In everyday English, there are many expressions called “idioms” that might sound strange but have specific meanings. These phrases often use common words in unusual ways. Today, we’ll explore some fun and useful expressions that use the word “cross.” These idioms can help you sound more like a native speaker and understand more when you listen to English conversations.
Cross Idioms
Here are 20 cross idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Cross my heart
Meaning: Promise sincerely
Example: Cross my heart, I will not tell anyone.
2. Cross the line
Meaning: Behave improperly
Example: He crossed the line with that comment.
3. Cross paths
Meaning: Meet by chance
Example: We crossed paths at the supermarket.
4. Cross someone’s mind
Meaning: Think of something
Example: You never crossed my mind yesterday.
5. Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: Deal with a problem later
Example: We’ll cross that bridge if it happens.
6. Cross your fingers
Meaning: Hope for good luck
Example: Cross your fingers for good weather.
7. At cross purposes
Meaning: Have conflicting goals
Example: We’re at cross purposes here.
8. Double-cross
Meaning: Deceive or betray
Example: He double-crossed his own team.
9. Cross to bear
Meaning: A burden one must carry
Example: It’s my cross to bear alone.
10. Cross someone
Meaning: Oppose or stand against
Example: Don’t cross her; she’s tough.
11. Cross one’s arms
Meaning: Fold arms across the chest
Example: He crossed his arms in defiance.
12. Cross one’s heart and hope to die
Meaning: Promise absolutely
Example: I’ll do it, cross my heart and hope to die.
13. Cross the Rubicon
Meaning: Pass a point of no return
Example: We cross the Rubicon with this decision.
14. Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning: Hope for the best
Example: Keep your fingers crossed for me.
15. Cross one’s t’s
Meaning: Be thorough
Example: Always cross your t’s when editing.
16. Cross someone’s palm
Meaning: Pay someone for a service
Example: She crossed his palm with silver.
17. Cross wires
Meaning: Miscommunicate
Example: We got our wires crossed yesterday.
18. Cross the floor
Meaning: Change sides in politics
Example: He crossed the floor last week.
19. Cross your mind
Meaning: Think of something suddenly
Example: Did it ever cross your mind to call?
20. Cross-eyed
Meaning: Eyes pointing inward
Example: He looked cross-eyed at the picture.
