English idioms are a group of words which have a meaning which isn’t obvious from looking at the individual words. In this lesson, you will learn commonly used idioms in English.
Common Idioms in English
List of Common Idioms
- “To have a chip on your shoulder”
- “To have an ax to grind”
- “To let the cat out of the bag”
- “To call it a day”
- “To pull someone’s leg”
- “To have a blast”
- “To be in the same boat”
- “To be a ball of fire”
- “To be a wet blanket”
- “To be a pain in the neck”
- “To be a breath of fresh air”
- “To be a square peg in a round hole”
- “To be a snake in the grass”
- “To be a wild card”
- “To be at the end of your rope”
- “To be at the top of your game”
- “To be behind the times”
- “To be between a rock and a hard place”
- “To be caught red-handed”
- “To be clear as mud”
- “To be down in the dumps”
- “To be a fish out of water”
- “To be a fly in the ointment”
- “To be a good egg”
- “To be a hard nut to crack”
- “To be a hot potato”
- “To be a loose cannon”
- “To be a open book”
- “To be a thorn in someone’s side”
- “To be a wild goose chase”
Common Idioms with Meanings
1. A penny for your thoughts
A way of asking what someone is thinking.
2. Actions speak louder than words
People’s intentions can be judged better by what they do than what they say.
3. Back to the drawing board
When an attempt fails and it’s time to start all over.
4. Ball is in your court
It is up to you to make the next decision or step.
5. Blessing in disguise
Something good that isn’t recognized at first.
6. Burn the midnight oil
To work late into the night, alluding to the time before electric lighting.
7. Costs an arm and a leg
This idiom is used when something is very expensive.
8. Curiosity killed the cat
Being Inquisitive can lead you into an unpleasant situation.
9. Don’t sweat it
Don’t worry about it.
10. Get out of town
I don’t believe you.
11. Hands down
For certain the right answer
12. How’s it going?
How are you?
13. I made a key decision
Make an important decision.
14. I was knocked on my heels
I was surprised.
15. See eye to eye
Agreeing with someone
16. A piece of cake
Something is very easy.
17. To feel under the weather
To not feel well
18. To hit the nail on the head
Describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
19. Close but no cigar
Close but fail at the end
20. Hang on a second
Wait for a moment
21. Spill the beans
To tell the secret
22. Stray on track
To stay focused on the goal
23. Take it easy
Calm down
24. Throw an idea around
Casually suggest an idea
25. Your guess is as good as mine
To have no idea, do not know the answer to a question
26. Taste of your own medicine
Something happens to you, or is done to you, that you have done to someone else.
27. Off one’s rocker
Crazy, demented, out of one’s mind, in a confused or befuddled state of mind, senile.
28. Can’t stand (something)
To dislike something
29. Driving me bananas
Making me feel crazy
30. Picture paints a thousand words
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.
Ncndn
Wednesday 9th of October 2019
Great !!! I think it should include an example for each
Mai Mai
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
Great Job! But i think its better to have the sound of the idioms with