StudiesIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions in English: Meanings, Examples and Everyday Uses

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English is full of expressions that make communication more interesting, natural, and meaningful. Some expressions have meanings that are different from the meanings of the individual words they contain. These expressions are known as idioms or idiomatic expressions.

For example, when someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” they are not suggesting that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. They mean that it is raining very heavily. Similarly, the expression “break the ice” does not mean physically breaking a piece of ice. It means doing or saying something that makes people feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation.

Idioms are an important part of everyday English. Native speakers use them in conversations, films, television programmes, books, newspapers, workplace discussions, and informal messages. They help speakers communicate emotions, describe situations, express opinions, and make their language more colourful.

For English learners, understanding idioms can sometimes be challenging because their meanings are not always obvious. A learner may understand every individual word in an expression but still fail to understand what the complete expression means. This is why learning idioms requires more than memorising vocabulary. It involves understanding meaning, context, pronunciation, grammar, and appropriate usage.

This article explains what idioms and idiomatic expressions are, why they are important, how they are used, and how learners can recognise and use them correctly. It also provides 100 common English idioms, their meanings, and practical example sentences, followed by conversations, exercises, and answers.

1. What Are Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions?

An idiom is a word, phrase, or expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words used in it.

An idiom communicates an idea that cannot always be understood by translating each word separately.

For example:

A piece of cake: Something that is very easy.
Under the weather: Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
Hit the nail on the head: To describe something accurately.
Once in a blue moon: Very rarely.
Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.

Consider the sentence:

“Learning how to use this computer programme is a piece of cake.”

The speaker is not talking about eating cake. The expression means that learning the programme is easy.

Another example is:

“John is feeling under the weather today.”

This means John is not feeling well. It does not mean that he is physically underneath the weather.

Idioms are therefore expressions with established meanings that speakers understand through familiarity and context.

1.1 What Is an Idiomatic Expression?

An idiomatic expression is a phrase or combination of words that has a meaning recognised by speakers of a language, even when that meaning is not directly suggested by its individual words.

The terms idiom and idiomatic expression are often used interchangeably. However, idiomatic expressions can also include broader patterns of natural language that are not always classified as traditional idioms.

Examples include:

Make a decision.
Take a break.
Pay attention.
Keep an eye on something.
Have a good time.
Give someone a hand.

Some of these expressions have relatively predictable meanings, but they are commonly used as established combinations of words.

1.2 Literal Meaning and Figurative Meaning

To understand idioms, it is important to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings.

A literal meaning is the direct meaning of words according to their ordinary definitions.

A figurative meaning communicates an idea through comparison, imagination, symbolism, or an established expression.

For example:

Expression	Literal interpretation	Idiomatic meaning
Break the ice	Break frozen water	Make people feel comfortable
Hold your horses	Hold animals by their reins	Be patient or wait
Spill the beans	Drop beans from a container	Reveal a secret
Cost an arm and a leg	Lose body parts as payment	Be extremely expensive
Let the cat out of the bag	Release a cat from a bag	Reveal something secret
Bite the bullet	Bite a piece of ammunition	Face a difficult situation bravely

Understanding this difference helps learners avoid interpreting idioms word for word.

2. Why Are Idioms Important in English?

Idioms are important because they help people communicate naturally and understand the language as it is used in real situations.

2.1 They Make Communication More Natural

People frequently use idioms in everyday conversations. Understanding common expressions helps learners follow discussions and respond appropriately.

For example:

A: “How was your examination?”

B: “It was a piece of cake.”

The response means the examination was easy.

A learner who understands this idiom can understand the speaker without needing an additional explanation.

2.2 They Improve Speaking Skills

Using appropriate idioms can make spoken English sound more natural and expressive.

Compare these sentences:

“I am very happy that you visited me.”
“I am over the moon that you visited me.”

Both communicate happiness, but the second uses an idiomatic expression to emphasise excitement.

However, learners should use idioms naturally rather than inserting them into every sentence.

2.3 They Improve Listening Comprehension

Idioms frequently appear in films, interviews, podcasts, television programmes, and informal conversations.

Someone might say:

“Let’s call it a day.”

A learner who does not know the expression may find it confusing. The speaker is actually suggesting that an activity should end for the day.

Learning idioms helps learners understand the intended meaning of spoken English.

2.4 They Expand Vocabulary

Idioms introduce learners to new expressions and different ways of communicating familiar ideas.

For example, instead of always saying “I am very tired,” learners can understand expressions such as:

I am exhausted.
I am worn out.
I am running on empty.
I am dead on my feet.

These expressions communicate similar ideas, although their meanings and levels of intensity differ.

2.5 They Improve Reading Comprehension

Idioms appear in novels, short stories, articles, advertisements, and other written materials.

Understanding them helps readers interpret what authors intend to communicate.

For example:

“After several disagreements, the two friends decided to bury the hatchet.”

The expression “bury the hatchet” means to end an argument or disagreement and become friendly again.

2.6 They Help Learners Understand Culture

Many idioms reflect the history, traditions, experiences, and cultural practices of the communities in which they developed.

For example, “hold your horses” reflects an older context in which people used horses for transportation and work.

Learning idioms can therefore provide insights into how people express ideas and experiences in different English-speaking communities.

2.7 They Make Writing More Expressive

Idioms can make informal writing, storytelling, dialogue, and creative compositions more engaging.

For example:

“Although the project was difficult, the team refused to throw in the towel.”

The expression communicates determination and persistence in a concise way.

In formal academic or technical writing, however, direct language is often preferable.

3. Characteristics of Idioms

Idioms have several characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary expressions.

3.1 Their Meanings Are Often Non-Literal

The meaning of an idiom is not always the same as the combined dictionary meanings of its individual words.

For example, “kick the bucket” means to die, not to physically kick a container.

3.2 They Are Established Expressions

Most idioms are familiar combinations of words that speakers have used over time.

For example:

A blessing in disguise.
Better late than never.
The last straw.
A storm in a teacup.

Changing their wording unnecessarily may make them sound unnatural or confusing.

3.3 They Depend on Context

The same expression can sometimes communicate different meanings depending on the situation.

For example, “give someone a hand” can mean to help someone or to applaud someone.

“Can you give me a hand with these boxes?” means help me.
“Let’s give the performers a hand!” means applaud them.

3.4 Some Idioms Allow Grammatical Changes

Certain idioms can change according to tense, subject, or grammatical structure.

For example:

Present: She lets the cat out of the bag.
Past: She let the cat out of the bag.
Future: She might let the cat out of the bag.

The main expression remains recognisable even though the verb changes.

3.5 Some Idioms Are Informal

Expressions such as “hang out,” “hit the sack,” and “kick the bucket” are generally associated with informal communication.

They may be appropriate in conversations but unsuitable for certain professional or academic situations.

3.6 Some Idioms Are More Widely Used Than Others

Certain idioms are understood in many varieties of English, while others are more common in particular regions or communities.

Learners should pay attention to regional differences when studying idiomatic expressions.

4. Types of Idioms in English

Idioms can be classified in different ways according to their structures, meanings, and functions.

4.1 Metaphorical Idioms

Metaphorical idioms communicate ideas through comparisons that are not intended to be interpreted literally.

Examples:

A heart of gold: A very kind and generous nature.
A storm in a teacup: A lot of unnecessary excitement about a small problem.
A dark horse: Someone whose abilities or qualities are not widely known.
Walking on air: Feeling extremely happy.

Example: “My grandmother has a heart of gold because she always helps people.”

4.2 Simile-Based Idioms

These expressions compare one person, thing, or situation with another, often using “as” or “like.”

Examples:

As busy as a bee: Very busy.
As cool as a cucumber: Calm and relaxed.
As blind as a bat: Unable to see well or failing to notice something obvious.
Like a fish out of water: Feeling uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

Example: “He was as cool as a cucumber during the interview.”

4.3 Binomial Idioms

Binomial expressions contain two words or phrases joined by a conjunction or preposition.

Examples:

By and large: Generally.
Sooner or later: At some point in the future.
Give and take: A willingness to compromise.
Now and then: Occasionally.
Pros and cons: Advantages and disadvantages.

Example: “By and large, the students performed well.”

4.4 Proverbs and Proverb-Like Expressions

Proverbs are short, traditional statements that express general truths, advice, or practical wisdom. They are related to idioms but are not exactly the same.

Examples:

Actions speak louder than words.
Better late than never.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Practice makes perfect.

Example: “She believes that actions speak louder than words, so she demonstrates her commitment through hard work.”

4.5 Phrasal and Prepositional Idiomatic Expressions

Some idiomatic expressions are formed using verbs and particles such as prepositions or adverbs.

Examples:

Give up: Stop trying.
Look after: Take care of.
Run into: Meet unexpectedly.
Put off: Postpone.
Get along with: Have a friendly relationship with.

These expressions are also studied as phrasal verbs and related multi-word verbs.

Example: “I ran into my former teacher at the supermarket.”

4.6 Fixed Idiomatic Expressions

These are expressions whose wording is relatively fixed.

Examples:

Once in a blue moon.
A blessing in disguise.
The tip of the iceberg.
A leopard cannot change its spots.

Example: “The problem we discovered was only the tip of the iceberg.”

5. 100 Common English Idioms, Their Meanings and Examples

The following idioms are useful in everyday conversations, informal writing, storytelling, and general communication. Their meanings and examples show how they can be used in context.

Category One: Idioms About Happiness and Positive Feelings

1. Over the moon

Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted.

Examples:

My parents were over the moon when I graduated from university.
She was over the moon after receiving the scholarship.

2. On cloud nine

Meaning: Extremely happy or excited.

Examples:

He has been on cloud nine since he got the job.
The children were on cloud nine during their holiday.

3. In seventh heaven

Meaning: Experiencing great happiness or satisfaction.

Examples:

She was in seventh heaven when her favourite singer performed.
The couple were in seventh heaven after welcoming their baby.

4. A dream come true

Meaning: Something wonderful that someone has always wanted and finally experiences.

Examples:

Winning the competition was a dream come true for her.
Travelling abroad had always been a dream come true for him once he finally achieved it.

5. Have a whale of a time

Meaning: Enjoy oneself very much.

Examples:

We had a whale of a time at the birthday party.
The children had a whale of a time at the beach.

6. Make someone’s day

Meaning: Make someone very happy.

Examples:

Your kind message really made my day.
Seeing her old friends made her day.

7. Be in high spirits

Meaning: Feel cheerful, enthusiastic, or optimistic.

Examples:

The students were in high spirits after the successful examination.
Everyone was in high spirits during the celebration.

8. Music to my ears

Meaning: Information or news that someone is very happy to hear.

Examples:

When the doctor said I could go home, it was music to my ears.
The announcement of a salary increase was music to the employees’ ears.

9. Walking on air

Meaning: Feeling extremely happy.

Examples:

She was walking on air after receiving the award.
He has been walking on air since his wedding.

10. Have a soft spot for someone or something

Meaning: Have a particular affection or liking for someone or something.

Examples:

My father has a soft spot for his youngest daughter.
I have always had a soft spot for old-fashioned films.

Category Two: Idioms About Difficulties and Challenges

11. When the going gets tough

Meaning: When a situation becomes difficult.

Examples:

When the going gets tough, successful people remain determined.
She never gives up when the going gets tough.

12. At the end of one’s rope

Meaning: Having no patience, energy, or ideas left to deal with a difficult situation.

Examples:

After weeks of dealing with the problem, I was at the end of my rope.
The teacher was at the end of her rope because the students refused to listen.

13. A hard nut to crack

Meaning: A difficult problem or a person who is difficult to understand or persuade.

Examples:

This mathematics question is a hard nut to crack.
The new manager is a hard nut to crack.

14. Between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: In a difficult situation where every available choice has disadvantages.

Examples:

She was between a rock and a hard place when deciding whether to leave her job.
The company found itself between a rock and a hard place during the financial crisis.

15. Add fuel to the fire

Meaning: Make an already difficult or unpleasant situation worse.

Examples:

His angry comments added fuel to the fire.
Do not argue with her now because it will only add fuel to the fire.

16. The last straw

Meaning: The final unpleasant event that makes someone lose patience.

Examples:

His constant lateness was the last straw, so the manager dismissed him.
The broken promise was the last straw for their friendship.

17. A storm in a teacup

Meaning: A lot of unnecessary excitement or anger about a small problem.

Examples:

Their disagreement was just a storm in a teacup.
The media turned the minor mistake into a storm in a teacup.

18. Light at the end of the tunnel

Meaning: A sign that a difficult situation is approaching its end.

Examples:

After months of unemployment, he finally saw light at the end of the tunnel.
The students could see light at the end of the tunnel as the examination period ended.

19. Weather the storm

Meaning: Survive or successfully deal with a difficult period.

Examples:

The business managed to weather the storm during the economic crisis.
Their friendship helped them weather the storm.

20. Go through thick and thin

Meaning: Experience both good and bad times, often while remaining loyal.

Examples:

True friends support each other through thick and thin.
The couple stayed together through thick and thin.

Category Three: Idioms About Money and Spending

21. Cost an arm and a leg

Meaning: Be extremely expensive.

Examples:

That new car costs an arm and a leg.
The designer handbag cost her an arm and a leg.

22. Break the bank

Meaning: Spend more money than one can afford or spend an excessive amount.

Examples:

You can enjoy a good holiday without breaking the bank.
Buying a new phone should not break the bank.

23. Make ends meet

Meaning: Have just enough money to pay for basic living expenses.

Examples:

Many families struggle to make ends meet.
She works two jobs to make ends meet.

24. Bring home the bacon

Meaning: Earn money to support oneself or one’s family.

Examples:

Both parents work hard to bring home the bacon.
He is determined to bring home the bacon and support his children.

25. Money doesn’t grow on trees

Meaning: Money is limited and should not be wasted.

Examples:

Stop buying unnecessary things because money doesn’t grow on trees.
My parents always reminded me that money doesn’t grow on trees.

26. Tighten one’s belt

Meaning: Spend less money because of financial difficulties.

Examples:

We need to tighten our belts until the business improves.
The family decided to tighten its belt after losing an important source of income.

27. Live from hand to mouth

Meaning: Have very little money and struggle to pay for basic needs.

Examples:

Many people live from hand to mouth because of low wages.
After losing his job, he lived from hand to mouth.

28. In the red

Meaning: Owing money or operating at a financial loss.

Examples:

The company has been in the red for several months.
The business went into the red after sales declined.

29. In the black

Meaning: Financially successful or operating with a profit.

Examples:

The company is finally in the black.
Good financial management helped the business remain in the black.

30. A nest egg

Meaning: Money saved for future use.

Examples:

She has built a nest egg for her retirement.
He used part of his nest egg to start a business.

Category Four: Idioms About Work, Success and Achievement

31. Hit the ground running

Meaning: Begin an activity energetically and effectively.

Examples:

The new employee hit the ground running on her first day.
We need someone who can hit the ground running.

32. Go the extra mile

Meaning: Make more effort than is expected.

Examples:

Good teachers often go the extra mile to help their students.
She went the extra mile to ensure that the event was successful.

33. Learn the ropes

Meaning: Learn how to do a particular job or activity.

Examples:

It took him a few weeks to learn the ropes at his new workplace.
The experienced worker helped the trainee learn the ropes.

34. Climb the ladder

Meaning: Progress towards a higher position in an organisation or profession.

Examples:

She worked hard to climb the corporate ladder.
He hopes to climb the ladder in his chosen career.

35. Get the ball rolling

Meaning: Start an activity or process.

Examples:

Let’s get the ball rolling by discussing the first issue.
The committee meeting helped get the ball rolling on the project.

36. Think outside the box

Meaning: Think creatively and consider unusual solutions.

Examples:

We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.
Successful entrepreneurs often think outside the box.

37. Call it a day

Meaning: Stop working on something for the day.

Examples:

We have worked for six hours, so let’s call it a day.
The team decided to call it a day after completing the report.

38. Pull one’s weight

Meaning: Do one’s fair share of work or responsibility.

Examples:

Every member of the team must pull their weight.
He was criticised because he refused to pull his weight.

39. A stepping stone

Meaning: Something that helps someone progress towards a larger goal.

Examples:

This internship is a stepping stone to a successful career.
Learning a new language can be a stepping stone to international opportunities.

40. Back to the drawing board

Meaning: Start planning again because an earlier attempt has failed.

Examples:

The design was rejected, so we had to go back to the drawing board.
Our first business idea did not work, and we returned to the drawing board.

Category Five: Idioms About Relationships and Communication

41. Break the ice

Meaning: Do or say something to make people feel comfortable in a social situation.

Examples:

The teacher told a funny story to break the ice.
Asking everyone to introduce themselves helped break the ice.

42. Get along with someone

Meaning: Have a friendly relationship with someone.

Examples:

I get along well with my neighbours.
She does not get along with her new supervisor.

43. See eye to eye

Meaning: Agree with someone.

Examples:

My brother and I do not always see eye to eye.
The two managers finally saw eye to eye on the proposal.

44. Bury the hatchet

Meaning: End an argument or disagreement and become friendly again.

Examples:

The two friends decided to bury the hatchet.
They buried the hatchet after years of disagreement.

45. Give someone a hand

Meaning: Help someone or applaud someone, depending on the context.

Examples:

Can you give me a hand with this heavy box?
Let’s give the performers a hand.

46. Keep in touch

Meaning: Continue communicating with someone.

Examples:

We promised to keep in touch after graduation.
Please keep in touch when you move to another country.

47. Get on someone’s nerves

Meaning: Annoy or irritate someone.

Examples:

The loud music is getting on my nerves.
His constant complaints get on everyone’s nerves.

48. Speak one’s mind

Meaning: Express one’s honest opinions.

Examples:

She is never afraid to speak her mind.
You should speak your mind respectfully during the meeting.

49. Have something in common

Meaning: Share similar interests, experiences, or qualities.

Examples:

We have a lot in common because we enjoy reading.
The two friends discovered that they had something in common.

50. A shoulder to cry on

Meaning: Someone who provides emotional support during difficult times.

Examples:

My sister has always been a shoulder to cry on.
He needed a shoulder to cry on after losing his job.

Category Six: Idioms About Time and Frequency

51. Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rarely.

Examples:

We eat at expensive restaurants once in a blue moon.
My uncle visits us once in a blue moon.

52. In the nick of time

Meaning: Just before it is too late.

Examples:

The ambulance arrived in the nick of time.
She submitted her assignment in the nick of time.

53. Around the clock

Meaning: Continuously, throughout the day and night.

Examples:

The medical team worked around the clock.
The factory operates around the clock.

54. At the eleventh hour

Meaning: At the last possible moment.

Examples:

He changed his mind at the eleventh hour.
The agreement was signed at the eleventh hour.

55. Time flies

Meaning: Time seems to pass very quickly.

Examples:

Time flies when you are having fun.
I cannot believe it is December already. Time flies!

56. Better late than never

Meaning: Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.

Examples:

He finally apologised after several months, but better late than never.
You have started learning English at thirty, but better late than never.

57. In the long run

Meaning: Over a long period or eventually.

Examples:

Regular exercise will benefit your health in the long run.
Saving money now will help you in the long run.

58. Around the corner

Meaning: Very near or likely to happen soon.

Examples:

The examination period is just around the corner.
Christmas is around the corner.

59. Day in, day out

Meaning: Every day, repeatedly.

Examples:

She practises the piano day in, day out.
The workers perform the same tasks day in, day out.

60. Make up for lost time

Meaning: Do something quickly or with extra effort to compensate for time that has been wasted or missed.

Examples:

After returning from holiday, he worked late to make up for lost time.
The students studied hard to make up for lost time.

Category Seven: Idioms About Secrets, Information and Knowledge

61. Spill the beans

Meaning: Reveal a secret, often accidentally.

Examples:

Do not spill the beans about the surprise party.
He spilled the beans before the announcement was made.

62. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: Reveal information that was supposed to remain secret.

Examples:

She let the cat out of the bag about their wedding plans.
Someone let the cat out of the bag before the surprise was ready.

63. Read between the lines

Meaning: Understand a hidden or indirect meaning.

Examples:

You need to read between the lines to understand his message.
The manager’s email sounded positive, but reading between the lines revealed some concerns.

64. Keep someone in the dark

Meaning: Prevent someone from knowing important information.

Examples:

The employees were kept in the dark about the changes.
Do not keep me in the dark about the situation.

65. Get the inside story

Meaning: Obtain private or detailed information about something.

Examples:

The journalist wanted to get the inside story.
I heard the inside story from someone who attended the meeting.

66. The tip of the iceberg

Meaning: A small visible part of a much larger problem or situation.

Examples:

The financial losses were only the tip of the iceberg.
The mistakes we discovered were just the tip of the iceberg.

67. A food for thought

Meaning: Something that encourages careful thinking. The more natural expression is “food for thought.”

Examples:

The speaker’s comments gave us food for thought.
Her suggestion provided food for thought during the discussion.

68. Know something inside out

Meaning: Know something extremely well.

Examples:

She knows the school rules inside out.
The mechanic knows how the engine works inside out.

69. Hear it through the grapevine

Meaning: Hear information through informal communication or rumours.

Examples:

I heard through the grapevine that he is getting married.
We heard through the grapevine that the company plans to expand.

70. A slip of the tongue

Meaning: A mistake made when speaking.

Examples:

Calling her by the wrong name was a slip of the tongue.
I did not mean to reveal the secret; it was just a slip of the tongue.

Category Eight: Idioms About Behaviour and Personality

71. A heart of gold

Meaning: A very kind and generous nature.

Examples:

My neighbour has a heart of gold.
She has a heart of gold and always helps people in need.

72. As cool as a cucumber

Meaning: Very calm, especially in a stressful situation.

Examples:

The pilot remained as cool as a cucumber during the emergency.
She was as cool as a cucumber during the interview.

73. A dark horse

Meaning: A person whose abilities or qualities are not widely known but who may surprise others.

Examples:

He was a dark horse in the competition and eventually won.
Nobody expected the quiet student to be such a dark horse.

74. A couch potato

Meaning: Someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television or doing little physical activity.

Examples:

My brother becomes a couch potato during the holidays.
You should exercise instead of becoming a couch potato.

75. A social butterfly

Meaning: Someone who enjoys meeting and talking to many people.

Examples:

Sarah is a social butterfly who makes friends everywhere.
As a social butterfly, he enjoys attending parties and events.

76. Have a big mouth

Meaning: Be unable to keep secrets or talk too much about private matters.

Examples:

Do not tell him the secret because he has a big mouth.
She has a big mouth and often reveals private information.

77. A pain in the neck

Meaning: Someone or something that is very annoying.

Examples:

This faulty computer is a pain in the neck.
The noisy neighbour is becoming a pain in the neck.

78. Have one’s head in the clouds

Meaning: Be unrealistic, distracted, or not paying attention to practical matters.

Examples:

He has his head in the clouds and rarely thinks about the future.
Stop having your head in the clouds and concentrate on your work.

79. The black sheep of the family

Meaning: A family member who is considered different from or less acceptable to the rest of the family.

Examples:

He was considered the black sheep of the family because he rejected its traditions.
She felt like the black sheep of the family because her interests were different.

80. A people person

Meaning: Someone who enjoys interacting with and communicating with others.

Examples:

She is a people person and works well in customer service.
We need a people person to welcome visitors.

Category Nine: Idioms About Decisions, Actions and Reactions

81. Bite the bullet

Meaning: Face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

Examples:

I had to bite the bullet and tell my parents the truth.
She decided to bite the bullet and visit the dentist.

82. Jump to conclusions

Meaning: Make a decision or judgement without knowing all the facts.

Examples:

Do not jump to conclusions before hearing his explanation.
The police were careful not to jump to conclusions.

83. Take the bull by the horns

Meaning: Deal with a difficult situation directly and confidently.

Examples:

She decided to take the bull by the horns and address the problem.
We must take the bull by the horns if we want to improve the business.

84. Put all one’s eggs in one basket

Meaning: Depend entirely on one plan, opportunity, or source of success.

Examples:

Do not put all your eggs in one basket when investing.
He applied to several universities rather than putting all his eggs in one basket.

85. Sit on the fence

Meaning: Avoid choosing between two sides or making a decision.

Examples:

You cannot sit on the fence forever.
The manager sat on the fence during the disagreement.

86. Cross that bridge when one comes to it

Meaning: Deal with a problem when it actually happens rather than worrying about it in advance.

Examples:

We do not know whether the event will be cancelled, so let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.
Do not worry about next year’s examination now; cross that bridge when you come to it.

87. Play it by ear

Meaning: Decide what to do as a situation develops rather than making a fixed plan.

Examples:

We have not decided where to go after dinner, so we will play it by ear.
The weather may change, so let’s play it by ear.

88. Go with the flow

Meaning: Accept situations as they develop instead of trying to control everything.

Examples:

She prefers to go with the flow when travelling.
Sometimes it is better to relax and go with the flow.

89. Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: Make a fresh start and change one’s behaviour for the better.

Examples:

He decided to turn over a new leaf after leaving prison.
She promised to turn over a new leaf and study harder.

90. Take something with a pinch of salt

Meaning: Do not believe something completely because it may be exaggerated or unreliable.

Examples:

Take his stories with a pinch of salt.
You should take online rumours with a pinch of salt.

Category Ten: Idioms About Situations and General Experiences

91. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that initially appears unfortunate but later turns out to be beneficial.

Examples:

Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because she found a better opportunity.
The cancelled trip turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

92. Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: There is something positive in even a difficult situation.

Examples:

Although he failed the examination, he learned an important lesson. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Remember that every cloud has a silver lining.

93. The best of both worlds

Meaning: Enjoy the advantages of two different situations.

Examples:

Working from home gives her the best of both worlds.
The new arrangement offers employees the best of both worlds.

94. A drop in the ocean

Meaning: A very small amount compared with what is needed or available.

Examples:

The donation was helpful, but it was only a drop in the ocean.
The amount we raised is a drop in the ocean compared with the total cost.

95. Out of the blue

Meaning: Unexpectedly or without warning.

Examples:

My old school friend called me out of the blue.
The offer came completely out of the blue.

96. Come rain or shine

Meaning: Whatever happens, regardless of the circumstances.

Examples:

She goes jogging every morning, come rain or shine.
I will support you, come rain or shine.

97. The ball is in your court

Meaning: It is now your responsibility to make a decision or take action.

Examples:

I have explained the situation, and now the ball is in your court.
We have made our offer; the ball is in their court.

98. Kill two birds with one stone

Meaning: Achieve two objectives through one action.

Examples:

I walked to the supermarket to exercise and buy food, killing two birds with one stone.
By attending the conference, she met potential clients and learned new skills, killing two birds with one stone.

99. Better safe than sorry

Meaning: It is wiser to take precautions than to risk an unpleasant outcome.

Examples:

Carry an umbrella because better safe than sorry.
Check the documents again; better safe than sorry.

100. When pigs fly

Meaning: Something that is extremely unlikely or impossible.

Examples:

He says he will stop eating chocolate when pigs fly.
My brother will clean his room without being asked when pigs fly.

6. Common Idioms Used in Everyday Conversations

Knowing the meanings of idioms is useful, but learners should also understand how they appear in natural conversations.

The following examples demonstrate how people use idioms when discussing everyday experiences.

Conversation One: Discussing an Examination

Ada: How was your English examination yesterday?

Tunde: It was a piece of cake.

Ada: Really? I thought the questions would be difficult.

Tunde: Some were challenging, but I prepared well.

Ada: That is good. I hope I do well too.

Tunde: Just keep practising. You will get the hang of it.

Idioms used:

A piece of cake: Something easy.
Get the hang of it: Learn how to do something.

Conversation Two: Discussing Money

Chika: I want to buy a new laptop, but the one I like is very expensive.

David: How much does it cost?

Chika: It costs an arm and a leg.

David: You should look for a more affordable option. You do not want to break the bank.

Chika: You are right. I need to save some money.

Idioms used:

Cost an arm and a leg: Be extremely expensive.
Break the bank: Spend too much money.

Conversation Three: Discussing a Difficult Situation

John: How is your new business doing?

Mary: Things have been difficult, but I am trying to weather the storm.

John: That is good. Do you think things will improve?

Mary: I hope so. I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

Idioms used:

Weather the storm: Survive a difficult period.
Light at the end of the tunnel: Hope that a difficult situation will improve.

Conversation Four: Sharing News

Peter: Have you heard about Sarah’s wedding?

Grace: No. When did she announce it?

Peter: I heard it through the grapevine.

Grace: I hope you did not spill the beans before she made the announcement.

Peter: Of course not!

Idioms used:

Hear it through the grapevine: Hear information informally.
Spill the beans: Reveal a secret.

Conversation Five: Workplace Discussion

Manager: We need to complete this project before Friday.

Employee: We will have to go the extra mile.

Manager: Exactly. I want everyone to pull their weight.

Employee: No problem. We will get the ball rolling immediately.

Idioms used:

Go the extra mile: Make extra effort.
Pull one’s weight: Do one’s fair share.
Get the ball rolling: Begin an activity.

7. Idioms With More Than One Meaning

Some English idioms have different meanings depending on the context. Learners should understand the situation in which an expression is used rather than memorising only one definition.

7.1 Give Someone a Hand

Meaning one: Help someone.

Example: “Please give me a hand with these bags.”

Meaning two: Applaud someone.

Example: “The audience gave the singer a big hand.”

7.2 Break the Ice

Meaning one: Make people comfortable in a social situation.

Example: “The host told a joke to break the ice.”

Meaning two: Begin a conversation or activity that has been difficult to start.

Example: “His question helped break the ice during the negotiations.”

7.3 Keep an Eye On

Meaning one: Watch something carefully.

Example: “Please keep an eye on the children.”

Meaning two: Monitor something to notice changes.

Example: “We need to keep an eye on the company’s expenses.”

7.4 On the Same Page

Meaning one: Have the same understanding or information.

Example: “Before starting the project, we need to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Meaning two: Agree about a particular plan or decision.

Example: “The directors are finally on the same page about the new policy.”

7.5 Hold Your Horses

Meaning one: Be patient.

Example: “Hold your horses! We have not finished discussing the matter.”

Meaning two: Stop or slow down before taking action.

Example: “Hold your horses before spending all your savings.”

7.6 Run Out of

Meaning one: Have no more of something.

Example: “We have run out of drinking water.”

Meaning two: Use all the available supply of something.

Example: “The factory ran out of raw materials.”

7.7 Turn Down

Meaning one: Reject an offer or request.

Example: “She turned down the job offer.”

Meaning two: Reduce the volume or intensity of something.

Example: “Please turn down the television.”

7.8 Look Up To

Meaning: Admire or respect someone.

Example: “Many young people look up to successful athletes.”

7.9 Look Down On

Meaning: Consider someone inferior or less important.

Example: “You should never look down on people because of their background.”

7.10 Make Up

Meaning one: Invent a story or explanation.

Example: “He made up an excuse for arriving late.”

Meaning two: Become friendly again after an argument.

Example: “The two friends argued yesterday, but they have made up.”

8. Differences Between Idioms, Proverbs, Slang and Phrasal Verbs

Idioms are sometimes confused with other types of expressions. Although these categories can overlap, they have different characteristics.

8.1 Idioms and Proverbs

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not necessarily obvious from its individual words.

A proverb is a traditional statement that communicates advice, wisdom, or a general truth.

Examples of idioms:

Spill the beans.
Break the ice.
Under the weather.
A piece of cake.

Examples of proverbs:

Honesty is the best policy.
Actions speak louder than words.
Practice makes perfect.
A stitch in time saves nine.

The main difference is that proverbs usually express a complete thought or lesson, while idioms often form part of a sentence.

8.2 Idioms and Slang

Slang consists of informal words and expressions commonly used within particular groups or communities.

Examples of slang:

Cool: Excellent or fashionable.
Chill: Relax.
Bro: Friend or brother.
Awesome: Very good or impressive.

Examples of idioms:

Hit the sack.
Cost an arm and a leg.
Once in a blue moon.
Let the cat out of the bag.

Some idioms are informal, but not every informal expression is an idiom.

8.3 Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

A phrasal verb consists of a verb combined with an adverb or preposition, or both, to create a meaning.

Examples:

Give up: Stop trying.
Look after: Take care of.
Find out: Discover information.
Put off: Postpone.

Idioms are broader expressions and may contain different grammatical structures.

Examples:

A blessing in disguise.
A heart of gold.
The last straw.
Break the ice.

Some phrasal verbs are idiomatic because their meanings are not directly predictable from their individual parts.

8.4 Comparison Table

Feature	Idioms	Proverbs	Slang	Phrasal verbs
Main purpose	Express figurative meanings	Communicate wisdom or advice	Informal communication	Express actions and states
Structure	Words or phrases	Usually complete statements	Words or expressions	Verb plus particle
Example	Spill the beans	Honesty is the best policy	Cool	Give up
Typical use	Spoken and written English	Advice and general observations	Informal conversation	Everyday communication

9. How to Use Idioms Correctly in Sentences

Learning the meaning of an idiom is only the first step. Learners must also know how to use it grammatically and appropriately.

9.1 Understand the Meaning Before Using an Idiom

Never use an idiom simply because it sounds interesting.

For example, “spill the beans” means reveal a secret. It should not be used to describe someone who accidentally drops food.

Incorrect: “I spilled the beans on the kitchen floor.”

Correct, when referring to a secret: “I accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.”

The first sentence is grammatically possible as a literal description, but it does not use the idiom’s figurative meaning.

9.2 Learn the Correct Sentence Structure

Idioms often require specific grammatical patterns.

For example:

Correct: “She is under the weather.”
Incorrect: “She is under a weather.”

Similarly:

Correct: “He hit the nail on the head.”
Incorrect: “He hit a nail on head.”

The articles and other grammatical elements are part of the established expression.

9.3 Pay Attention to Verb Tenses

Some idioms contain verbs that change according to tense.

Examples:

Present: “She lets the cat out of the bag.”

Past: “She let the cat out of the bag.”

Future: “She may let the cat out of the bag.”

Learners should understand which parts of an idiom can change and which parts generally remain fixed.

9.4 Consider the Situation

Some idioms are suitable for informal conversations but may be inappropriate in formal documents.

For example:

Informal: “The new phone costs an arm and a leg.”

More formal: “The new phone is extremely expensive.”

Informal: “Let’s call it a day.”

More formal: “Let’s conclude the meeting for today.”

9.5 Avoid Using Too Many Idioms

Using idioms in every sentence can make communication unnatural.

Consider:

“Once in a blue moon, I hit the ground running, went the extra mile, and broke the ice.”

Although the expressions may be individually understandable, combining too many idioms can make a sentence awkward.

Use idioms only when they communicate the intended meaning clearly.

9.6 Learn Idioms in Context

It is easier to remember an idiom when it is connected to a real situation.

For example:

Instead of memorising only “under the weather,” learn the sentence:

“I cannot attend the meeting today because I am feeling under the weather.”

This helps learners remember both the meaning and the way the expression is used.

10. Common Mistakes Learners Make When Using Idioms

English learners sometimes make mistakes because they translate expressions directly from their first language or misunderstand the figurative meanings of words.

10.1 Translating Idioms Word for Word

A common mistake is assuming that every word in an idiom must have its ordinary meaning.

For example, “kick the bucket” means to die. It does not mean physically kicking a bucket.

Learners should understand idioms as complete expressions.

10.2 Changing the Words Unnecessarily

Some idioms have fixed structures. Changing their wording can make them sound incorrect.

Correct: “Once in a blue moon.”

Incorrect: “Once in a blue sky.”

Correct: “A piece of cake.”

Incorrect: “A slice of cake,” when the intended meaning is something very easy.

A slice of cake is a perfectly normal literal expression, but it does not carry the same established idiomatic meaning.

10.3 Using Idioms in the Wrong Context

Some expressions are appropriate for informal communication but may be unsuitable in formal situations.

For example, “kick the bucket” is a casual and sometimes insensitive way of referring to death.

In a formal or sensitive context, “pass away” or “die” may be more appropriate.

10.4 Confusing Similar Expressions

Some idioms have similar meanings but are not interchangeable in every situation.

For example:

In the nick of time: Just before it is too late.
At the eleventh hour: At the last possible moment.

Both relate to timing, but their use depends on the context.

10.5 Using an Idiom Without Understanding Its Tone

Some idioms can sound humorous, sarcastic, rude, or insensitive.

For example, “when pigs fly” expresses disbelief that something will happen. It may sound dismissive when used in a serious conversation.

Learners should consider how an expression might affect the listener.

10.6 Using Unfamiliar Regional Expressions

An idiom may be common in one English-speaking country but unfamiliar elsewhere.

For example, expressions used in British, American, Australian, or other varieties of English may differ.

Learners should pay attention to the variety of English they are studying and the audience they intend to communicate with.

11. Formal and Informal Alternatives to Common Idioms

Idioms can make everyday conversations more natural, but formal communication often requires direct and precise expressions.

The following table provides alternatives.

Idiom	Meaning	More formal alternative
A piece of cake	Very easy	Very simple
Cost an arm and a leg	Very expensive	Extremely costly
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret	Disclose information
Call it a day	Stop working	Conclude the work
Break the ice	Make people comfortable	Initiate conversation
Go the extra mile	Make extra effort	Exceed expectations
Under the weather	Feel unwell	Feel ill
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely	Infrequently
Get the ball rolling	Start something	Initiate the process
At the eleventh hour	At the last moment	At the final stage
Hit the nail on the head	Be exactly right	Identify the issue accurately
Back to the drawing board	Start planning again	Reconsider the approach
In the long run	Over time	In the long term
Make ends meet	Manage financially	Meet basic expenses
Out of the blue	Unexpectedly	Without prior warning

The ability to move between informal idioms and formal alternatives is an important part of English proficiency.

12. How to Learn and Remember English Idioms

Learning idioms takes time and regular practice. The following strategies can help learners understand and remember common expressions.

12.1 Learn a Few Idioms Every Day

Do not try to memorise hundreds of idioms at once.

Begin with three to five common expressions each day. Learn their meanings, grammatical structures, and example sentences.

For example:

Break the ice.
Under the weather.
A piece of cake.
Once in a blue moon.
Spill the beans.

After learning them, try using each expression in an original sentence.

12.2 Group Idioms by Topic

Organising idioms into categories makes them easier to remember.

Possible categories include:

Happiness and emotions.
Money and finance.
Work and education.
Relationships.
Time and frequency.
Difficult situations.
Personality and behaviour.
Decisions and actions.

For example, learners can study “cost an arm and a leg,” “make ends meet,” and “tighten one’s belt” together because they relate to money.

12.3 Use Idioms in Daily Conversations

Practice is essential.

Try using newly learned expressions when speaking with friends, classmates, teachers, or colleagues.

For example:

“I am feeling under the weather today.”

“Let’s get the ball rolling.”

“That examination was a piece of cake.”

Using expressions in appropriate situations helps make them part of your active vocabulary.

12.4 Keep an Idiom Notebook

Create a notebook containing:

The idiom.
Its meaning.
An example sentence.
A similar expression.
The situation in which it is appropriate.

For example:

Idiom: Break the ice.

Meaning: Make people feel comfortable.

Example: The teacher asked everyone to introduce themselves to break the ice.

Similar expression: Start a conversation.

Situation: Meeting new people.

12.5 Read English Books and Articles

Reading exposes learners to idioms in natural contexts.

Pay attention to expressions used in stories, novels, newspapers, and online articles.

When you encounter an unfamiliar idiom, record it and investigate its meaning.

12.6 Watch English Films and Television Programmes

Films and television programmes provide examples of how people use idioms in real conversations.

Listen carefully to:

The expression being used.
The speaker’s tone.
The situation.
The response from other speakers.

Subtitles can help learners identify unfamiliar expressions.

12.7 Listen to Podcasts and Interviews

Podcasts, interviews, and discussions are useful for understanding idioms in spoken English.

Listen for repeated expressions and note how speakers use them.

You can also pause the recording and repeat sentences to improve pronunciation and fluency.

12.8 Practise Through Role-Playing

Role-playing allows learners to practise idioms in realistic situations.

For example, two learners can act out a conversation about a difficult examination.

One learner might say:

“The examination was difficult, but I refused to throw in the towel.”

The other might respond:

“That is the right attitude. Every cloud has a silver lining.”

12.9 Use Flashcards

Flashcards are useful for reviewing vocabulary.

Write an idiom on one side and its meaning on the other.

For example:

Front: Once in a blue moon.

Back: Very rarely.

Review the cards regularly until you can remember the meanings without assistance.

12.10 Revise Regularly

Learning an expression once does not guarantee that you will remember it.

Review previously learned idioms after one day, several days, and one week.

Try writing new sentences each time you revise them.

13. The Role of Context in Understanding Idioms

Context is essential when interpreting idiomatic expressions because the same words can have literal and figurative meanings.

Consider the expression “hit the roof.”

Its idiomatic meaning is to become extremely angry.

Example: “My father hit the roof when he discovered that I had broken the window.”

However, the words could also describe someone physically hitting a roof in a particular situation.

The surrounding sentence helps the reader identify the intended meaning.

13.1 Situational Context

Situational context refers to the circumstances in which an expression is used.

For example:

“She was over the moon when she received the scholarship.”

The scholarship provides a situation that explains why she is happy.

13.2 Linguistic Context

Linguistic context refers to the words and sentences surrounding an expression.

For example:

“The manager rejected the proposal, so the team had to go back to the drawing board.”

The surrounding information makes it clear that the team must develop a new plan.

13.3 Cultural Context

Cultural context refers to the background knowledge and experiences that help people understand an expression.

Some idioms developed from traditional activities, historical events, occupations, or cultural practices.

Understanding these backgrounds can make certain expressions easier to remember.

14. Idioms in Different Forms of Communication

Idioms are used in many forms of communication, although their frequency and suitability depend on the situation.

14.1 Idioms in Everyday Conversations

People frequently use idioms when talking with friends, family members, and colleagues.

Examples:

“I am feeling under the weather.”
“Let’s call it a day.”
“You have hit the nail on the head.”
“It is a piece of cake.”

14.2 Idioms in Business Communication

Some idioms are commonly used in workplace discussions.

Examples:

Get the ball rolling.
Think outside the box.
Go the extra mile.
Learn the ropes.
Back to the drawing board.

However, professional communication should prioritise clarity. Avoid expressions that may confuse international colleagues or people unfamiliar with a particular idiom.

14.3 Idioms in Academic Communication

Idioms can appear in classroom discussions, informal presentations, and educational materials.

Examples:

“Practice makes perfect.”
“A stepping stone.”
“The tip of the iceberg.”
“In the long run.”

In formal academic essays, it is generally better to use precise language unless an idiom is relevant to the topic or writing style.

14.4 Idioms in Literature

Writers use idioms to create realistic dialogue, describe characters, communicate emotions, and make stories more engaging.

For example:

“Although the journey was difficult, the travellers decided to weather the storm.”

This expression communicates determination and resilience.

14.5 Idioms in Advertisements

Advertisers sometimes use familiar idioms to make messages memorable.

Expressions such as “a piece of cake” and “the best of both worlds” can make advertising messages more engaging.

14.6 Idioms in Social Media

People also use idioms in captions, posts, comments, and online conversations.

Examples:

“Living life to the fullest.”
“Time flies!”
“Better late than never.”
“Out of the blue.”

Some expressions may be shortened or adapted in informal online communication.

15. British and American English Idioms

English idioms vary across regions. Some expressions are common in both British and American English, while others are more closely associated with one variety.

Examples include:

Expression	Common association	Meaning
Bob’s your uncle	British English	There you have it; something is simple or complete
Chuffed to bits	British English	Extremely pleased
Throw a spanner in the works	British English	Cause a problem or disruption
Hit the books	American English, also widely understood elsewhere	Study seriously
Shoot the breeze	American English	Have a casual conversation
Piece of cake	Widely used	Something very easy
Break the ice	Widely used	Make people comfortable
Once in a blue moon	Widely used	Very rarely

Learners should remember that regional associations are not strict boundaries. Many expressions travel between English-speaking communities through education, entertainment, migration, and the internet.

16. Common Idioms for Students and Teachers

Idioms can be especially useful in educational settings because they help students understand everyday classroom language.

Examples include:

Hit the books: Study seriously.

Example: “I need to hit the books because my examination is approaching.”

Learn by heart: Memorise something.

Example: “The teacher asked us to learn the poem by heart.”

Pass with flying colours: Pass an examination or test very successfully.

Example: “She passed her final examination with flying colours.”

Get the hang of something: Learn how to do something.

Example: “It took me a few days to get the hang of the new software.”

Know something like the back of one’s hand: Know something extremely well.

Example: “Our teacher knows the school curriculum like the back of her hand.”

Burn the midnight oil: Work or study late into the night.

Example: “He burned the midnight oil preparing for the examination.”

Learn the hard way: Learn through an unpleasant experience or mistake.

Example: “I learned the hard way that I should never leave my assignment until the last minute.”

A quick learner: Someone who learns new things quickly. This is a common expression rather than a strongly figurative idiom.

Example: “The new student is a quick learner.”

Teacher’s pet: A student who receives special attention or favour from a teacher.

Example: “Some students believe that the class representative is the teacher’s pet.”

Know the answer inside out: Understand something very thoroughly.

Example: “She studied the topic carefully and knows it inside out.”

17. Common Idioms for Workplace and Professional Life

Understanding workplace idioms can help learners follow discussions and communicate more effectively.

Examples include:

On the same page: Have the same understanding.

Example: “Before we begin, let’s ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

Touch base: Make contact or communicate briefly.

Example: “I will touch base with the manager tomorrow.”

Keep someone posted: Continue giving someone information about developments.

Example: “Please keep me posted about the progress of the project.”

Back to square one: Return to the beginning after an unsuccessful attempt.

Example: “The client rejected the proposal, so we are back to square one.”

Get down to business: Begin discussing or working on the main subject.

Example: “We have introduced ourselves, so let’s get down to business.”

Ahead of the curve: More advanced or innovative than others.

Example: “The company invests in new technology to stay ahead of the curve.”

Learn the ropes: Learn the basic procedures of a job.

Example: “The new assistant is still learning the ropes.”

Raise the bar: Increase the standard or level of performance expected.

Example: “The new manager wants to raise the bar for customer service.”

In the same boat: Be in the same difficult or similar situation.

Example: “Many small businesses are in the same boat because of rising costs.”

A win-win situation: A situation in which everyone involved benefits.

Example: “The partnership created a win-win situation for both companies.”

18. Idioms for Expressing Emotions

Idioms help speakers communicate feelings in vivid and memorable ways.

Happiness

Over the moon: Extremely happy.
On cloud nine: Very excited.
Walking on air: Extremely delighted.
In seventh heaven: Very happy.
Make someone’s day: Make someone happy.

Example: “She was over the moon when her family surprised her.”

Anger

Hit the roof: Become extremely angry.
Blow a fuse: Lose one’s temper.
Get on someone’s nerves: Annoy someone.
See red: Become very angry.
Have a short fuse: Become angry easily.

Example: “He blew a fuse when he discovered that his phone had been stolen.”

Sadness

Down in the dumps: Feeling unhappy.
Feel blue: Feel sad.
Have a heavy heart: Feel very sad or worried.
Cry one’s eyes out: Cry intensely.
A broken heart: Deep emotional sadness, especially after a relationship ends.

Example: “She was down in the dumps after failing the examination.”

Fear and Anxiety

Get cold feet: Become nervous and lose confidence before doing something.
Have butterflies in one’s stomach: Feel nervous or excited.
Shake like a leaf: Tremble because of fear or nervousness.
On edge: Nervous or tense.
Lose one’s nerve: Become too frightened to do something.

Example: “He had butterflies in his stomach before the interview.”

Surprise

Out of the blue: Unexpectedly.
Take someone by surprise: Surprise someone.
Come as a shock: Be very surprising or upsetting.
Knock someone’s socks off: Impress someone greatly.
A bolt from the blue: A sudden and unexpected event.

Example: “The news of his promotion came as a complete shock.”

19. Idioms and Their Opposite or Contrasting Expressions

Some idioms can be understood more easily by comparing them with expressions that communicate contrasting ideas.

Idiom	Meaning	Contrasting expression
On cloud nine	Extremely happy	Down in the dumps
In the black	Making a profit	In the red
Hit the ground running	Start energetically	Get off to a slow start
Keep one’s cool	Remain calm	Lose one’s temper
See eye to eye	Agree	Be at odds
Go the extra mile	Make extra effort	Do the bare minimum
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely	All the time
A blessing in disguise	Something unexpectedly beneficial	A genuine misfortune
Light at the end of the tunnel	Hope of improvement	No end in sight
Turn over a new leaf	Change for the better	Continue old habits

Learning contrasting expressions can improve vocabulary and help learners communicate more precisely.

20. Practice Exercises on English Idioms

The following exercises will help you test your understanding of common English idioms and their meanings.

Exercise A: Choose the Correct Meaning

Choose the correct answer for each idiom.

1. What does “a piece of cake” mean?

A. Something expensive
B. Something very easy
C. Something delicious
D. Something impossible

2. What does “spill the beans” mean?

A. Cook a meal
B. Waste food
C. Reveal a secret
D. Start a business

3. What does “once in a blue moon” mean?

A. Every day
B. Very rarely
C. Every month
D. Every evening

4. What does “break the ice” mean?

A. Destroy something
B. Start an argument
C. Make people comfortable
D. End a friendship

5. What does “cost an arm and a leg” mean?

A. Be extremely expensive
B. Be very cheap
C. Be free
D. Be difficult to find

6. What does “hit the nail on the head” mean?

A. Make a serious mistake
B. Describe something accurately
C. Hurt someone
D. Start a fight

7. What does “under the weather” mean?

A. Outside in the rain
B. Feeling unwell
C. Feeling excited
D. Working outdoors

8. What does “call it a day” mean?

A. Start a new job
B. Celebrate an event
C. Stop working for the day
D. Plan an activity

9. What does “the ball is in your court” mean?

A. You have lost a game
B. It is your turn to act
C. You should play tennis
D. Someone has made a mistake

10. What does “bite the bullet” mean?

A. Eat something quickly
B. Face a difficult situation bravely
C. Avoid responsibility
D. Become angry

Exercise B: Complete the Sentences

Choose an appropriate idiom from the list below to complete each sentence.

Idioms: once in a blue moon, break the ice, under the weather, go the extra mile, spill the beans, hit the books, call it a day, in the long run, cost an arm and a leg, light at the end of the tunnel.

11. I cannot attend the party because I am feeling __________.

12. The teacher told a funny story to __________ during the first lesson.

13. You should __________ if you want to perform well in your examination.

14. That designer watch will __________.

15. My uncle visits us __________ because he lives abroad.

16. We have worked for several hours, so let’s __________.

17. Do not __________ about the surprise celebration.

18. Regular exercise will benefit your health __________.

19. Good employees often __________ to satisfy their customers.

20. After several months of difficulties, the family finally saw __________.

Exercise C: Match the Idioms With Their Meanings

Match each expression in Column A with its correct meaning in Column B.

Column A	Column B
21. A heart of gold	A. Very rarely
22. A dark horse	B. Someone who is very kind
23. Once in a blue moon	C. Someone with unexpected abilities
24. Back to the drawing board	D. Start planning again
25. In the red	E. Operating at a financial loss
26. Get the ball rolling	F. Begin an activity
27. A couch potato	G. Someone who is inactive and watches too much television
28. Bury the hatchet	H. End a disagreement
29. Read between the lines	I. Understand an indirect meaning
30. Make ends meet	J. Manage financially

Exercise D: Replace the Underlined Meaning With an Idiom

Rewrite each sentence using an appropriate idiom.

31. The examination was very easy.

32. She was extremely happy when she received the award.

33. He revealed the secret accidentally.

34. We must begin the project immediately.

35. The two friends decided to end their disagreement.

36. I met my former classmate unexpectedly.

37. You should not believe every story you hear.

38. The company has no profit and is losing money.

39. She made extra effort to help the students.

40. The problem is much bigger than what we can currently see.

Exercise E: Identify the Idiom in Each Sentence

Read each sentence and identify the idiomatic expression.

41. My mother always reminds me that money does not grow on trees.

42. We need to think outside the box to solve this problem.

43. He was walking on air after getting the scholarship.

44. The manager asked everyone to pull their weight.

45. I will support my best friend through thick and thin.

46. She was as cool as a cucumber during the interview.

47. The announcement came out of the blue.

48. He has been burning the midnight oil to complete his assignment.

49. The new employee is still learning the ropes.

50. You should take the bull by the horns and address the problem.

Exercise F: Use Idioms in Your Own Sentences

Write one meaningful sentence for each of the following idioms.

51. A blessing in disguise.

52. Go the extra mile.

53. Have butterflies in one’s stomach.

54. A drop in the ocean.

55. Hit the ground running.

56. Keep in touch.

57. Better safe than sorry.

58. Have a soft spot for someone.

59. The last straw.

60. Turn over a new leaf.

Exercise G: Correct the Mistakes

Each sentence contains an incorrect use or form of an idiom. Rewrite it correctly.

61. I visit my grandmother once in a blue sky.

62. The examination was a slice of cake.

63. She is feeling under a weather.

64. He spilled the beans on the floor when he revealed the secret.

65. The two friends decided to bury their hatchets.

66. The new employee needs to learn the ropes of the job.

67. My brother costs an arm and a leg.

68. We should cross that bridge when we came to it.

69. The manager told us to get the ball rolling yesterday, but we have not started.

70. He always has his head on the clouds.

Exercise H: Complete the Conversations

Fill in the missing expressions using suitable idioms.

71.

A: Why are you smiling?

B: I received a scholarship. I am __________.

72.

A: How was the examination?

B: It was __________. I finished it in thirty minutes.

73.

A: Why did you not attend the meeting?

B: I was feeling __________.

74.

A: We need to start the project.

B: You are right. Let’s __________.

75.

A: Why is the manager angry?

B: Someone __________ about the confidential plan.

76.

A: Are you worried about next month’s problems?

B: Not really. I will __________ when the time comes.

77.

A: How did you manage to complete the project so quickly?

B: Everyone decided to __________.

78.

A: Why did she reject the offer?

B: It would have __________.

79.

A: Do you think the company will recover?

B: Yes. I believe there is __________.

80.

A: Why do you admire your grandmother?

B: She has __________ and helps everyone.

21. Answer Key

Answers to Exercise A

B. Something very easy.
C. Reveal a secret.
B. Very rarely.
C. Make people comfortable.
A. Be extremely expensive.
B. Describe something accurately.
B. Feeling unwell.
C. Stop working for the day.
B. It is your turn to act.
B. Face a difficult situation bravely.

Answers to Exercise B

Under the weather.
Break the ice.
Hit the books.
Cost an arm and a leg.
Once in a blue moon.
Call it a day.
Spill the beans.
In the long run.
Go the extra mile.
Light at the end of the tunnel.

Answers to Exercise C

B. Someone who is very kind.
C. Someone with unexpected abilities.
A. Very rarely.
D. Start planning again.
E. Operating at a financial loss.
F. Begin an activity.
G. Someone who is inactive and watches too much television.
H. End a disagreement.
I. Understand an indirect meaning.
J. Manage financially.

Answers to Exercise E

Money does not grow on trees.
Think outside the box.
Walking on air.
Pull their weight.
Through thick and thin.
As cool as a cucumber.
Out of the blue.
Burning the midnight oil.
Learning the ropes.
Take the bull by the horns.

22. Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms

1. What is an idiom in English?

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is different from the literal meanings of its individual words. For example, “a piece of cake” means something that is very easy.

2. What is the difference between an idiom and an idiomatic expression?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to expressions with established meanings that may not be understood by interpreting their individual words literally.

3. Why are idioms important in English?

Idioms help learners understand everyday conversations, improve listening and speaking skills, expand vocabulary, and communicate more naturally.

4. How many idioms should an English learner know?

There is no fixed number. Beginners should start with common expressions used in everyday conversations and gradually learn more advanced and specialised idioms.

5. What are five common English idioms?

Five common examples are:

A piece of cake: Something very easy.
Break the ice: Make people comfortable.
Spill the beans: Reveal a secret.
Once in a blue moon: Very rarely.
Under the weather: Feeling unwell.

6. Are idioms formal or informal?

Some idioms are suitable for both formal and informal communication, while others are mainly informal. Their appropriateness depends on the expression, audience, and situation.

7. Can idioms be used in academic writing?

Yes, but they should be used carefully. Academic writing generally prioritises clarity, precision, and formal language. Direct alternatives may be more suitable than conversational idioms.

8. What is the easiest way to learn idioms?

Learn idioms in context, group them by topic, write example sentences, listen to natural conversations, and revise regularly.

9. Are idioms the same as proverbs?

No. Idioms are expressions with established figurative meanings, while proverbs are traditional statements that communicate general truths, advice, or wisdom.

10. Do all English-speaking countries use the same idioms?

No. Some idioms are widely understood across English-speaking communities, while others are more common in particular countries or regions.

11. Can an idiom have more than one meaning?

Yes. Some expressions have different meanings depending on context. For example, “give someone a hand” can mean help someone or applaud someone.

12. Should beginners use idioms when speaking English?

Yes, but they should begin with common expressions and learn their meanings and appropriate contexts before using them regularly.

13. What is the difference between a literal and an idiomatic meaning?

A literal meaning is the direct meaning of the words, while an idiomatic meaning is the established meaning of the complete expression. For example, “spill the beans” literally suggests dropping beans but idiomatically means revealing a secret.

14. How can I improve my understanding of idioms when listening to English?

Listen to conversations, films, interviews, and podcasts. Pay attention to unfamiliar expressions, consider their context, and record their meanings for revision.

15. Can idioms change over time?

Yes. Language changes continuously, and idiomatic expressions can become more or less common, develop new meanings, or acquire different regional uses.

Conclusion

Idioms and idiomatic expressions are an important part of English communication. They allow speakers to express ideas, feelings, experiences, and opinions in colourful and memorable ways. Expressions such as “a piece of cake,” “break the ice,” “spill the beans,” and “once in a blue moon” are common examples that appear in everyday conversations, literature, films, workplace discussions, and informal writing.

For English learners, understanding idioms is essential because the meaning of an expression is not always the same as the literal meaning of its individual words. Learning idioms therefore requires attention to context, grammar, pronunciation, cultural background, and appropriate usage.

The best way to master idioms is to learn them gradually, study them in meaningful sentences, listen to how fluent speakers use them, and practise using them in everyday communication. Keeping an idiom notebook, reading English materials, watching films, listening to podcasts, and participating in conversations can also improve understanding and confidence.

Learners should remember that using idioms effectively does not mean including as many expressions as possible in every conversation. The goal is to understand their meanings and use them naturally when they fit the situation.

With consistent practice, learners can expand their vocabulary, improve their listening comprehension, develop greater speaking confidence, and communicate more naturally in English.