20 Popular English Idioms and What They Mean
Idioms can offer insight into the culture and humor of the speakers of a language. This post lists 20 popular English idioms, their meanings, and context on how to use them.
Idioms are an interesting part of any language, offering a glimpse into the culture and humor of its speakers. They can enrich our communication and provide a more vivid way to express thoughts and feelings. Here are 20 popular English idioms, their meanings, and some context on how to use them.
1. A piece of cake
This idiom means something is extremely easy. For example, “The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in half the time!”
2. Let the cat out of the bag
When someone reveals a secret by mistake, they’ve let the cat out of the bag. For instance, “She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party!”
3. Judge a book by its cover
This expression reminds us not to make judgments based solely on appearance. “He might look unprofessional, but don’t judge a book by its cover; he’s incredibly skilled.”
4. Break a leg
A common saying in the performing arts, this idiom is used to wish someone good luck. “You’re going to do great tonight! Break a leg!”
5. Under the weather
Feeling slightly sick? You might say you’re feeling under the weather. “I won’t be coming to the party; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
6. By the skin of your teeth
This phrase describes a narrow escape, often referring to a close call. “I passed the final exam by the skin of my teeth!”
7. I could eat a horse
When someone feels extremely hungry, they might say, “I could eat a horse right now!”
8. Beat around the bush
This idiom means to avoid discussing a subject directly. “Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think!”
9. Once in a blue moon
Something that happens very rarely is said to occur once in a blue moon. “I only go to the movies once in a blue moon.”
10. Have butterflies in your stomach
Feeling excited and nervous? You might say you have butterflies in your stomach. “I have butterflies in my stomach before my first speech.”
Check your Swedish proficiency today!
11. A tough cookie
This expression describes someone who is determined and strong, both physically and emotionally. “She’s a tough cookie; nothing can bring her down.”
12. See eye to eye
When two people agree fully, they see eye to eye. “We finally see eye to eye on the project’s direction.”
13. Cost an arm and a leg
If something is very expensive, it’s said to cost an arm and a leg. “That designer handbag costs an arm and a leg!”
14. Steal someone’s thunder
To divert attention from someone else or to take credit for their ideas is to steal their thunder. “I can’t believe he stole my thunder by presenting my idea first!”
15. On the ball
This idiom means being alert and efficient. “She’s always on the ball during meetings and keeps everything organized.”
16. Speak of the devil
When the person you’re just talking about appears, you can say, “Speak of the devil! We were just talking about you!”
17. When pigs fly
This humorous idiom refers to something that will never happen. “I’ll clean my room when pigs fly!”
18. To kill two birds with one stone
This expression means solving two problems at once. “By combining my errands, I killed two birds with one stone.”
19. To cut corners
Doing something poorly or cheaply, usually to save time or money, is to cut corners. “If you cut corners on this project, it will show in the final results.”
20. A blessing in disguise
Something that seems bad at first but results in something good. “Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; it led me to a much better opportunity.
Conclusion
Understanding idioms can greatly enhance your language skills and improve your ability to communicate with native speakers. Whether you’re learning English or looking to improve your communication skills, these idioms are useful to know. Consider using them in your conversations with friends or colleagues to enhance your language proficiency.