Idioms
An idiom is a phrase, saying, or a group of words with a metaphorical (not literal) meaning, which has become accepted in common usage.
An idiom’s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are a large number of Idioms, and they are used very commonly in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language.
Idioms evolve the language; they are the building blocks of a language and civilization. They also have great intensity to make a language exciting and dynamic. Idiomatic expressions bring a spectacular illustration to everyday speech and provide compelling insights into the use of words, languages, and their speakers’ thought processes. Idioms have a sense of mystery and fun about them.
So what makes idioms difficult?
The answer is their meanings. Idioms are not easy to understand – especially for non-native speakers, because their intentions are usually symbolic. This characteristic makes them strange and difficult to understand for English learners.
Top 10 Common Idioms
List of top 10 most common English idioms and phrases, with their meaning and examples for students and teachers. They are also frequently asked in competitive exams. Though the popularity of the idioms may vary from region to region, still the list is rather popular around the globe.
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 on
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 on
Meaning: very rarely
Example: I go to visit my grandfather only once in a blue moon; he lives in a remote farm house. Read on
Meaning: easy option
Example: Taking care of my younger sister is no bed of roses; she is very silly. Read on
Meaning: raining very heavily
Example: I wanted to go to play outside, but it was raining cats and dogs yesterday. Read on
Meaning: something that will never happen or is impossible.
Example: William will keep quiet only when pigs fly. Read on
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 on
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 on
Meaning: someone very precious or dear
Example: Every kid in the world is the apple of their parents' eye(s). Read on
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 on
Download as PDF fileLatest Idioms!
Meaning: a miserable and unpleasant life
Example: Mark's been leading a dog's life since he was fired from the job. Read on
Meaning: the center of a target
Example: It can't hurt to go right for the bull's eye - there's nothing wrong with getting things right the first time. Read on
Meaning: be open and honest
Example: When John met up with Jane on their first date, John laid his cards on the table for Jane to know what he wanted. Read on
Meaning: be secretive or cautious, give nothing away
Example: The children did not know where they were to go for their family holiday trip. Their dad kept his cards close to his chest. Read on
Meaning: to be in a difficult situation
Example: They have him with his back to the wall and now he has no more options but to pay back the debtors or go to jail for fraud. Read on
- View all idioms
- View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website.
