A.Mastering Common Idiomatic Expressions in English

Idioms are used to add colour, imagery, and depth to language, and they are commonly used in everyday conversation.

Studying idioms can be challenging for ESL learners because they are often

figurative and not easily understood  through literal translation.

Look out for our study tips that will turn learning idioms into a piece of cake!

Tip 1!

Learning idioms can take some time, so don't worry if you can't remember all of them immediately.

Check out our Youtube video: >> Fun & Easy Idioms for Fluent Conversation

Watch and Learn! For video lessons that bring this content to life, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Reading Guide:

List of 15 common idioms

Idioms - Meanings, Explanation & Example Sentence

Idioms Practice - Fill in the blanks exercise

B. List of 15 Common English Idioms

(1) Break the ice

(2) Cost an arm and a leg

(3) Hit the sack / hay

(4) Bite the bullet

(5) A Piece of cake (informal use)

(6) Spill the beans

(7) Kick the bucket (informal use)

(8) Under the weather

(9) Break a leg

(10) Jump on the bandwagon

(11) Raining cats and dogs (old-fashioned)

(12) Skating on thin ice

(13) Spitting image

(14) Hit the nail on the head

(15) Once in a blue moon

C. Idioms - Meaning, Explanation with Example Sentences

(1) Break the ice =To start a conversation or to make a situation less tense.

Explanation:

This means getting past that first awkward phase when meeting new people.

Example: "I told a joke to break the ice at the meeting."

(2) Cost an arm and a leg = be very expensive.

Explanation: 

-When something costs a lot and you have to give up a lot for it.

Example: "The new iPhone costs an arm and a leg, but everyone still wants it."

Tip 2!

Use Idioms in Conversation

- Try using it in your daily chats. Practice with native speakers or other learners.

(3) Hit the sack / hay = To go to bed or to go to sleep.

Explanation: This phrase is a casual way of saying "going to sleep," with "hay" / "sack" 'referring to a bed or a place to sleep.

Example: 

"I'm exhausted, I'm going to hit the sack early tonight."

(4) Bite the bullet

Meaning : To face a difficult situation with courage and determination.

Explanation: Originally from the military, this expression refers to biting on a bullet during surgery to endure the pain.

Example: "I know the exam will be tough, but I'll just have to bite the bullet and do my best."

(5) a piece of cake (informal) = To describe something that is very easy to do.

Explanation: Doing this task is as easy as eating a piece of cake.

Example: "Don't worry, the test was a piece of cake."

(6) Spill the beans = To reveal a secret or confidential information.

Explanation: 

It's about knocking over a container (full of beans) and seeing what's inside.

Example: "I wasn't supposed to know, but she spilled the beans about the surprise party."

Tip 3!

Understand Idioms, Don't Translate them

-Focus on understanding the meaning of idioms instead of translating them word-for-word into your native language.

(7) Kick the bucket = To die.

Explanation: 

This phrase is a funny & lighthearted way of referring to death.

Example: "He lived a long life before kicking the bucket at the age of 95."

(8) Under the weather =To feel ill or not well.

Explanation: 

This statement suggests that one is experiencing discomfort due to adverse weather conditions, leading to feeling unwell.

Example: 

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm going to stay home and rest."

(9) Break a leg = A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

Explanation: 

Commonly heard in the theatre, this expression originates from the belief that offering direct good luck wishes could actually result in bad luck.

Example: "Break a leg on stage tonight! You'll do great."

(10) Jump on the bandwagon = To join others in doing something that has become popular or trendy.

Explanation: 

This phrase describes the act of becoming part of a group or embracing a belief simply because it is widely accepted or trendy.

Example: "After seeing everyone using social media, she decided to jump on the bandwagon and create an account."

Tip 4!

Ask for Clarification

-If you encounter an idiom that is unclear to you, seek clarification from a teacher or a native speaker.

(11) Raining cats and dogs (old-fashioned use) = To describe very heavy rain.

Explanation: This saying is usually used to really drive home how heavy the rain is.

Example: "We can't go out for a picnic today; it's raining cats and dogs!"

(12) Skating on thin ice = In a risky or precarious situation.

Explanation: This phrase comes from the idea of skating on thin ice, which could crack and lead to a dangerous situation.

Example: "After missing the deadline twice, he knows he's skating on thin ice with his boss."

(13) Spitting image = To describe a strong resemblance between two people.

Explanation: This expression implies that the similarity is so strong that one person looks as if they have been "spat out" by the other.

Example: "He's the spitting image of his mother when she was young."

(14) Hit the nail on the head = To describe exactly or accurately identifying the central issue or point.

Explanation: This phrase originates from carpentry, where hitting the nail on the head means driving the nail in the right spot.

Example: "You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the problem."

Tip 5!

Listen and Watch Idioms in Use

- Listen to native speakers through music, podcasts, TV shows, and movies. Pay attention to how idioms are used in different contexts.

(15) Once in a blue moon = Very rarely, almost never.

Explanation: 

This is all about the super rare blue moon that doesn't happen very often.

Example: "She visits her hometown once in a blue moon."

D. Let's practise and master these 15 idioms with confidence!

Complete the sentences with the correct idiom:

(a) I was so nervous about meeting new people, but Mary helped me ________________________.

(b) This designer handbag ________________________.I can’t afford it!

(c) After a long day at work, I'm ready to ________________________.

(d) The soldier had to________________________ and continue fighting despite his injury.

(e) Solving this math problem was a ________________________ for her.

(f) John accidentally ________________________ about the surprise party.

(g) Unfortunately, our old neighbour  ________________________ last week.

(h) I think I’m coming down with something; I feel a bit __________________.

(i) Before the show, the director told the actors to _______________________.

(j) Everyone started using that new app; they all wanted to__________________  

(k) We had to cancel the picnic because it was__________________.

(l) You’re really__________________ by not finishing your project on time.

(m) Wow, you’re the __________________ of your mother!

(n) You really __________________ with that answer; it’s exactly right.

(o) My brother lives in another country, so I only see him __________________.

We hope you've enjoyed learning about the 15 common essential English idioms that can help spice up your conversations and make them flow more smoothly and naturally!

Thanks so much for reading and Happy Learning!

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