Idioms
An idiom is a phrase, saying or a group of words that has 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 in fact, evolve the language; they are the building blocks of a language and civilization. They also have great intensity to make a language interesting and dynamic. Idioms bring a spectacular illustration to everyday speech. They provide interesting insights into the use of words, languages and the thought processes of their speakers. They have a sense of mystery and fun about them.
So what makes idioms difficult?
The answer is their "meaning". Idioms are not easy to understand - especially for non-native speakers, because their meanings are usually metaphorical. This characteristic of idioms 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: to change from supporting something to opposing it
Example: A section of his supporters turned against him when they heard his latest speech on immigration. Read on
Meaning: to fight very fiercely
Example: I want this job so I'm going to fight tooth and nail for it. Read on
Meaning: a task requiring huge amounts of physical strength
Example: It will be a Herculean task to get through to the quarter-finals, but this untested team is up for the challenge. Read on
Meaning: something you must do or feel compelled to do
Example: Both of my grandfathers felt it was their call of duty to enlist immediately for active service when the war broke out. Read on
Meaning: difficult or complex problem
Example: The accountant always found the end of the tax year to be a knotty problem. Read on
- View all idioms
- View the complete list of all idioms we have on our website.
