Idioms are an integral part of the English language, adding color, creativity, and depth to conversations. They are phrases with meanings that go beyond the literal definitions of their words, often reflecting cultural nuances and everyday expressions. For English learners, understanding English idioms is a key step toward fluency, as they are frequently used in casual and professional communication.
In this post, we’ve compiled 20 English idioms that everyone should know. These idioms are not only common but also highly versatile, helping you express ideas in unique and engaging ways. Whether you’re having a casual chat, writing a letter, or delivering a presentation, these English idioms will make your language stand out. Let’s dive in and explore these essential phrases!
Here is a list of 20 essential idioms, their meanings, and examples to help you use them effectively in your daily conversations:
A Blessing in Disguise
- Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
- Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—it pushed me to start my own business.
Beat Around the Bush
- Meaning: To avoid talking about the main point.
- Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what happened!
Better Late Than Never
- Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not do it at all.
- Example: She finally arrived with the report—better late than never.
Bite the Bullet
- Meaning: To face a difficult situation with courage.
- Example: I didn’t want to go to the dentist, but I had to bite the bullet.
Break the Ice
- Meaning: To start a conversation and make people feel more comfortable.
- Example: The host told a joke to break the ice at the party.
Call It a Day
- Meaning: To stop working for the day.
- Example: Let’s call it a day and finish the rest tomorrow.
Cost an Arm and a Leg
- Meaning: To be very expensive.
- Example: That car costs an arm and a leg, but it’s worth it.
Cut Corners
- Meaning: To do something poorly to save time or money.
- Example: Don’t cut corners on this project—it needs to be perfect.
Devil’s Advocate
- Meaning: To argue the opposite side for the sake of discussion.
- Example: Let me play devil’s advocate to see if your idea holds up.
Easy does It
- Meaning: To proceed with caution and avoid rushing.
- Example: Easy does it when lifting heavy furniture.
Hit the Nail on the Head
- Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
- Example: You’ve hit the nail on the head—that’s exactly why the plan failed.
Kill Two Birds with One Stone
- Meaning: To achieve two things at the same time.
- Example: I killed two birds with one stone by exercising while listening to an audiobook.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- Meaning: To reveal a secret.
- Example: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
On Cloud Nine
- Meaning: Extremely happy or delighted.
- Example: She’s on cloud nine after getting her dream job.
Piece of Cake
- Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
- Example: The test was a piece of cake—I finished it in 10 minutes.
Spill the Beans
- Meaning: To reveal secret information.
- Example: Don’t spill the beans about our plans to anyone.
The Ball is in Your Court
- Meaning: It’s your turn to take action.
- Example: I’ve done my part; now the ball is in your court.
When Pigs Fly
- Meaning: Something that will never happen.
- Example: He’ll clean his room when pigs fly!
Burn the Midnight Oil
- Meaning: To work late into the night.
- Example: She’s been burning the midnight oil to meet the deadline.
Under the Weather
- Meaning: Feeling unwell or sick.
- Example: I didn’t go to work because I was feeling under the weather.
Final Thoughts on 20 English Idioms that everyone should know
Mastering idioms is an excellent way to enhance your English skills and sound more natural in conversations. The 20 English idioms shared in this post are widely used and easy to incorporate into your everyday language. By learning their meanings and practicing with examples, you can add creativity and fluency to your speech and writing.
Remember, idioms are not just about words—they reflect the culture and personality of a language. The more you use them, the more confident you’ll feel in expressing yourself. So, start practicing these idioms today and watch your English communication skills reach new heights! Which idiom is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
I hope this article helped to learn 20 English idioms you should know.Â
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