Welcome to our colorful world of idioms! Idioms are phrases that mean something different from what the words actually say. They make talking fun and interesting. Let’s dive into some popular ones that you can start using today!
Pop Idioms
Here are 20 popular idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely
Example: He decided to bite the bullet and ask for a raise.
Break the ice
Meaning: To start a conversation
Example: She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Call it a day
Meaning: To stop working for the day
Example: We were tired, so we called it a day.
Catch some Z’s
Meaning: To go to sleep
Example: It’s late; time to catch some Z’s.
Cut corners
Meaning: To do something poorly to save time or money
Example: They cut corners while building the shed.
Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To be exactly right
Example: You really hit the nail on the head with that explanation.
Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the party.
Miss the boat
Meaning: To miss an opportunity
Example: He missed the boat on that deal.
On the ball
Meaning: To be attentive and competent
Example: She’s really on the ball with her studies.
Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: To joke or deceive playfully
Example: I was just pulling your leg about the haunted house.
See eye to eye
Meaning: To agree completely
Example: We finally see eye to eye on the project details.
Sit on the fence
Meaning: To be undecided
Example: He’s been sitting on the fence about the move.
Spill the beans
Meaning: To reveal a secret
Example: She spilled the beans about the surprise.
Take it easy
Meaning: To relax
Example: Just take it easy; you deserve a break.
The last straw
Meaning: The final problem in a series of problems
Example: This mistake was the last straw for her.
Under the weather
Meaning: To feel sick
Example: He’s under the weather today and staying home.
When pigs fly
Meaning: Something that will never happen
Example: He’ll clean his room when pigs fly.
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Meaning: Not judging something by its appearance
Example: He seems shy, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning: To not know something
Example: Where’s he? Your guess is as good as mine.
A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: To ask someone what they are thinking
Example: You’re quiet today; a penny for your thoughts?
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