English is full of idioms—expressions that do not mean exactly what the individual words say. Instead, they carry a special meaning that native speakers understand naturally.
If you want to sound more fluent, confident, and natural in English, learning idioms is a big step forward.
In this blog post, you will learn 50 common English idioms about life, explained in simple and clear language.
This guide is perfect for English learners, ESL students, teachers, and anyone who wants to improve everyday English.
This topic is part of our English Idioms & Phrases for English learners.
What Is an Idiom? (Step-by-Step Explanation)
Let’s start with the basics.
1. Meaning of an Idiom
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words.
👉 Example:
“Life is not a bed of roses.”
This does not mean life is about flowers.
It means life is not always easy.
2. Why Idioms Are Important
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Native speakers use idioms daily
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Idioms make your English sound natural
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Idioms appear in movies, books, news, and conversations
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Idioms help you understand real-life English
How to Learn Idioms Effectively
Before jumping into the list, here are some practical tips:
For Beginners
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Focus on meaning, not word-by-word translation
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Learn idioms by topic (like life, work, emotions)
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Use them first in speaking, then in writing
For Advanced Learners
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Notice idioms in movies and podcasts
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Practice replacing simple sentences with idioms
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Learn context and tone (formal vs informal)
50 English Idioms About Life with Meaning
Now, let’s explore the idioms. Each idiom includes a clear and simple meaning, making it easy to understand and remember.
1. Life is not a bed of roses
Meaning: Life is not always easy or comfortable.
2. That’s life
Meaning: This is how life is; we must accept it.
3. Life goes on
Meaning: Even after problems, life continues.
4. Take life as it comes
Meaning: Accept situations without overthinking.
5. Get a new lease on life
Meaning: Get a fresh chance to live better.
6. Live life to the fullest
Meaning: Enjoy life as much as possible.
7. Life hangs by a thread
Meaning: Life is in great danger.
8. Bigger than life
Meaning: Very impressive or powerful personality.
9. Life in the fast lane
Meaning: An exciting but risky lifestyle.
10. Bring something to life
Meaning: Make something exciting or real.
11. A matter of life and death
Meaning: Extremely serious and important.
12. Make life easier
Meaning: Reduce difficulty or effort.
13. The school of life
Meaning: Learning from real-life experiences.
14. Change of life
Meaning: A major life transition.
15. Life is what you make it
Meaning: Your choices shape your life.
16. A dog’s life
Meaning: A very hard or unhappy life.
17. Lead a double life
Meaning: Live two different lifestyles secretly.
18. Breathe life into something
Meaning: Make something active or interesting again.
19. For dear life
Meaning: With all your strength or effort.
20. Life of the party
Meaning: The most fun and lively person.
21. Larger than life
Meaning: Very confident or noticeable personality.
22. Put one’s life on the line
Meaning: Risk one’s life.
23. Life has its ups and downs
Meaning: Life has good and bad times.
24. Shape your own life
Meaning: Control your future through choices.
25. A way of life
Meaning: A regular lifestyle or habit.
26. Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows
Meaning: Life includes difficulties.
27. A new chapter in life
Meaning: A fresh start or phase.
28. Life on the edge
Meaning: A risky or dangerous lifestyle.
29. Get on with life
Meaning: Move forward despite problems.
30. A slice of life
Meaning: A realistic view of everyday life.
31. Make a life for yourself
Meaning: Build a stable and happy life.
32. Life is short
Meaning: Time passes quickly; enjoy life.
33. Save someone’s life
Meaning: Prevent someone from dying.
34. A matter of time in life
Meaning: Something will happen eventually.
35. Live and learn
Meaning: Learn from experience.
36. Life-changing experience
Meaning: Something that deeply affects your life.
37. Put your life together
Meaning: Organize and improve your life.
38. Life in someone’s hands
Meaning: Depending completely on someone.
39. Make someone’s life miserable
Meaning: Cause someone great unhappiness.
40. Life comes full circle
Meaning: Things return to their starting point.
41. Life is a journey
Meaning: Life is about growth and experiences.
42. A hard knock life
Meaning: A life full of difficulties.
43. Life is no picnic
Meaning: Life is challenging.
44. A chance at life
Meaning: An opportunity to live or succeed.
45. Life is on hold
Meaning: Progress is paused temporarily.
46. Life in the balance
Meaning: Outcome is uncertain.
47. Make a living
Meaning: Earn money to survive.
48. Life throws you curveballs
Meaning: Life brings unexpected problems.
49. A lifetime experience
Meaning: Something unforgettable.
50. The time of your life
Meaning: A very enjoyable period.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with Idioms
Avoid these mistakes to sound more natural:
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❌ Translating idioms word by word
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❌ Using idioms in very formal writing
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❌ Overusing idioms in one sentence
👉 Tip: Use one idiom at a time in conversation.
How to Practice These Idioms Daily
Here are easy ways to practice:
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Pick 3 idioms a day
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Say them aloud in simple sentences
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Notice idioms in movies or YouTube videos
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Write short paragraphs using 1–2 idioms
Final Thoughts
Idioms are the heart of natural English. When you understand and use idioms about life, your English becomes more expressive, confident, and human.
You don’t need to memorize all 50 at once. Learn them slowly, use them naturally, and enjoy the process. Remember:
English is not just a language—it’s a way of life.
If you found this guide helpful, save it, share it, and come back to practice again.
Happy learning and keep growing—one idiom at a time!
