50 English idioms that native speakers commonly use
Today we will learn about 50 English idioms that are commonly used by native speakers. Some people say that learning idioms in a foreign language isn’t very
important, but that is not true. You don’t need to use them yourself, but if
you want to get to an advanced level in English and want to improve your writing and speaking skills, you must improve your vocabulary with the help
of learning new words and idioms.
1. The apple doesn’t
fall far from the tree.
It means a child who has
similar qualities or talents to one of their parents. Practically it is usually
used for something negative. metaidioms
For example: Just
like her father, she’s always sleepy.
2. A bad apple.
It is a person who creates problems. It is often used if a person’s behavior has a negative influence on others.
2. A bad apple.
It is a person who creates problems. It is often used if a person’s behavior has a negative influence on others.
For example: Joyce was
struck off from school because his teachers said that he was a bad apple.
3. To beat around the bush.
It means speaking a lot about unimportant things in order to avoid talking about the really important thing. For example: Bob, please stop beating around the bush & tell me what the problem is.
4. The best of both worlds.
Circumstances in which you have the benefits of two very different things.
3. To beat around the bush.
It means speaking a lot about unimportant things in order to avoid talking about the really important thing. For example: Bob, please stop beating around the bush & tell me what the problem is.
4. The best of both worlds.
Circumstances in which you have the benefits of two very different things.
For example: Aleena
lives in a small village, which isn’t far from the city, so she has the best
of both worlds.
5. To bite the bullet.
To bite the bullet means forcing yourself to do something that’s obnoxious or difficult.
For example: I hate to work with Mike, but I know it is important, so I’ll have to bite the bullet.
6. A blessing in disguise.
Something looks bad or unfortunate initially but results in a good outcome.
For example: Adela got fired from his last job, but it was a blessing in disguise because now she has a much better job working for me.
7. Break a leg.
This is an imperative phrase, used to wish somebody luck, especially before a performance on stage. It looks quite negative, but we use it ironically.
For example: I heard you had an audition later. Break a leg!
8. To burn one’s bridges.
It means to do something with the result that cannot return to a previous situation. Often, it’s because you’ve offended somebody.
For examppe: When Melani quit his first job, she also swore at his boss, so she definitely burnt his bridges.
9. By the skin of one’s teeth.
Doing something by the skin of your teeth means that you did it at the edge of failure. Regardless of your all efforts and hard work, you almost failed.
For example: Bob passed his driving test by the skin of his teeth. In other words, he almost failed.
10. To cost an arm and a leg.
It simply means to be very expensive.
For example: Bob crashed my car and it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed.
11. A couch potato.
A couch potato is a person not very active but spends much of his time on the couch watching movies.
For example: Bob, stop being such a couch potato and go out and get some exercise.
12. To cut corners.
It means to do something as easily or as cheaply as possible, but in a way that usually has a negative effect on the final result.
For example: The builders cut corners when they renovated the house and now lots of things need to be repaired.
13. Don’t count your chickens (before they hatch).
It means you should not make plans depending on positive future events that have no guarantee to happen. It means do not assume but be practical.
For example: I think I’m going to get a promotion at my job, therefore, I’m going to buy a new car”, We can say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
14. The elephant in the room.
The elephant in the room means an obvious fact or problem that no one wants to talk about.
For example: At the meeting today, nobody mentioned the elephant in the room, which was that our boss was clearly drunk.
15. Fit as a fiddle.
It means in good health or fit and strong.
For example: I had surgery a couple of months ago, but I feel as fit as a fiddle.
16. Food for thought.
This means something that makes you think carefully.
For example: My economics class today definitely gave me some food for thought.
17. To give somebody the benefit of the doubt.
It means to treat somebody as if their words or actions are correct or honest, even if you’re not sure about it.
For example: There was a good chance that Bob was lying to me, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
18. To give somebody the cold shoulder.
This means treating somebody in an unfriendly way or deliberately ignoring somebody.
For example: Bob is annoyed with Joyce, so now he’s giving him the cold shoulder.
19. To go cold turkey.
This idiom means to stop or avoid something or some habit suddenly and completely. It’s almost always used for addiction. Sometimes. So, going cold turkey means you just avoid it all of a sudden not gradually.
For example: She used to smoke two packets of cigarettes a day, but then she went cold turkey and never smoked again.
20. To go with the flow.
It means to just allow things to happen or to do what other people want without trying to control what happens.
For example: I’m not going to make any plans today, I’m just going to relax and go with the flow.
21. To grin and bear it.
This means accepting something that’s difficult or unpleasant without complaining.
For example: The flight was delayed 10 hours. Aleena had to grin and bear it.
22. To have a sweet tooth.
It means to really like eating sweet things like chocolate, cake or sweets.
For example: I know it was Bob who ate all the cookies at the party because she definitely has a sweet tooth.
23. To have one’s head in the clouds.
It means not being aware of what’s happening around you or not being practical or sensible about things.
For example: I wouldn’t start a business with him if I were you because he always has his head in the clouds.
24. To hit the books.
It simply means to study, usually intensely.
For example: Bob has an important exam next month so he needs to hit the books this month.
25. To hit the nail on the head.
5. To bite the bullet.
To bite the bullet means forcing yourself to do something that’s obnoxious or difficult.
For example: I hate to work with Mike, but I know it is important, so I’ll have to bite the bullet.
6. A blessing in disguise.
Something looks bad or unfortunate initially but results in a good outcome.
For example: Adela got fired from his last job, but it was a blessing in disguise because now she has a much better job working for me.
7. Break a leg.
This is an imperative phrase, used to wish somebody luck, especially before a performance on stage. It looks quite negative, but we use it ironically.
For example: I heard you had an audition later. Break a leg!
8. To burn one’s bridges.
It means to do something with the result that cannot return to a previous situation. Often, it’s because you’ve offended somebody.
For examppe: When Melani quit his first job, she also swore at his boss, so she definitely burnt his bridges.
9. By the skin of one’s teeth.
Doing something by the skin of your teeth means that you did it at the edge of failure. Regardless of your all efforts and hard work, you almost failed.
For example: Bob passed his driving test by the skin of his teeth. In other words, he almost failed.
10. To cost an arm and a leg.
It simply means to be very expensive.
For example: Bob crashed my car and it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed.
11. A couch potato.
A couch potato is a person not very active but spends much of his time on the couch watching movies.
For example: Bob, stop being such a couch potato and go out and get some exercise.
12. To cut corners.
It means to do something as easily or as cheaply as possible, but in a way that usually has a negative effect on the final result.
For example: The builders cut corners when they renovated the house and now lots of things need to be repaired.
13. Don’t count your chickens (before they hatch).
It means you should not make plans depending on positive future events that have no guarantee to happen. It means do not assume but be practical.
For example: I think I’m going to get a promotion at my job, therefore, I’m going to buy a new car”, We can say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
14. The elephant in the room.
The elephant in the room means an obvious fact or problem that no one wants to talk about.
For example: At the meeting today, nobody mentioned the elephant in the room, which was that our boss was clearly drunk.
15. Fit as a fiddle.
It means in good health or fit and strong.
For example: I had surgery a couple of months ago, but I feel as fit as a fiddle.
16. Food for thought.
This means something that makes you think carefully.
For example: My economics class today definitely gave me some food for thought.
17. To give somebody the benefit of the doubt.
It means to treat somebody as if their words or actions are correct or honest, even if you’re not sure about it.
For example: There was a good chance that Bob was lying to me, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
18. To give somebody the cold shoulder.
This means treating somebody in an unfriendly way or deliberately ignoring somebody.
For example: Bob is annoyed with Joyce, so now he’s giving him the cold shoulder.
19. To go cold turkey.
This idiom means to stop or avoid something or some habit suddenly and completely. It’s almost always used for addiction. Sometimes. So, going cold turkey means you just avoid it all of a sudden not gradually.
For example: She used to smoke two packets of cigarettes a day, but then she went cold turkey and never smoked again.
20. To go with the flow.
It means to just allow things to happen or to do what other people want without trying to control what happens.
For example: I’m not going to make any plans today, I’m just going to relax and go with the flow.
21. To grin and bear it.
This means accepting something that’s difficult or unpleasant without complaining.
For example: The flight was delayed 10 hours. Aleena had to grin and bear it.
22. To have a sweet tooth.
It means to really like eating sweet things like chocolate, cake or sweets.
For example: I know it was Bob who ate all the cookies at the party because she definitely has a sweet tooth.
23. To have one’s head in the clouds.
It means not being aware of what’s happening around you or not being practical or sensible about things.
For example: I wouldn’t start a business with him if I were you because he always has his head in the clouds.
24. To hit the books.
It simply means to study, usually intensely.
For example: Bob has an important exam next month so he needs to hit the books this month.
25. To hit the nail on the head.
This means to be
exactly right about something.
For example: When George said that most people want to learn English without making any effort, he hit the nail on the head.
26. In hot water.
It means in trouble or difficult circumstances that may result in punishment.
For example: That company is in hot water because it didn’t pay its taxes.
27. Don’t judge a book by its cover or you can’t judge a book by its cover.
It means you shouldn’t form an opinion of something or somebody only on their appearance.
For example: She seemed rather serious based on her clothes and expression, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
28. To keep one’s chin up.
It means making an effort to stay brave and happy in a difficult situation.
For example: I lost my business recently but I have to keep my chin up.
29. To kill two birds with one stone.
To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things with one action at the same time.
For example: He is killing two birds with one stone because cycling to work allows him to keep fit and save money at the same time.
For example: When George said that most people want to learn English without making any effort, he hit the nail on the head.
26. In hot water.
It means in trouble or difficult circumstances that may result in punishment.
For example: That company is in hot water because it didn’t pay its taxes.
27. Don’t judge a book by its cover or you can’t judge a book by its cover.
It means you shouldn’t form an opinion of something or somebody only on their appearance.
For example: She seemed rather serious based on her clothes and expression, but don’t judge a book by its cover.
28. To keep one’s chin up.
It means making an effort to stay brave and happy in a difficult situation.
For example: I lost my business recently but I have to keep my chin up.
29. To kill two birds with one stone.
To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two things with one action at the same time.
For example: He is killing two birds with one stone because cycling to work allows him to keep fit and save money at the same time.
30. The last/final
straw.
This means the last of a series of problems that finally causes somebody to get angry or impatient.
For example: When he arrived late the third time, it was the last straw and his boss fired him.
31. To let the cat out of the bag.
It means to reveal a secret, normally without intending to.
For example: We had organized a surprise birthday party for George, but Bob let the cat out of the bag the day before.
32. To be like riding a bike.
It is something that you never forget how to do.
For example: I haven’t been swimming in years. Don’t worry. It’s like riding a bike.
33. To be like two peas in a pod.
It means that two people are very similar in appearance or character.
For example: They’re like two peas in a pod, so it’s not surprising that people often think they’re brothers.
34. To make ends meet.
It means having just enough money to buy the things that you need.
For example: My job makes my ends meet but I have to do business if I want a luxurious life.
35. No pain, no gain.
It means you need to work hard to achieve something.
For example: My gym sessions are exhausting, but no pain, no gain.
36. To not be one’s cup of tea.
Means to not be the type of thing that one likes.
For example: Sports aren’t really his cup of tea.
37. To be on the ball.
It means to be vigilant and fast to react to things competently.
For example: She’s a great employee. She is always on the ball even under pressure. It means she is always aware.
38. Once in a blue moon.
Very rarely.
For example: My mother sees her daughter once in a blue moon because she is living abroad.
39. To play devil’s advocate.
It means to argue against something, even if you agree with it, it starts an argument or an interesting discussion.
For example: I don’t actually disagree with you. I’m just playing devil’s advocate.
40. To pull somebody’s leg.
It means to tell someone what is not true as a joke.
For example: Bob, did you really run a marathon or are you pulling my leg?
41. (come) rain or shine.
This can be used literally or figuratively depending on the context. It means whatever the situation may be, or whatever happens.
For example: Bring a raincoat because we are going camping rain or shine.
42. To sit tight.
It means to physically not move and stay where you are or to not do anything new or change your mind until the right time.
For example: just sit tight. The boss is going to meet you in a moment. Inventors have been told to sit tight until the economy improves.
43. To spill the beans.
It means to reveal something that was supposed to be a secret.
For example: Mike was having an affair and his colleague spilled the beans to his wife.
44. To take a rain check.
It is used to say that you will not accept an offer now, but you might in the future.
For example: Would you like to go for a drink later?
Sorry, I have to work. Can I take a rain check?
45. To teach somebody a lesson.
It means somebody is punished for something they have done so they will not do it again.
For example: I left my windows open and the rain soaked my carpet. That taught me a lesson.
46. Through thick and thin.
It means in all situations, even the difficult ones.
For example: Good friends support us through thick and thin.
47. Under the table.
It means secretly and illegally (normally for financial payments).
For example: He gets paid under the table so he doesn’t have to pay taxes.
48. Under the weather.
It means slightly sick or unwell.
For example: Mike went bar-hopping last night and today he’s feeling a bit under the weather.
This means the last of a series of problems that finally causes somebody to get angry or impatient.
For example: When he arrived late the third time, it was the last straw and his boss fired him.
31. To let the cat out of the bag.
It means to reveal a secret, normally without intending to.
For example: We had organized a surprise birthday party for George, but Bob let the cat out of the bag the day before.
32. To be like riding a bike.
It is something that you never forget how to do.
For example: I haven’t been swimming in years. Don’t worry. It’s like riding a bike.
33. To be like two peas in a pod.
It means that two people are very similar in appearance or character.
For example: They’re like two peas in a pod, so it’s not surprising that people often think they’re brothers.
34. To make ends meet.
It means having just enough money to buy the things that you need.
For example: My job makes my ends meet but I have to do business if I want a luxurious life.
35. No pain, no gain.
It means you need to work hard to achieve something.
For example: My gym sessions are exhausting, but no pain, no gain.
36. To not be one’s cup of tea.
Means to not be the type of thing that one likes.
For example: Sports aren’t really his cup of tea.
37. To be on the ball.
It means to be vigilant and fast to react to things competently.
For example: She’s a great employee. She is always on the ball even under pressure. It means she is always aware.
38. Once in a blue moon.
Very rarely.
For example: My mother sees her daughter once in a blue moon because she is living abroad.
39. To play devil’s advocate.
It means to argue against something, even if you agree with it, it starts an argument or an interesting discussion.
For example: I don’t actually disagree with you. I’m just playing devil’s advocate.
40. To pull somebody’s leg.
It means to tell someone what is not true as a joke.
For example: Bob, did you really run a marathon or are you pulling my leg?
41. (come) rain or shine.
This can be used literally or figuratively depending on the context. It means whatever the situation may be, or whatever happens.
For example: Bring a raincoat because we are going camping rain or shine.
42. To sit tight.
It means to physically not move and stay where you are or to not do anything new or change your mind until the right time.
For example: just sit tight. The boss is going to meet you in a moment. Inventors have been told to sit tight until the economy improves.
43. To spill the beans.
It means to reveal something that was supposed to be a secret.
For example: Mike was having an affair and his colleague spilled the beans to his wife.
44. To take a rain check.
It is used to say that you will not accept an offer now, but you might in the future.
For example: Would you like to go for a drink later?
Sorry, I have to work. Can I take a rain check?
45. To teach somebody a lesson.
It means somebody is punished for something they have done so they will not do it again.
For example: I left my windows open and the rain soaked my carpet. That taught me a lesson.
46. Through thick and thin.
It means in all situations, even the difficult ones.
For example: Good friends support us through thick and thin.
47. Under the table.
It means secretly and illegally (normally for financial payments).
For example: He gets paid under the table so he doesn’t have to pay taxes.
48. Under the weather.
It means slightly sick or unwell.
For example: Mike went bar-hopping last night and today he’s feeling a bit under the weather.
To go bar-hopping means going to various bars in succession and staying at each one briefly
49. Up in the air.
It means uncertain or not yet decided on (plans and decisions).
For example: John is thinking of going back to university, but his plans are still up in the air.
50. Your guess is as good as mine.
Basically, it means “I don’t know).
For example: Her guess about Mike is as good as mine.
49. Up in the air.
It means uncertain or not yet decided on (plans and decisions).
For example: John is thinking of going back to university, but his plans are still up in the air.
50. Your guess is as good as mine.
Basically, it means “I don’t know).
For example: Her guess about Mike is as good as mine.
If you want to remember something, repetition is one of the significant keys, and also actively use the language. Two things are, therefore, recommended. Firstly, try all these idioms. Perhaps in two or three days. Secondly, write your own examples of these idioms.