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.
Meaning: a controversial issue or situation that is awkward to deal with.
Example: Addressing the issue of bullying in our school has become a hot potato. Read more ➺
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 ➺
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 ➺
Meaning: easy option
Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly. Read more ➺
Meaning: raining very heavily
Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Read more ➺
Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.
Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly. Read more ➺
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 ➺
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 ➺
Meaning: someone very precious or dear
Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents' eye(s). Read more ➺
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
Meaning: Instructing someone to either proceed with an activity or abandon it entirely, emphasizing the need to make a decision and act upon it.
Example: The project has stalled; it's time to fish or cut bait. Read more ➺
Example: After the unexpected merger announcement, our company found itself on the back foot in the market. Read more ➺
Meaning: Describes someone who behaves as if they are superior to others and chooses not to engage with them.
Example: Despite his achievements, he never walks around with his nose in the air. Read more ➺
Meaning: An event or situation that alerts people to a problem or danger, prompting them to take action.
Example: The sudden drop in sales was a wake-up call for the company to revamp its marketing strategy. Read more ➺
Meaning: A critical event that serves as a wake-up call, prompting urgent action.
Example: The breakthrough in AI development by another country was a Sputnik moment, urging the government to invest heavily in research. Read more ➺
Meaning: Something that helps achieve a goal or reach a higher position in life or career.
Example: His first job was just a set of stepping stones toward becoming a CEO. Read more ➺
Meaning: Extremely boring or uninteresting.
Example: The lecture was dull as dishwater, and several students fell asleep. Read more ➺
Meaning: A place of intellectual isolation, where scholars or experts focus on theory rather than real-world issues.
Example: Professors in their ivory tower often debate theories with little regard for real-world applications. Read more ➺
Meaning: A distinct or unique way of expressing something – This refers to a particular style or manner of wording a thought, often reflecting a person’s linguistic creativity or eloquence.
Example: The author's turn of phrase made even simple topics sound poetic. Read more ➺
Meaning: Abandoning a situation, relationship, or entity when difficulties arise or prospects seem unfavorable.
Example: When the company's stock prices started plummeting, many employees decided to jump ship. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
