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.
An idiom’s figurative meaning is different from the literal definition of its individual words. Idioms convey concepts that are difficult to grasp solely through word reading. For example, the phrase “when pigs fly” means something will never happen, a meaning that isn’t obvious without context or explanation.
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.
Why are idiomatic expressions challenging?
They can be difficult because their meanings aren’t always clear at first glance. This is especially true for non-native speakers, as idioms often carry symbolic or figurative meanings. As a result, English learners often find them unusual and tricky to grasp.
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: To resolve a conflict or disagreement by embracing the other person, thereby reconciling and moving past the issue.
Example: After their heated argument, Jake and Tom decided to hug it out and move on. Read more ➺
Meaning: Signifies being awkward or uncoordinated, especially with one's hands, leading to frequent mishandling of objects.
Example: Sarah tried to sew a button, but she was all thumbs and kept dropping the needle. Read more ➺
Meaning: Unquestionably lifeless; entirely devoid of life or function.
Example: After the power outage, the old radio was dead as a doornail. Read more ➺
Meaning: An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or astonishment, often used to react to something unexpected.
Example: Holy cow! I can't believe we actually won the championship. Read more ➺
Meaning: Solve a complex or difficult problem quickly and decisively, often by taking bold or unconventional action.
Example: The manager decided to cut the Gordian knot by restructuring the entire team. Read more ➺
Meaning: The decline in mental or intellectual abilities attributed to excessive consumption of trivial or unchallenging online content.
Example: After binge-watching reality shows all weekend, I felt like I had brain rot. Read more ➺
Meaning: The act of persistently consuming negative news or information online, especially through social media or news websites, often resulting in heightened anxiety and distress.
Example: Late at night, she found herself doomscrolling through endless headlines about natural disasters. Read more ➺
Meaning: Be extremely restless.
Example: The young students just can’t sit still; they must have ants in their pants. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to being well-organized or fully prepared for a task or situation.
Example: Before launching the new product, the team got all their ducks in a row to avoid mistakes. Read more ➺
Meaning: A deceptive tactic where a low-priced item is advertised but replaced with a costlier product.
Example: The store’s bait and switch left many customers frustrated when the advertised deal was no longer available. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
