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
tit for tat
Meaning: used to express when you punish someone in return for something bad done to you.
Example: They had engaged in a tit for tat exchange of petty insults all night. Read more ➺
grist to the mill
Meaning: something that gives a useful advantage.
Example: The recent market research data is grist to the mill for our marketing team, helping them tailor their strategies effectively. Read more ➺
bell the cat
Meaning: do a dangerous job.
Example: Someone has to bell the cat and organize the office fundraiser, but so far, no one has volunteered. Read more ➺
faux pas
Meaning: embarrassing or tactless action or remark.
Example: Jenny realized she had committed a faux pas when the guest of honor left in a huff. Read more ➺
good faith
Meaning: acting honestly, with pure motives, and without deceiving others.
Example: The contract was negotiated and signed in good faith by both parties. Read more ➺
long time no see
Meaning: informal way to greet someone you haven't seen in a long time.
Example: Long time no see! It's been ages. How have you been? Read more ➺
half baked
Meaning: imperfectly or inadequately planned, prepared, or developed.
Example: That was a half-baked idea; it would never work in practice. Read more ➺
jack of all trades
Meaning: a person who can easily handle a variety of challenges and tasks.
Example: My grandfather was a jack of all trades. He had never attended college, but he was an accomplished musician, gardener, piano player, and spoke several languages. Read more ➺
fly in the ointment
Meaning: something that spoils a pleasant or enjoyable experience.
Example: The fly in the ointment was that the proposal still needed board approval. Read more ➺
hold your feet to the fire
Meaning: insist that someone fulfill their promises or obligations.
Example: The management will hold your feet to the fire to ensure that you fulfill the project deadline. Read more ➺
View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website. Read more ➺
