Have you ever came across some phrases that didn’t make sense to you at first? Did someone say “It’s raining cats and dogs” or “I’ll keep my fingers crossed” and you weren’t sure what they meant? Chances are they were using idioms in their speech.
An idiom is a collection of words or an expression that has a symbolic meaning different from the literal interpretation of its individual components. As an English learner or someone looking to improve their language skills, it is important to understand common English idioms and their meanings as they are used in everyday conversations.
But then a question arises, how many idioms are there in the English language? It’s difficult to determine an exact number, but it is estimated that there are over 25,000 idiomatic expressions in English. That’s a lot! However, here we have compiled a list of 100 commonly used English idioms with examples and meanings to help you expand your knowledge and understanding of these colorful phrases. But before we dive into the list, let’s understand what idioms are and why they are used.
What are idioms?
Idioms are everyday phrases whose meanings aren’t obvious from the words themselves. They’re like little puzzles that only native speakers or those familiar with the language can solve. Idioms add color, humor, and creativity to English, making it more lively and expressive. They’re unique to each language or culture, helping convey complex ideas, emotions, or situations in a metaphorical way. Exploring English idioms and their origins gives us fascinating insights into the historical and cultural influences that have shaped the language we speak today.
However, they can be quite tricky for non-native speakers, as their meanings aren’t immediately clear. Mastering idioms is key to language fluency, enhancing communication, conveying nuanced meanings, and allowing for more vivid self-expression. Let’s dive into some commonly used English idioms and their meanings in everyday conversations!
List of 100 English Idioms
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Formal Idioms:
These idioms are used in professional or academic settings, where a more structured tone is expected.
1.Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What someone does is more important than what they say they will do.
Example: He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
2.Back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start again from the beginning.
Example: Our plan didn’t work out, so it’s back to the drawing board.
3.Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
Example: I have to bite the bullet and confront him about the problem.
4.Face the music
Meaning: Accept the consequences of one’s actions.
Example: You have to face the music and apologize for your mistake.
5.Take with a grain of salt
Meaning: Not completely believing something
Example: He’s known to exaggerate, so take with a grain of salt.
6.The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision
Example: I’ve made my offer, now the ball is in your court.
7.Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: To avoid bringing up old issues or conflicts.
Example: They had a disagreement, but it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.
8.You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours
Meaning: Mutual cooperation or helping each other out.
Example: Let’s collaborate on this project. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.
9.Up in arms
Meaning: Angry or in a state of protest.
Example: The citizens were up in arms over the proposed policy change.
10.Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: To confront a difficult situation head-on.
Example: Instead of avoiding the problem, it’s time to take the bull by the horns.
11.The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Being proactive or early gives you an advantage.
Example: I always arrive early to work; the early bird catches the worm.
12.When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Meaning: Adapt to the customs or behavior of a new place.
Example: We should try the local food; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
13.A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It’s better to have something certain than to risk it for something better but uncertain.
Example: I decided to accept the job offer. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
14.Between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: Having to choose between two difficult options.
Example: I’m between a rock and a hard place; both choices have serious consequences.
15.Cut corners
Meaning: To do something quickly and cheaply, often sacrificing quality.
Example: They cut corners to finish the project on time, and now the quality is compromised.
16.Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Don’t rely on a single source or plan; diversify your options.
Example: Invest in different stocks to diversify your portfolio. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
17.Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets their moment of success or recognition.
Example: He’s been working hard, and I believe every dog has its day.
18.Shoot for the moon
Meaning: Set ambitious goals or aim for something challenging.
Example: Don’t settle for less. Shoot for the moon and see where you land.
19.Needle in a haystack
Meaning: Something extremely difficult or impossible to find
Example: Finding my keys in this messy room is like finding a needle in a haystack
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Informal Idioms
Best suited for relaxed and casual conversations with friends or family.
20.A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone to share their thoughts or opinions.
Example: You seem lost in thought; do you want a penny for your thoughts?
21.All ears
Meaning: Fully attentive and ready to listen.
Example: I am all ears, so tell me what happened.
22.A piece of cake
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: Don’t worry, the exam was a piece of cake.
23.Apple of my eye
Meaning: Someone or something cherished or loved deeply.
Example: My daughter is the apple of my eye.
24.Beat around the bush
Meaning: Avoiding the main topic or not getting to the point.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
25. Break a leg
Meaning: Good luck.
Example: Break a leg in your performance tonight!
26.Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working or doing something.
Example: We’ve been working for hours. Let’s call it a day.
27.Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Unable to speak or express oneself.
Example: Why are you so quiet? Cat got your tongue?
28.Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive.
Example: Buying a luxury car costs an arm and a leg.
29.Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: There’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s find a solution.
30.Face like a thundercloud
Meaning: Having an angry or displeased facial expression.
Example: Don’t approach her now; she has a face like a thundercloud.
31.Hit the jackpot
Meaning: To achieve a great success or win a large prize.
Example: He hit the jackpot and won the lottery.
32.Give someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: Ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly manner.
Example: She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.
33.Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning: To hope for good luck or success.
Example: Keep your fingers crossed for my job interview tomorrow.
34.Off the top of my head
Meaning: Giving an answer without much thought or preparation.
Example: I can’t give you an exact number off the top of my head.
35.Play it by ear
Meaning: To make decisions as you go along, without a plan.
Example: We don’t have a fixed itinerary; let’s play it by ear.
36.Rain or shine
Meaning: Regardless of the weather conditions.
Example: The event will take place, rain or shine.
37.Let your hair down
Meaning: Stay alert and watch carefully.
Example: After a long week, it’s time to let our hair down and have some fun.
38.Zip your lip
Meaning: Be quiet or keep a secret.
Example: Zip your lip and don’t say anything about the surprise party.
39.Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret or confidential information
Example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
40.Miss the boat
Meaning: Miss an opportunity.
Example: I didn’t apply on time and missed the boat for the job.
41.To drive someone up the wall
Meaning: Make someone irritated or angry.
Example: The students drove the teacher up the wall with their shenanigans.
42.It’s a piece of pie
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: Don’t worry; fixing the issue is a piece of pie.
43.Put your foot in your mouth
Meaning: Say something foolish or embarrassing.
Example: I put my foot in my mouth by accidentally insulting her.
44.Take a rain check
Meaning: Postpone a plan or invitation for another time.
Example: I can’t make it to dinner tonight. Can I take a rain check?
45.Run out of stream
Meaning: To lose energy or enthusiasm.
Example: After working all day, I’ve run out of stream and as a result, I need a break.
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Slang Idioms (Very Informal)
Often used in highly casual and sometimes regional or cultural conversations.
46.It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining heavily.
Example: We can’t go out. It’s raining cats and dogs.
47.Raining buckets
Meaning: Pouring rain.
Example: Bring an umbrella; it’s raining buckets outside.
48.Saved by the bell
Meaning: Rescued from a difficult or embarrassing situation.
Example: The phone rang, and I was saved by the bell.
49.Up the creek without a paddle
Meaning: In a difficult or hopeless situation.
Example: If we lose this client, we’re up the creek without a paddle.
50.Devil in disguise
Meaning: Someone who appears friendly but is actually harmful or deceitful.
Example: Be careful with him; he’s a devil in disguise.
51.Caught red-handed
Meaning: Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
Example: He was caught red-handed stealing from the store.
52.Kick the bucket
Meaning: To die
Example: Every one of us will kick the bucket someday
53.All thumbs
Meaning: Clumsy or awkward.
Example: I can’t thread a needle; I’m all thumbs.
54.You can’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree
Meaning: Everyone has different strengths and abilities.
Example: She struggles in math, but she’s excellent in art. You can’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
55.When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that is highly unlikely or improbable.
Example: I’ll start exercising regularly when pigs fly.
56.Hit the road
Meaning: To start a journey or leave a place.
Example: It’s time to hit the road and begin our vacation.
57.To go cold turkey
Meaning: To give up an addictive habit completely
Example: I’ve gone cold turkey on smoking cigars
58.Burning the midnight oil
Meaning: Working or studying late into the night.
Example: I have an exam tomorrow, so I’ll be burning the midnight oil.
59.All bark and no bite
Meaning: Someone who talks tough but doesn’t take action.
Example: He threatens a lot, but he’s all bark and no bite.
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Business/Professional Idioms
Common in business settings, presentations, meetings, or professional communication.
60.Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Accusing or criticizing the wrong person.
Example: If you think I broke the vase, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
61.Cut to the chase
Meaning: Get to the main point without wasting time.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase. What’s your proposal?
62.Drop the ball
Meaning: Make a mistake or fail to do something.
Example: I dropped the ball and forgot to send the email.
63.Go the extra mile
Meaning: Make additional effort or put in extra work.
Example: If you want to succeed, you need to go the extra mile.
64.Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To be correct or accurate.
Example: You hit the nail on the head with your analysis.
65.On the same page
Meaning: Having the same understanding or viewpoint.
Example: We need to get on the same page to work effectively.
66.Play devil’s advocate
Meaning: Argue against a prevailing opinion to stimulate discussion.
Example: I’ll play devil’s advocate and present an opposing viewpoint.
67.Rule of thumb
Meaning: A general principle or guideline.
Example: As a rule of thumb, save 10% of your income for emergencies.
68.Throw in the towel
Meaning: Give up surrender
Example: After hours of trying, I finally threw in the towel.
69.Put someone on the spot
Meaning: To make someone feel uncomfortable or pressurized.
Example: Don’t put him on the spot by asking about his personal life.
70.Play your cards right
Meaning: To make the best decisions and take advantage of the opportunity.
Example: If you play your cards right, then you would get your position.
71.Make waves
Meaning: To cause a disturbance or create an impact
Example: She makes waves with her ground research
72.In hot water
Meaning: In trouble or facing difficulties.
Example: He got caught cheating and is now in hot water with the teacher.
73.As cool as a cucumber
Meaning: Calm and composed, especially in stressful situations.
Example: Even under pressure, she remains as cool as a cucumber.
74.Beggars can’t be choosers
Meaning: When you’re in a difficult situation, you have to accept what is available.
Example: I wanted a specific brand, but beggars can’t be choosers.
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Neutral Idioms (Used in Both Formal & Informal Settings)
These can be used comfortably in both formal and informal settings without feeling out of place.
75.Don’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Don’t make assumptions based on appearance alone.
Example: She may look unfriendly, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
76.Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There is something positive even in difficult situations.
Example: I lost my job, but every cloud has a silver lining. I have more time for my hobbies now.
77.Fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In good physical health.
Example: He exercises regularly and is fit as a fiddle.
78.Get a taste of your own medicine
Meaning: Experience something you have done to others.
Example: He’s always teasing others. It’s time he gets a taste of his own medicine.
79.Give the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: Trust someone’s statement without definite proof.
Example: Even though she was late, I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.
80.Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal secret or confidential information.
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
81.See eye to eye
Meaning: Agreeing on something.
Example: We don’t always see eye to eye, but we respect each other’s opinion.
82. Sit on the fence
Meaning: Not taking sides or making decisions
Example: He is sitting on the fence instead of choosing his position
83.Make a long story short
Meaning: To give a brief version of a story or explanation.
Example: I won the game, made a long story short.
84.No pain, no gain
Meaning: You have to work hard or endure difficulties to achieve something.
Example: If you want to improve your fitness, remember, no pain, no gain.
85.Show your true colors
Meaning: Reveal one’s real character or intentions.
Example: When things get tough, people show their true colors.
86.Off the beaten path
Meaning: Away from the usual or popular route or location
Example: Let’s explore the city and visit some off-the-beaten-path attractions.
87.Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.
Example: I won’t be able to make it to the party; I’m feeling under the weather.
88.Keep your eyes peeled
Meaning: Stay alert and watch carefully.
Example: Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of danger.
89.Keep your chin up
Meaning: Remain cheerful in a difficult situation.
Example: Don’t worry! Keep your chin up, and things will get better.
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Idioms for Everyday Conversations (Universal Use)
Very common in daily conversations and easily understood by native speakers.
90. Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate or start a conversation or interaction.
Example: I told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
91.Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: Accomplish two things with a single action.
Example: By studying during my commute, I can kill two birds with one stone.
92.Easier said than done
Meaning: Something that sounds easy but is actually difficult to do.
Example: Just stay calm during the presentation. Easier said than done!
93.Throw caution to the wind
Meaning: Take a risk or act without thinking about the consequences.
Example: He threw caution to the wind and quit his stable job to pursue his passion.
94.Better late than never
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Example: She finally apologized for her behavior. Well, better late than never.
95.Fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Example: Being at the party surrounded by strangers made me feel like a fish out of water.
96.Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: Showing emotions openly and transparently.
Example: He wears his heart on his sleeve, and everyone knows when he’s upset.
97.Up in the air
Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
Example: The date for the meeting is still up in the air; we haven’t finalized it yet.
98.Get cold feet
Meaning: To feel nervous or anxious about doing something.
Example: I was going to ask her out, but I got cold feet at the last moment.
99.Jump the gun
Meaning: To act or start before the appropriate time.
Example: She jumped the gun and announced the news before it was confirmed.
100.A watched pot never boils
Meaning: Time seems to pass slowly when you’re waiting for something.
Example: Stop waiting for your friends so eagerly. A watched pot never boils.
When to use Idioms?
Using idioms in your conversations can be a great way to connect with others more naturally and expressively. Whether you’re chatting with friends, writing a casual email, or even speaking in a work meeting, sprinkling some idioms here and there can make your language sound more engaging and relatable.
They’re especially useful when you want to convey a particular emotion or idea without being too direct. For example, if you’re feeling a bit nervous about an upcoming event, saying “I have butterflies in my stomach” immediately paints a picture without going into lengthy explanations.
Similarly, when a friend asks how their presentation went and you say they “hit it out of the park,” you’re immediately communicating they did an excellent job. Remember, though, that it’s important to consider your audience, as not everyone may be familiar with certain idioms. Understanding your listener’s familiarity with the language will guide you in using idioms effectively while keeping the conversation vibrant and engaging.
Bottomline:
Widely used in everyday conversations, these 100 English idioms are perfect to make your language more colorful and expressive. Understanding their meanings and using them in the right context can help you connect with others more naturally and convey complex ideas or emotions with ease. So why not try incorporating some of these idioms into your speech and see how they add depth and character to your communication?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I remember idioms easily?
One way to remember idioms is by understanding their origins and context of use. You can also practice using them in your conversations or writing regularly. You can also create flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning on the other. Reviewing them periodically can help you retain the information.
Are there any online resources for learning English idioms?
Yes, there are many websites and apps that provide a comprehensive list of English idioms with examples and meanings. Some popular ones include FluentU, The Free Dictionary, and Daily Grammar.
How do idioms differ from proverbs or sayings?
Idioms are phrases or expressions with a symbolic meaning that is different from the literal interpretation of its individual components. Proverbs, on the other hand, are short and wise sayings that offer advice or express a general truth. Sayings are similar to proverbs but may not always have a deeper meaning. While idioms add color and humor to language, proverbs and sayings have more practical applications. Additionally, idioms are unique to each language or culture, while proverbs and sayings can be found in multiple languages.
Can idioms have different meanings in different English-speaking countries?
Yes, idioms can vary in meaning and usage across different English-speaking countries. For example, the idiom "raining cats and dogs" may not be used or understood in the same way in America as it is in Britain. Similarly, some idioms may have regional variations within a country. Therefore, it's essential to understand the context and audience when using idioms to avoid confusion.
Is learning idioms necessary?
Not entirely, but it can definitely make your English sound more natural and polished. Plus, using idiomatic expressions in conversations or writing can also help you resonate better with native speakers. It will also give you an insight into the cultural context and background of a language.
