25 Common English Idioms Explained in Simple Terms
25 Common English Idioms Explained in Simple Terms
An idiom is a phrase that has a different meaning than the literal definitions of the individual words.
Idioms add color and expressiveness to our language.
Today, we’ll explore 25 common English idioms that are useful for general conversation and writing.
1. A piece of cake
Meaning: Something that is easy to do
Example: “The math test was a piece of cake for Sarah since she studied hard.”
2. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To accidentally or impulsively share a secret
Example: “Don’t let the cat out of the bag about John’s surprise party!”
3. Break a leg
Meaning: A way of wishing someone good luck (often used for performers before a show)
Example: “Break a leg at your dance recital tonight!”
4. Costs an arm and a leg
Meaning: Very expensive
Example: “Those front row concert tickets cost an arm and a leg.”
5. Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss out on an opportunity
Example: “I missed the boat on getting tickets to the play since they sold out so fast.”
6. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Something that happens very rarely
Example: “They only go to the movies once in a blue moon.”
7. When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen
Example: “Ben will clean his room when pigs fly.”
8. Killing two birds with one stone
Meaning: Achieving two things with a single action
Example: “By taking that class, I’m killing two birds with one stone – getting a credit and learning about a new topic.”
9. Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid getting to the main point
Example: “Just tell me what’s wrong instead of beating around the bush.”
10. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Having misguided ideas or being mistaken
Example: “If you think I stole your pencil, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Read more idioms:
- 30 Useful Business Idioms Explained Simply
- 30 Money Idioms Explained in English
- 30 Personality Idioms Explained in English
- C1 & C2 English Idioms
- C1 and C2 English Idioms to Use
11. Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the point quickly without going into unnecessary details
Example: “Cut to the chase and tell me why you’re late.”
12. Throwing in the towel
Meaning: Giving up or quitting
Example: “After trying for hours, I finally threw in the towel on that math problem.”
13. Having a chip on your shoulder
Meaning: Holding a grudge or being angry about something
Example: “Ever since he lost that game, he’s had a chip on his shoulder.”
14. Pulling someone’s leg
Meaning: Telling someone something untrue as a joke
Example: “Are you pulling my leg or did you really meet a celebrity today?”
15. Reinventing the wheel
Meaning: Spending a lot of effort recreating something that already exists
Example: “Instead of reinventing the wheel, we can use the project plan from last year.”
16. On the same page
Meaning: To agree with or understand each other
Example: “It’s important that all the team members are on the same page about the goals.”
17. Wearing your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: Being very open about your feelings
Example: “My little sister wears her heart on her sleeve and gets upset easily.”
18. The elephant in the room
Meaning: An obvious issue that people avoid discussing
Example: “We need to address the elephant in the room – our team’s lack of communication.”
19. Dropping a bombshell
Meaning: Sharing shocking or dramatic news
Example: “My dad dropped a bombshell at dinner by announcing he’s retiring next month.”
20. Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: Having no more knowledge about something than the other person
Example: “I’m not sure when she’ll be back – your guess is as good as mine.”
21. Burying the hatchet
Meaning: To make peace and end a disagreement
Example: “After years of feuding, the neighbors finally buried the hatchet.”
22. Cooking up a storm
Meaning: Working hard at a task
Example: “My mom was cooking up a storm in the kitchen, preparing for the party.”
23. Caught red-handed
Meaning: Being caught in the act of doing something wrong
Example: “The thief was caught red-handed trying to steal from the store.”
24. Adding insult to injury
Meaning: Further hurting or disrespecting someone after initial harm or offense
Example: “As if losing the game wasn’t bad enough, the other team added insult to injury with their taunts.”
25. Speak of the devil
Meaning: The person you were just talking about has arrived
Example: “Speak of the devil! I was just telling Sara about your new job.”
Idioms bring richness and imagery to the English language.
Understanding common idioms will not only enhance your comprehension when reading or listening, but also allow you to communicate in a more expressive, colorful way.
Start sprinkling a few of these general idioms into your daily conversations and writing!
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