Reaching the C2 level in English means understanding not only advanced grammar and vocabulary but also complex idioms used by native speakers. C2-level idioms are often subtle, nuanced, and context-rich, making them essential for sounding fluent, natural, and sophisticated in both spoken and written English.
In this guide, “30 C2-Level Idioms with Meanings and Example Sentences,” you will explore high-level idiomatic expressions commonly used in professional communication, academic discussions, literature, and media. Each idiom is clearly explained and supported with example sentences to help you understand real-life usage.
Whether you are preparing for Cambridge C2 Proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, or aiming to master near-native English, this advanced idiom list will help you refine your language skills and communicate with confidence and precision.
This topic is part of our English Idioms & Phrases for English learners.
A bitter pill to swallow
Meaning: A difficult or unpleasant fact that must be accepted.
Example: Losing the championship was a bitter pill to swallow for the team.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage.
Example: After years of procrastination, I finally decided to bite the bullet and start my thesis.
Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Example: She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her project before the deadline.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Meaning: In a difficult situation where there are no good choices.
Example: He was caught between a rock and a hard place when he had to choose between his job and his family.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: To waste time worrying about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk; we need to focus on finding a solution.
Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time.
Example: Let’s cut to the chase; we need to discuss the budget immediately.
Devil’s advocate
Meaning: Someone who argues a position they do not necessarily agree with, for the sake of debate.
Example: I’ll play devil’s advocate and suggest why we shouldn’t proceed with the project.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume success until it actually happens.
Example: He’s already planning the celebration, but I told him not to count his chickens before they hatch.
Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: There is something good in every bad situation.
Example: Losing that job was tough, but every cloud has a silver lining; it pushed me to pursue my dream career.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Example: When she said the project failed due to poor planning, she really hit the nail on the head.
In the same boat
Meaning: In a similar situation or predicament.
Example: We are all in the same boat regarding the budget cuts, so we need to support each other.
Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join a popular activity or trend.
Example: Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainable practices.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret, often by accident.
Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party during lunch.
Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely.
Example: We only go out for dinner once in a blue moon because we prefer to cook at home.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Meaning: To go from a bad situation to a worse one.
Example: He thought changing jobs would solve his problems, but he ended up out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture.
Example: Investing all your savings in one company is putting all your eggs in one basket.
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: To rain very heavily.
Example: We decided to stay indoors because it was raining cats and dogs outside.
Read between the lines
Meaning: To understand the hidden meaning or significance of something.
Example: If you read between the lines, you can see that he’s unhappy with the current situation.
Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: To take credit for someone else’s idea or to do something that takes attention away from them.
Example: She stole my thunder by announcing the project before I had a chance to present it.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It is up to you to make the next decision or take action.
Example: I’ve given you all the information; now the ball is in your court.
The elephant in the room
Meaning: A major issue that is being ignored or not discussed.
Example: We need to address the elephant in the room regarding our declining sales.
Throw in the towel
Meaning: To give up; to admit defeat.
Example: After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel on the project.
Turn a blind eye
Meaning: To ignore something that you know is wrong.
Example: The manager turned a blind eye to the minor violations in the office.
Under the weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
Example: I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately, so I think I’ll stay home today.
Walk on eggshells
Meaning: To be very cautious in order to avoid upsetting someone.
Example: Since she’s been so stressed, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells around her.
Wild goose chase
Meaning: A futile pursuit or a pointless search.
Example: Trying to find that old book in the library turned out to be a wild goose chase.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: You can’t have everything your way; you must make a choice.
Example: If you want to save money for a car, you can’t keep spending on luxuries; you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: I have no idea; I don’t know any more than you do.
Example: When asked when the project would be completed, he said, “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Back to the drawing board
Meaning: To start over after a failure.
Example: The initial design didn’t meet the requirements, so it’s back to the drawing board for the team.
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often resulting in a poor-quality outcome.
Example: They cut corners on the project, which led to several mistakes.
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