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: Used to describe situations where someone is left stranded or abandoned without assistance.
Example: After the company declared bankruptcy, employees were high and dry without severance pay. Read more ➺
Meaning: A way of behaving in business that is dishonest but not illegal.
Example: The contractor's sharp practice left the homeowners with unexpected costs. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to an individual experiencing extreme excitement or happiness, often comparable to being in an elevated or uncontrolled state.
Example: After a few drinks, he was as high as a kite and laughing uncontrollably. Read more ➺
Meaning: Leave someone to face punishment, criticism, or hardship unfairly, without offering any help.
Example: The manager denied any involvement and hung his assistant out to dry during the investigation. Read more ➺
Meaning: The expression is used to describe a generous severance package.
Example: After decades of service, the CEO received a golden handshake upon retirement. Read more ➺
Meaning: Achieve a task or goal very successfully.
Example: She completed the project with flying colours, impressing all her colleagues. Read more ➺
Meaning: Describes an action taken immediately without premeditation or planning, often based on sudden impulse or instinct.
Example: I decided to join the marathon on the spur of the moment, even though I hadn't trained. Read more ➺
Meaning: The phrase advises against purchasing securities that are experiencing a rapid decline in price, as they may continue to fall further.
Example: Experienced traders know to never catch a falling knife, as it often leads to significant losses. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to something that is inaccurate or incorrect in relation to a particular topic or objective.
Example: His criticism of her outfit was completely beside the mark in a discussion about her professional skills. Read more ➺
Meaning: Refers to someone deeply engaged in literary or scholarly pursuits.
Example: The university awarded him an honorary doctorate for being a man of letters whose essays inspired countless readers. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
