato is a
person not very active but spends much of his time on the couch watching movies.
For example: Bob, stop
being such a couch potato and go out and get some exercise.
12. To cut corners.
It means to do something
as easily or as cheaply as possible, but in a way that usually hurts the final result.
For example: The builders cut
corners when they renovated the house and now lots of things need to be repaired.
13. Don’t count your
chickens (before they hatch).
It means you should not make plans depending on positive future events that have no guarantee to happen. It means do not assume but be practical.
For example: I think I’m going to get a promotion at my job, therefore, I’m going to buy a new
car.”, We can say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
14. The elephant in the
room.
The elephant in
the room means an obvious fact or problem that no one wants to talk about.
For example: At the
meeting today, nobody mentioned the elephant in the room, which was that our
boss was clearly drunk.
15. Fit as a fiddle.
It means in good
health or fit and strong.
For example: I had
surgery a couple of months ago, but I feel as fit as a fiddle.
16. Food for thought.
This means something
that makes you think carefully.
For example: My economics
class today definitely gave me some food for thought.
17. To give somebody the benefit
of the doubt.
It means to treat
somebody as if their words or actions are correct or honest, even if you’re not
sure about it.
For example: There was
a good chance that Bob was lying to me, but I decided to give him the benefit
of the doubt.
18. To give somebody the
cold shoulder.
This means treating
somebody in an unfriendly way or deliberately ignoring somebody.
For example: Bob
is annoyed with Joyce, so now he’s giving him the cold shoulder.
19. To go cold turkey.
This idiom means
to stop or avoid something or some habit suddenly and completely. It’s almost always used for
addiction. Sometimes. So, going cold turkey means you just avoid it all of a
sudden not gradually.
For example: She used to
smoke two packets of cigarettes a day, but then she went cold turkey and never
smoked again.
20. To go with the flow.
It means to just allow
things to happen or to do what other people want without trying to control what
happens.
For example: I’m
not going to make any plans today, I’m just going to relax and go with the flow.
21. To grin and bear it.
This means accepting something difficult or unpleasant without complaining.
For example: The flight was delayed 10 hours. Aleena had to grin and bear it.
22. To have a sweet
tooth.
It means to really
like eating sweet things like chocolate, cake or sweets.
For example: I know it
was Bob who ate all the cookies at the party because she definitely has a
sweet tooth.
23. To have one’s head in
the clouds.
It means not being
aware of what’s happening around you or not being practical or sensible about
things.
For example: I wouldn’t
start a business with him if I were you because he always has his head in the
clouds.
24. To hit the books.
It simply means to
study, usually intensely.
For example: Bob has an important exam next month, so he needs to hit the books this month.
25. To hit the nail on the
head.
This means to be
exactly right about something.
For example: When
George said that most people want to learn English without making any effort,
he hit the nail on the head.
26. In hot water.
It means
in trouble or difficult circumstances that may result in punishment.
For example: That
company is in hot water because it didn’t pay its taxes.
27. Don’t judge a book by
its cover or you can’t judge a book by its cover.
It means you
shouldn’t form an opinion of something or somebody only on their appearance.
For example: She seemed
rather serious based on her clothes and expression, but don’t judge a book by
its cover.
28. To keep one’s chin
up.
It means making
an effort to stay brave and happy in a difficult situation.
For example: I lost my business recently, but I have to keep my chin up.
29. To kill two birds
with one stone.
To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things with one
action at the same time.
For example: He is killing two birds with one stone because cycling to
work allows him to keep fit and save money at the same time.
exactly right about something.
For example: When
George said that most people want to learn English without making any effort,
he hit the nail on the head.
26. In hot water.
It means
in trouble or difficult circumstances that may result in punishment.
For example: That
company is in hot water because it didn’t pay its taxes.
27. Don’t judge a book by
its cover or you can’t judge a book by its cover.
It means you
shouldn’t form an opinion of something or somebody only on their appearance.
For example: She seemed
rather serious based on her clothes and expression, but don’t judge a book by
its cover.
28. To keep one’s chin
up.
It means making
an effort to stay brave and happy in a difficult situation.
For example: I lost my business recently, but I have to keep my chin up.
29. To kill two birds
with one stone.
To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things with one
action at the same time.
For example: He is killing two birds with one stone because cycling to
work allows him to keep fit and save money at the same time.
30. The last/final
straw.
This means the last of
a series of problems that finally causes somebody to get angry or impatient.
For example: When
he arrived late the third time, it was the last straw and his boss fired him.
31. To let the cat out of
the bag.
It means to reveal
a secret, normally without intending to.
For example: We had organized
a surprise birthday party for George, but Bob let the cat out of the bag the
day before.
32. To be like riding a
bike.
It is something
that you never forget how to do.
For example: I haven’t
been swimming in years. Don’t worry. It’s like riding a bike.
33. To be like two peas in
a pod.
It means that two people
are very similar in appearance or character.
For example: They’re
like two peas in a pod, so it’s not surprising that people often think they’re
brothers.
34. To make ends meet.
It means having just
enough money to buy the things that you need.
For example: My job makes my ends meet, but I have to do business if I want a luxurious life.
35. No pain, no gain.
It means you need to
work hard to achieve something.
For example: My gym sessions
are exhausting, but no pain, no gain.
36. To not be one’s cup
of tea.
Means to not be the
type of thing that one likes.
For example: Sports
aren’t really his cup of tea.
37. To be on the ball.
It means
being vigilant and fast to react to things competently.
For example: She’s a
great employee. She is always on the ball even under pressure. It means she is always aware.
38. Once in a blue moon.
Very rarely.
For example: My mother sees her daughter once in a blue moon because she is living abroad.
39. To play devil’s
advocate.
It means to argue against
something, even if you agree with it, it starts an argument or an interesting
discussion.
For example: I don’t actually disagree with you. I’m
just playing devil’s advocate.
40. To pull somebody’s
leg.
It means to tell
someone what is not true as a joke.
For example: Bob,
did you really run a marathon or are you pulling my leg?
41. (Come) rain or shine.
This can be used literally
or figuratively depending on the context. It means whatever the situation may be, or whatever happens.
For example: Bring
a raincoat because we are going camping rain or shine.
42. To sit tight.
It means to physically
not move and stay where you are or to not do anything new or change your mind until
the right time.
For example: just sit
tight. The boss is going to meet you in a moment. Inventors have been told to sit
tight until the economy improves.
43. To spill the beans.
It means to reveal
something that was supposed to be a secret.
For example: Mike
was having an affair and his colleague spilled the beans to his wife.
44. To take a rain check.
It is used to say that you will not accept an offer
now, but you might in the future.
For example: Would
you like to go for a drink later?
Sorry, I have to
work. Can I take a rain check?
45. To teach somebody a
lesson.
It means somebody
is punished for something they have done so they will not do it again.
For example: I
left my windows open and the rain soaked my carpet. That taught me a lesson.
46. Through thick and
thin.
It means in all
situations, even the difficult ones.
For example: Good
friends support us through thick and thin.
47. Under the table.
It means secretly
and illegally (normally for financial payments).
For example: He
gets paid under the table so he doesn’t have to pay taxes.
48. Under the weather.
It means slightly sick
or unwell.
For example: Mike
went bar-hopping last night and today he’s feeling a bit under the weather.
straw.
This means the last of
a series of problems that finally causes somebody to get angry or impatient.
For example: When
he arrived late the third time, it was the last straw and his boss fired him.
31. To let the cat out of
the bag.
It means to reveal
a secret, normally without intending to.
For example: We had organized
a surprise birthday party for George, but Bob let the cat out of the bag the
day before.
32. To be like riding a
bike.
It is something
that you never forget how to do.
For example: I haven’t
been swimming in years. Don’t worry. It’s like riding a bike.
33. To be like two peas in
a pod.
It means that two people
are very similar in appearance or character.
For example: They’re
like two peas in a pod, so it’s not surprising that people often think they’re
brothers.
34. To make ends meet.
It means having just
enough money to buy the things that you need.
For example: My job makes my ends meet, but I have to do business if I want a luxurious life.
35. No pain, no gain.
It means you need to
work hard to achieve something.
For example: My gym sessions
are exhausting, but no pain, no gain.
36. To not be one’s cup
of tea.
Means to not be the
type of thing that one likes.
For example: Sports
aren’t really his cup of tea.
37. To be on the ball.
It means
being vigilant and fast to react to things competently.
For example: She’s a
great employee. She is always on the ball even under pressure. It means she is always aware.
38. Once in a blue moon.
Very rarely.
For example: My mother sees her daughter once in a blue moon because she is living abroad.
39. To play devil’s
advocate.
It means to argue against
something, even if you agree with it, it starts an argument or an interesting
discussion.
For example: I don’t actually disagree with you. I’m
just playing devil’s advocate.
40. To pull somebody’s
leg.
It means to tell
someone what is not true as a joke.
For example: Bob,
did you really run a marathon or are you pulling my leg?
41. (Come) rain or shine.
This can be used literally
or figuratively depending on the context. It means whatever the situation may be, or whatever happens.
For example: Bring
a raincoat because we are going camping rain or shine.
42. To sit tight.
It means to physically
not move and stay where you are or to not do anything new or change your mind until
the right time.
For example: just sit
tight. The boss is going to meet you in a moment. Inventors have been told to sit
tight until the economy improves.
43. To spill the beans.
It means to reveal
something that was supposed to be a secret.
For example: Mike
was having an affair and his colleague spilled the beans to his wife.
44. To take a rain check.
It is used to say that you will not accept an offer
now, but you might in the future.
For example: Would
you like to go for a drink later?
Sorry, I have to
work. Can I take a rain check?
45. To teach somebody a
lesson.
It means somebody
is punished for something they have done so they will not do it again.
For example: I
left my windows open and the rain soaked my carpet. That taught me a lesson.
46. Through thick and
thin.
It means in all
situations, even the difficult ones.
For example: Good
friends support us through thick and thin.
47. Under the table.
It means secretly
and illegally (normally for financial payments).
For example: He
gets paid under the table so he doesn’t have to pay taxes.
48. Under the weather.
It means slightly sick
or unwell.
For example: Mike
went bar-hopping last night and today he’s feeling a bit under the weather.
To go bar-hopping means going to various bars in succession and staying at each one briefly
49. Up in the air.
It means uncertain
or not yet decided on (plans and decisions).
For example: John is thinking of going back to university, but his plans are still up in
the air.
50. Your guess is as good
as mine.
Basically, it
means “I don’t know.
For example: Her guess about Mike is as
good as mine.
49. Up in the air.
It means uncertain
or not yet decided on (plans and decisions).
For example: John is thinking of going back to university, but his plans are still up in
the air.
50. Your guess is as good
as mine.
Basically, it
means “I don’t know.
For example: Her guess about Mike is as
good as mine.
If you want to remember something, repetition is one of the significant keys, as well as actively using the language. Two things are, therefore, recommended. Firstly,
try all these idioms. Perhaps in two or three days. Secondly, write your own
examples of these idioms.