English Idioms

English Idioms | List of English Idioms With Examples and Pictures

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English Idioms: Each and Every Language has its own Expressions, Phrases, and Idioms. English is nowhere an exception and has plenty of Idioms that we use commonly While Speaking or Writing in the Language. The majority of the Idioms in English sound like a piece of advice however in reality they actually have an underlying meaning.

Familiarize yourself with the English Idioms and Phrases and be confident while speaking with Native Speakers in English. Understanding the Actual Meaning behind the English Idioms can be difficult initially but with time they can be fun to learn. That is why we have compiled a list of Idioms in English with Meaning and Sentence. Master the most Commonly Used English Language Idioms and sound more like a native speaker.

What is Idiom in English?

An Idiom is a Phrase or Expression whose literal meaning is something more than the individual words and can be difficult to understand. English Idioms are commonly used at work or home and is key for language progression. They are used in all types of conversations in our day-to-day lives.

Common Idioms Examples in English

  • A blessing in disguise
  • Beat around the bush
  • A dime a dozen
  • Cutting corners
  • Get out of hand
  • Easy does it
  • Cut somebody some slack
  • Get something out of your system
  • Give someone the benefit of the doubt
  • Call it a day
  • Get your act together
  • Hang in there
  • Better late than never
  • Bite the bullet
  • Break a leg
  • Hit the sack
  • It’s not rocket science
  • Pull someone’s leg
  • So far so good
  • Let someone off the hook
  • Miss the boat
  • No pain, no gain
  • Wrap your head around something
  • We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it
  • Under the weather
  • Your guess is as good as mine
  • The best of both worlds
  • You can say that again
  • To get bent out of shape
  • Time flies when you’re having fun

Famous Idioms in English

English Idioms & Phrases can be easily understood by native English speakers. If you want to master the Idioms and Phrases in English then this is the best place to begin with. Spice up your English by becoming familiar with the following expressions.

Idiom Meaning
A little learning is a dangerous thing One who don’t understand anything can be dangerous
A stitch in time saves nine Fix the problem now as it becomes worse later
A storm in a teacup Ongoing big fuss about a small problem
As right as rain Perfect
Burn bridges Destroy Relationships
Calm before the storm Something bad is going to happen and it’s calm now
Every dog has its day Everybody gets a chance once
Fortune favors the bold Take risks
Haste makes waste If you rush through something you will make mistakes
Jump on the bandwagon Follow a trend, do what everyone else is doing
On cloud nine Very Happy
Run like the wind Run fast
Shape up or ship out Work Better or else Leave
Through thick and thin In Good Times and Bad Times
We see eye to eye We Agree
When it rains it pours Everything is going wrong at once
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink You can’t force someone to take right decision

The English language is internationally recognized for its diversity. It is constructed with a lot of components that help us to build a complete sentence. These are known as parts of speech, among which Old English idioms are a vital part. Common English expressions in daily life help us to build on our vocabulary and discover more ways to deliver our ideas through sentences.

This article has been specially put together to bring more than 100 idioms and their meanings for your increased convenience. These idiomatic expressions and their meanings will help a learner to boost their English knowledge even further.

List of English Idioms

Meaning and Examples of some commonly used English Idioms

A cat nap

Meaning: This idiom describes a concise period or a brief period of restful sleep.

Example: Would you please try to squeeze in a cat nap before your semester examination?

A cold fish

Meaning: This idiom describes the personality of an individual who is unsympathetic and unemotional.

Example: Even at his friend’s funeral, he was a bit of a cold fish.

A let up

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of stopping a specific task one has been doing determinedly.

Example: He has trained the hardest for this opportunity so that he wouldn’t let up.

A lone wolf

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who avoids socializing and is much of an introvert who has no friends.

Example: She sat like a lone wolf at the party.

Back in the day

Meaning: This idiom describes a time in the past which one recalls in the present.

Example: Back in the day, listened to the Beatles together on the old radio.

Back to the drawing board

Meaning: This idiom indicates an individual’s failure at a task they need to return to the starting point.

Example: If you cannot answer these questions, go back to the drawing board.

Bad apple

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is dishonest or unpleasant among the rest of the people present.

Example: We will not let a bad apple be a part of our group.

Bad blood

Meaning: This idiom indicates a bad relationship between two or more people (primarily due to some rivalry).

Example: If you have bad blood, why show up to the event?

Call it a day

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of concluding or putting an end to work for a particular day after a lot of hard work.

Example: Let’s call it a day; we have been working nonstop.

Call the shots

Meaning: This idiom indicates someone who holds a superior position and can dictate to others what to do.

Example: We cannot reform anything unless our boss has called the shots.

Cash cow

Meaning: This idiom refers to any individual who possesses a lot of money or makes a lot of money.

Example: All of the band members ran to the cash cow to ask for pocket money.

Cat’s paw

Meaning: This idiom describes a person who another person uses to achieve something in a cynical manner.

Example: He always makes a cat’s paw of me, but I can’t let him go.

Dark Horse

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who brings unexpected victory at 5a particular competition.

Example: He was the dark horse of the fallen kingdom.

Dead of the winter

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the middle of the winter season when the weather is bitterly cold.

Example: She decided to walk to her school in the dead of winter.

Devil’s advocate

Meaning: This idiom describes a person who involves themselves in an argument just for the sake of it and has no intentions of their own.

Example: Whatever you do, do it willingly, do not play the devil’s advocate.

Drag one’s feet

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the action of delaying something due to inconveniences.

Example: How long will you keep dragging your feet?

Eat your heart out

Meaning: This idiom is the specific one we use to symbolize deep sorrow for some type of mental pain we go through.

Example: You can admire the new boat all you want, but eat your heart out because it belongs to me.

Elephant in the room

Meaning: This idiom describes a current issue or a problem that the people present want to avoid or ignore.

Example: His obsession with alcohol was the elephant in the room.

Eleventh hour

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe someone’s approach to a task in the last hour.

Example: If you wait till the eleventh hour, I’m afraid it will be too late.

Eat humble pie

Meaning: This idiom is used as a reference to an act of accepting a comment or gesture of humiliation.

Example: Her brother was forced to eat humble pie for something he didn’t do.

Face the music

Meaning: This idiom is put to use, especially in times where an individual who has committed a crime is asked to reveal themself to the public eye.

Example: After all the harm you have done to my family, it’s time for you to face the music.

Fat cat

Meaning: This idiom is used to reference someone who is the owner of a large sum of money and authority.

Example: The news criticized the fat cat of our town.

Fall off a truck

Meaning: This idiom describes an item that has been obtained without the permission of its original owner; hence it is an illegal action.

Example: She said she acquired it off her hard work, but I suppose it fell off a truck.

Fire in one’s belly

Meaning: This idiom describes the feeling of passing or a strong sense of determination to go about a task at hand.

Example: As long as I have a fire in my belly, no one can stop me from trying to fulfill my dreams.

Get bent out of shape

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the act of getting tired and exhausted due to an experience or excess work.

Example: You look bent out of shape; are you sure you rested well enough?

Get carried away

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of being unmindful or distracted.

Example: If you get carried away in class another time, I’m calling your parents to meet me.

Green thumb

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who has a natural talent for gardening and is good at it.

Example: The number of plants in her house indicated she had a green thumb.

Get a grip

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of controlling oneself from proceeding further.

Example: Please get a grip on yourself, and you have been hurting for too long.

Hands down

Meaning: This idiom is used as a reference to the phrase ‘without question.’ This is used when a person is very sure of something.

Example: This is hands down the best birthday event j have ever come to.

Hanging by a thread

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is in a dangerous situation where they can fall into deeper trouble.

Example: When he came out of the fire alive, he seemed to be handing by a thread.

Have a nose for

Meaning: This idiom describes a person who has genuine interest or instincts towards a subject of their liking.

Example: I have a nose for collecting old stamps.

Hit a wall

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is mentally and physically exhausted and cannot reach their goal.

Example: After months of repeated trying, I think I’ve finally hit a wall.

In a heartbeat

Meaning: This is an idiom we utilize to describe a short moment. In simple words, it is a time period more petite than a moment.

Example: In a heartbeat, she was gone forever, and we never saw each other again.

In a nutshell

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the act of summarizing points and presenting them in a concise and brief way.

Example: I understood what he explained in a nutshell, and we will go over the details later.

In the cards

Meaning: This idiom describes something that is foreseen and predictable.

Example: You getting married to him was in the cards.

Itchy feet

Meaning: This idiom describes the strong or unwavering desire to go out into the world and travel to new places.

Example: I have itchy feet, and I cannot contain myself any longer.

Jack of all trades

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe someone who is excellent at a number of disciplines or things but lacks a natural talent that makes them excel in a specific field.

Example: She is a jack of all trades, but he is better at driving than her.

Join the club

Meaning: This is a famous remark made to someone who is in the same position as the commenter in certain aspects.

Example: Oh, I didn’t know you failed too, feel free to join the club!

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of following a widespread group of people who would probably claim victory in the future.

Example: We had no idea about them, but once we heard their strategy, we decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Just for the record

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of publicly revealing a set of vital facts about something or someone.

Example: Just for the record, I saved your number as Miss. Whatsoever.

Keep an eye on

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the action of keeping one’s eye locked onto someone or something they wish to obtain.

Example: Please keep an eye on your heat child till I come back from the market.

Keep at arm’s length

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of keeping a distance between two individuals to avoid any sort of close contact between them.

Example: If you don’t want to be discovered, please be sure to keep it at arm’s length.

Kick the bucket

Meaning: This idiom describes death in a seemingly indirect way.

Example: I hate to say it, but if you try that stunt, you might kick the bucket.

Knock one’s socks off

Meaning: This idiom describes the feeling of extreme shock or surprise caused by someone or something else.

Example: Her incredible singing knocked my socks off.

Lend an ear

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of being ready or prepared to listen to what one has to say.

Example: If you lend me an ear, I would be happy to talk to you about it.

Let off steam

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of cooling oneself down after one has been angered or irritated to a great extent.

Example: I really think you should get out of there and let off some steam.

Lion’s Share

Meaning: This idiom describes the most significant portion of the biggest share in the room amongst everyone.

Example: Him being the youngest was given the lion’s share among everyone.

Longshot

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe the act of trying to achieve something seemingly complicated to obtain but, in return, offers a positive result.

Example: Although the idea seemed a long shot, I decided to give it a go.

Make ends meet

Meaning: This idiom is related to the financial status of someone where they have enough money to live their lives.

Example: This job let him earn more for himself to help him make ends meet.

Make one’s mark

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to describe someone who has made history and is recognized for their work.

Example: Please go on, and it’s time for you to make your mark.

Mend fences

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of trying to mend or repair relations between individuals after a fallout.

Example: He and his grandmother tried their best to mend fences after so many years.

Miss the boat

Meaning: This idiom describes one’s failure in grabbing an opportunity or advantage.

Example: I asked him to keep alert, but he still missed the boat.

Nick of time

Meaning: This idiom describes the last moments of trying to make something work before one can no longer make any changes. It can also be simply called the last moment.

Example: The fire brigade arrived in the nick of time so we could save the people.

New wrinkle

Meaning: This idiom refers to the development of an unexpected or uncalled-for innovation or change in a pre-existing condition.

Example: The new nurse has brought a new wrinkle to the hospital.

Not know Jack

Meaning: This idiom basically means that one has no knowledge of anything whatsoever.

Example: I feel like he’s pretending to be a not know Jack.

Nuts and Bolts

Meaning: This idiom describes the practical and crucial aspects of something in detail.

Example: When it comes to the memorizing nuts and bolts of the book, Sara is the winner.

Oceans of

Meaning: This idiom describes someone that is presented in abundance or a considerable amount.

Example: She bought me oceans of cake to celebrate my graduation.

Off the grid

Meaning: This idiom describes the disconnection of individuals with things or feelings.

Example: She went completely off the grid on her first stage act.

Odds and ends

Meaning: This idiom describes the miscellaneous leftovers of things.

Example: We kept everything with us, including odds and ends.

Off the shelf

Meaning: This idiom describes something that is bought by an individual, although it is not made of them.

Example: Are you really sure you are happy with this off-the-shelf outfit?

Pass the buck

Meaning: This idiom refers to the transfer of power or authority from a person to another, especially in business administration.

Example: I witnessed him when he passed the buck to his brother.

Peaches and Cream

Meaning: This idiom refers to something that is very comfortable and sweet to achieve, displaying the idea of a smooth ride.

Example: It was not all peaches in cream in the story.

Perfect storm

Meaning: This idiom refers to a build-up of a situation that is negative due to a circle of bad events.

Example: The last year has really been a perfect storm in the business sector.

Piece of cake

Meaning: This idiom describes a task that is extremely easy to complete.

Example: This assignment was a piece of cake.

Quick as Flash

Meaning: This idiom describes the speed of something or someone to be as quick as the flash of lightning.

Example: He is a slow talker, but his brain works as quickly as a flash.

Quake in one’s boot

Meaning: This idiom describes the feeling of extreme fear in an individual.

Example: The story was enough to produce a quake in my boots.

Quote unquote

Meaning: This idiom is used quite commonly to describe a piece of information as vital.

Example: She said, quote ‘It was my first year, not him’ unquote.

Queer the pitch

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of spoiling or ruining a plan.

Example: I was trying to build the Lego, and she queered the pitch.

Red flags

Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where there are warning signs of danger.

Example: The more we approached the city, the red flags kept increasing.

Raise the bar

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of raising the pre-existing standards of something.

Example: We joined very recently, but he raised the bar really quickly.

Read between the lines

Meaning: This idiom describes the act of trying to understand something thoroughly through certain hints.

Example: She is hard to communicate with, but if you read between the lines, it may help the case.

Red Tape

Meaning: This idiom describes the parliamentary rules and regulations that come off as something very rigid.

Example: The recent change will just create more red tape.

Screw the pooch

Meaning: This idiom is a common slang used to refer to the act of committing a humiliating mistake.

Example: When he said it our loud, all of us knew he screwed the pooch.

Set in stone

Meaning: This idiom describes something that has been fixed in the past and is quite impossible to alter or change.

Example: The new routine has been set in stone.

Shift gears

Meaning: This idiom refers to a gradual diversion or change in the direction of a particular matter or discussion.

Example: If we cannot convince him, we need to shift gears.

Sit tight

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of controlling or containing oneself from doing something they want to do to avoid bad outcomes.

Example: Just sit tight for a while; you may receive better offers.

Take it easy

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of relaxing and taking things at a slower and more comfortable pace.

Example: Please do not rush, and you have the time; take it easy.

Tear one’s hair out

Meaning: This idiom describes the feeling of extreme desperation in an individual.

Example: We are working day and night, tearing our hair out to build better software for society.

Tie the knot

Meaning: This idiom refers to two individuals who will or have gotten married.

Example: So when are you two planning to tie the knot?

Tear-jerker

Meaning: This idiom describes something that is heavily moved by emotions to the point of jerking tears out of an individual’s eyes.

Example: The movie we watched last Friday was such a tear-jerker.

Train Wreck

Meaning: This idiom refers to a situation of total chaos, a catastrophe, or a major failure.

Example: The new project turned into a train wreck.

Under the weather

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is sick or I’ll due to some health problems.

Example: Please check with the doctor you are under the weather.

Under one’s spell

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is captivated or is blindly charmed by someone else.

Example: You don’t even move a muscle when he speaks, and it’s like you’re under a spell.

Up a creek

Meaning: This idiom describes the situation when an individual is in deep trouble or has encountered grave danger.

Example: When I went into the forest alone I went up a creek unknowingly.

Up to snuff

Meaning: This idiom describes someone or something of great quality or as per someone’s requirements.

Example: I am feeling tired and barely up to snuff today.

Use one’s head

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of making use of one’s knowledge and thinking power to answer something.

Example: You will get the answer if you use your head.

Virgin territory

Meaning: This idiom indicates an area that is completely new to an individual, and they know nothing about it.

Example: When I first joined volleyball, the court seemed like virgin territory.

Victory lap

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of someone who is proud of their own ability and victory and invites others to witness their win.

Example: The citizens will take a victory lap for reducing air pollution.

Vicious circle

Meaning: This idiom refers to a chain of unfortunate and negative events that cause unnecessary problems in an individual’s path.

Example: The vicious circle of smoking in our school is huge.

Vanish into thin air

Meaning: This idiom refers to something that has completely and suddenly vanished from our sights.

Example: A moment ago, she was here, and now she vanished into thin air without my knowledge.

Walk on eggshells

Meaning: This idiom indicates the action of being very careful and cautious about making their decisions.

Example: It may appear like an easy task, but it felt like walking on eggshells.

Water under the bridge

Meaning: This idiom describes something that has taken place in one’s life in the past but holds no meaning in the present day.

Example: Our differences made us separate from one another, but that’s water under the bridge.

Wet blanket

Meaning: The idiom refers to an individual who spoils the fun or destroys the enthusiasm and team spirit of something.

Example: He came in, and his remarks made him then into a wet blanket.

White Elephant

Meaning: This idiom describes something that is very high priced but holds no vital significance.

Example: This item has been there in my house like a white elephant.

Witch Hunt

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of trying to make an attempt to locate or punish a specific group of people.

Example: Our company went on a random witch hunt last week.

X marks the spot

Meaning: This idiom signifies something or establishes something as the central point of high importance.

Example: If you can’t find your way back, remember Ceasar, X marks the spot.

You know the drill

Your number is up

Meaning: This idiom describes the remark towards someone who is next in line to die among a group of people.

Example: I’m sorry to say, but this looks like your number is up.

Year in, year out

Meaning: This idiom describes an overall period of the whole year or a whole of 365 days.

Example: I kept telling him to study year in, year out.

You’re driving me nuts

Meaning: This is an idiom describing the feeling of extreme anger or annoyance towards someone.

Example: Stop right now, Mark; you’re driving me nuts.

Young at heart

Meaning: This idiom describes someone who is childlike and carries the innocence of a child in their heart.

Example: He may look all buff and grown-up, but he’s still young at heart.

Zip one’s lip

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of stopping their talk mid-conversation. In simple words, it is used by someone to shut the other individual’s mouth.

Example: Don’t spill all our secrets; zip your lip.

Zero in one

Meaning: This idiom describes the action of directing someone’s attention towards one thing of vital importance.

Example: The doctors are looking for a zero to one cure for this virus.

Zero hour

Meaning: This idiom is utilized to refer to the time when a vital decision needs to be taken by someone.

Example: It’s just barely a minute to zero hours.

Importance of Idioms in English

Are you wondering why to use English Idioms while we can say the literal meaning? You can say the actual meaning but doing so can be boring. Using Idioms in English we can express ourselves differently than the regular ones. One can express the meaning on a deeper level and we use our brains to imagine what the other person is trying to convey to us. We can better understand the meaning if we try on our own.

English Idioms List will make it easier for us to tell what we are thinking in a more creative way. While speaking or Writing if you say an English Idiom one might not understand initially but in the context it makes sense. They can be great to express a more complicated area.

Why to use Idioms in English in Everyday Conversations?

All of us know certain sayings or phrases while growing up and is Idiom. Wherever you are speaking you will get to know English Idioms. You will come across them in your day-to-day conversations. English Idioms used can provide us clear Meaning but in a figurative sense.

English Language Idioms can be used in everyday conversations as they are quick to say and easily understood. They can make a lot of sense though used in a figurative way while conveying your message or thoughts.

Conclusion

We wish the information shared regarding the English Idioms & Expressions has shed some light on you. For more information or feedback do reach us through the comment section so that we can get back to you. Stay tuned to our site to avail latest updates on Idioms in English at your fingertips.

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