a hot potato
Meaning: a controversial issue or situation that is awkward or unpleasant to deal with.
Example: The subject of bullying and fighting in my school is a hot potato. Read more ➺
Idioms
An idiom is a group of words, a saying, or a phrase with a symbolic rather than literal meaning that is accepted in common usage. It is a form of artistic expression characteristic of a movement, period, individual, medium, or instrument.
Its symbolic sense differs from the definition or literal meaning of the words that make it. Idioms convey a figurative meaning that is difficult to understand solely by interpreting the words literally. For instance, “beyond the pale” means something is “over the line” or improper. You can only know that by being able to infer the phrase’s meaning based on context or if someone explains it to you.
Many different idioms exist, and people use them commonly in all languages. Translating them into other languages can be challenging because some meanings may be lost. Still, equivalents that fill in the gaps between languages exist. The English language has an unlimited number of idiomatic expressions.
Idiomatic expressions are the building blocks of civilization and language. They make the language evolve. The great intensity of idioms makes a language dynamic and interesting. Phrases bring a remarkable illustration to daily speech and offer compelling insights into the use of languages, words, and the speaker’s thought process. There is a sense of fun and mystery about idioms.
So why are idiomatic expressions difficult?
They are difficult because their meanings are not always easy to understand. This is particularly the case for non-native speakers of the language in question, since their intentions are typically symbolic. Due to this characteristic, English learners find them strange and hard to understand.
Top 10 Common Idioms
This is a list of the top ten most common English phrases and idioms used globally. We have provided their meaning and examples for teachers and students. Students also explain the meaning of idiomatic expressions in competitive exams. The popularity of an idiom can vary from region to region. However, this list is generally popular worldwide.
piece of cake
Meaning: something that is easy to do
Example: Learning English is a piece of cake as long as you do it with our website. Read more ➺
once in a blue moon
Meaning: very rarely
Example: I go to visit my grandfather only once in a blue moon; he lives in a remote farm house. Read more ➺
a bed of roses
Meaning: easy option
Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly. Read more ➺
raining cats and dogs
Meaning: raining very heavily
Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Read more ➺
when pigs fly
Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.
Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly. Read more ➺
devil's advocate
Meaning: one who presents a counter argument
Example: Hey Jack! You're always playing devil's advocate! Give it a rest and mind your own business. Read more ➺
miss the boat
Meaning: miss the chance.
Example: Peter wanted to enter the drawing competition, but he was too late to enter, and he missed the boat. Read more ➺
apple of eye
Meaning: someone very precious or dear
Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents' eye(s). Read more ➺
zip your lip
Meaning: to stop talking
Example: I don't want to hear another sound out of you. Now do as you're told and zip your lip. Read more ➺
Download as PDF fileLatest Idioms
let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: to reveal a secret by mistake.
Example: I wanted to keep my job offer a secret, but my little brother overheard and let the cat out of the bag. Read more ➺
fish rots from the head down
Meaning: poor leadership leads to the decline of an organization.
Example: The company was bound to be closed sooner or later, considering the kind of managers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down, after all. Read more ➺
grit one’s teeth
Meaning: to act bravely and courageously in a challenging situation.
Example: Tom gritted his teeth, overcame his fear of heights, and climbed the ladder. Read more ➺
drop dead
Meaning: used to emphasize how charming something or someone is.
Example: Extremely gorgeous: "She walked into the room looking drop-dead gorgeous." Read more ➺
shot in the arm
Meaning: a sudden and encouraging effect on something.
Example: The speech was an absolute shot in the arm for the crew members aboard the ship. Read more ➺
dog and pony show
Meaning: an elaborate exhibition or presentation.
Example: The company denied spending on the dog and pony shows. Read more ➺
rainbow baby
Meaning: a baby that was born after a previous pregnancy loss.
Example: Finally, Noah was their rainbow baby after several miscarriages. Read more ➺
rank and file
Meaning: the ordinary staff members of an organization, and not the leaders or officers.
Example: The rank-and-file members need to unite and fight against the savage management. Read more ➺
poles apart
Meaning: completely different and opposite.
Example: In personality and culture, the couple are poles apart. Read more ➺
beat a dead horse
Meaning: spend time and effort on things that are hopeless and unchangeable.
Example: Tom still has hope that his wife will come back to him, but he is actually beating a dead horse. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
