30 C1 Idioms with Meanings and Example Sentences

Bite the bullet

Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage.
Example: After months of indecision, she finally bit the bullet and applied for the job.

Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: He had to burn the midnight oil to finish his thesis on time.

Caught between a rock and a hard place

Meaning: To be in a difficult situation with no easy solution.
Example: She felt caught between a rock and a hard place when her two friends had a falling out.

Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase; what do you want to achieve with this project?

Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: When she pointed out the lack of communication, she really hit the nail on the head.

Kick the bucket

Meaning: To die (often used humorously).
Example: He always said he wants to travel the world before he kicks the bucket.

Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: To reveal a secret by accident.
Example: I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

On the ball

Meaning: To be alert and competent.
Example: She’s really on the ball when it comes to managing projects.

Once in a blue moon

Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: I go to the cinema once in a blue moon, usually preferring to watch movies at home.

Pull someone’s leg

Meaning: To joke or tease someone.
Example: I thought he was serious, but he was just pulling my leg.

See eye to eye

Meaning: To agree with someone.
Example: It’s great to work with someone who sees eye to eye with you on the project.

Spill the beans

Meaning: To disclose secret information.
Example: I didn’t mean to spill the beans, but I couldn’t contain my excitement.

Take it with a grain of salt

Meaning: To view something with skepticism.
Example: You should take his advice with a grain of salt; he’s not always reliable.

The ball is in your court

Meaning: It’s your decision to make next.
Example: I’ve done all I can; now the ball is in your court.

Throw in the towel

Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
Example: After several failed attempts to fix the car, he finally threw in the towel.

Under the weather

Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
Example: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home.

Up in the air

Meaning: Uncertain or undecided.
Example: Our plans for the weekend are still up in the air due to the weather forecast.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Meaning: To openly show your emotions.
Example: He wears his heart on his sleeve, so it’s easy to tell when he’s upset.

When pigs fly

Meaning: Something that will never happen.
Example: I’ll believe he’ll finish that project on time when pigs fly.

The elephant in the room

Meaning: A significant problem that everyone is aware of but avoids discussing.
Example: We need to address the elephant in the room: the budget cuts.

Burn bridges

Meaning: To destroy relationships or opportunities.
Example: Be careful not to burn bridges with your colleagues; you might need their help later.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: To make an extra effort.
Example: She always goes the extra mile to ensure her students understand the material.

In the same boat

Meaning: In a similar situation.
Example: We’re all in the same boat, struggling to meet the deadline.

Keep your chin up

Meaning: To remain positive in a difficult situation.
Example: Even though things are tough right now, keep your chin up; it will get better.

Put all your eggs in one basket

Meaning: To risk everything on a single plan.
Example: It’s not wise to put all your eggs in one basket; diversify your investments.

A blessing in disguise

Meaning: An apparent misfortune that results in something good.
Example: Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I found a better one shortly after.

Bite off more than you can chew

Meaning: To take on more responsibility than you can handle.
Example: She bit off more than she could chew by taking on three projects at once.

Hit the ground running

Meaning: To start something and proceed at a fast pace with enthusiasm.
Example: We need to hit the ground running if we want to finish this project on time.

Leave no stone unturned

Meaning: To search thoroughly.
Example: The detective promised to leave no stone unturned in the investigation.

The tip of the iceberg

Meaning: A small, visible part of a much larger problem.
Example: What you see on the surface is just the tip of the iceberg; the real issues run much deeper.